9 best skincare products for teens, from soothing to blemish-busting

This gentle, calming moisturiser has a gel-like consistency and feels cooling on application. The formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones, and its key ingredient is soothing prebiotic oat, which is gentle and can relieve irritation, making it ideal for young skin. It has a glossy texture that gradually sinks into the skin, leaving it feeling soft – our teenager tester noted how comfortable the moisturiser is on dry patches or easily aggravated areas.

Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it’s moisturising and offers lightweight hydration for teens prone to experiencing irritation or redness from skincare products.

A budget-friendly face wash, this oil-free cleanser is specifically formulated to help prevent breakouts due to the inclusion of the anti-inflammatory ingredient salicylic acid.

The cleanser can be used daily, and our tester tended to use the face wash on alternate days with another cleanser, so as not to experience any of the active ingredient’s potential drying effects. Our tester massaged the clear liquid into their skin before washing it off and following up with the lightweight Neutrogena hydro boost water gel moisturiser (£13.99, Boots.com). With frequent use, they saw refreshed, cleansed skin and the improvement of some blemishes, too.

It’s worth noting that because this product contains salicylic acid, it could cause irritation to those with sensitive skin, so, if you have any concerns, consult a dermatologist.

CeraVe is a skincare brand beloved for its affordable and effective cleansers, with this foaming option featuring hydration-promoting ceramides and balancing niacinamide. Our teenage tester found that the combination thoroughly cleaned their skin without causing tightness or drying it out, which can be a tricky balance to strike. The gel formula feels refreshing and it also removes make-up. This cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t block pores either.

It’s worth knowing this sizeable cleanser comes in an even bigger 473ml option, too. CeraVe also has a blemish control face cleanser for teens seeking an alternative from the brand that targets breakouts.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best CeraVe products

A lightweight moisturiser suitable for all skin types, this product was specifically created to support the skin’s natural barrier. The inclusion of hydration-promoting hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps offer moisture to dry skin, and our teenage tester found it soothing and smoothing without any greasiness.

The moisturiser is white, but it rubs into skin leaving a transparent, silky soft sheen, acting as an ideal primer ahead of make-up. It’s also worth noting our teenage tester has patches of dryness while also being prone to sensitivity, and they didn’t experience any breakouts or sensitivity when using this gentle moisturiser.

Presented in a cute yellow compact complete with a useful application mirror, these star-shaped patches are the perfect size to cover small and big blemishes. The side of the sticker touching the skin is made from hydrocolloid, which is commonly used as a dressing to heal blisters and wounds. Because of that, our tester found wearing them overnight dramatically improved the appearance of redness and inflammation. We turned to the patches as a quick fix for stubborn spots and saw they looked less angry after wearing one of these fun stars.

The stickers also keep an irritated area clean; they don’t slide about, and there’s no tackiness during removal, either. There are 32 stickers included, providing value for money, too.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best spot stickers

This allergen-neutral cleanser is super gentle and has a lightweight formula featuring ingredients such as rice protein and prickly pear that won’t trigger skin reactions. The 150ml pump release bottle is a chic silver shade with minimalist branding, and one pump delivers a generous dollop of cleanser, creating a satisfying foam. As such, a little bit of product goes a long way.

Our tester saw a refreshed glow after use and also noticed their skin feeling softer and suitably prepped for moisturiser.

For the simplest skincare option of all, just add water to this face cloth to remove make-up without using any other products. The double-sided microfibre cloth is extremely soft to the touch, which means it feels luxurious, and there’s a handy loop attachment for hanging it up. We particularly like the roll-up rectangular shape, which reached our tester’s entire face with ease and removed both foundation and eye make-up.

A sustainably focused option for ongoing reuse, we’ve found the face cloth washes well and retains its softness, too.

This fast-absorbing sunscreen is smoothing and hydrating, thanks to the inclusion of hero ingredients polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane.

Our tester noted it’s a lightweight consistency that layers well with a moisturiser to create a smooth base, whether for a bare face or prepped for make-up. Plus, because it’s suitable for all skin types, this SPF is ideal for teenagers who are naturally more prone to sensitivity, irritation, and redness.

The compact tube is a useful size for popping in a bag for top-ups on the go, and we’re big fans of the purse-friendly price, too.

For a quick moisturiser on the go, this face mist is packed with hydrating ceramides and offers a finely dispersed spray that covers the skin with ease. It’s fragrance-free, suitable for dry and sensitive skin, and can be used both underneath and on top of make-up. Our tester enjoys using it as a refresher throughout the day, during hot weather and for extra hydration before bedtime. Plus, it’s a multi-tasking buy, as the moisture spray can be used on the body, too.