Best skincare products for teens 2025, reviewed by derms
Skincare for teens is a minefield to say the least. What used to be a quick splash of water and soap has somehow turned into full-blown skincare routines and bathroom shelves stacked with every serum and body mist under the sun (Sol de Janeiro, we’re looking at you). According to Cult Beauty’s Gen A–Z Skincare Guide, Gen Alpha are diving into skincare as early as eight – a whole five years earlier than Gen Z did. Wild, right?
And honestly, it makes sense. TikTok is packed with teen ‘skinfluencers’ showing off 10-step routines, “get unready with me” videos, and retinol lineups that would rival most adults’ shelves. But the big question is: do they actually need all that?
Whether you’re a teen yourself or a parent trying to decode what gifts for teenage girls are safe to buy (and what’s actually necessary), getting clued up on the best skincare for teens is more important than ever.
“Skincare should be taught from an early age,” says consultant dermatologist and founder of Klira, Dr Emma Craythorne. “It is important that young children understand how to wash their hands and face properly as well as using sunscreen for face to protect their skin.” As things progress into puberty, those habits become even more important. Dr Sreedhar Krishna agrees: “This is when hormonal changes can lead to skin issues like acne, making it crucial to establish good skincare habits early on.”
With Black Friday creeping closer, now’s also a great time to refresh your teen’s skincare stash (or treat yourself to a few new bits too). Plenty of teen-friendly brands are already dropping early deals - from Bubble’s gentle cleansers to Supergoop’s everyday SPFs and La Roche-Posay’s barrier-boosting moisturisers. Whether they’re just getting started or already skincare-obsessed, it’s the perfect time to tick off a few Christmas beauty gifts early.
Best Black Friday teen skincare deals:
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser with Niacinamide, now £11.95 (was £12.50).
- Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser, now £12 (was £16).
- Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream 50ml, now £12.75 (was £14.99).
- Bubble Fresh Start Gel Cleanser, now £12 (was £16).
- Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Daily Hydrating Booster Serum, now £26.25 (was £35).
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30, now £14.25 (was £15).
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Ultra Repairing Soothing Balm, now £15.58 (was £19.49)
- Who are our experts?
- How do we test skincare for teens?
- Are teen 'skinfluencers' dangerous or helpful?
- What age should a teenage girl start with a skincare routine?
- What are the differences between skincare products for teens and adults?
- Should teens and tweens be using active skincare?
- What should a teen skincare routine look like?
- Our verdict: which brand is best for teenage skin?
Meet the experts:
| Dr Sreedhar Krishna | NHS consultant dermatologist and the co-founder of SkinDoc. |
| Dr Emma Craythorne | Consultant dermatologist, current president of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group and founder of Klira. |
| Dr Anjali Mahto | Consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible. |
| Dr Sawsan Ayed | Dermatologist at Paramount Medical Centre. |
| Dr. Michael Gowan | Broad-certified dermatologist and Bubble Skincare's dermatology advisor. |
How we test & why you can trust us:
At Glamour, testing beauty products is basically in our job description - and when it comes to teen skincare, we take it seriously. For this guide, we spoke to dermatologists and skincare experts, attended press events, and gathered teenage testers with different skin types and tones to try each product over two weeks. Every formula was scored on how it performed, how it felt on the skin, texture, packaging, and overall value for money. We also avoided any ingredients our experts warned against, focusing only on products made specifically for younger, more delicate skin.
- Testing period: Two weeks.
- Tester ages: 15 years old.
Are teen 'skinfluencers' dangerous or helpful?
Let’s be honest: ask your teens where they get their skincare advice and product recommendations from, and chances are it’s from other teens filming GRWMs in their bedrooms. Some of it’s fine, some not so much. Things to watch out for? If they’re using active ingredients like retinol too young, layering multiple exfoliants at once, or thinking every breakout needs an intense 10-step routine.
“The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to younger skin is that we build a routine that is simple, effective, but one that doesn’t overwhelm the skin to the point where their delicate skin barrier can be compromised,” explains Dr Anjali Mahto. A good rule of thumb: follow board-certified experts over trends, and remember that just because something works for a 30-year-old doesn’t mean it belongs in a 13-year-old’s routine.
What age should a teenage girl start with a skincare routine?
Skincare is a lifelong commitment, and as consultant dermatologist and founder of Klira, Dr Emma Craythorne points out, it actually starts before teen-hood. “Skincare should be taught from an early age. It is important that young children understand how to wash their hands and face properly as well as using SPF to protect their skin,” she says. However, this steps up a gear in the teenage years. “It becomes even more important to ensure they are cleansing their face appropriately and moisturising where needed,” Craythorne confirms.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Sreedhar Krishna earmarks twelve as a good ballpark age but reiterates that it comes down to the onset of puberty. “This is when hormonal changes can lead to skin issues like acne, making it crucial to establish good skincare habits early on,” he says. Alongside combatting issues such as acne as a result of hormonal changes, pollution – an increasing issue in city living – is also a reason to start skincare young. “Teenagers' skin is exposed to various pollutants, making a proper skincare routine crucial to cleanse the skin of dirt and pollutants,” Krishna says.
The benefits of doing so are myriad. “Skincare can act as a confidence booster and reduce stress for teenagers dealing with exam pressure, emotional issues, and other challenges,” he notes. It’s also good to get into the habit young. “Skincare is a lifelong pursuit, and starting early can lead to healthier and more youthful-looking skin in later life,” Krishna confirms. A teen skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated, which we will go into more specifically later.
What should a teen skincare routine look like?
One thing all the experts agree on? Less is more. Teens don’t need multi-step routines packed with potent actives - just a few hard-working, skin-friendly basics to build healthy habits (and confidence) from the get-go.
Dr Sreedhar Krishna suggests the following baseline routine for any teen:
| Cleanser | Gentle, non-stripping, used morning and night |
| Moisturiser | Hydrating but lightweight, ideally non-comedogenic |
| SPF | Every single morning, even if it’s cloudy |
| Spot treatment | Only if breakouts occur, and only where needed |
Ahead, we’ve tailored that routine to suit different teen skin types.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Why we love it: Like a green juice for the face, this rich gel cleanser is a powerful but gentle daily face wash. Formulated with superfood antioxidants including kale, spinach, and green tea, it works effectively to prevent buildup in pores, remove makeup, and balance pH without drying or stripping the skin.
- Key ingredients: Spinach, Aloe Vera, Green Tea.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Enjoy savings when shopping for skincare with these Sephora discount codes.
Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Why we love it: Every dermatologist knows that the best hyaluronic acid serums are a safe bet for every skin type, particularly when it comes to face serums. Our top pick? The Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid serum, which comes approved by our very own Senior Beauty Editor Elle Turner, who rates this formula for its hydrating properties and quality ingredients.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Volcanic Mineralizing Water.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF30
Why we love it: Forget a chalky finish or uncomfortable texture, this sunscreen is one of the best formulas around, suitable for every skin type. Making everyday suncare realistic, the formula is totally invisible while providing broad-spectrum protection without ever blocking pores or increasing oil production. A must.
- Key ingredients: Red Algae and Frankincense.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
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Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturiser
Why we love it: Bubble's Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturiser is a great everyday cream that suits all skin types. It features a nourishing (and non-greasy) formula that's packed with restorative nutrients, such as Aloe Leaf Juice and Hoya Lacosuna Flower Extract. Soothing, hydrating and hydrating – what's not to love?
Review: "It does a really good job of hydrating skin and keeping it nourished and soft without it feeling too heavy,” 15-year-old Leela said.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Glycerin.
- Fragrance free: yes.
POP Good Glow Toner
Why we love it: This gentle, glow-boosting toner is perfect for dull, dehydrated, or tired-looking skin. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump, while antioxidant-rich pink pomelo extract helps brighten and refresh your complexion. The lightweight formula sinks in easily, leaving skin feeling calm, hydrated, and ready for the rest of your routine. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and Pink Pomelo Extract.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Enjoy savings when you shop for skincare using our Superdrug discount codes.
The Pimple Patches
Why we love it: Having some pimple patches in your arsenal will not only help keep breakouts at bay, but also help boost confidence. Breakouts can be pretty hard to deal with during teenage years. Suitable for all skin types, Restored's pimple patches combine hydrocolloid with 1% salicylic acid to help shrink blemishes and can be worn day or night. They are clinically proven to draw out bacteria from spots, and are designed to visibly reduce pimples – often overnight.
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid and 1% salicylic acid.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Paula's Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF30+
Why we love it: Ideal for breakout-prone skin, this super lightweight daily moisturiser with SPF minimises shine and the appearance of pores. Not only is it non-comedogenic, but it's also formulated to ensure lasting hydration without feeling greasy on the skin. It also features soothing properties as well as a mattifying finish to keep excess shine at bay, making it suitable for oily skin too.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract and Vitamin E.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel 10ml
Why we love it: A long standing bestseller for a reason, this blemish-fighting formula penetrates deep into pores to help clear them of debris, fight blemishes including blackheads, and help prevent new spots form by absorbing excess oil. With 1.5% Salicylic Acid, it gets to work fast and makes clear skin a reality quick.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Bubble Super Clear 2% Salicylic Acid Blemish Prevention Serum
Why we love it: This salicylic acid has been blended with colloidal oatmeal to make it gentle. It can help break down dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to acne. Introduce it slowly once or twice a week then increase frequency as needed
Review: “The Super Clear Serum has reduced the appearance of any blemishes I had. However, if you have sensitive skin I would recommend only using the serum a couple of times a week, rather than every night, because it may feel too much for your skin,” tester Josie said.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid and Colloidal Oatmeal.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Enjoy savings when you shop for skincare using our Boots discount codes.
Spots & Stripes - Skin Goals Gentle Cleansing Lotion for Girls
Why we love it: London-based Spots & Stripes make beauty products for teens and teens only – with an ethos of simple yet effective products that don’t damage delicate young skin. This cleansing lotion follows the same philosophy. Vitamin-soaked oils, virgin coconut and kukui lift away impurities to leave skin feeling balanced and soft while essential oils like chamomile, lavender and mint calm, refresh and combat blemish-causing bacteria.
- Key ingredients: Virgin Coconut Oil , Kukui and Kanuka.
- Fragrance free: No.
The Clear Patches
Why we love it: Cute, novelty pimple patches have their moment – but when you’re short on time and need a low-key fix, this set has your back. Infused with hydrocolloid and 1% salicylic acid, these barely-there patches work their magic quietly, making them perfect for daytime wear without drawing attention.
- Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid and 1% salicylic acid.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Nip + Fab Teen Skin Fix Zero Shine Moisturiser
Why we love it: From an affordable skincare brand Nip + Fab, the excellent Teen Skin range is a great starting point. This formula comes with mattifying powders to ensure shine-free days while niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide and Zinc.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50
Why we love it: Young skin needs SPF 30 and above every day – but 50 if possible – without fail. This sunscreen for face is a great choice for teens as it sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel sticky. It features SPF 50 protection and is fortified with vitamins C and E, plus green tea extract, to lead the antioxidant defence against pollutants. Suitable for normal to oily skin types, this SPF formula also features a matte finish and should be reapplied every two hours if sun exposure is high.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C and E, plus green tea extract.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Enjoy savings when you shop for skincare using our LookFantastic discount codes.
Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum
Why we love it: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect skin from damage, stimulate collagen growth and support existing collagen. It can provide relief from hyperpigmentation caused by acne and overall, support skin tone and texture. This serum contains a gentler derivative of vitamin C that's better-suited to young skin.
Review: “When I then used the Day Dream Serum afterwards, and this made my skin feel even and smooth,” 15-year-old Leela told us. “This was a very good product and I rate it an 7/10.”
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C and Niacinamide.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Enjoy savings when you shop for skincare using our Beauty Bay discount codes.
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser with Niacinamide
Why we love it: A foaming gel face wash is a good choice to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup but you don’t want something that ever strips the skin. This soap-free formula is therefore just the ticket. Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this cleanser maintains the skin’s protective barrier, combats excess sebum and locks in moisture while calming the skin.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Byoma
Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream 50ml
Why we love it: This feather-light, oil-free moisturiser feels cooling on the skin and works wonders on thirsty skin in need of a big glass of hydration. Thanks to the Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids), it bolsters the skin barrier while adding moisture. It's a great night cream.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide and Green Tea.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
La Roche Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Sensitive Skin
Why we love it: French pharmacy brands are always a safe bet when it comes to simple-yet-effective skincare and La Roche Posay is the cream of the crop. Suitable for the most sensitive of skin types, this milky cleanser soothes skin and removes daily grime and makeup without ever stripping the skin.
- Key ingredients: Glycerine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
La Roche Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser
Why we love it: When it comes to picking the right moisturiser for sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with French pharmaceutical brands such as La Roche-Posay. Formulated specially for sensitive skin in mind, this cream is enriched with glycerin, ceramide and niacinamide to help soothe the skin and deliver lasting hydration.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, vitamin B3.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
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Eucerin Sun Allergy Protection Sun Cream for Face & Body SPF 50+
Why we love it: Whether you're prone to allergies or eye sensitivity, this suitable SPF formula from Eucerin is one of the most quality option out there, and for a good reason. This clincally-proven formulation is fragrance free, water resistant, non-greasy and lightweight – all of which are important factors to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, among standard SPF ingredients.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Byoma
BYOMA Moisturising Rich Cream
Why we love it: If you're looking for a quality moisturiser for dry or dehydrated skin, we highly recommend this rich formula from Byoma, which boasts a unique barrier boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex that will soothe the skin and help strengthen its natural moisture barrier. Oh, and did we mention that it also comes tested and approved by dermatologists?
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, bakuchiol.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Why we love it: This gentle, fragrance-free cleanser removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin of moisture, plus it's packed with barrier-building ceramides. It can be used in the morning and evening. All you'll need to do is wet the skin with lukewarm water and massage the cleaner into your face in gentle, circular motions. Then, rinse.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% and B5
Why we love it: Name a more fitting duo than dry skin and hyaluronic acid… we'll wait. This hydration hero from The Ordinary is not only affordable but is also proven to deliver instant results, offering a visibly glowy and plump complexion immediately after application. Over long-term use, this formula can also help soothe irritation and deliver the necessary nourishment that the skin so desperately needs during the change of seasons.
- Key ingredients: 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides.
- Fragrance free: Yes.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+
Why we love it: Ultra Violette is a coveted Australian brand that's known for their quality sunscreen formulas. One of their bestsellers? The Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF, which is one of the best hydrating formulas we've tried at GLAMOUR HQ. Offering a dewy finish, this sunscreen doesn't result in a white cast and sits beautifully underneath makeup.
- Key ingredients: Bemotrizinol, Bisoctrizole, Squalane.
- Fragrance free: N/A.
Hold up: what are the differences between skincare products for teens and adults?
Teens have different skin types and concerns in comparison to adult women, so products should be adjusted accordingly. “Skincare routines should be personalised and adapted to address the specific needs of each age group,” Krishna notes.
For teens that are suffering at the hands of puberty-induced oily and acne-prone skin, a very common concern, there are particular products that can be beneficial. “Products that target oiliness and acne, such as oil-free cleansers, spot treatments, and non-comedogenic moisturisers, are beneficial,” Krishna says. “Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help treat and prevent acne,” he also adds.
Beyond this, it’s better to stick to a simple routine that includes a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF – and not experiment with active ingredients aimed at older skin. “Teenage girls on the whole need very gentle products with minimal ingredients. They have delicate skin and it should be protected,” Crawthorne recommends.
“Older women tend to need to focus on products that will repair long term UV damage such as mottled pigmentations, sun spots, melasma and lack of glow to the skin. These are not things that teenage girls suffer from – their glow is abundant,” Crawthorne says.
Furthermore, popular ingredients seen in adult skincare, like retinol, are a definite no-no on teen skin. “When teenage girls use many of these products they end up causing irritation to the skin barrier that might induce acne and/or a rosacea or so commonly a perioral dermatitis,” Crawthorne adds.
Should teens and tweens be using active skincare?
There's some unease around more potent active ingredients and whether they're appropriate or safe for tween skin. “The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to younger skin is that we build a routine that is simple, effective, but one that doesn’t overwhelm the skin to the point where their delicate skin barrier can be compromised,” insists Dr Mahto. “If, however, there are some skincare concerns, the most common one being acne, then there are a few actives that can be introduced,” she adds.
“For young adults prone to breakouts, salicylic acid is a great active ingredient to introduce in the form of cleansers and the best toners. Benzoyl peroxide can also help manage acne and spots,” advises Dr Ayed.
However, there are ways of adding these ingredients in that are measured and gentle. “Depending on the skin concern, I would advise introducing one active at a time,” recommends Dr Mahto. “If acne is a concern, then choose salicylic acid to begin with and keep the rest of the routine streamlined,” she says.
The frequency used can be tailored to tweens, too. For instance, you could introduce a new ingredient once or twice a week, in the evening, then build from there. The same goes for the strength (which is sometimes written on the bottle, e.g. 2% salicylic acid). “I would recommend starting with lower strengths to begin with. I would also encourage a patch test before introducing new products,” says Dr Mahto. “If specific skin concerns aren’t improving, please get in touch with a consultant dermatologist who will be able to provide a formal diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan,” she adds.
As for the best skincare ingredients to know for teenagers?
| Vitamin C: | “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals from the sun and is a benefit to everyone regardless of age. It protects your skin from damage, stimulates collagen growth and supports existing collagen. I always warn my clients that the sun you get as a teen is going to affect how you look in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, which is why it's important to start a good routine in your adolescence,” explains Dr Michael Gowen. "The best Vitamin C serums are also great for teens because it's going to provide relief from hyperpigmentation caused by acne and overall supports skin tone and texture. My favourite Vitamin C for tweens, teens and beyond is the Bubble Skincare Day Dream Tone and Texture Serum. The derivative of Vitamin C used in Day Dream is a gentler form that's perfect for young skin. |
| Salicylic acid | Salicylic acid (also known as a BHA) is one of the most popular and derm-recommended products for counteracting acne, however it is a strong ingredient, so needs to be applied carefully. “Salicylic acid can be abrasive to the skin as it breaks down dead skin cells and combats inflammation which both can play a role in acne. For my clients with sensitive skin, I tell them to do a salicylic acid sandwich by using a toner, a layer of moisturiser, then the salicylic acid serum and finally another layer of moisturiser to help create a barrier and reduce redness and irritation,” advises Dr Gowen. “I love the Bubble Skincare Super Clear Blemish Prevention Serum (2% Salicylic Acid) for my sensitive clients because the formula includes Willow Bark Extract and Colloidal Oatmeal which have anti-inflammatory benefits,” he says. |
Our verdict: which brand is best for teenage skin?
If we had to pick one brand that totally gets teen skin, it’s Bubble Skincare. The formulas are gentle but effective, the packaging is cute enough to leave out, and best of all - they’re actually backed by derms.
Dr Michael Gowen rates their Day Dream Serum, which uses a gentler form of Vitamin C that’s perfect for calming acne marks and boosting glow without the sting. “It supports skin tone and texture and is ideal for tweens, teens and beyond,” he says.
Their Super Clear Serum is another hero - 2% salicylic acid to target breakouts, balanced with calming ingredients like willow bark and colloidal oatmeal. “It’s great for sensitive skin,” Dr Gowen adds. Pro tip: layer it between your moisturiser to keep irritation at bay.
Basically? It works, it looks good, and it won't mess with your tweens skin barrier.
