8 dermatologist-approved skin care products for Gen Alpha

The Sephora kids have arrived.

With beauty discussions becoming more prominent on social media, a growing wave of teenagers are entering the world of skin care. And it’s no exaggeration to say that many people have mixed feelings about young people newly entering the beauty industry.

On the other hand, Dr. Mamina Turegano, a Louisiana-based dermatologist, says, “Preteens are interested in taking care of their skin and developing habits, and this is a way for them to learn how to self-care. It’s wonderful.” On the other hand, she said: Certain products and ingredients may be unnecessary or even harmful to preteen skin. ”

So how should this demographic be approached when creating a skincare regimen?

First, ideally under the guidance of an adult loved one. And second, “Focus on his three basic steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen,” says Dr. Suchimita Paul, founder of Balanced Skin Dermatology and Aesthetics. “Additional steps should then be taken based on the underlying issue.”

Overall, products containing strong exfoliants, antioxidants, and most retinols are a no-no for this age group, Turegano says. Similarly, anything that claims to have preventive or anti-aging benefits (even those in adorable neon orange packaging) is not a good idea.

“We shouldn’t start these teens thinking there’s something wrong with their skin, or they’ve already internalized that something needs to be ‘fixed.’ ” says Dr. Cory Hartman, Founder and Medical Director. Skin wellness dermatology.

Instead, a no-frills routine that targets the most common skin concerns for this age group (which Paul points out are hormonal acne and hydration) is Gen Alpha’s best bet.

Here are eight tween-friendly options that meet your criteria.

Bubble Skin Care Knockout Salicylic Acid 1.8% acne spot treatment

$12 (ultabeauty.com, cvspharmacy.com, walmart.com, hellobubble.com)

The Bubble Skin Care range is one that Hartman considers to be generally suitable for younger consumers, and the spot treatment’s star ingredient, salicylic acid, is a “proven staple in acne treatment.”

Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter

$48 at sephora.com, soldejaneiro.com

BeautyTok favorite Sol de Janeiro’s signature firming cream may not suit teenagers, but the brand’s latest whipped body lotion is infused with Bakri butter and prebiotics for a focus on hydration Contains hibiscus. Additionally, it has a fruity and floral plum violet scent.

CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser

$16.99 at ultabeauty.com, target.com, amazon.com, walgreens.com

Enriched with ceramides and amino acids, this lotion-based cleanser is Turegano’s top recommendation for teens with combination skin. For those with oily skin, she says the brand’s gel-based foaming face wash is a good alternative.

Bioma Moisturizing Gel Cream

$15.99 (ultabeauty.com, byoma.com)

Like Bubble, Byoma’s minimalist formula and affordable price point make it a generally teen-friendly option, Hartman says. This oil-free moisturizer utilizes a blend of ceramides and green tea for moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Laneige Cotton Candy Lip Sleeping Mask

$25 at sephora.com, us.laneige.com

Dr. Hartman believes Laneige’s facial skincare range is suitable for Gen Z and older consumers, while the brand’s Murumuru Seed Butter-infused lip mask appeals to teenagers looking for a K-beauty favorite. He says it’s a perfect fit.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30

$22.99 at walmart.com, ultabeauty.com, amazon.com, laroche-posay.com

La Roche Posay’s Double Repair Moisturizer is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so it’s not only gentle enough for younger users. The brand also uses thermal spring water, which Turegano says is “rich in minerals, probiotics, and nutrients that truly nourish the skin’s microbiome.” .

EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

$43 at eltamd.com, bluemercury.com, dermstore.com, amazon.com

Thanks to the brand’s gentle formula, Paul recommends EltaMD’s sunscreen to patients of all ages and skin types, but this mineral product is particularly suited for oil-free, acne-prone skin. What’s her biggest SPF tip? “Make sure you apply the right amount. Technically, it’s about two finger lengths across your face.”

Differin 0.1% Acne Treatment Gel

$17.99 at ultabeauty.com, walmart.com, target.com, riteaid.com

The topical retinoid adapalene gives Differin gel its ability to fade dark spots. This ingredient is one of Paul’s “first-line treatments” for dealing with acne, and she says she can use it as a spot treatment or apply it all over for “more diffuse” acne. is recommended.