Discover the best skincare products for tweens, from gentle face washes to hydrating moisturizers and sun protection. Learn why these products are perfect for your tween’s growing skin, including favorites like Bubble Skincare, CeraVe, and more. Find the ideal skincare routine for your tween today!

Breaking Down the Essentials for Easy Understanding

I recently wrote about how my tweens have developed a love for all things spa, makeup, and self-care in this post From Tween Obsession to Spa Business: A Parent’s Take on Their Growing Independence, and I realized it might be helpful to break up that content into more digestible pieces. This way, you can easily navigate the topics that interest you most, whether it’s skincare routines, makeup exploration, or sunscreen protection for your tween.

In today’s post, I’m diving into the skincare essentials, mostly the products we love, and why I’ve chosen certain items for Della and Emma. Skincare is so important at this age, and as they start to develop their own habits, I want to make sure they’re using products that are gentle, effective, and appropriate for their growing skin.

Let’s get started with the face washes, moisturizers, and sunscreens that we’re using—and why they’re perfect for your tween too!

Tween-Friendly Face Washes: Gentle and Effective

When it comes to face washes, I’ve always prioritized products that are gentle enough for my girls’ sensitive skin but still effective at cleansing. Both Della and Emma have active lifestyles—sports, outdoor play, and everything in between—so their skin needs products that remove dirt and sweat without irritating or drying them out.

Here are two of our favorites:

Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

Della absolutely loves this cleanser! It effectively removes buildup and impurities from her pores without leaving her skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, especially after a day of tennis or playing outside. The formula is gentle yet powerful, making it ideal for tween skin. I appreciate that it’s cruelty-free, vegan, and designed for young skin.

Why We Love It:

• Gentle, effective formula that removes impurities without drying out the skin.
• Cruelty-free and vegan, making it a more ethical option for young skincare routines.
• Great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
• Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed without any tightness.

Link to Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

For a reliable, classic option, CeraVe has been a favorite in our house for years. The CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser is perfect for tweens with dry or sensitive skin. It gently washes away dirt and oil without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cleanser helps hydrate and restore the skin.

Why We Love It:

• Gentle on dry and sensitive skin.
• Hydrates and balances skin while cleansing.
• Contains key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized.
• Non-foaming formula that’s perfect for keeping skin calm and healthy.

Link to CeraVe Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

Tween Moisturizers: Hydration Made Simple

Moisturizing is an essential part of any skincare routine, and for Della and Emma, I’ve found products that hydrate their skin without feeling too heavy or greasy. As they grow, it’s important for them to understand the importance of keeping their skin moisturized, especially after cleansing.

Here are three great options that work wonders for my tweens:

Bubble Skincare Bounce Back Toner

While not exactly a moisturizer, Della uses this before applying the next product on the list. She loves spritzing it on her face; it’s fun, ensuring she uses it regularly, and it instantly refreshes her skin, adding moisture and balance. It’s perfect for on-the-go. She read a review of this product online which gave her the idea to just throw it in her bag to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Link to Bubble Skincare Bounce Back Refreshing Mist Toner

Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer

This moisturizer has been a huge hit with Della! She loves the light, refreshing feel it gives her skin, and I’m happy knowing it’s formulated with gentle ingredients perfect for young skin. The packaging is adorable, and it’s easy for her to use every day. It provides great hydration without leaving any greasy residue, which is essential for tween skin.

Why We Love It:

• Lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for tween skin.
• Hydrates and refreshes the skin without making it oily.
• Packed with natural ingredients for a healthy, glowing complexion.
• Fun packaging that encourages my girls to stick to their skincare routine.

Link to Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

A classic that never lets us down, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has been a go-to in our household since the girls were babies. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for daily use. With its nourishing ingredients like glycerin and vitamins B5 and B3, it keeps their skin soft, smooth, and healthy, making it perfect for daily use on all skin types.

Why We Love It:

• Fragrance-free, non-greasy, and gentle for sensitive skin.
• Provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
• Perfect for daily use on all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
• Easily accessible and affordable.

Link to Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer

This one is special. Sometime ago I discovered Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer for my own skincare and it’s been a game changer for my sensitive skin. The calming blend of prebiotic oat and feverfew soothes irritation while providing 24-hour hydration, making it a great fit for both moms and tweens. While I don’t use it much anymore because I’m turning 40 and focused on age-related products, I would definitely buy it for the girls as its gentle, fragrance-free formula is perfect for their skin and daily use without causing breakouts or irritation.

Why We Love It:

• Soothes sensitive skin with a calming blend of prebiotic oat and feverfew, perfect for both tweens and adults.
• Fragrance-free formula that’s gentle on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation or breakouts.
• Provides 24-hour hydration to keep skin soft and moisturized throughout the day.
• Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for young, acne-prone skin.
• A trusted product in our family for its calming and hydrating benefits, perfect for both moms and tweens with sensitive skin.

Link to Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a standout product for tweens, offering both hydration and sun protection in one. The lightweight formula provides broad-spectrum sun protection with zinc oxide, a key ingredient that shields the skin from harmful UV rays without the risk of irritation. The addition of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide helps keep the skin moisturized and calm throughout the day. What makes this moisturizer even better is that it’s non-greasy and won’t clog pores, making it perfect for young skin. It’s a simple yet effective solution for parents looking to incorporate sunscreen into their tween’s daily routine without worrying about breakouts or irritation.

Why We Love It:

• Provides broad-spectrum sun protection with zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen ingredient.
• Contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
• Infused with niacinamide to help calm and soothe the skin.
• Non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a shiny residue.
• Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, making it great for young, acne-prone skin.
• Ideal for daily use as it combines both hydration and SPF in one simple step.

Link to CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

Tween Sunscreens: Mineral vs. Chemical and Essential Protection for Growing Skin

As you’re building a skincare routine for your tween, sunscreen is a must! Protecting their skin from the harmful effects of the sun is one of the most important habits to instill early on. But did you know there are two types of sunscreens—mineral and chemical? here’s a quick breakdown:

• Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. They typically contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These are great for sensitive skin since they’re less likely to irritate or cause reactions. Mineral sunscreens are a top choice for my girls, especially because they offer broad-spectrum protection and are often gentler for young skin.

• Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and turn them into heat, which is then released from the skin. They usually contain active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate. While effective, they can sometimes cause irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

As I discussed in another one of my posts: 5 Key Reasons Why EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 Is My Daily Must-Have for Face Protection, chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the body and could have an effect on hormones while mineral ones stay on the surface and create a barrier against the harmful rays of the sun. Mineral sunscreens in many cases leave a white film on the skin but we embrace them, too. In fact, I make them a priority for the body.

I personally opt for mineral sunscreen products for Della and Emma because they’re typically gentler and safer for young, developing skin.

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

For daily protection, CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of our go-to choices. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it a great mineral sunscreen option for my girls. It’s non-greasy, fragrance-free, and doesn’t clog pores, which is perfect for sensitive skin.

Why We Love It:

• 100% mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
• Perfect for daily use and provides excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Link to CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

However, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that isn’t mineral-based but still offers great protection, here’s a solid option:

La-Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

A recent find, La-Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 has quickly become a favorite. We got it for free at a tennis tournament last year, and both the girls and I have used it. It’s important to note that this sunscreen is not a mineral sunscreen; it is a chemical sunscreen. It offers high SPF protection and works well to shield against harmful UV rays. The formula is gentle, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, which is why I like it for both Della and Emma when they’re involved in outdoor activities. However, since it’s chemical-based, I still prefer mineral sunscreens for everyday use.

Why We Love It:

• SPF 50 protection
• Gentle, non-greasy formula
• Absorbs quickly without leaving a residue
• Provides high protection for outdoor activities
• Con: Not a mineral sunscreen (chemical sunscreen)

Link to La-Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

More information on how to use sunscreen, how often to reapply, how much to use can be found on the American Cancer Society‘s page.

Conclusion: Tweens Are Growing, and So Are Their Skincare Needs

Watching Della and Emma grow into their skincare routines has been such a rewarding experience. They’re becoming more independent with their self-care, and I love that they’re learning the importance of protecting their skin from an early age. Whether it’s face washes, moisturizers, or sunscreens, I always try to choose products that are gentle, effective, and designed for young skin.

As they continue to develop their own preferences, I’m proud of the way they’ve embraced a routine that fosters both healthy habits and self-confidence. If you’re navigating skincare for your tween, I hope these product recommendations help guide you in creating a routine that’s both fun and effective.

What products are your tweens using? I’d love to hear your favorites and any recommendations you have for tween skincare! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.