When I was a teenager I had no clue what was in my skincare products, I just wanted my products to smell good, look good, and feel good on my skin. Talk about beauty being skin deep!
As the saying goes, when we know better, we do better (usually). Now that I know better, I want to help teens see that quality, non toxic skincare products can actually deliver on their promises, unlike trendy conventional skincare products. When you give skin what it craves, it will glow from the inside out, no need for any razzle dazzle hype skincare products.
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Does a teenager really need a skincare routine?
Teenagers will find that a skincare routine can ease some of the hormonal insults that may show up in their skin such as acne, excess oil, redness, and irritation. Instead of using one-off products, like a toner or scrub all day, every day to get rid of oil (insert eye roll), it’s best to support the skin with a combination of products that give the skin what it needs.
At what age should a skincare routine be established?
It’s a good idea to start a basic skincare routine during the teenage years when hormones are shifting and the skin starts changing. It’s at this time when acne may develop due to an increase in oil production and a skincare routine can lessen its effects.
What does a teen skincare routine include?
A basic teen skincare should include:
- A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils and doesn’t contain artificial dyes, fragrance, or other chemicals.
- A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- A mineral-based or physical sunscreen that blocks UV rays.
For the most part, a basic routine is all that is needed, unless there are specific skincare needs that require targeted support.
Are there skincare products teens should avoid?
Exfoliating scrubs – They can exacerbate skin leading to dry, irritated skin. Most scrubs are too harsh for sensitive skin and can actually cause micro tears in the skin.
Skincare products with vitamin C – The last thing most teens need is to unnecessarily use products that will irritate their skin. Acne-prone skin doesn’t mix well with vitamin C. Most acne treatments contain the acids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) which shouldn’t be used in combination with Vitamin C, which is another acid, and will lead to a disruption in the pH balance of the skin. Another note of caution, avoid using Vitamin C at the same time as retinol-containing products.
Vitamin C in most cases is better suited for adults who want to brighten their skin or reduce hyperpigmentation.
As an adult, products with retinoids or vitamin C can help peel back the hands of time and brighten the skin, but generally these are not ingredients that most teenagers need on a daily basis.
I’ve also found that a less is more approach is always the best when it comes to teen skincare. Starting them on too many products, or too many actives isn’t necessary and can actually do more harm to the skin than good.
What is the difference between skincare products for teens and adults?
Teen and adult skincare products aren’t a one size-fits-all solution because the skin evolves with every season of life. Teen skincare products are usually formulated for sensitive skin and address acne caused by hormonal changes. Products formulated for teens can help fight inflammation and help heal and fortify the skin’s moisture barrier.
On the other hand, many adult skincare products contain strong, active ingredients that are used to speed up cell turnover, unclog pores, and brighten skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Why is it especially important for teens to choose non toxic skincare and body care products?
It’s never a good time to expose the skin to toxic chemicals, but puberty is an especially bad time to introduce a skincare routine laden with endocrine disruptors.
According to the National Institutes of Health:
“Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system.”
You don’t want chemicals interfering with the hormonal functions of the endocrine system as it’s trying to develop the reproductive system, brain, bones, blood, and immune system.
As hormones shift, oil secretions usually increase, acne starts appearing, and sweat glands become active. The primordial instinct is to use whatever product promises to make it all go away.
However, unless the product(s) is supporting the skin in a healthy way, it’s likely just serving as a cover up and causing further dryness and irritation, and contributing to the body’s overall toxic burden.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- PFAS (highly toxic fluorinated chemicals, aka forever chemicals)
- Artificial dyes
- Formaldehyde
- Artificial fragrance
- Propylene Glycol
- Chemicals in sunscreens – oxybenzone, octinoxate and homosalate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)
- Resorcinol
- Benzyl salicylate
Easy Teen Skincare Swaps
1. Best Facial Cleanser For Teens
Aleavia Purifying Facial Cleanse
The Aleavia Purifying Facial Cleanse contains prebiotic ingredients that slough off dead skin cells and balance skin’s pH level. It addresses the needs of acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin. In fact it can help reduce scars from acne and even alleviate rosacea.
Its star power ingredients are simple ingredients from the earth and sea – sea kelp, organic extra-virgin coconut oil, and aloe. Together they nourish, moisturize, and soothe the skin.
- 100% Natural and Organic
- Chemical and paraben-free (no sodium benzoate, no sodium chloride, no cocamidopropyl betaine)
- Free of all fragrances and dyes
- Vegan
Use code GGG15 to save 15% on your order!
2. Best Moisturizer For Teens
Thrive Natural Care Face Balm
The Thrive Natural Care Face Balm is a calming lightweight lotion that is perfect for all skin types and can also double as an after-shave, reducing irritation and redness. This moisturizer is powered by regenerative superplants that are rich in antioxidants and help prevent damage before it starts.
It contains plant extracts and aloe along with fatty oils from macadamia nuts, argan trees, olives and shea butter to nourish skin.
- Plant-based ingredients
- No parabens, PABA, PEGs, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde releasers, unsafe preservatives
- Plastic negative
- GMO free
- Vegan
3. Best Acne Treatment For Teens
Kinship Mint Mud
The Kinship Mint Mud balances oil, helps to unclog pores and improve the appearance of blemishes.
It contains lactic acid, bentonite + kaolin clay, moringa and kinbiome. The lactic acid helps to gently exfoliate while also clearing clogged pores for smoother and brighter skin. The clays help to draw out impurities, while also balancing oil.
- Plant-based ingredients
- Dermatologist tested
- Formulated without 1,300+ questionable ingredients banned by EU Cosmetic Regulations
- Vegan
4. Best Facial Sunscreens for Teens
Thrive Mineral Daily Defense Sunscreen Balm
The Thrive Mineral Daily Defense Sunscreen Balm has SPF 30 and is a natural alternative to chemical sunscreens. This lightweight lotion is non-nano, and absorbs into the skin without leaving a white cast. It contains 20% zinc oxide and is powered by Costa Rican super plants that help to repair skin and reduce stressors not only from sun exposure but also from stress and environmental pollution.
It can be rare to find a mineral sunscreen that also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from UV rays.
- Plant-based ingredients
- No parabens, PABA, PEGs, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde releasers, unsafe preservatives
- Plastic negative
- GMO free
- Vegan
Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen
The Kinship Self Reflect probiotic moisturizing sunscreen has SPF 32. This award-winning sunscreen contains 22.4% non-nano zinc oxide.
Besides the non-nano zinc oxide that provides UVA/UVB sun protection, it also contains the superfood, turmeric that helps soothe and protect the skin and kinbiome, a probiotic that supports a strong skin barrier.
- Plant-based ingredients
- Dermatologist tested
- Formulated without 1,300+ questionable ingredients banned by EU Cosmetic Regulations
- Vegan
Thinksport Everyday Face SPF 30
The Thinksport Everyday Face Sunscreen is a non-nano, tinted formula that provides water resistant SPF 30 sun protection. It’s top rated by EWG’s Skin Deep database and the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, it doesn’t contain PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
One of the hallmarks of Thinksport sunscreen is that it has the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the water.
- EWG rated
- Dermatologist recommended
- Cruelty-free
- Free of harmful chemicals
Best Skincare Products For Teens (10 Brands)
OSEA
OSEA is a seaweed-infused skincare line that has been operating in the clean beauty space since 1996. Seaweed is a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can provide a myriad of results.
OSEA is climate neutral certified + ocean positive along with being vegan and cruelty-free.
Osea is great for all skin types but hydrating and nourishing dry skin back to life is one of the things that they do best.
Best Products For Teens
- Blemish Balm- This is a great clarifying moisturizer for teen skin. It contains salicylic acid derived from wintergreen. The secret ingredient is five different types of seaweed that helps to keep skin looking shine free and balanced.
- Ocean Cleansing Mud- This clarifying cleanser helps to keep pores clean and remove excess oil. It also is rich in seaweed.
- Red Algae Clarifying Mask- Great for congested skin. Delivers a cooling effect while it decongests and removes build up.
- Atmosphere Protection Cream- This is a great everyday moisturizer for a teen who doesn’t struggle with acne as much and just wants an a great basic moisturizer.
Use code gurlgonegreen10 to save 10% off your purchase!
Kinship
Kinship is endeavoring to make the world a better place through their scientific and industry expert backed skincare line. They create clean, Non-GMO, cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified products that exclude 1,300+ questionable ingredients banned by the EU.
To put an exclamation point on their commitment to make the world a better place, they have removed 6 tons of plastic from the ocean.
Kinship specializes in facial products for clear, bright, glowing skin.
Best Products For Teens
- Naked Papaya Cleanser- This cleanser smells so good- just like the name, papaya. It feels milky on the skin, but still removes dirt and makeup. A great first cleanser for a teen. Isn’t going to dry the skin out.
- Niacinamide Deep Pore Cleanser- This is a great cleanser for a teen who has acne and wants to keep it in check. It’s a cleansing gel that helps to reduces blemishes and balances oil.
- Supermello Moisturizer- This is a great moisturizer for a teen who has some inflammation in their skin- redness or acne and wants to soothe and calm it, but still have moisturizing properties.
- Insta Swipe- These remind me of the not so clean facial pads I had back in the day. These are great for a teen who has oily/combination skin and wants to clear clogged pores and reduce breakouts.
- Mint Mud- I love this product! I actually got a sample several months back when I had a zit on my face from Credo Beauty. I just put a little on the zit and slept with it overnight and it helped reduce the size and redness! You could also use it all over the face to help unclog pores, and balance oil.
- Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen– A moisturizing probiotic sunscreen that has SPF 32
Thrive Regenerative Skincare
Thrive skincare was born from two needs the founder had. The first was a desire to have a healthy, affordable and sensitive skincare line. The second was knowing that the world needed a better business model when it came to how the earth was being affected by products. From there Thrive Regenerative Skincare was birthed.
The founder wanted to create products that used superplants. He knew that plants grown in a special way can supercharge the skin and provide so many skin benefits. He also knew that the regenerating farming would help to restore ecosystems.
Thrive specializes in skincare products for all skin types and has kept their promise to make them budget friendly.
Best Products For Teens
- Thrive Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30- I love that this is mineral based and doesn’t use chemical sunscreens. I also like that it rubs in clear and is budget friendly. So many natural mineral sunscreens can cost a lot.
- Thrive Natural Care Face Balm- This is such a great everyday moisturizer for a teen. You can also use as an after shave. Doesn’t feel greasy.
- Thrive Natural Care Face Balm For Sensitive Skin- Often people don’t talk about sensitive skin products for teens, but I’ve found teens can often deal with sensitive skin too and need products just like adults. This sensitive moisturizer really hydrates and soothes the skin.
- Thrive Natural Care All Natural Face Wash For Sensitive Skin- I love that this comes in a tube- easy to use and travel with. This is a great face wash for teens with sensitive skin, but I would say it would be good for any teen’s skin.
Weleda
Weleda was founded on the belief that there is a connection between nature, the human body, mind, and spirit. They reflect this relationship with nature through their products that contain plant oils, natural extracts, and essential oils.
Weleda is a certified B Corp and is a co-initiator and member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT). This union ensures that strict ethical criteria are applied to all natural raw material supply chains.
Weleda’s skincare products are a gift to all skin types, but dry and sensitive skin will particularly appreciate their variety of hydrating formulas.
Best Products For Teens
- Skin Food Nourishing Day Cream- This is a great basic moisturizer for teens with normal to dry skin.
- Sensitive Care Face Lotion- This is a great face lotion for everyday. It is great for sensitive skin.
- Clarifying Gel Cleanser- This cleanser is great for teens with oily skin, acne skin. It helps to provide a deeper cleanse, while still leaving the skin balanced.
- Gentle Cleansing Foam- A great everyday cleanser that comes in a foam. The skin feels silky soft after using. A good option for those with normal skin types.
Honest Company
Honest Beauty was founded by actress Jessica Alba. Honest Beauty is known for their clean, sustainable, and functional products that are also accessible. They ban over 3,500 questionable ingredients and require products to undergo rigorous testing.
They are known for being purpose driven and giving to families in need, providing disaster relief, and supporting socially-conscious causes.
Honest Beauty is a go-to skincare line for sensitive skin.
Best Products For Teens
- Makeup Remover Face Wipes- These are a great product for teens since they are so easy to use.
- Gentle Gel Cleanser- I love the price point on this cleanser. Great for normal to combination skin type.
- Calm On Foaming Cream Cleanser- A great cleanser for teens with dry or sensitive skin.
- The Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer- This moisturizer is for sensitive skin types. Soothing, but not overly hydrating.
Related Content: Honest Beauty Review
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a plant-based skincare line that was created in part to help one of the co-founders with his eczema. Herbivore is focused on bringing safe, healthy, wellness-focused natural products to the mainstream.
Herbivore products are formulated without 2,700 questionable ingredients and are tested on all skin types including sensitive skin.
Herbivore Botanicals is a brand for all skin types but they also have a variety of effective acne and skin smoothing treatment solutions.
Best Products For Teens
- Pink Cloud Cleanser- This cleanser can work great for adults too. It’s just a great all around cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin, yet still cleanses so well.
- LAPIS Tansy Facial Oil- This is great for oily/acne prone skin. It helps to calm inflammation and reduce redness.
- AQUARIUS Pore Purifying Clarity Cream- It helps to give moisture to the skin, while at the same time balancing it.
- Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream- Great for normal teen skin types. Doesn’t feel greasy.
- Blue Tansy Mask- Helps with texture, pore size and redness.
Sky Organics
Sky Organics was founded by new parents, Steven and Sara Jade who realized the need for clean personal care products with an organic certification. The organic ingredients in Sky Organics products are created without harmful chemicals and pesticides to promote biodiversity, water conservation, and better soil quality to protect farmers, wildlife and bees.
They create self-care essentials with a wide variety of uses for all skin types.
Sky Organics offers clean personal care products but clearly has a soft spot for dry hair and skin.
Best Products For Teens
- Organic Rosehip Oil- This is a great natural source of essential vitamins and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that helps to nourish dry skin. Love how simple this line is.
- Blemish Control Purifying Face Wash- A good face wash for those with oily/acne skin. Made with organic aloe vera and white willow bark extract, a natural alternative to salicylic acid.
- Blemish Control Deep Cleansing Pore Scrub- While a lot of scrubs can be too harsh for teen skin, this is gentle enough.
Aleavia
Aleavia was started by Kelly Graham who was desperate to find a solution for her daughter’s persistent eczema. Aleavia utilizes a synergistic blend of prebiotics to create unique and organic skincare products. The ultra-pure formulas bring healing through prebiotics that feed the beneficial microbes on our skin.
Aleavia products are a godsend for many skin conditions because of their ability to give skin what it really needs!
Aleavia’s prebiotic skincare line can benefit all skin types but it was made for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or just dry skin.
Best Products For Teens
- Purifying Facial Cleanser- Such a great cleanser for a teen! It is a prebitoic cleanser so it doesn’t strip the skin but actually feeds the good bacteria on the skin. Great for all skin types.
- Restore Soothing Mist- This is great for helping to soothe inflamed, irritated skin. Good for dry skin, or acne skin.
Use code GGG15 to save 15 % off your order!
Related Content: Aleavia Prebiotic Skincare Review
Cocokind
Cocokind was created as a space in the beauty industry where everyone is accepted, including sensitive skin. Cocokind is sensitive skin friendly, providing products that are hydrating and offer skin barrier support. Not all of Cocokind products are certified organic, however, most of their formulas feature certified organic ingredients.
All of Cocokind’s products are cruelty-free and all of them are vegan except for products formulated with beeswax.
Cocokind offers many products with active ingredients to improve acne and the texture and barrier of the skin.
Best Products For Teens
- Texture Smoothing Cream- A lightweight moisturizer great for normal to dry skin types.
- Daily SPF 32- This is a mineral based sunscreen. It still has somewhat of a white cast, but the price point is really great! Check out my full review of it here.
- Turmeric Mask Stick- This is a stick you can apply to acne or discolored spots on the face.
- Postbiotic Acne Serum- This works on acne, blackheads and pores. It helps to slough off the dead skin, while also helping to clear congestion. It calms inflammation in the skin as well.
Related Content: Cocokind Review (Affordable Natural Skincare)
Best Body Care Products Teens
There are obviously more than just facial products that teens will need. I am covering some of my top picks for body care for teens too!
1. Best Non Toxic Deodorants For Teens
Ursa Major deodorants come in two forms – solid and spray. Their deodorants eliminate odor and absorb excess moisture without aluminum and other suspect chemicals. Silica, Tapioca Starch, and Diatomaceous Earth are the mop up crew for excess moisture and they do it without staining your clothes!
Their award-winning Hoppin’ Fresh deodorant eliminates smelly bacteria through hops, eucalyptus, and probiotic enzymes.
Primally Pure (use code GURLGONEGREEN10 to save 10%)
Primally Pure deodorants are crafted with gentle, organic ingredients. They are formulated for sensitive skin with a touch of baking soda for a fresh scent without aluminum, parabens, fragrance, triclosan, talc, propylene glycol, or anything artificial.
They also offer 8 scents plus an unscented version. My favorites are the Blue Tansy and the Charcoal.
Related Content: Best Non Toxic Deodorants That Work!
2. Best Non Toxic Body Wash For Teens
Aleavia (use code GGG15 to save 15%)
Aleavia natural body washes cleanse the skin while feeding the skin’s good bacteria and preserving the skin’s natural protectants. Their body washes can also be used on the face and hair.
Aleavia specializes in addressing skin conditions such as body eczema, keratosis, psoriasis, and body acne. Their body washes are organic, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and safe for babies.
Related Content: Best Natural and Non Toxic Body Washes
3. Best Non Toxic Body Lotions For Teens
Aleavia (use code GGG15 to save 15%)
Aleavia body lotions are created to restore your skin’s microbiome without toxins or synthetic chemicals. Aleavia’s prebiotic lotions help to replenish the skin’s healthy bacteria to promote healing. They help with skin issues such as, allergic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, and keratosis.
Plus they come in clean oil-based scents – grapefruit and lemongrass, orchid, cranberry, and of course, unscented.
Honest Beauty lotions are fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and hypo-allergenic. Their lotions soothe and moisturize with a blend of shea butter, jojoba esters and safflower oil without parabens, silicones, phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil.
Honest Beauty lotions calm, nourish, and refresh the skin through lavender essential oils, chamomile extract, jojoba and almond oils, orange and vanilla extracts.
Weleda body lotions hydrate and moisturize with plant-rich ingredients that support the skin’s natural moisture balance. They are vegan-friendly and do not contain parabens or phthalates, synthetic preservatives or synthetic fragrances. Weleda lotions provide luxurious all day moisture.
Weleda body lotions come in refreshing scents such as sea buckthorn, wild rose, citrus, and unscented.
Related Content: Best Natural Body Lotion Roundup
And there are all my top picks to help teens make better choices when getting started with personal care products.
What are your favorite skincare products for teens? Share below!
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