Buyer's Guide for Teen Skincare: Facial Cleansers and Moisturizers

As a board-certified dermatologist, and mother to 3 daughters, I am committed to finding the best skincare products for their skin. Our girls’ skin requires skincare that works specifically for them at this stage in their lives. Together, we have tried hundreds of different products and formulations, searching for the Goldilocks concoction that is just right for tween and teen skin.

Cleansers are a critical part of your teenage skincare routine. The ideal cleanser will remove dirt, makeup, and pollutants from skin while supporting your skin’s microbiome. A cleanser should be gentle enough to leave skin feeling refreshed and clean, but not tight, stripped, or irritated. Cleansers should also be pH balanced to work with your skin’s natural pH, which is mildly acidic.

A complete teen skincare routine does not stop at cleansing. Proper hydration is just as important as washing your face. Moisturizers help support the skin barrier, balance the skin microbiome, and reduce irritation, even for acne-prone teen skin. Below, I am sharing both my top facial cleanser and facial moisturizer recommendations to help you build a simple, effective skincare routine for tween and teen skin.

After years of field research, I am excited to share with you the best facial cleansers and moisturizers I have found for teen skin.

--Dr. Angela

 

1. Bright Girl by Angela Casey MD Bright+Clean pH-balanced daily facial gel cleanser

$26 (6.7 oz)

Dermatologist-created, clean skincare specifically for teens and tweens? Sign us up! This pH-balanced gel cleanser hits to sweet spot of clean and soft. Formulated with shea butter and allantoin to keep skin conditioned (especially important for girls on acne treatments) while pH-balanced cleansers and antioxidants work with your skin's microbiome and help keep teen skin clean, clear, and bright!

2. Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

$36 (8 oz)

This face wash works well with all skin types and contains antioxidants to fight inflammation in the skin. Youth to the People advocates "Skincare for All" as a brand with a purpose. Plus, what's not to love about a little extra kale and green tea in your skincare?

3. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

$18 (6 oz)

A super gentle, creamy gel cleanser from the established Glossier brand, with skin conditioners to keep skin soft and smooth. Poloxamer is the cleansing ingredient, instead of traditional soap. This is a good option for dry and sensitive teen skin.

4. Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish and Oil-Control Cleanser 

$76 (4.1 oz)

This cleanser is great for teen acne-prone skin, containing natural salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids to support clear skin. Tata Harper is a quality brand that sources natural ingredients from their own farm.

5. Avene Clean-Ac Soothing Cleansing Cream

$21 (6.7 oz)

This gentle, soap-free formula deep cleans skin while leaving it nourished and supported. Avene is renowned for its thermal spring water, an ingredient that soothes and settles irritated skin.

6. Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$13.49 (16 oz)

Formulated with ceramides, which are essential for a healthy skin barrier, this cleanser cleans without stripping the skin of its natural protective elements. Best for normal to dry teen skin.

Girls have specific skincare needs, especially during their tween and teen years. Choosing the right cleanser can help support healthy skin while preventing irritation and imbalance.

Facial Moisturizers for Tween and Teen Skin

When choosing a teenage skincare routine, a proper moisturizer should be at the top of your list! 

Many teens worry that moisturizer will clog pores or cause breakouts, but the opposite is often true. Moisturizers are an essential part of teen skincare because proper hydration helps balance the skin microbiome, leading to fewer breakouts and less inflammation. When skin becomes dry and dehydrated, it can become irritated, sensitive, and more prone to acne.

Having 3 daughters of my own, we have tried a wide variety of face creams and lotions over the years, searching for the perfect product to work with teen skin. Starting around age 8 and continuing through the teen years, hormonal changes affect oil production, skin balance, and acne development. Because of the unique composition of teen skin, selecting products with the right ingredients and performance is especially important.

Below is a summary of our research on the best face creams and lotions for teen skin.

1. Aveeno Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

$17.99/1.7oz

This lightweight gel moisturizer contains feverfew and prebiotic oat to help soothe inflammation. It glides easily over skin and provides hydration without feeling heavy or occlusive. Aveeno’s triple oat complex helps protect, soothe, and moisturize teen skin.

2. Tatcha the Water Cream

$69/1.7oz

Tatcha's the Water Cream is a dream for your face. This lightweight option is formulated for normal to oily skin and helps balance with a blend of Japanese botanicals. The Water Cream is known to hydrate skin without feeling greasy or heavy and reportedly smoothes skin texture. Tatcha is a brand founded on the mind-skin connection and the power of the 5 senses.

3. Bright Girl by Angela Casey MD Day+Bright 24-hour Facial Moisturizer

$22/1.7oz

A dermatologist-created moisturizer made specifically for teens and tweens. This cloud-like cream absorbs easily while delivering hydration and protection. Ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and sunflower seed oil moisturize, while chamomile, turmeric, and ashwagandha help soothe the skin.

4. tarte Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer

$29/1.01oz

A tinted moisturizer that offers sheer coverage while hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while maracuja oil delivers fatty acids for added skin protection. Available in multiple shades for easy blending.

5. First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Oil Control Moisturizer

$32/1.7oz

6. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

$15/3oz

 

This morning moisturizer includes SPF 30, making it a convenient all-in-one option. It contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and provides sun protection when applied generously.

 

Choosing the right cleanser and moisturizer can make a meaningful difference in teen skin health. A simple routine built around gentle cleansing and proper hydration supports the skin barrier, balances the microbiome, and helps teens feel confident in their skin.

--Dr. Angela