Teens Health & Safety The 10 Best Face Washes For Tweens And Teens of 2023 By Deanna McCormack Deanna McCormack Twitter Deanna McCormack is a beauty, parenting, and lifestyle writer who has written for Bustle, Byrdie, TheEverymom.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 25, 2023 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Family / Amelia Manley To keep skin clean and clear, a face wash is often the first product teens and tweens integrate into their skincare routine. The best face washes for tweens and teens should be gentle and effective and address the skin concerns like acne and oily skin that are common for that age group. Reviewed & Approved The CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a fragrance-free, all-in-one cleanser that hydrates any skin type without irritating the skin. For a foam-only formula, we recommend Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam. "Kids in this age range begin to go through big physical changes and at various rates. Having them use a complex routine is also not ideal," says dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. "This is an age where face wash, moisturizer, and the importance of daily SPF should be instilled." Take a look at the ingredients, as tweens and teens have sensitive skin that's still developing. Additionally, try to consolidate the face cleaning process (and storage space) with a multi-use product. We carefully considered ingredients, age recommendations, skin types, and value when reviewing products. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Foaming: Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Oily Skin: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser at Walmart Jump to Review Best Natural: Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil at Amazon Jump to Review Best Exfoliator: Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bar: Drunk Elephant Pekee Cleansing Bar at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta Pros Fragrance-free All-in-one cleanser Cream to foam Cons Has not been tested in sensitive eye area We named CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Cleanser our top pick because it’s specially designed for all skin types and won’t irritate the skin. The wash starts as a cream to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and then turns into foam as you wash. In short, it’s a one-step makeup remover and face wash that’s effective, affordable, and won’t dry out delicate skin. The cleanser’s active ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus ceramides and amino acids complex to protect your skin’s moisture barrier and pH balance. It doesn’t contain soap or fragrance and is non-comedogenic. Teens, tweens, and adults alike will love it. Price at time of publication: $19 Best Foaming Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam Courtesy of Clinique View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Belk.com Pros Perfect for sensitive skin No parabens/phthalates/fragrance Easy-to-use pump Cons Some may not like foam texture Foaming face washes aren’t everyone’s favorite, but they’re great for tween and teen skin because they cleanse quickly and effectively and rinse away with little effort and no leftover residue. The Clinique’s Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam is non-irritating, good for sensitive skin, and abides by the Clinique Clean Philosophy: no parabens, phthalates, or fragrances. This super-soft foam feels like velvet on your skin and is made for dry or combination skin types. Try it with the rest of Clinique’s best-selling skincare routine. Price at time of publication: $23 Best for Dry Skin Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser 4.8 Courtesy of Glossier View On Amazon View On Glossier.com Pros Safe for eye area Contains five skin conditioners Cruelty-free/vegan-friendly Cons Floral smell not for everyone For trendsetters and dry skin types, Glossier Milky Jelly is everything you could want in a cleanser. Part of the OG Glossier skincare line, Milky Jelly is a gentle daily cleanser that’s perfect for all skin types and contains five skin conditioners that won’t leave their skin irritated or feeling tight. Soothing, nourishing, cruelty-free, and vegan, Milky Jelly can be used on dry skin to remove dirt and makeup or on wet skin as part of your daily routine. The best part? The brand has some serious cool vibes. Your teen will happily show it off on their bathroom sink and actually use it instead of sleeping in their makeup. Price at time of publication: $26 Best For Oily Skin Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash Courtesy of Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros Removes pore-clogging oil Great for acne-prone skin Fragrance-free Cons Bottle may leak from pump Oily skin is often the reason tweens start washing their faces in the first place. A good brand to start with to help them manage their newfound skincare routine is Cetaphil. A best-selling drugstore classic, their Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash is the perfect way to instantly wash away oil and deep clean the skin without drying it out. Effective at removing pore-clogging oil, impurities, and makeup Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash’s formula has innovative zinc technology to reduce shine and is ideal for oily or combination skin—it won’t cause acne! Price at time of publication: $29 The 79 Best Gifts for Teens of 2023 Best For Acne-Prone Skin La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser 4.8 Courtesy of Amazon View On Walmart View On Dermstore View On Ecosmetics.com Pros Promotes clear/smooth skin Removes pore-clogging dirt/oil Exfoliates skin Cons Eye area must be avoided While teenagers are prone to breakouts, the right medicated cleanser can help keep acne at bay. Reviewers and skincare experts love La Roche Posay Effaclar face wash because it’s tested and approved by dermatologists. Effaclar has 2 percent salicylic acid, which targets oil, pimples, and blackheads and promotes clear, smooth skin. It also has Lipo Hydroxy Acid to exfoliate the skin and remove pore-clogging dirt and oil. Best used day and night, this gel wash lathers easily and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or dry once it’s rinsed away. Price at time of publication: $30 The 51 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys Best Natural Cocokind Facial Cleansing Oil View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Cocokind.com Pros Contains all-natural ingredients Balances dry/oily combination skin Cons Pump and cap cannot be recycled Cleansing oils make great face washes for teenage skin because they won't dry out or disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier. The CocoKind Facial Cleansing Oil is a popular choice because it’s certified organic and has all-natural ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. With an easy-to-use pump bottle, the CocoKind Cleansing Oil removes eye makeup and moisturizes the skin while feeling soft and smooth, even if a face wash is the only step in your skincare routine. Price at time of publication: $18 Best Exfoliator Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Budget-friendly Unique formula Hypoallergenic Cons Eye area must be avoided A physical exfoliating face wash from Aveeno is great for teens because it’s gentle enough for everyday use yet tough enough to scrub away dirt, oil, and acne-causing bacteria. It’s made with moisture-rich soy extract, naturally derived granules, jojoba and castor oils. It’s soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Price at time of publication: $7 Best For Sensitive Skin Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 4.7 View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Minimal ingredients Safe for sensitive skin No allergens Cons Pump is not covered This creamy face wash from Neutrogena is extremely mild for sensitive and reactive skin. It’s safe for all skin types and conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea but still effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup. Developed by a dermatologist, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Creamy Face Wash has minimal ingredients and no allergens. The formula does, however, have skin-nourishing polyglycerin and glycerin. Price at time of publication: $9 Best Splurge Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser Courtesy of Sephora View On Amazon View On Allbeauty.com View On Davidjones.com Pros Calms redness Can be used on wet or dry skin Cons Squeeze bottle For those ready to really invest in their teen's skincare, the Dermalogica skincare line is an excellent way to get them started off on the right foot. The Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser, in particular, is a fan favorite. It’s a super gentle face wash that helps calm redness and soothes sensitive skin. The gel-to-cream formula is pricey but can be used on wet or dry skin to wash away impurities and keep your skin calm and blemish-free. The ingredients include oat to calm inflammation, lavender to reduce redness, and cucumber to soothe skin. Price at time of publication: $40 Best Bar Drunk Elephant Pekee Cleansing Bar Courtesy of Drunk Elephant View On Amazon View On Drunkelephant.com View On Sephora Pros Easy to use during shower Fragrance- and soap-free Cons Not as travel-friendly Even though it doesn’t look like other face cleansers, the right face wash bar is easier to use in the shower for a young teenager and has all of the same benefits you’d find in a bottle. Also, it has a less environmental impact because it doesn’t come in a single-use plastic container. For example, Drunk Elephant’s Pekee Bar is a popular gentle cleansing bar made with blueberry extract, honey, and marula oil. A true multi-tasking face wash, this bar moisturizes, tones, clarifies, and balances the complexion and is totally fragrance- and soap-free. The bar is formulated with clean, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly ingredients designed to cleanse and soothe the skin and last a long time. Price at time of publication: $28 How We Selected the Best Face Washes for Tweens and Teens We chose the best face washes for tweens and teens by studying the design and features of more than 20 face washes on the market. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors while monitoring shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offers on face washes for tweens and teens. We considered ingredients, design, skin types, and value when reviewing products. Additionally, we spoke with dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar to determine what to look for in face wash for tweens and teens. What to Look for When Buying Face Washes for Tweens and Teens Ingredients Teens have sensitive skin that is still developing. Thanks to puberty and flowing hormones, they are likely to have oily, reactive, acne-prone skin. Choose wash with ingredients that cleanse the skin, wash away acne-causing bacteria, all without drying out your teen's face. Dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar says at this age, organic is a great way to go. "I prefer that my clients in this age group use organic skin care products," she explains. "But to be safe, I suggest they avoid ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and chemical sunscreens." Multi-Use By their teen and tween years, your child may start wearing and experimenting with makeup. Instead of filling up their bathroom cabinet with a makeup remover, toner, and cleanser, try to consolidate the process with a multi-use cleanser that can remove makeup, dirt, and bacteria all at once. In fact, Aguilar suggests tweens and teens start simple. "It’s important that my teen clients start simple. Practicing basic hygiene as well as cleansing their face twice daily and applying a mineral SPF daily is always a great start," Aguilar recommends. "Then, once that routine is solidified, implementing a suitable moisturizer is an absolute great addition for keeping their skin healthy. I love and trust Eminence Organic Skincare products for my teen/tween clients." Gentle With hormone changes and fluctuations, your teen's skin is sensitive. Cleansers that are overly drying, packed full of intense chemicals, and overall too strong can actually cause their skin to break out more. Opt for cleansers that are designed for sensitive skin and target acne by cleansing pores and washing away bacteria. But before you head to the store to stock up on products, parents and caregivers should remember skin is something that shouldn't be shrugged off at this age. Aguilar says don't just assume your child will outgrow their acne or other skin issues. "It’s important for a child’s parent(s), or caretakers, to remember that this age is extremely important for a child’s self-esteem, confidence, and growth. Parents should not simply disregard or ignore their child’s acne thinking they will just outgrow it soon," Aguilar tells Verywell Family. "They should be understanding, and conscientious about it and take a gentle approach when discussing their skin. The grownups should do their best to offer gentle support, about their child’s skin concerns, as children can also develop mental health issues and self-esteem issues." Frequently Asked Questions When should tweens start using a face wash? Because hormones are developing and fluctuating, skin becomes more sensitive around puberty or the age of 10 for both boys and girls, give or take a few years. During this time, you will notice changes to their skin, like acne or dryness, and that’s when it is time to start using a face wash. For those who wear makeup, a face wash is even more important to help any pores clogged from makeup. If you've noticed your child experiencing a breakout, don't be afraid to try something new. "When kids experience a breakout, I typically suggest they apply a full-fat, plain Greek Yogurt mask," Aguilar says. "Simply apply to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Followed with a suitable moisturizer. I also recommend 'teen facials' with a professional." What kind of ingredients should teens and tweens avoid? Just because a product is on a shelf at your favorite retailer doesn’t mean it’s safe to use, especially when it comes to products we put on our children. There are many ingredients you want your tween or teen to avoid putting on their face. In addition to avoiding synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and chemical sunscreens, Aguilar says, she also suggests avoiding Retin-A "unless prescribed by a medical professional." These ingredients can damage the skin, causing more dryness, irritation, or even break down the skin’s natural barrier. Why Trust Verywell Family Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer & creative consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She regularly works with skincare and beauty brands and was a commerce review for skincare at Bustle for 2 years. Along with her experience in the beauty industry, she spends much of her own time researching and testing the latest and greatest skin care products, formulas, and ingredients. Additional reporting by Katrina Cossey See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit