The Best Skincare for Teens Starts With a Good Cleanser (Here's Our Top 6) (2025)

This vegan cleanser is perfect for teenage boys! At this age, boys tend to produce a little bit more oil than girls do. And with the introduction of shaving, boys’ skin can benefit from a cleanser with a bit more oomph. This formula from COSRX is pH-balanced, so it won’t strip skin. Bacteria-killing Tea Tree Oil and a gentle BHA derivative called Betaine Salicylate work deep in the pores to prevent breakouts, ingrown hairs, and shine. Although it’s called Good Morning Gel Cleanser, you can use this one in the evening too! Despite the powerhouse ingredients list, this remains a gentle cleanser for tweens and teens.

If you want to start a solid skincare routine before you head into your teens, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is an excellent place to start. This formula contains very gentle cleansing agents that never strip or irritate. Vitamin E and Avocado Oil help condition the skin and preserve its natural moisture balance. The result is a cleanser that respects the skin and nourishes while it cleanses. Getting into a good routine early can help your skin stay healthy, resist acne, and continue to look great throughout your teens.

If you like to take the cheap, but effective route when it comes to your skincare, Cerave is for you. This foaming natural cleanser comes out in a fluffy cloud of bubbles that gently removes all traces of makeup and impurities. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to condition skin and gently and effectively helps normalise oil production. Skin is never left tight after rinsing—only clean, healthy, and ready to face the day. Plus, it’s fun to use, which definitely helped me enjoy skincare a lot more when I first started my teen skincare routine!

If you’re anxious about starting your teen skincare routine, simplify it by relying on a multi-purpose cleanser. Asap Daily Facial Cleanser is a gel-based gentle cleanser for teenage skin. This vegan, cruelty-free formula is suitable for all skin types, which takes all the guesswork out of washing your face. Antioxidants in the formula soothe sensitivity, while a small amount of Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates and sweeps away acne-causing bacteria. You’re left with skin that’s free of makeup, oil, and grime yet never feels tight or dry. It’s so gentle, you can use it morning and night.

If you’re looking for a cleanser that’ll remove build-up and clear you up, Dermalogica has you covered. Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid to deeply clean pores, fight bacteria, and remove excess oil every single day. Green Tea and Liquorice Root help soothe inflamed skin. Whether you’re experiencing spots on the face, back, or chest, you can use this all-over formula to fight breakouts every single day.

If you have particularly dry and sensitive skin, Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser is ideal for you. This hypoallergenic formula removes makeup and gently cleanses without any risk of irritation or damage. Rich in Avène healing Thermal Water, it gently reduces skin irritation with regular use. Especially formulated for dry to very-dry skin, this milk cleanser is perfect for a tween or teen who needs to cleanse but can’t handle a traditional cleanser. And if you’re wearing makeup, you can apply the product to dry skin to break that makeup down. Then rinse with water. Genius!

Shop the 6 Best Face Wash for Teens Here:

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