Best Skincare Brands for Kids and Teens (Backed by Dermatologists)

Jun 27

Taking care of your child’s or teen’s skin can feel overwhelming—especially with so many products on the market. But young skin has unique needs: it’s more sensitive, prone to irritation, and in teens, often oily or acne-prone. So where do you start?

Here’s a simple guide to the best dermatologist-approved skincare brands for kids and teens, along with what to look for when building a healthy skincare routine.

🧴 Top Skincare Brands for Kids and Teens

1. CeraVe

Recommended by dermatologists across the board, CeraVe products are gentle, fragrance-free, and formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help protect the skin barrier. Great for both dry and oily skin types.

🔹 Best picks: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, CeraVe AM Moisturizer with SPF 30
📚 Source: New York Magazine Strategist

2. Cetaphil

A classic choice for sensitive skin, Cetaphil is gentle enough for children and effective enough for teens dealing with mild breakouts or dryness. It’s non-irritating and soap-free.

🔹 Best picks: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
📚 Source: Associated Press

3. La Roche-Posay

For teens managing acne-prone or oily skin, La Roche-Posay offers products that are effective but not too harsh. They’re formulated with thermal spring water and dermatological actives like niacinamide and salicylic acid.

🔹 Best picks: Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel, Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
📚 Source: Associated Press

🧼 What to Look for in Skincare for Young Skin

✅ Gentle Cleansers – Avoid harsh soaps. Look for fragrance-free, non-foaming cleansers.
✅ Hydrating Moisturizers – Choose non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores.
✅ Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher is a must, even for kids!
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Fewer ingredients = lower risk of irritation.
🚫 Avoid products with alcohol, strong acids (like glycolic), or essential oils in young children.

💡 Final Thoughts

Helping your child or teen build a basic skincare routine can lay the foundation for lifelong skin health. Starting with dermatologist-recommended brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay keeps things simple and safe. These trusted products are widely available, effective, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

If you’re unsure what’s right for your skin, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician or a board-certified dermatologist.