10 Best Face Washes For Teens (All Skin Types), Esthetician-Approved (2024)

Care for your delicate skin and prevent acne caused due to hormonal changes.

Reviewed by Nichelle Temple, Esthetician Nichelle Temple Nichelle TempleEsthetician insta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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As puberty hits you, your body undergoes many mental, physical, and hormonal changes. To combat the severe breakouts, acne flare-ups, whiteheads, and blackheads caused by the fluctuating hormones, you need the best facewash for teens. As a teenager, you may not care much about skin care, but the sooner you start paying heed, the better for you. Here, we have compiled a list of the best facewash for teens that will address all your skin woes efficiently. Keep reading the article and take your pick from our carefully curated list based on user reviews. Scroll down!

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best For Sensitive Skin:Proactiv MD Deep Cleansing Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Dead Skin Cells:TBH Spot Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Acne Prone Skin:dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Affordable:Neutralyze Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Skin Moisture:TreeActiv Charcoal Acne Exfoliating Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Natural Organic Family Foaming Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Use:Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Irritated Skin:Kidskin Gentle Skin Cleanser
Price on Amazon
Best Antibacterial:Clay Lotus Organic Face Wash
Price on Amazon
Best For Ph Balance:Lemyka Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Price on Amazon

10 Best Face Washes For Teens – All Skin Types (2024)

1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Proactiv MD Deep Cleansing Face Wash

This gentle and effective face wash from Proactiv is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. It deeply cleanses the pores and removes the excess oils from the skin, bringing down instances of acne. The formula contains active ingredients like vitamin C, green tea extract, and aloe extract that brighten, soothe, protect, and hydrate the skin. The tiny exfoliating beads clear dirt, debris, and dead skin cells from the skin surface, making way for brighter, softer, and healthier skin. It is also suitable for dry skin.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 6.08 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, Green tea extract, and Vitamin C

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Mild scent
  • Brightens the skin
  • Suitable for acne-prone skin

Cons

  • Contains parabens

protip_icon Pro Tip
Avoid using hot water to rinse your face as it may lose moisture and become irritated. Instead, rinse your cleanser with cool water, which is safe for all skin types and helps tighten the skin by enhancing blood circulation.

2. Best For Dead Skin Cells:TBH Spot Wash

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4.4
tbh Foaming Spot Wash Image: Tbhkids

This salicylic acid-infused cleanser from TBH is perfect for teens with acne-prone skin. It gently exfoliates the dead skin cells and everyday dirt, leaving the skin squeaky clean. It also helps shrink enlarged pores and clears blackheads, while the essential oils lock in hydration and moisturize the skin to keep the skin barrier intact.

The nourishing formula contains 4% salicylic acid, an active ingredient, that unclogs your pores and minimizes sebum production. While jojoba soothes the skin and helps regulate sebum production, willow bark has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne and blackheads. This face wash cleanses the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. It is made with mild and plant-derived ingredients that are safe for the skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 7 inches | Weight: 5.5 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Jojoba oil, and Willow bark

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • BPA-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Mild scent

Cons

  • Weird scent
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 2,311 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.

3. Best For Acne Prone Skin:dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

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4.5
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash Image: Dermalogica

This face wash from dermalogica is enriched with the goodness of naturally derived ingredients and botanical oils, making it perfect for teenagers. This salicylic acid and tea tree oil-infused cleanser work in tandem to clear acne flare-ups and clogged pores. The orange peel oil brightens your complexion, while the soothing lavender extracts calm your senses. This gentle face wash for acne washes away dead skin, excess oil, and dirt, leaving your skin fresh and healthy. It removes excess sebum without leaving your skin dry.

Skin Type: Acne Prone | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 5.4 inches | Weight: 6.1 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Tea tree oil, Orange peel oil, and Lavender essential oil

Pros

  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Refreshing scent
  • A little goes a long way
  • No artificial additives
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • May cause irritation
  • Expensive

protip_icon Remember
If you have sensitive skin, avoid washing your face frequently because excessive washing can dry out the skin and cause flaking.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 1,868 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

Proactiv MD Deep Cleansing Face Wash
TBH Spot Wash
dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Skin Type All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry Sensitive Acne Prone
Dimensions 2 x 2 x 7.25 inches 1.75 x 1.75 x 7 inches 2 x 2 x 5.4 inches
Weight 6.08 Ounces. 5.5 Ounces 6.1 Ounces
Rating
Reviews3,6082,3111,868
Price$30.0$10.95$19.5
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Affordable:Neutralyze Face Wash

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4.2
NeutralyzeBreakout Clearing Facial Cleanser Image: Neutralyze

This rich and creamy face wash from Neutralyze is infused with 2% salicylic acid and 1% mandelic acid that keep the gentle skin of your child clean and acne-free. Both salicylic and mandelic acids exfoliate dead skin cells and help prevent further breakouts. This acne-fighting face wash also helps clear black spots, blackheads, whiteheads, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. This salicylic acid-infused cleanser is powered by the Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology that promotes faster healing and improves your skin tone. This blemish-clearing product also comes with a 100% refund policy, a win-win for parents.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.46 x 1.46 x 5.59 inches | Weight: 4.96 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Mandelic acid, and Nitric oxide

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Lightens blemishes
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Value for money
  • Comes with a money-back guarantee

Cons

  • May cause skin flaking.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,456 reviews claiming its efficacy.

5. Best For Skin Moisture:TreeActiv Charcoal Acne Exfoliating Face Wash

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4
Tree Activ Acne Eliminating Face Cleanser Image: Treeactiv

This sulfur-infused cleanser from TreeActiv gently removes blackheads, whiteheads, dirt, and dead skin cells with ease. Its pore-clearing formula is infused with pumice granules and peppermint oil, which prevents further breakouts. The vitamin C and natural charcoal in the acne face wash exfoliate the skin and remove impurities. The skin-friendly blend of clary sage extracts, glycerin, and honey in the acne cleanser prevents dryness and leaves your child’s face moisturized.

Skin Type: Acne Prone

Key Ingredients: Sulfur, Vitamin C, Natural charcoal, Glycerin, Honey, Pumice granules, and Peppermint oil

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • No residue
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Overpowering scent

6. Best Vegan:Natural Organic Family Foaming Face Wash

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4.5
Natural and Organic Family Foaming Face Wash Image: The Natural And Organic Family

This kid-friendly face wash from Natural and Organic Family is free of artificial additives. The power-packed vegan ingredients like organic aloe vera and glycerin moisturize the skin. The papaya extract, rich in vitamin C, gently exfoliates the dead skin layer. It also serves as a natural astringent to control excess sebum production and prevent acne. The organic orange flower extract soothes redness and irritation. This mild foaming face wash also contains organic neroli flowers that refresh your senses.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 5.71 inches | Weight: 5.92 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, Papaya, Neroli flowers, and Glycerin

Pros

  • Organic ingredients
  • Hydrating formula
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant scent

7. Best For Daily Use:Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash

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4.2
Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash Image: Beauty By Earth

This non-drying, all-natural foaming face wash is the answer to all your teenager’s skin issues. This daily-use product contains handpicked natural ingredients that fortify and repair the skin. The product contains aloe vera, Japanese green tea, and blueberry extracts that nourish the skin. It also contains sandalwood and pomegranate extracts that brighten and tone your skin. The antioxidant-rich formula soothes inflation, helps reduce acne, controls excess sebum production, and leaves the skin revitalized.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Sandalwood extracts, Japanese green tea, and Blueberry extracts

Pros

  • Gentle formula
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Smells good
  • No residue
  • Non-toxic
  • Soap-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 656 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.

8. Best For Irritated Skin:Kidskin Gentle Skin Cleanser

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4.4
paulaschoice Image: Kidskin Gentle Skin Cleanser

This facial cleanser from Kidskin is designed to target acne and breakouts in kids and teens. The gentle and safe formula is infused with ginkgo biloba leaf extracts and organic amaranth, which effectively diminish pimples, blemishes, and acne. The olive oil in the formula improves skin elasticity and retains lost moisture. This purifying face wash helps with naturally balancing the oil production in your kid’s face while helping reduce skin irritations and redness. It lifts away any dirt and grime, leaving the skin smooth and clean.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 7 inches | Weight: 3.2 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Olive leaf and Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts

Pros

  • Oil-balancing formula
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulphate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Benzoyl free

Cons

  • Overpowering scent

9. Best Antibacterial:Clay Lotus Organic Face Wash

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4.1
 Clay Lotus Organic Face Wash Image: Clay Lotus

The plant-powered face wash from Clay Lotus uses nature’s finest ingredients to clean your kid’s gentle skin. It is infused with 15 plant extracts and oils that bring your kids one step closer to clearer-looking skin. Anti-acne ingredients like the tree tea oil and neem oil extracts in the face wash have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties that help eliminate the scars caused by breakouts, soothe redness, and prevent dryness and itching.

Grapeseed oil promotes skin regeneration, smooths your skin, and makes it look healthy. Aloe vera and holy basil have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that speed up healing, even out the skin tone, and reduce acne breakouts. This soap-free face wash contains sesame oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil, which effectively cleanse your skin while retaining the lost moisture. The therapeutic scent of lavender calms your skin and senses.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal, Acne-prone | Product Dimensions: 2.68 x 2.68 x 1.65 inches | Weight: 3.5 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Tree tea oil, Neem oil, Grapeseed oil, Aloe vera, Coconut oil, Sesame oil, and Flaxseed oil

Pros

  • Hydrating formula
  • Lathers well
  • Certified organic
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Color-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Soap-free
  • Alcohol-free

Cons

  • Strong scent

10. Best For Ph Balance:Lemyka Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser

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4.2
lemyka Image: Lemyka Naturals Ultra Gentle Cleanser

This vegan, plant-derived face wash from Lemyka gently removes the excess oil, dirt, and makeup from the skin and helps with acne prevention without causing any irritation. The aloe vera and calendula in the formula calm itching, irritation, and redness. This acne face wash balances the pH level of the skin, making it smooth clean, and soft.

Skin Type: Eczema-prone, Dry, Sensitive Skin, Combination, or Acne-prone skin, Kids, Teens, Adults, Red, bumpy, uneven skin See more

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and Calendula

Pros

  • pH-balancing
  • Vegan
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Toxin-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Here are few tips to guide you while choosing the perfect face washes for tweens and teens.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Face Wash For Tweens And Teens

  • Choose Mild Formulas

Unlike adults, teens have very sensitive skin. Regular face washes with high chemical content can cause adverse reactions on their delicate skin. Hence, it is always better to choose a vegan or hypoallergenic face wash for teens. Steer clear of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and silicones. Instead, try choosing the ones that are dermatologist-recommended or expert-recommended face washes without any harsh ingredient for better results.

  • Keep Away From Gritty Cleansers

Some face washes or micellar waters are infused with solid scrubbing particles that can corrode the skin and lead to further irritation and breakouts. Go for mild formulas with gentle exfoliating beads.

  • Choose A Moisturizing Formula

Face washes strip moisture from the skin, making it excessively dry and flaky. This can trigger excess sebum production, leading to cystic acne and other skin issues in teen skin. Choose face washes with lush butters, mild essential oils, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and hydrate the skin.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Washes For Teens

Acne is a common skin concern among all teens across the globe. The best face washes for teens help combat those pesky breakouts. We have compiled a list of some potent and gentle ingredients you can look for while buying these products. Check them out in the infographic below.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Washes For Teens (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

During your teenage years, your skin requires the best face washes exclusively formulated for teens. This is because, during these years, you undergo physical, mental, and hormonal changes. The best face washes for teens will help you combat all your skin woes efficiently. A brilliant way to start your teen skincare and cleansing rituals would be to use a face wash formulated with naturally derived ingredients from plants that does not have any harsh skin-irritating ingredients. If you have acne-prone skin and looking for a salicylic-acid-infused hydrating formula, then the TBH Spot Wash is the perfect choice. The dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash removes excess sebum from the skin and is perfect for teenagers, while the Neutralyze Face Wash heals the skin and improves skin tones.The reviewed options mentioned above have a mild and gentle formula containing no chemical additives. Choose products that are gentle on the skin, and always read the label thoroughly before choosing the best face washes for teens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right age to use face wash?

There is no particular age to start with a skin care routine and face wash. However, you may start with the basics like cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection from the age of 15, when you hit puberty and your skin experiences changes.

What is the best skin care for teenage skin?

Follow these simple and basic tips in a skin care routine for teens and young adults.
• Wash your face twice daily in gentle circular motion– after waking up and before bed.
•  Use a gentle, lightweight, and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
•  Wear sunscreen in the daytime, even in cloudy, rainy, and chilly seasons.
• Do not over-exfoliate your skin to prevent a rough, bumpy texture. Using a gel-based exfoliating scrub once weekly is enough for teenage skin
•  Do not forget to remove makeup before bedtime.
•  Avoid popping pimples and switching to new acne products frequently.

How often should a teenager wash their face in a day?

Wash your face not more than twice a day. Use a mild cleanser or face wash to remove dirt, sweat, impurities, debris, and traces of pollution. However, if you have oily skin, your cleansing routine may go up to thrice daily.

Can teenagers use face wash daily?

Yes. Cleansing the face and using a face wash daily are important to maintain skin hygiene. Use a mild, non-comedogenic product, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

How can a teenager have clear skin?

•  Do not pop pimples or touch your face frequently.
•  Do not switch to new acne or skin care products too frequently.
•  Wash your skin twice daily and after sweaty activities.
•  Avoid alcohol-based products, toners, astringents, and exfoliators.
•  Consume a balanced diet and avoid caffeine intake and smoking.
•  Reduce stress by indulging in meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or other calming practices.
•  Keep your skin protected by wearing sunscreen.
•  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your skin healthy and plump.

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Nichelle Temple
Nichelle TempleEsthetician
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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