It's Not Just the Influencers: These Face Washes Worked Best for Our Teens & Tweens (2024)

If you have a child between the ages of 8 and 20, you know those fluctuating hormone levels can affect their skin as much as their mood. While getting some kids to wash their face can be a full-on battle, by buying one of the best face washes for tweens and teens you’ll at least have something ready when they feel like listening to you. And to help you along, we tested close to 30 face washes at home with our own kids to find what really works on their sensitive, acne-prone, dry, oily, combination, and always-changing skin.

When shopping for a face wash for your teen or tween, Lauren Penzi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, recommends picking a gentle cleanser that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and that won’t clog pores. Look for products that are geared specifically toward their skin type, and avoid anything too harsh and irritating, even if they’re experiencing breakouts. And despite what all those TikTok influencers might be prompting kids to ask for, you should also consider a product’s overall value (price per fluid ounce).

To select the best face washes, we consulted with three board-certified dermatologists about what matters most in skincare for teens and tweens. That info went into planning our real-world test and interpreting the comments we gathered from our kids (especially the ones who love to give one-word answers to everything) to come up with the best face washes teens and tweens will actually use.

Why We Like It

Holifrog’s Superior Purifying Omega + Probiotic Gel Cleanser is our top pick for tweens and teens because our 12-year-old tester said her skin feels clean and hydrated after using it, and we love that it’s made with organic ingredients, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and rice extract. It's filled with antioxidants and helps moisturize skin. Plus, it contains no silicone or fragrances, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

Whether your tween or teen struggles with acne, excess oil, or sensitive skin, Holifrog’s Gel Cleanser is a great option for them. It’s suitable for all skin types and tones and targets breakouts without stripping skin of its moisture. After testing it at home, our tween tester said, “It helped the bumps on my nose” without irritating her skin.

But Take Note

While we love the way our skin looks and feels after using this cleanser, the fact that it costs around $32 for 5.1 fluid ounces of product isn’t ideal. However, if it gives your young adult the healthy, glowing skin they desire, it is worth every penny.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Rice extract
  • Best for: All skin types and tones

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Why We Like It

Clinique labels its Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam for dry skin, but our teen tester with combination skin liked how clean it made his face feel. It also dispenses through an easy-to-use pump, making it ideal for busy tweens and teens.

During his high school sports season, our teen tester is prone to developing breakouts from the excess sweat. To keep his skin in check, he used this Clinique Cleansing Foam for six weeks and was acne-free the entire time. Best of all, it made his skin feel cool and refreshed, never dry or tight.

Interestingly, this cleanser contains Gentiana lutea (gentian) root extract, which has been shown to benefit dry skin and eczema. It does so by helping the skin create lipids, which soften the skin and retain its moisture.

But Take Note

This may not be suited for oilier skin types.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Gentiana lutea (gentian) root extract
  • Best for: Combination to dry skin

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Why We Like It

Our favorite thing about La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is its smooth, creamy texture. Unlike other face washes that foam or suds up, this cleanser is more like a watered-down lotion that leaves our skin feeling soft and moisturized. Dr. Penzi regards it as a great daily face wash for normal to dry sensitive skin because it gently washes away dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH. These days, 60–70% of women and 50–60% of men report having some degree of sensitive skin, so chances are, your tween or teen may, too.

In addition to ceramides (fatty acids that protect the skin’s barrier), this cleanser contains prebiotic thermal water obtained from La Roche, France. Thermal or mineral water contains minerals and antioxidants, and similar water has been shown to improve skin’s softness, suppleness, and comfort and is used to treat a variety of conditions like dryness and atopic dermatitis. It’s also allergy-tested, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and free from oil, soap, parabens, and sulfates.

But Take Note

The only downside to this cleanser is that we have to rinse our skin several times to fully wash it off, and if you don’t like creamy cleanser, you should use something different.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Ceramide NP, glycerine, niacinamide, thermal water
  • Best for: Sensitive skin, dry skin

Another gentle cleanser we tested and loved was the Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser, though it’s a lot pricier than this option.

Why We Like It

Our teen who tested the Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser says that it’s great for his eczema-prone skin. (But please note: Dermatologists tell us that people with eczema have weakened skin barriers, so they should use exfoliating products sparingly and monitor for irritation when doing so.) Its physical (rice powder) and chemical (alpha hydroxy acids) exfoliants effectively remove his rough, dry skin, leaving his face looking smoother and feeling more hydrated with each use. He also loves that it comes in a powder he can shake into his hand “like a seasoning” to get the perfect amount every time. The powder formulation also makes it convenient for travel.

We also appreciate the fact that it won’t cause micro-tears in the skin, which is a common concern for physical exfoliants.

But Take Note

The cleanser feels a bit grainy at first, but the texture improves the more you rub it in. Our tester also said the powder formula does leave behind some residue on his hands, so he had to wash them after.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Rice powder, fruit alpha hydroxy acids, kaolin clay, snow mushroom extract, geranium extract
  • Best for: All skin types

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Why We Like It

CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser is another one of Dr. Penzi’s favorites. She recommends it to those who have acne on their face or body because its salicylic acid gently exfoliates without the use of harsh microbeads or other physical exfoliants. It also has essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid which Dr. Penzi says soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier.

Our tween tester saw a noticeable difference when using this Renewing SA Cleanser. She’s an “athletic person who breaks out a lot” (in her words), and she appreciated that this face wash made her skin feel cool, clean, and less oily without being dry or tight. In addition to having fewer breakouts after using it, she said her friends complimented her on her clear complexion.

But Take Note

Our tester’s only complaint was that the cleanser felt “sticky” while she washed with it (but not after!).

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides NP, AP, and EOP
  • Best for: Acne

If your teen or tween doesn’t tolerate salicylic acid or doesn't find it effective, Cerave also makes an Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide, plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. This cleanser performed well in our test, too.

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Why We Like It

If our skin could drink a face wash, the Fenty Beauty Total Cleans'r Remove-it-All Cleanser would be it. Its smooth, hydrating formula feels like a creamy lotion and smells delicious, to boot.

While other cleansers can leave skin feeling tight and dry, our teen tester said she felt like she could get away without applying face lotion after washing her face with this. (She was suffering from dry skin due to a side effect of medication, so this hydrating effect was welcome.) After using it for six weeks, she continued to notice a difference in her skin and reported that it looked dewier and livelier than before. The Barbados cherry in the product's name, plus ginkgo biloba, quince, fig, and green tea, are all sources of antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect skin cells.

But Take Note

The cleanser’s pleasant aroma is derived from artificial fragrance, which may aggravate those with sensitive skin. Our teen also reported that its thick texture requires some extra effort to rinse off and makes it difficult to squeeze it out of the tube.

The Details:

  • Key Ingredients: Barbados cherry, ginkgo biloba, green tea
  • Best For: Dry skin

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Why We Like It

We like Yes to Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser because many of its ingredients are plant-derived (tomatoes, avocado oil, olive oil, aloe), but it also contains 0.5% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate skin. Parents will also love that at just $11, it’s a fraction of the price of some of the other products on our list, yet it was just as effective in our real-world test. (Many others will appreciate that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, too.)

Though it’s meant for blemish-prone skin, this cleanser didn’t dry out our teen tester’s combination skin, likely thanks to its omega-3-rich avocado oil and vitamins C and E, which are full of antioxidants. The teen said his skin felt cleaner, and his mom noticed that it looked clearer and less red.

But Take Note

Our tester was initially put off by how thick (“like toothpaste”) this cleanser is, but he got used to it.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: 0.5% salicylic acid, avocado oil
  • Best For: Acne-prone skin

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Why We Like It

In this day and age, kids expect instant gratification—which isn’t really a thing when it comes to skincare. But one of our editors attests that the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash really does make a difference on her son’s acne-prone skin within days. It contains 2% salicylic acid and 0.05% lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), which are known for their ability to exfoliate and renew skin while treating breakouts. It also contains glycerine to help nourish and hydrate the skin.

Our favorite thing about this cleanser is its clear, gel-like consistency. We like that it foams up nicely, is easy to wash off, and leaves skin feeling clean. “With this cleanser, I can tell immediately when he's been using it because his skin looks 10,000 times better,” our tester’s mom said. “And when he slacks, you see red spots and acne.”

But Take Note

The gel cleanser comes in a tube, which can dispense a little too much product at once, when just a few drops are enough. For teens and tweens who are less than careful, we wish it came in a pump instead.

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, 0.05% LHA, glycerine
  • Best for: Acne-prone skin

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Why We Like It

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser comes highly recommended by Dr. Penzi. She says that it’s a great daily cleanser for those with dry or sensitive skin, and it effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping natural moisture. It contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help strengthen and hydrate the skin.

This cleanser transforms from a light cream to a bubbly foam while washing, and although it may feel thin, we are impressed with its ability to remove makeup and dirt. The teen sisters who tested this cleanser had mixed experiences, and it was a hit with the sister who has combination-to-oily skin. “I specifically used it on a day I wore foundation and blush. I washed my face once and then used a white Kleenex to see if there was any makeup left on my skin, and the Kleenex came out clean,” she told us.

But Take Note

The sister who has sensitive and dry skin had to stop using this cleanser after discovering dry patches around her nose and mouth. (If you’re concerned about how your young adult may react to a certain skin-care product, we recommend doing this skin patch test before using it on a regular basis: Apply a quarter-sized amount to a spot on your arm twice daily for seven to 10 days. If you notice any type of reaction, it’s safe to say you should avoid using that product.)

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides NP, AP, and EOP
  • Best for: Normal, combination, dry skin

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Why We Like It

What makes Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash uniquely effective is zinc coceth sulfate, a foaming agent that is clinically proven to reduce oil and treat acne. And since zinc coceth sulfate has a pH of 4.5 (which is close to the skin’s natural pH of 5.5), it won’t dry skin as it cleanses. We also love that this face wash is easy to use. Each pump dispenses a soft, soothing foam that is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben free, which makes it great for sensitive skin.

But Take Note

It has a light fragrance, which your teen may prefer to avoid if they’re sensitive to smells. (We have been unable to test this face wash in the real world at the time of this publication.)

The Details:

  • Key ingredients: Zinc coceth sulfate, glycerin
  • Best for: Oily, sensitive skin

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Other Notable Face Washes for Tweens and Teens

  • Drunk Elephant Pekee Cleansing Bar: We are big fans of how sustainable this product is and like that it doesn’t leave behind residue like some bars of soap. Unfortunately, our tester didn’t notice a difference in her skin after using it, except that it felt dryer than before.
  • Holifrog Sunapee Vitamin C Powder Wash: We like the inclusion of vitamin C and the powder form of this effective cleanser. If you don’t mind the high price, this is a good choice for many skin types.
  • PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength: This face wash packs a punch with the highest concentration of over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide. In testing, however, it made our teen’s skin feel dry and didn’t do the best job at removing makeup.
  • Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: While this cleanser smells great and is filled with vitamin B5, not everyone loves its jelly-like texture.

Our Testing Process

Over the course of six weeks, 17 of our staffers and their kids (ranging from age 9-19 years old) tested 29 different products in their homes. We evaluated each face wash on the following criteria:

  • Ease of Use: The first step was to open the face wash and examine it. We took note of what it was like to dispense the product (from pumps, tubes, etc.), how much of it was required, and how easily it washed off.
  • Feel: We also paid close attention to the texture of each product and how it felt on our (or our kids’) skin. While using a product, we determined how well it spread across the skin and if it had a pleasant or strong scent. We also considered how our kids’ skin felt after cleansing and whether we noticed any dryness, redness, or irritation.
  • Effectiveness: We deemed a face wash effective by its consistency, how well it removed dirt, residue, and makeup in one cleanse, and if it rinsed off easily with lukewarm water. Equally important was how our kids’ skin felt after each use and whether we noticed any indication that a product was too strong for their skin type.
  • Hydration: Overall, we favored products that made our kids’ skin look and feel hydrated, moisturized, and clear, as opposed to those that made it feel tight, irritated, and/or dry. We also paid close attention to their pores to determine whether or not they still look clogged after using a face wash.
  • Value: The products we tested ranged from $8-$38 with a median price of $19. Based on this data, we determined whether we would pay the sticker price for each product or if we would wait until it was on sale to purchase it.
  • What the Kids Think: Our teens and tweens also shared their overall opinion about the product(s) they tested and if they noticed a difference in the look and feel of their skin.

Our Experts

Before and after this real-world test, we spoke to dermatologists to learn more about the skin-care needs of teens and tweens, and to determine what to look for in a face wash for them.

  • Dustin Portela, M.D., board certified dermatologist/dermatologic surgeon based in Boise, Idaho
  • Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City
  • Lauren Penzi, M.D., a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Long Island, New York

Factors to Consider in Face Washes for Teens and Tweens

  • Ingredients: In general, Dr. Penzi recommends looking for ingredients that will hydrate skin, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. She also advises staying away from harsh ingredients like retinol/retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and high-strength benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, Dr. Portela adds that products with 5% (or less) benzoyl peroxide work just as well as 10% but are much less drying on the skin.
  • Multitasking Products: Although it can be tempting to load up on skin-care products, it isn’t always necessary. Dr. Penzi advises teens and tweens to avoid the multi-step skin-care regimens they see on social media. Instead, look for products that serve a dual purpose, such as removing dirt, oil, and makeup while also hydrating the skin.
  • Gentle Formula: Teens and tweens are often tempted to scrub their skin, but Dr. Portela advises against it. In fact, he recommends avoiding physical exfoliating scrubs altogether, like those with walnut, apricot, or microbeads, as well as products that contain fragrance, perfumes, or dyes, which can irritate the skin.
  • Skin Type: Whether your kid has oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, it’s important to choose a product that complements their skin type.
  • Acne and Other Skin Conditions: Acne is common among teens and tweens, so Dr. Penzi recommends products that contain salicylic acid because it unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells to combat the comedonal acne that teens are prone to (think: blackheads). Alternatively, Dr. Penzi suggests trying a low-strength benzoyl peroxide product because it is effective at removing bacteria and inflammatory acne. In terms of other skin conditions, such as rosacea, Dr. Portela says to prioritize ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.

Your Questions, Answered

When should tweens start using a face wash?

A good rule of thumb is to start your child on a skincare regimen when they enter puberty, which starts anywhere from age 8 to 14 and can trigger changes to their skin—most commonly in the form of acne. Tweens should also wash their face after wearing makeup or sunscreen to prevent clogged pores.

What kind of ingredients should teens and tweens avoid?

Our experts agree that teens and tweens should avoid products that contain fragrance, dyes, and physical exfoliants (such as products with microbeads). Dr. Penzi also recommends avoiding retinol/retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and high-strength benzoyl peroxide (anything greater than 5%) because they can be too harsh on a teen’s skin.

How often should teenagers wash their faces?

This is up for debate. Dr. Portela recommends washing at least once a day. Other dermatologists say that teenagers should wash at night and in the morning because of the oil, saliva, and bacteria that skin can be exposed to while they sleep.

What should a teenager’s skin routine be like?

Dr. Penzi advises teens and tweens to wash their face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser morning and night. In the morning, they should also incorporate a gentle moisturizer and SPF, and if they are acne prone, they can consider an anti-acne product at night before bed.

Who We Are

Laura Lu, MS, is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in health communication. Her work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, Media Psychology, and Brit+Co. She values clean skincare that is both paraben- and phthalate-free and uses several products on this list as part of her daily skincare routine.

It's Not Just the Influencers: These Face Washes Worked Best for Our Teens & Tweens (2024)
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