For teens, looking for the right skincare product suitable for their skin might be tough, but with the right guidance, you can help your teen establish a healthy routine. In this buying guide, we’ve collaborated with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua to provide expert tips on choosing the best skincare products for various skin types, including oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin.
Whether your teen is dealing with breakouts or dryness, our guide offers tailored advice to address these concerns effectively. We also feature top product recommendations available on Lazada and Shopee, making it easier to find the right solutions for your teen’s skincare needs.
Quick List - Top Skincare Products for Teens
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
An Ultimate Acne Patch That Protects, Heals, and Brightens Your Skin Overnight
A simple skincare routine is best for teens. The essentials—facial wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen—are key to maintaining healthy skin and addressing common teenage skin concerns.
For teenagers, complex skincare routines are not needed and can cause more harm than good. To build a strong foundation for skincare, focus on these three essential products:
These basics are the cornerstone of a healthy skincare routine, ensuring that your skin stays clean, hydrated, and protected every day.
A basic skincare routine should include all threeproducts mentioned above. This applies to both males and females. Just be sure to use the products that work best for your skin type.
It can be confusing to know which products will work for one's skin concern because skincare should be individualized. Hence, a consult with a board-certified dermatologist is still advisable.
If you have specific skin concerns like persistent acne, sensitivity, or other conditions, it's especially important to consult a dermatologist. A professional can offer personalized guidance, ensuring that your skincare routine is tailored to your unique needs and is both effective and safe. This helps avoid the pitfalls of using unsuitable products and ensures your skin gets the right care.
Choosing the right skincare products for teenagers can be challenging with so many options available. This guide will help you understand what to look for based on different skin types, ensuring your teen can build a simple yet effective skincare routine that addresses their unique needs.
Teenagers with oily and acne-prone skin need products that help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. By choosing the right ingredients and avoiding pore-clogging substances, you can keep your skin clear and balanced.
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most recommended ingredients for those with oily and acne-prone skin. These keep oil at bay and prevent the formation of acne.
For oily and acne-prone skin, it’s crucial to use a facial wash that effectively cleanses the skin without over-drying it. Look for a gentle, foaming cleanser that includes salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but remember to start with low concentrations first.
Salicylic acid (0.5-2%) helps exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and prevent new breakouts by reducing excess oil. Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) targets acne-causing bacteria while also reducing inflammation.
If your acne is severe or persistent, consider consulting a dermatologist to determine the best type of cleanser for your skin. Sometimes, a combination of topical treatments and the right facial wash can make a significant difference in managing acne.
Even oily skin needs moisture. The right moisturizer helps balance oil levels without clogging pores, which is crucial for managing acne-prone skin.
When choosing a moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, gel-based formula. These types of moisturizers are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block your pores.
Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin without adding excess oil, keeping it plump and moisturized. Glycerin helps attract moisture to the skin, maintaining hydration and balance, while niacinamide reduces inflammation, controls oil production, and improves skin texture. Tea tree oil offers antibacterial properties that help manage and prevent acne breakouts.
To prevent breakouts, avoid heavy, pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, petrolatum, and mineral oil. Additionally, steer clear of moisturizers with fragrances and alcohol, as these can irritate the skin and lead to further inflammation.
A gel-based sunscreen with a matte finish is ideal, as it protects the skin without making it greasy.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for gel-based sunscreens that provide a matte finish, which helps control shine and prevent the greasy feel that many sunscreens can leave behind. Ingredients like zinc oxide are beneficial as they offer sun protection while helping to absorb excess oil.
Make sunscreen application a daily habit to prevent acne scars from darkening and to protect your skin from premature aging. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors to maintain optimal protection.
An acne cream or a pimple patch offers a targeted approach that can help dry or heal pimples.
As an additional treatment, consider getting an acne cream/gel or a pimple patch. Acne creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce redness, fight bacteria, and dry out blemishes quickly.
Alternatively, pimple patches infused with ingredients like hydrocolloid absorb excess fluid from the pimple, reduce inflammation, and protect the area from further irritation.
Keep in mind that these spot treatments are not a complete acne solution. You need a comprehensive skincare routine that can target your problems. For persistent acne, best to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Sensitive skin requires extra care, as it’s prone to irritation and redness. Selecting gentle, fragrance-free products that calm and protect the skin can help maintain a healthy and comfortable complexion.
Sensitive skin needs extra care, starting with the right facial wash. Choose a mild, creamy cleanser that is fragrance-free and specifically designed for sensitive skin. These types of cleansers usually don’t contain alcohol, sulfates, or other harsh chemicals that disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation.
Instead, look for ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile that are known for their soothing properties, helping to calm the skin and reduce redness.
Sensitive skin requires gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that won’t disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.
Keep in mind that just because some of the products in your skincare routine contain moisturizing ingredients, you cannot skip moisturizer!
A good moisturizer for sensitive skin should focus on hydration while protecting the skin barrier.
Moisturizing is a critical step in caring for sensitive skin. Opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer that contains soothing and barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and oatmeal.
Ceramides help to restore the skin’s protective barrier, while oatmeal provides a calming effect, reducing the likelihood of irritation and inflammation. Products labeled as hypoallergenic are often safer choices for sensitive skin, as they are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are gentler on the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection without causing redness or breakouts.
Ensure that the sunscreen is free from alcohol, fragrances, and other potential irritants, as these can exacerbate sensitivity. A broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher is recommended to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Sensitive skin is often prone to sunburn, so be diligent about reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially when spending extended time outdoors. This helps maintain protection and prevents further irritation from sun exposure.
Dry skin needs intensive hydration to stay soft and smooth. By focusing on moisture-rich products that restore and lock in hydration, you can prevent dryness and keep your skin feeling nourished.
The best cleanser for dry skin should cleanse without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.
Dry skin requires a facial wash that cleanses effectively without stripping away natural moisture. Choose a creamy, hydrating facial wash that contains ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, which help to retain moisture in the skin.
Avoid foaming cleansers that can dry out the skin further, leading to tightness and discomfort. Instead, opt for non-foaming, cream-based cleansers that gently remove dirt and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated.
Dry skin benefits most from rich, cream-based moisturizers. This type of formula helps hydrate and lock-in moisture to the skin.
A rich, cream-based moisturizer is essential for dry skin to restore hydration and repair the skin’s barrier. Look for ingredients like shea butter, which provides deep nourishment, and hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin.
Ceramides are also important as they help to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss. These ingredients work together to keep the skin soft, smooth, and well-hydrated throughout the day.
Apply your moisturizer immediately after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to seal in moisture and maximize the hydrating effects of the product.
Sunscreen with added moisturizing properties can help protect dry skin from UV rays while keeping it hydrated.
Dry skin can benefit from sunscreens that also offer moisturizing benefits. Choose a cream-based sunscreen that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These sunscreens provide an extra layer of moisture while protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
It’s important to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause further dryness and irritation.
Hyaluronic acid serums or hydrating toners can provide essential moisture without the heaviness of thick creams.
If thick moisturizers cause makeup to cake, consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum or a hydrating toner into your routine. These lightweight alternatives can be applied after washing the face to deliver deep hydration without the greasy feel.
Hyaluronic acid serums draw moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated, while hydrating toners help lock in moisture and prepare the skin for the day ahead, all without compromising makeup application.
Teenage skin can be sensitive, so it’s important to avoid products containing parabens, sulfates, alcohols, and artificial fragrances, which can cause irritation.
Whatever your skin type is, dermatologists recommend to steer clear of potential irritants to ensure that the product is safe for the skin and won’t cause any adverse reactions.
Some key ingredients to avoid include parabens, which are commonly used as preservatives in skincare products, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are often found in cleansers and shampoos for their foaming properties but can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Alcohols such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol can also dry out the skin, causing irritation, especially for sensitive or dry skin types. Additionally, artificial fragrances, often labeled as “fragrance” or “parfum,” can trigger allergic reactions or cause irritation.
Trusted brands are more likely to use high-quality, tested ingredients that are safe and effective for teenage skin.
When selecting skincare products for your teen, it’s best to choose those from reputable brands known for their commitment to safety and quality. Brands like Cetaphil, Neutrogena, and CeraVe are well-regarded for their gentle formulations that effectively address common skin concerns like acne and dryness.
These brands are more likely to invest in research and testing, ensuring their products are gentle on young skin while effectively addressing common concerns like acne and dryness. Trusted brands also provide clear instructions, making it easier for your teen to establish and maintain a consistent skincare routine
Of course, the best course of action is still consulting a dermatologist. However, if you're pressed for time or need a product to use, considering a trusted brand can be a good choice. Just remember to get a product that's targeted for the specific skin type and concern.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Type | Best for | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-free | Alcohol-free | Paraben-free | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | ![]() | Best Dermatologist-Tested Cleanser for Every Skin Type | Cleanser | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin | Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurate | 118ml | ||||
2 | Human Nature Balancing Face Toner | ![]() | Give Your Skin Some TLC With a Natural Hypoallergenic Toner | Toner | Oily Skin, Combination Skin | Elemi Essential Oil, Sugar Beet, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Water | 200ml | ||||
3 | Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum | ![]() | A Lightweight Water-Based Serum Suitable For Daily Use | Serum | All Skin Types | Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin | 30ml | ||||
4 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel | ![]() | An Oil-Free Formula That Helps Your Skin to Self-Hydrate | Moisturizer | All Skin Types, Dry Skin | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone | 50ml | ||||
5 | COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch | ![]() | An Ultimate Acne Patch That Protects, Heals, and Brightens Your Skin Overnight | Acne Patch | All Skin Types, Acne-Prone Skin | Hydrocolloid, Salicylic Acid | unknown | ||||
6 | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule | ![]() | A Great Serum for Sensitive Skin | Ampoule | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin | Centella Asiatica Extract | 100ml | ||||
7 | CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | ![]() | A Mild, Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin | Cleanser | Acne-Prone Skin | 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | 150ml | ||||
8 | Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment | ![]() | Bid Acne and Acne Scars Goodbye With Adapalene | Acne Treatment Gel | Acne-Prone Skin | Adapalene 0.1% | 15g | ||||
9 | EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | ![]() | Provides Ample Sun Protection and Calms Acne-Prone Skin | Sunscreen | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid | 48ml | ||||
10 | Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray | ![]() | Antibacterial Setting Spray Tailored for Sensitive Skin | Facial Spray | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin | Water, Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid | 30ml |
Trusted by many Filipinos, this Cetaphil cleanser gently cleanses all skin types. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin, leaving your skin moisturized without dryness or flakiness. These ingredients also protect the skin barrier, preventing irritation and tightness.
The best part is that this cleanser is dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea. It’s also free from fragrances and parabens, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. With all that in mind, it’s a safe and foolproof choice, as affirmed by buyers.
Product Type | Cleanser |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurate |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 118ml |
Human Nature is a brand that's known for producing natural and hypoallergenic products. The best part is that they don't use any harsh chemicals in their skincare items, so you can use them even if you have sensitive skin.
In particular, their Balancing Face Toner contains sugar beet and elemi, which are natural ingredients that help reduce oil and bacteria on the face. This means that it can clear out even the most stubborn blackheads. Plus, it helps your skin stay radiant, smooth, and shine-free.
Product Type | Toner |
---|---|
Best for | Oily Skin, Combination Skin |
Key Ingredients | Elemi Essential Oil, Sugar Beet, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Water |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 200ml |
If you're looking for a lightweight, hydrating serum that works for all skin types, Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers. Its water-based formula, featuring three types of hyaluronic acid, penetrates multiple layers of the skin to provide deep, lasting hydration. The serum leaves skin feeling smooth, supple, and refreshed without any greasy residue, making it perfect for daily use and easy to layer with other skincare or makeup products.
According to reviews, users with sensitive skin value its gentle yet effective formula, which absorbs quickly and hydrates deeply without causing irritation or breakouts. Many also note that it offers impressive results at a price point that’s more affordable than similar serums on the market.
Product Type | Serum |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 30ml |
Unlike other moisturizers, this moisturizer's strength lies in its proprietary hydration technology that addresses the cause of skin dehydration. It boosts skin's self-hydration, reaching deeper for better moisture. This is due to its combination of amino acids, electrolytes, and natural moisturizing factors, including hyaluronic acid.
Another great thing about it is that it is dermatologist-tested, oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, making it a good pick even for sensitive skin. Loyal users attest to its effectiveness in improving skin plumpness and glow. Best of all, reviews say it has a lightweight texture, so it won't feel sticky even on the oily areas of your face.
Product Type | Moisturizer |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 50ml |
COSRX hydrocolloid acne patches offer a unique overnight solution for healing pimples. These patches use advanced hydrocolloid technology to create a moist environment that draws out pus and bacteria, reducing swelling and redness while preventing further irritation.
What makes COSRX patches stand out is their dual action: they heal pimples and fade scars and dark spots. By protecting the affected area from dirt and bacteria, they speed up the healing process. You will love how your skin looks healthier and more radiant after use. For a standout acne treatment that delivers clear results and promotes overall skin health, COSRX hydrocolloid acne patches are the ultimate choice.
Product Type | Acne Patch |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Hydrocolloid, Salicylic Acid |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | unknown |
Product Type | Ampoule |
---|---|
Best for | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 100ml |
Product Type | Cleanser |
---|---|
Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
If you have acne-prone skin, this might just be the one product that will solve your problems! Differin is a prescription-strength, OTC medicine that is FDA and dermatologist-approved. It contains adapalene, a type of retinoid that not only treats acne but also prevents it from forming. Adapalene also increases cell turnover, which results in clearer skin. Plus, it is non-comedogenic and oil and fragrance-free, so you have nothing to worry about.
Instead of using this as a spot treatment, the manufacturer advises applying a thin layer of the product all over the face. This ensures that you are targeting not only the acne that has already formed but also the ones that are about to form. Many users around the globe have lauded this product's efficacy, so this surely is a must-try!
Product Type | Acne Treatment Gel |
---|---|
Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Adapalene 0.1% |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 15g |
EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen is heaven-sent for acne-prone skin types. This mineral-based sunscreen has niacinamide (vitamin B3), which minimizes redness and inflammation commonly associated with acne. It also regulates sebum production, reducing the formation of clogged pores and breakouts.
Moreover, it has hyaluronic and lactic acid to provide hydration, gently exfoliate the skin, and reveal a smoother complexion. This sunscreen is also oil-free, non-comedogenic, and lightweight, so it won't clog your pores or feel greasy on the skin. And the best thing is that it offers broad-spectrum protection and SPF 46, perfect for those who go out often.
Product Type | Sunscreen |
---|---|
Best for | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 48ml |
The absence of added essential oils or other synthetic fragrances, which may trigger skin redness and irritation, ensures that this mist remains gentle on your skin. However, some reviews noted that the product has a hint of a chlorine scent that may be bothersome to those sensitive to smell.
Product Type | Facial Spray |
---|---|
Best for | Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Water, Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid |
Fragrance-free | |
Alcohol-free | |
Paraben-free | |
Net Weight | 30ml |
Make smarter choices with more information. Here are some of Dr. Angelie's answers to some of the most asked questions on the internet. Keep on reading to learn more!
There are tons! First and foremost, since the teenage years are a period of hormonal imbalances and acne breakouts, teenagers have a tendency to wash and exfoliate their skin excessively. Even though these practices give a squeaky clean feeling, they may actually strip off the skin's natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.
Second, a lot of teenagers are not using moisturizers or sunscreen due to the sticky feeling that may be felt.
Another common mistake that a lot of teenagers are guilty of is popping pimples. It may seem harmless but popping pimples can cause scarring and aggravate acne.
There is no hard and fast rule as to what age it is best to start skin care products. However, it is recommended to start using skin care products at around 12 years old or when puberty hits.
At this time, the hormonal levels and environmental milieu of the skin change, hence leading to possible acne breakouts. Therefore, skincare products may be started to combat pesky pimples!
For teenagers, complex skincare routines are not needed and can cause more harm than good. Some products formulated for adult skin can be too harsh for teen skin. Examples include:
Planning to revamp your usual skincare regimen? Here are links to the best skincare tools online, which can help your skin look brighter than before.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Cetaphil|Gentle Skin Cleanser
No. 2: Human Nature|Balancing Face Toner
No. 3: Good Molecules|Hyaluronic Acid Serum
No. 4: Neutrogena|Hydro Boost Water Gel
No. 5: COSRX|Acne Pimple Master Patch
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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