If you’ve recently found yourself trying to wrestle a $90 serum out of your 12-year-old’s hands, you’re not alone. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube have fuelled the rise of ‘Sephora kids,’ with tweens and teens building skincare routines so elaborate they’d make a dermatologist do a double take.
Between viral skincare hauls, celebrity brand endorsements and the allure of glowier, glassier skin, it’s easy to see why kids are suddenly obsessed. But the reality? Many of these products are unnecessary (and sometimes harmful) for young, still-developing skin.
When it comes to skincare for tweens and teens, keeping things simple is often the best approach. The overwhelming number of products targeting acne or anti-ageing can easily make things confusing.
To clear a few things up, we spoke with Dr Cara McDonald, Complete Skin Specialist’s Principal Dermatologist and Director. She shares expert advice on what tweens and teens actually need (spoiler: it’s not retinol) and how parents can help them build a simple, effective routine — no 10-step regimens here.
Common skincare mistakes tweens and teens make
When it comes to skincare, Dr Cara has seen it all: “Teens and tweens are making every skincare mistake possible,” she says. The biggest culprit? Overloading on products and buying into viral social media hype around so-called ‘miracle’ skincare. (Lemon juice and toothpaste, anyone?).
“The biggest mistake teenagers make is over-using skincare, using too many products, or products that aren’t suitable for teen skin,” she explains. “Other problematic trends include tanning and use of tanning products, as well as believing viral social media hype.”
Unfortunately, these habits often lead to irritated, sensitive skin — sometimes even triggering breakouts, perioral dermatitis, or allergies.
When should tweens start using skincare?
“Children can start using skincare when they become interested in it,” says Dr Cara. Before that, parents can introduce a basic routine with daily sun protection and a gentle moisturiser after bathing.
“Protection and prevention are most important, so the best thing parents can do is provide their children with basic, age-appropriate skincare products suitable for their skin type.”
This keeps their skin healthy while reducing the temptation to experiment with harsh, unsuitable products.
What does a good tween and teen skincare routine look like?
Once hormones kick in, a simple three-step routine — cleanser, moisturiser and SPF — is the best foundation.
For those eager to ‘level up,’ a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide can be a gentle addition. Teens dealing with acne may benefit from mild active ingredients like salicylic acid or an AHA serum.
“For teens looking to start a more ‘grown-up’ routine, I suggest adding in a serum suitable for their skin type,” Dr Cara says. “All teens can use a basic hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients like panthenol or niacinamide.”
Brands like Cetaphil, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar range are great for keeping skin balanced without overloading it.
Here is a simple routine to follow:
Morning:
- Gentle moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Optional: Hydrating serum
Evening:
- Gentle soap-free cream cleanser
- Moisturiser
Sun protection: A must-have
Before worrying about serums or spot treatments, the most important skincare step is one that serves a lifetime: sunscreen. It’s the easiest, most effective way to help prevent sun damage, premature ageing and all sorts of other skin woes.
“In my opinion, sun protection is the most important step in any skincare routine for children or teens,” says Dr Cara.
Getting kids into the habit of applying sunscreen daily — whether they’re outside or not — lays the groundwork for healthy skin down the line.
Start early, and sunscreen becomes second nature. The secret? Consistency and finding a lightweight formula your kids actually want to wear every day.
Managing acne without harsh products
Acne is a common struggle, especially during puberty, but treating it isn’t always straightforward. While it’s tempting to reach for strong, drying products, they can often do more harm than good. Dr Cara suggests a gentler, more targeted approach to combat congestion and inflammation.
“I generally recommend products such as the Effaclar range from La Roche-Posay, which contains salicylic acid to penetrate blocked pores and niacinamide to soothe the skin, without causing any excess stripping or drying of the skin.”
One common mistake? Spot-treating pimples with aggressive products. “The most effective treatment is to use regular, ongoing preventative skincare ingredients to reduce blocked pores and congestion, which will prevent breakouts down the track,” she says.
And yes, even acne-prone teenagers still need a moisturiser and sunscreen (just make sure they’re non-greasy). “Allowing the skin to become excessively dry or irritated tends to worsen inflammation and can increase breakouts. Sun protection is also important, and the correct sunscreen choice will not cause breakouts.”
Final thoughts: Keep it simple
Navigating the world of skincare for tweens and teens can be tough. But by sticking to the basics, doing your research, trusting the experts and skipping the overhyped trends, parents can help their kids maintain healthy, balanced skin — without the irritation.
And who knows? You might even find yourself stealing a few of their skincare tips.
The best skincare for tweens and teens in 2025
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, we’ve rounded up our top picks for skincare products that are both effective and gentle enough for your tween or teen.
These options will keep their skin balanced, healthy and ready for whatever comes their way.
01
La Roche-Posay Effaclar + M purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
from $31.95 at La Roche-Posay
If your teen’s dealing with oily or acne-prone skin, this gel cleanser could be just what they need. It targets excess sebum, helping to tackle breakouts at their source while keeping skin balanced. The key ingredient, phylobioma, works to rebalance the skin’s microbiome, preventing the imbalance that causes those pesky blemishes. And it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a solid choice for young, hormonal skin.
“If I were to get stranded and could only bring one skincare item, it would be this one,” wrote a five-star reviewer on the La Roche-Posay website. “This was my life saver when I was in puberty and had the worst acne ever. I’m still recovering from the scars that acne left, but hey, at least no more new ones on a regular basis. LRP is my absolute favourite brand ever. It’s gentle, clean and does not irritate my skin, ever. Definitely a repurchase – indefinitely.”
Another added: “I have been using this product for the past several years, and I only wish I’d found it sooner. I started getting it for my niece when she turned 11 and started getting awful breakouts, since the quality is excellent. I just turned 49 and I look half my age, and her now 15-year-old skin is fantastic, clear and glowing.”
Sizes: 200ml, 400ml and 400ml refill
Key features:
- Helps balance pH and reduces excess sebum
- Rebalances the skin’s microbiome to prevent blemishes
- Contains zinc for purifying benefits
- Gentle on sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved
- Free from harsh ingredients
Also available at:
- $26.99 (usually $31.95) from Amazon
- $26.99 (usually $31.95) from Chemist Warehouse
- $31.95 from Priceline
- $31.95 from Adore Beauty
02
BUBBLE Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturiser
$28 at Priceline
A cult favourite among young skincare lovers, BUBBLE’s Slam Dunk moisturiser does it all — hydrates, soothes and protects without clogging pores. The fun packaging is a bonus, and it even helps defend against blue light —because let’s be real, screen time isn’t going anywhere.
It boasts a 4.9-star rating from over 6,970 reviews on the BUBBLE website, with one reviewer writing: “It’s really good. As a teen with dry skin this helps lock in moisture especially in winter. Overall this was a good product and I will definitely repurchase again.”
Over on Priceline, another customer mentioned it was “good for young kids’ skin” and praised the brand’s fun, trendy vibe. They even shared that their teen described it as “preppy and slay” — a compliment you don’t often hear from the discerning younger generations.
If you need further proof, a 10-year-old fan also wrote: “After a week, my skin was so soft and some of my acne went away! The best product I have ever used — the price is worth it.”
Key features:
- Deeply hydrates while helping redness and irritation
- Aloe leaf juice and vitamin E to soothe and protect
- Avocado oil nourishes without feeling heavy or greasy
- Blue light protection helps defend against screen-induced stress
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for daily use
Also available at:
- Approx. $26AUD from BUBBLE Skincare
03
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
$14.99 (usually $21.99) at Priceline
Cetaphil’s Gentle Cleanser has been a bathroom staple for years. It’s the kind of cleanser that does its job without making a fuss — no unnecessary fragrances, no irritation, just a gentle yet effective formula that keeps skin feeling soft and hydrated. Dermatologists swear by it, and it’s especially loved by teens and tweens dealing with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
“My dermatologist told me I had to use only this on my face and skin as it contains no oil,” a reviewer who left five stars at Chemist Warehouse said. “I have acne and black heads so this is helping me (along with medication) to banish them for good. It’s a nice fresh product that feels great on my skin.”
Key features:
- Works for all skin types, including sensitive
- Soap, lanolin and fragrance free
- Removes dirt, oil and light makeup without stripping skin
- Won’t sting eyes
- Non-comedogenic and pH balanced
- Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle
- Can be used with or without water
Also available at:
- $18.99 (usually $21.99) from Chemist Warehouse
- $21.99 from Adore Beauty
- $22 from Woolworths
- $23 from Big W
04
Go-To Face Hero Extra
$80 at Go-To Skincare
This tenth birthday edition takes Go-To’s cult-fave face oil and cranks it up to 11 (literally — 387 per cent more sparkle). Packed with plant-powered goodness like rosehip, jojoba and buriti oil, it’s all about hydrating, calming and giving skin a serious glow-up. Perfect for young skin dealing with everything from dryness to breakouts, it leaves behind a smooth, bouncy canvas — without the greasy aftermath.
It has over 6.8k five-star reviews backing it up, with fans posting things like: “A rich oil jammed packed full of goodness for your skin. It quenches and hydrates my skin, nourishing it. I use the Face Hero at night under my moisturiser. My teen daughter also uses this oil daily as part of her skincare regime.”
“The most incredible product, in the most diva-esque bottle that she deserves,” wrote another. “Face Hero makes my red, angry and sensitive skin feel SO good and is so scrumptious when paired with any of the moisturisers (exceptionally luxurious with Very Luxe Face Cream).”
Key features:
- Hydrates and calms skin with nourishing plant oils
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Targets dryness, redness and irritation
- Smooths and preps skin for makeup
- Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive
- Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic
05
Lanolips 101 Ointment Fruities Trio
$34.95 at Lanolips
With three fruity flavours — strawberry, peach and green apple — this trio isn’t just about looking cute (though, it does that too). It’s also perfect for tackling dry lips, elbows and even cuticles. Made with ultra-pure Aussie lanolin and vitamin E, these balms keep things smooth and hydrated wherever you go. Not to mention, they’re cute, smell great and taste even better!
Flavours: Strawberry, peach and green apple
Key features:
- Award-winning, multi-purpose balm for lips, skin patches, cuticles and elbows
- 100 per cent natural, with no petroleum-based ingredients
- Contains vitamin E and lanolin for intense hydration
- Vegetarian-friendly and packed with antioxidants
Also available at:
- $34.95 from David Jones
06
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
$17.99 at Adore Beauty
If you’re after a face wash that actually hydrates instead of drying you out, CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser has got your back (or rather, your face). Developed with dermatologists, this gentle formula is packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling fresh and moisturised without the tightness. Teenagers love it for its no-fuss, effective cleansing, and it works for both the face and body.
“I was using way too many stripping moisturisers,” said a five-star reviewer at Adore Beauty. “My skin was sore, red and generally angry — and this CeraVe product has solved many of these problems in a week of washing with it. It’s gentle, does not irritate my sensitive skin (fragrance-free), removes makeup well (I wash with it twice) and has re-introduced all that moisture that I had blasted away! I like that it contains gentle HA and ceramides and has a good price point, too.”
Key features:
- Gently removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying out the skin
- Helps maintain and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier
- Suitable for both face and body
- Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores
- Free from artificial fragrances, sulphates, alcohol and parabens
- Hydrates for 24 hours with MVE technology
Also available at:
- $14.39 (usually $17.99) from Priceline
- $17.99 from Pharmacy Online
- $25.50 from Strawberrynet
07
Allkinds Gentle Care Daily Routine Set
$49.99 at Adore Beauty
Aussie brand Allkinds is making waves with its no-fuss approach to skincare for tweens. Instead of overloading young skin with confusing actives and harsh ingredients, this set keeps things refreshingly simple: cleanse, moisturise and go. It’s designed for sensitive, growing complexions, and is free from fragrance and hormone disruptors. It’s also loved by kids who just want skincare that works.
“Allkinds sensitive gentle care skin set is perfect for my daughter’s delicate skin,” wrote an Adore Beauty reviewer. “The products are gentle, soothing and effective. I love that they are safe and free from harsh chemicals. Highly recommend for young ones!”
Key features:
- Made in Australia
- Two-step routine that’s quick, easy and kid-approved
- Gentle cleanser and moisturiser designed for sensitive, growing skin
- Dermatologically tested and pH-balanced
- No fragrance and no hormone disruptors
- Hydrates, soothes and nourishes without clogging pores
- Free shipping over $50, easy returns and Click & Collect available
Also available at:
- $49.99 from Allkinds
- $49.99 from Myer
- $49.99 from The Iconic
08
Ego QV Face Oil Free Moisturiser
$17.99 at Priceline
Those with oily or acne-prone skin know the struggle — one minute your face feels fresh, the next it’s shinier than a Krispy Kreme donut. Thankfully, this lightweight, shine-controlling formula keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores. No grease, no heavy feel, just a soft, matte finish that won’t mess with your skin.
Key features:
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Lightweight and hydrating without feeling greasy
- Matte finish to help control shine
- Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) to support skin health
- Includes witch hazel and Avemide 15™ to soothe sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free
Also available at:
- $15.99 (usually $17.99) from Chemist Warehouse
- $15.99 from Woolworths
Related articles:
- What is evidence-based skincare, and is it right for you?
- The best cleansing oils and balms for your routine
- The affordable skincare products that will hydrate your skin
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