35 Game-Changing Skincare Brands for Teens to Add to Your Shopping List

The Inkey List

The famously affordable and effective The Inkey List packs all your teen’s skincare needs into one seamless (and, important: no-brainer) four-step kit called The Intro Routine for Acne. It includes a zit-zapping salicylic acid cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum for intense hydration, anti-inflammatory succnic acid acne treatment and an omega water cream as a daily, lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

All together, this team keeps their complexion clear and their skin balanced enough to prevent breakouts. Targeting the most common issues teens deal with (zits — argh, hormones!), this set narrows down the skincare your teen actually needs. By bundling all four products, you save almost $15 versus buying them separately. 

Bubble Skincare

Bubble Skincare is a teen influencer-approved brand (Kenzie Ziegler is one of many spokespeople) that’s flooding Instagram feeds everywhere, so naturally, this one is likely on your young adult’s radar already. But the nontoxic skincare line offers more than just cute looks. Everything is nontoxic, cruelty-free, and plant-based. The inclusive brand’s mission is to make products that help teens feel confident in their own skin instead of trying to blend in with everyone else. You can shop bundles for dry and oily skin — the Oily Skin Bundle, for instance, comes with a cleanser, toner and moisturizer — or a full set for all skin types. 

Cocokind

Meet your teen’s (and your) new go-to skincare brand that you’ll want to pick up during your next Target haul. The AAPI-owned skincare brand offers clean, sustainable products that are kind to your face and the environment (and your wallet), like this popular texture smoothing cream. They’re mixing up the beauty industry by telling you exactly what’s in every product—they even provide sustainability facts on their packaging so you know they’re actually sticking to their word when they say they’re eco-conscious. 

INNBeauty Project

Founded with the mission of celebrating self-expression, INNBeauty Project has done just that since its birth. The brand believes in non-toxic skincare that’s affordable for all. Plus, all of the products are vegan and cruelty-free, too. Pimple Paste Duo is a pair of top-rated overnight spot treatments that help dry out zits and minimize the appearance of blemishes, plus prevent new eruptions — all while your teen sleeps.

BTWN

Teen skin requires a unique set of ingredients that adult skin doesn’t need. Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist, understood those needs and created BTWN — a skincare line crafted for children, tweens, and teens. (It should be noted that BTWN products sell out quickly, but this gentle daily moisturizer is in stock.)

“BTWN is a simple, derm-developed, two-step no-nonsense skincare line intended for tweens, teens, and parents looking to kickstart their children’s first skincare routine,” the brand said. “The line intended for young, sensitive skin includes a daily cleanser and daily moisturizer and offers ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, green tea extract, niacinamide, and antioxidants.”

JB SKRUB

Help your tween boy create healthy personal care habits with JB SKRUB. Launched by actress Julie Bowen and co-founded by Jill Biren, this sustainable brand is the perfect destination to start your boy’s skincare journey. Trust us, they’ll actually want to use the Premier Bundle too. It comes with all the essentials like body wash, face wash, moisturizer, and face pads. 

Youth to the People

A favorite of your teen’s favorite beauty influencer Hyram, this nutrient-rich Superfood cleanser from Youth to the People is basically a green juice cleanse for your face, and it comes in three sizes. Literally—it’s made with kale, green tea, and spinach vitamins! It’s PH-balanced, non drying, and dissolves dirt with ease (buh, bye acne!). 

Glossier

One of the more mainstream direct-to-consumer brands for teens and adults alike, Glossier is always a go-to pick. You can build your own custom set of essential skincare bestsellers or a pre-made set with an assortment of those same skincare favorites — like the Fresh-Faced Set, which includes Boy Brow, Balm Dotcom and Futuredew. It’s the ultimate way to jumsptart your teen’s skincare routine. 

Fourth Ray Beauty

If you’re a fan of Colourpop cosmetics, you should definitely check out their sister brand, Fourth Ray Beauty. Their skincare products range from these handy serum sticks to cleansers, exfoliators, eye masks, and lip masks. Need a product your teen can stick in their locker for a quick post-gym class cleanse and oil-absobing hit of moisture? Here you go. 

Farmacy Beauty

Farmacy Beauty has clean formulas that are gentle on the skin, without skimping on the effectiveness of the product. The brand is rooted in science and sustainability and uses “farm-sourced ingredients to create clean, thoughtful formulas.” One item you have to pick up for your teen? The best-selling Green Clean cleanser and makeup remover balm that removes all traces of makeup (if your teen wears it) and other debris left over from the day.

florence by mills

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown’s line, florence by mills, makes skincare for teens both fun and accessible, and the brand’s deliciously scented Pout Party Coffee Lip Scrub is no exception. With gentle exfoliators like sugar and ground coffee seeds, as well as vitamin E and sunflower oil to nourish and protect lips, your teen will love saying farewell to a dry, flaky, and irritated pout.

Tubby Todd

Tubby Todd just launched their newest kids’ line, and it has the perfect skincare for preteens. From an enamel-strengthening toothpaste to a classic deodorant and face wash, these easy-to-use products are must-haves. Luckily, you can snag all of five products with the Get Ready With Me set. 

Kopari

Each of Kopari’s products are made with organic coconut oil that’ll have your teen’s skin moisturized from head to toe. From a lightweight moisturizer to a shea butter lip gloss that even Billie Eilish loves (because no teen skincare routine is complete without some poppin’ gloss), Kopari’s the ultimate pick if they’re obsessed with coconut oil. 

Rally

Teen athetes have a clean skincare brand to call their own, and it’s Rally, which produces plant-based face washes, exfoliators, moisturizers and more. Rally Face Cleanser is designed specifically for athletes (read: kids who like to work up a sweat that’ll eventually clog their pores). It doesn’t contan anything that might irritate sensitive skin or cause breakouts — in fact, it’s designed to control blemishes. 

GRYT

GRYT bills itself as self-care, skincare and motivation all in one. They even have a team of advisors that include mental health a counselor, a pediatrician and, of course, a dermatologist. Their products are designed with changing, hormonal teen skin in mind. We love the GRYT Kit, a three-piece set of the brand’s Face Courage Cleanser, Balancing Act Daily Moisturizer and So Chill Stress-Less Super Serum. It’s an all-in-one morning and nighttime skincare routine.

31st State

We stan a skincare line that’s just for dudes! 31st State is a vegan and eco-friendly line of skincare, bodycare and haircare for teen boys. It’s inspired by the cool surfer vibe of California, and its groovy packaging is on-brand. The Essentials Skin Care Gift Set is a great place to start: it includes foaming face wash, spot control gel and overnight clearing pads.

Kinship

Kinship’s inclusive, award-winning products are a hit among Gen Z, so there’s no way your picky teen won’t be on board with this cruelty-free brand. Their clean products are barrier-safe and are packaged in post-consumer recycled plastic, so they can put their best face forward while leaving a smaller footprint on the earth. This Besties Bundle is an easy way to introduce your young adult to skincare without overwhelming them: it includes a gentle cleanser, exfoliatig pads and a hydrating face cream. 

Tower28

Beloved skincare-as-makeup brand Tower28 has come out with a straight skincare line, that has product bundles like this SOS (Save Our Skin) Complete Skincare Routine. The set includes the SOS Rescue Spray to calm skin redness and irritation, the SOS Intensive Rescue Serum for stubborn breakouts and sensitivity, and the SOS Barrier Recovery Cream for a heavy-duty moisturizer. Bonus: You save $14 by buying the trio as a set. 

Curology

If you have a teen or tween that is interested in building a skincare routine, head to Target. The mega-retailer now carries Curology — an affordable line of skincare tested by dermatologists. There are so many goodies to choose from, but we recommend the Acne Face Wash and the Micellar Makeup Remover.

Drunk Elephant

If Drunk Elephant‘s packaging isn’t enough to make you grab one of each product, their formulas will. Each one of the brand’s products treats common skin concerns like dull and dry skin. For teens, we recommend the Virgin Marula Oil, which is rich in antioxidants like omegas 6 and 9 that are needed for growing and nourishing the skin.

Versed

Versed changed the drugstore beauty game forever by offering affordable, safe, and innovative products unlike any others on the shelves next to it. While this may be one of your favorite wallet-friendly skincare buys (especially on Target runs), it’s also perfect for your teen. We recommend trying the Keep the Peace calming cleanser for your teen battling breakouts—it’s made with innovative ingredients like blue tansy and apple fruit extract that don’t dry your skin out like all those other acne face washes. 

Tula

This three-piece acne clearing set by Tula Skincare is packed with derm-approved salicylic acid and probiotic extracts. The set includes a foaming cleanser that removes residue and buildup from pores. Next up is the Clear It Up Acne Clearing & Tone Correcting Gel which fights inflammation and redness caused by acne. Lastly, is the acne moisturizer that helps to prevent future breakouts.

Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu‘s Cream Soap is an excellent addition to your tween’s skincare routine. It’s non-drying and detergent-free, so it doesn’t disrupt sensitive skin.

Peace Out Skincare

Looking for skincare that offers a quick, easy solution? Try Peace Out which has award-winning acne dots that come in so many versions to clear acne in six hours or less. And this Acne Salicylic Acid Day & Night Duo kit comes with everything you need for clear skin — including the brand’s shopper-loved acne patches.

Honest Skincare

Jessica Alba’s clean beauty and lifestyle brand Honest offer a 5-piece tween-friendly skincare set, which includes gentle products targeted to clean and clear their temperamental skin. With a clarifying foaming cleanser and an acne serum along with a spot serum, this kit is a solid option for your acne-prone tween. 

SuperGoop!

No matter how old your teen is they need to apply SPF every day. SuperGoop! has formulas for the entire family that are easy to remember (and dare we say, fun) to use. The Unseen Sunscreen melts into the skin without leaving any white cast behind. It also leaves skin with a light, dewy glow.

Glow Recipe

There’s a good chance your TikTok-loving teen has seen Glow Recipe’s products go viral on the platform. The K-beauty brand may be pricier, but the fruit-infused products are definitely worth the hype. Some cult favorites, like the Avocado Retinol Mask, are better suited for adults, this hydrating watermelon moisturizer is a suitable pick for teens—and goes a longgg way. Watermelon sugar high, anyone? 

I Dew Care

A birthday cake face mask complete with (non-edible) sprinkles? We can’t think of anything that smells like teen spirit more than I Dew Care. These playful products are made with fun in mind and lots of clever play on words involved—from the “Peel Lit” citric acid pads (great for acne-prone skin) to a “Disco Kitten” glittery peel-off mask that feels like a party in a jar. 

CeraVe

Okay, not necessarily made just for teens or new, but the TikTok-favorite (and developed by derms!) brand CeraVe is a tried-and-true pick for anyone not wanting to spend their entire paycheck on skincare. Because, skincare is really healthcare and shouldn’t be expensive. The gentle, hydrating formulas are aimed to protect your skin barrier (to prevent water loss) and are suitable for a variety of skin types. 

Petite ‘n Pretty

Your trendy teen will think you’re the coolest parent ever for getting them this foamy 9021-Glow! cleanser from Petite ‘n Pretty that removes dirt and oil almost like magic. The products are safe for sensitive skin and Pediatrician-approved and boast an anti-pollution complex to protect their delicate skin from environmental stressors. 

Clinique

Okay, not a new skincare brand for teens, but it’s one your teen with acne should definitely have on their top shelf. Teen acne is never fun, but Clinique’s Acne Solutions line should help them feel more confident in their own skin. This lotion helps unclog pores, control excess shine and exfoliates to help reduce breakouts. We recommend using all three steps of the salicylic acid line for best results. 

Everyday Humans

This super silky, zero white cast sunscreen from Everyday Humans is my go-to sunscreen (that makes me actually excited to put it on daily), so I can confidently say your teen will be excited to hop on the SPF bandwagon with this life-changing product—literally. This multi-tasking skin hero is packed with moisturizing ingredients like green tea, spinach and hyaluronic acid that other standard sun protectants don’t have. If there’s one skincare product they need to use everyday, make it this sunscreen (or the other ones Everyday Humans has to offer). 

Pacifica

This clean, vegan skincare brand is perfect for your eco-conscious teen. You can’t go wrong with any of their products, but this gentle, yet effective Bacne Warrior acne spray is a serious game changer. You can also get the complete acne bundle for a complete skincare routine for your teen. 

bliss

Celeb-loved bliss is a brand we’re tempted to hoard for ourselves, but the skincare company’s latest launches are tailor-made for teens, so…we’ll share! The new Clear Genius Body Acne Spray and Clear Genius Spot Treatment are perfect for teens with breakout-prone skin, and the Spa Wonders Serum Set provides everything they need to feel like a mini skincare guru, while protecting skin from harsh ingredients or unnecessary steps. A trio of hero ingredients (calming cica, brightening vitamin E, and smoothing lactic acid) come in ampoules so bright and pretty, you’ll want to show ’em off on your feeds, too.

Hero

Treating pesky blemishes and ones that never seem to budge is a breeze, thanks to Hero’s pimple patches. Might Patch – The Original are spot stickers that not only stop your teen from picking at a spot, but they also pulls all of the bacteria and grime out of pimples and leaves it with less swelling in six to eight hours. The patches also blend into your skin, so you can wear them in public without any embarrassment.