“Kids in this age range begin to go through big physical changes and at various rates. Having them use a complex routine is also not ideal,” says dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. “This is an age where face wash, moisturizer, and the importance of daily SPF should be instilled.” We carefully considered ingredients, age recommendations, skin types, and value when considering products. Here are the best face washes for tweens and teens, broken down by formula and skin concern. We named CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Cleanser our top pick because it’s specially designed for all skin types and won’t irritate the skin. The wash starts as a cream to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and then turns into a foam as you wash. In short, it’s a one-step makeup remover and face wash that’s effective, affordable, and won’t dry out delicate skin. The cleanser’s active ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus ceramides and amino acids complex to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and pH balance. It doesn’t contain soap or fragrance and is non-comedogenic. Teens, tweens, and adults alike will love it. Price at time of publish: $18 Reviewers especially love Clinique’s Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam because it’s non-irritating, good for sensitive skin, and abides by the Clinique Clean Philosophy: no parabens, phthalates, or fragrance. This super-soft foam feels like velvet on your skin and is made for dry or combination skin types. For happy skin, try it with the rest of Clinique’s best-selling skincare routine. Price at time of publish: $23 Soothing, nourishing, cruelty-free, and vegan, Milky Jelly can be used on dry skin to remove dirt and makeup or on wet skin as part of your daily routine. The best part? The brand has some serious cool-vibes. Your teen will happily show it off on their bathroom sink and actually use it instead of sleeping in their makeup. Price at time of publish: $26 Effective at removing pore-clogging oil, impurities, and makeup Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash’s formula has innovative zinc technology to reduce shine and is ideal for oily or combination skin—it won’t cause acne! Price at time of publish: $30 Effaclar has 2 percent salicylic acid which targets oil, pimples, and blackheads and promotes clear smooth skin. It also has Lipo Hydroxy Acid to exfoliate the skin and remove pore-clogging dirt and oil. Best used day and night, this gel wash lathers easily and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or dry once it’s rinsed away. Price at time of publish: $15 With an easy-to-use pump bottle, the CocoKind Cleansing Oil works well at removing eye makeup and moisturizes the skin while they work so that it feels soft and smooth skin even if a face wash is the only step in your skincare routine. Price at time of publish: $13 It’s made with moisture-rich soy extract, naturally derived granules, and jojoba and castor oils. It’s soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. Thousands of reviewers agree—Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Scrub will reveal softer, brighter skin and won’t break the bank. Price at time of publish: $8 Developed by a dermatologist, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Creamy Face Wash has very minimal ingredients and has no allergens. The formula does, however, have skin-nourishing polyglycerin and glycerin. Price at time of publish: $9 The gel-to-cream formula is pricey but can be used on wet or dry skin to wash away impurities and keep your skin calm and blemish-free. The ingredients include oat to calm inflammation, lavender to reduce redness, and cucumber to soothe skin. Price at time of publish: $40 Drunk Elephant’s Pekee Bar, for example, is a popular gentle cleansing bar made with blueberry extract, honey, and marula oil. A true multi-tasking face wash, this bar moisturizes, tones, clarifies, balances the complexion, and is totally fragrance- and soap-free. The bar is formulated with clean, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly ingredients designed to cleanse and soothe the skin and last a long time. Price at time of publish: $28 Dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar says at this age, organic is a great way to go. “I prefer that my clients in this age group use organic skin care products,” she explains. “But to be safe, I suggest they avoid ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and chemical sunscreens.”
Multi-Use
By their teen and tween years, your child may start wearing and experimenting with makeup. Instead of filling up their bathroom cabinet with a makeup remover, toner, and cleanser, try to consolidate the process with a multi-use cleanser that can remove makeup, dirt, and bacteria all at once. In fact, Aguilar suggests tweens and teens start simple. “It’s important that my teen clients start simple. Practicing basic hygiene as well as cleansing their face twice daily and applying a mineral SPF daily is always a great start,” Aguilar recommends. “Then, once that routine is solidified, implementing a suitable moisturizer is an absolute great addition for keeping their skin healthy. I love and trust Eminence Organic Skincare products for my teen/tween clients.”
Gentle
With hormone changes and fluctuations, your teen’s skin is sensitive. Cleansers that are overly drying, packed full of intense chemicals, and overall too strong can actually cause their skin to break out more. Opt for cleansers that are designed for sensitive skin and target acne by cleansing pores and washing away bacteria. But before you head to the store to stock up on products, parents and caregivers should remember skin is something that shouldn’t be shrugged off at this age. Aguilar says don’t just assume your child will outgrow their acne or other skin issues. “It’s important for a child’s parent(s), or caretakers, to remember that this age is extremely important for a child’s self-esteem, confidence, and growth. Parents should not simply disregard or ignore their child’s acne thinking they will just outgrow it soon,” Aguilar tells Verywell Family. “They should be understanding, and conscientious about it and take a gentle approach when discussing their skin. The grownups should do their best to offer gentle support, about their child’s skin concerns, as children can also develop mental health issues and self-esteem issues.”
Why Trust Verywell Family?
Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer & creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She regularly works with skincare and beauty brands and was a commerce review for skincare at Bustle for 2 years. Along with her experience in the beauty industry, she spends much of her own time researching and testing the latest and greatest skin care products, formulas, and ingredients. If you’ve noticed your child experiencing a breakout, don’t be afraid to try something new. “When kids experience a breakout, I typically suggest they apply a full-fat, plain Greek Yogurt mask,” Aguilar says. “Simply apply to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Followed with a suitable moisturizer. I also recommend ’teen facials’ with a professional.” In addition to avoiding synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and chemical sunscreens, Aguilar says, she also suggests avoiding Retin-A “unless prescribed by a medical professional.” These ingredients can damage the skin, causing more dryness, irritation, or even break down the skin’s natural barrier. Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey
