Buyer's Guide for Teen Skincare: Facial Cleansers
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 work specifically for them, at this stage in their lives. Together, we've 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 that it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean, but not tight, stripped, or irritated. Also, cleansers should be pH-balanced to work with your skin's natural pH, which is mildly acidic.
After years of field research, I am excited to share with you the best facial cleansers that I've 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)
Dermatologists around the world love Cerave as a skincare brand that works for everyone! Formulated with ceramides, which are important components of a healthy skin barrier, this Cerave cleanser cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural protective elements. Best for normal to dry teen skin.
Girls have specific skincare needs, especially in their childhood, teen, and tween years. We hope that this guide to teen facial cleansers will help guide you as you find the ideal product to work with your skincare needs!
--Dr. Angela