Experts share the best skincare products for teens, from gentle cleansers to fast-acting pimple patc

• FAQs
• All teens
• Teens with acne-prone skin
• Teens with oily skin
• Teens with sensitive skin
• Teens with dry skin

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Finding the best skincare products for teens can feel daunting, especially as kids and teens are inundated with influencer opinions across social media. Some kids as young as 10 are taking to TikTok to document their personal skincare journeys with hauls and Sephora sampling. With the best skincare brands on the market, you can find skincare products that are affordable and efficacious; you just need to know where to look. We spoke with Dr. Aamna Adel, a dermatologist working at a National Health Service hospital in London, UK, and Dr. Jaimie Glick, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group and Clinical Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital, to better understand what kids and teens should really be keeping in mind when starting to build a skincare routine. 

While there are some skincare products young people can start adding to their routines, other popular potions and serums contain powerful active ingredients like retinol, ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C), glycolic acid, and more — all of which tend to focus on anti-aging, darkness and texture. Dr. Glick told Business Insider, "Most young people do not need to use any of these products. Their skin is young and does not have the photodamage of those in their 30s and 40s." 

Both doctors made one thing clear: most teens just need a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an SPF. Whether you're a skincare savant or just curious about starting a routine, you shouldn't skip sunscreen! Dr. Adel shared, "Anything SPF 30 plus is great, and the most important thing is that it's broad spectrum." If we had to narrow it down to just one SPF, we'd go with the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. Its gel-like texture gives this sunscreen a weightless feeling while still providing ample protection from UVA and UVB rays. 

While kids don't need to use products with high concentrations of active ingredients, our experts provided insights to help us wade through a sea of great skincare products to find those suitable for teens facing various skin concerns. Below, you'll find the best skincare for teens broken down by skin type and concern. 

Our top picks for the best skincare for teens:

Best SPF: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 - See at Amazon

Best drugstore SPF: e.l.f Suntouchable! Invisible Sunscreen & Primer SPF 35 - See at Amazon

Best dark spot treatment: Topicals Faded Serum - See at Sephora

Best face wash for acne-prone skin: Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser - See at Sephora

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin: Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer - See at Amazon

Best pimple patch: Starface Hydo-Stars - See at Amazon

Best spot treatment: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - See at Amazon

Best face wash for oily skin: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser - See at Sephora

Best moisturizer for oily skin: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Gel - See at Amazon

Best face wash for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - See at Amazon

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - See at Sephora

Best face wash for dry skin: Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser - See at Amazon

Best moisturizer for dry skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb - See at Amazon

FAQs

Do teenagers need to use expensive skincare with active ingredients?

Some teens are interested in diving into more expensive skincare brands like Drunk Elephant, which is known for making pricey products with a high concentration of powerful ingredients. Dr. Adel attributes brands like these getting attention because of influencers. "They're investing their parents' money in this type of skincare, and in all honesty, they do not need to be using a lot of the products with exfoliating acids, like retinol or vitamin C." She notes that "simple is key," pointing out that there's no "need to be doing everything that you've seen your favorite influencer doing" because everyone has specific skin concerns.

At what age should a teenager start a skincare routine?

There's no hard and fast rule about when teens should start using skincare; however, Dr. Glick says that "most teens would benefit from a skincare routine around puberty" because "that is when the skin starts to be affected by hormones" that can cause acne and other skin concerns. There is no need to jump to products that address skin concerns that are yet to develop. In fact, Dr. Adel says she is "seeing a lot of young people who are ending up having breakouts and skin irritation and developing sensitivity and ending up with like texture" that could've been avoided had they not started using these products in the first place.

When can people start adding active ingredients to their routine?

Just like how there is no set start date for a skincare routine, there's really no hard date after you hit your 20's that you need to start worrying about adding active ingredients targeted toward texture or dark spots to your skincare routine. Dr. Adel recommends taking it on a case-by-case basis: "If you're someone who has texture or hyperpigmentation, you could really use [specifically tailored serums]  at any point during your 20's." Likewise, for anti-aging products, she says, "mid-20s to 30-ish might be a good time to start thinking about incorporating a retinol" into your routine.

All teens

Best SPF

If you’re looking for a sunscreen and makeup primer in one, this 100% invisible product does double duty — better yet, it’s suitable for all skin types thanks to the hydrating, fragrance-free, and oil-free formula. As an added bonus, it not only shields the skin from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays, but it also helps to filter out blue light from your devices.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Red algae and frankincense
• Fragrance-free:No
• Consistency:Gel

Rain or shine, you need your sunscreen, but you don't always want to feel like you're wearing it. Prioritizing broad-spectrum sunscreen is key so that you can protect your skin against both UVA rays, associated with aging, and UVB rays, associated with burning. Dr. Adel says, "A good rule of thumb is to say two finger lengths [of product] for your face and for your neck" to ensure you're getting plenty of protection. Luckily, this sunscreen never feels heavy, thanks to its gel-like, sheer formula that melts into the skin.

Best drugstore SPF

This lightweight sunscreen can be used as a primer under makeup for a simple and affordable multi-purpose product.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Meadowfoam seed and aloe
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Gel

Dr. Adel says, "The difference between something like SPF 30 versus SPF 50 is actually really minimal," so there's no need to worry about piling on SPF 100. This sunscreen from e.l.f. doubles as a primer for an easy two-in-one, keeping your makeup bag light and filled with the essentials.

Best dark spot treatment

Young skin need not fret, thanks to gentle active ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Cream

After a pimple, the skin can be left irritated with some scarring. Dr. Adel says, "Things like azelaic acid [are] really great for rosacea, and it also has the added benefits." The azelaic acid gently exfoliates the skin, while the niacinamide in this serum helps reduce any lingering hyperpigmentation and redness.

Teens with acne-prone skin

Best face wash for acne-prone skin

Pimples don’t stand a chance against this salicylic acid cleanser.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Salicylic acid, arginine, provitamin B5
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Gel

According to Dr. Glick, "Over-the-counter salicylic acid cleansers are the first line for acne treatments." Their smooth, gel-like texture will bring relief to acne-prone skin at a price point that won't break the bank. Coupled with a moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier, this cleanser will renew your skin. 

Best moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Dry, irritated skin is out. Strong skin barriers and hydration are in, and luckily, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer is here to nourish and repair

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Watermelon extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin
• Fragrance-free:No
• Consistency:Gel

While Dr. Glick recommends salicylic acid cleansers as a great place to start  for acne, she warns that they "can also be drying." Hyaluronic acid is a natural lubricant your body produces, known for its hydrating power, and this moisturizer from Glow Recipe is packed with it. Glycerin helps as an added layer of protection for your skin barrier, so you know that you can leave the house hydrated.

Best pimple patch

These star-shaped pimple patches bring whimsy to a frustrating breakout and are effective, too.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:100% hydrocolloid
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Sticker

You heard it hear first: there's no secret to getting rid of pimples faster. Dr. Glick says the key is patience, saying, "The best way [to get rid of a pimple] is not to touch or pick it [because] doing so will make the healing process longer." However, she also adds that "a hydrocolloid pimple patch is the best way to cover the pimple and prevent any manipulation of it." These star-shaped pimple patches will add a little fun adornment to your face and protect your pimple properly.

Best spot treatment

Benzoyl peroxide fortifies this spot treatment’s potency, while glycerin keeps your skin hydrated.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Benzoyl peroxide, lipo-hydroxy acid, and glycerin
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Cream

Dr. Adel shared that one kind of "spot treatment that works quite well is one with benzoyl peroxide." This topical treatment is built to combat acne by fighting off any bacteria that causes it. While it can sometimes be drying and cause the skin to peel, this spot treatment from La Roche-Posay utilizes glycerin to help lock in as much moisture as possible.

Teens with oily skin

Best face wash for oily skin

Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser is super gentle, will keep you hydrated, and prevent you from getting more oily. Better yet, it doesn't sting the eyes at all.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Rose water and allantoin
• Fragrance-free:No
• Consistency:Gel

For any teens interested in starting a skincare routine, Dr. Adel recommends you "keep it really simple and basic [because] that will be your path to having great skin." This cleanser from Glossier uses rose water to help hydrate the skin. While that may seem counterintuitive for oily skin, the added hydration will help stave off the overproduction of natural oils.

Best moisturizer for oily skin

If you’re prone to oily skin, this lightweight gel is all you need to hydrate your skin.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Gel

Even if you have oily skin, you still should prioritize hydration so your skin doesn't naturally start producing too much oil. Dr. Glick says, "Everyone must protect their skin barrier with a moisturizer. Oily skin patients may want to use a lighter moisturizer like a lotion." This lightweight formula utilizes niacinamide to reduce inflammation and hyaluronic acid for hydration, giving you a one-two punch of protection. 

Teens with sensitive skin

Best face wash for sensitive skin

Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is a staple in many medicine cabinets because you can cleanse, soften, and soothe without worrying about a long list of ingredients.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Cream

Dr. Glick says, "Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can protect the skin barrier and prevent redness," and this Cetaphil cleanser was made with sensitivity in mind. Niacinamide helps maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier and helps reduce inflammatory responses. 

Best moisturizer for sensitive skin

With an ultra-hydrating formula made from hyaluronic acid and a price tag under $7, The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors is the best value for your dollar.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Cream

The Ordinary keeps it simple with a few key ingredients in this moisturizer. Dr. Adel says that people with "very reactive skin which becomes red and irritated may actually find that a lot of skincare products make their skin worse rather than better." She shares, "You really want to scale your skincare routine back to using very simple fragrance-free products." With hyaluronic acid as its core ingredient, this moisturizer will bring the hydration you need. 

Teens with dry skin

Best face wash for dry skin

Feel fresh-faced and rejuvenated with this hydrating K-beauty cleanser.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Matcha, hemp seed oil, sodium PCA
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Gel

Krave Beauty's Matcha Hemp Cleanser utilizes sodium PCA, which is a stronghold in the beauty industry because it helps your skin and hair retain moisture. Thanks to the omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, Hemp seed oil assists with even more hydration. 

Best moisturizer for dry skin

The lightweight gel consistency of Belif's Aqua Bomb delivers a refreshing dose of hydration that lasts and is great for any skin type. Snag this staff favorite for 30% off.

Specifics

• Key ingredients:Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
• Fragrance-free:Yes
• Consistency:Gel

Dr. Glick recommends that "those with dryer skin should use a thicker moisturizing cream." While this moisturizer is more of a thick, water-like gel than a cream, it still packs just as much hydration. A small dollop will cover your face and neck, leaving you with a glowy, dewy finish and hydration that lasts all day. 

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