Create a Balanced Skincare Starter Kit for Teens

Teens experiencing acne or other skin imperfections due to hormonal changes often seek solutions.

One source of help is “get ready with me” videos, which teens widely view and follow on apps such as TikTok and Instagram.

These videos often feature multistep skincare routines filmed in tutorial-like fashion, with influencers applying a never-ending list of serums and scrubs in the name of self-care.

A self-care routine can be valuable for mental health. But are these routines really necessary for teenagers to have healthy skin?

Dermatologists often advise against using an elaborate list of products for naturally youthful skin. These self-care routines become harmful and counterproductive when overdone – especially for teens whose skin is thinner, more permeable and more sensitive than an adult's skin.

Teens’ use of products that feature strong active ingredients – like exfoliating acids, vitamin C or retinols – can lead to unwanted irritation and damage the natural skin barrier.

A balanced approach to self-care for teens starts with safer ingredients and simple routines.

We’ve assembled a list of EWG Verified® cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens and lip balms safer for your teen’s routine. Products with the EWG Verified mark are made without EWG’s chemicals of concern and meet our strictest standards for health and transparency.

Explore additional EWG Verified products in EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetics database.