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Caring for our children is one of the most important things we do as parents, and while their skin health may feel like a no brainer compared with some of the other hurdles kids throw our way, the popularity of advanced pediatric skincare routines that incorporate cosmeceuticals and other adult skincare products makes caring for our child’s skin a little more challenging. Pediatric skincare isn't about complex routines or adding in unnecessary products. It’s about nurturing good habits and keeping skin protected from environmental aggressors. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide outlining what skincare is safe for kids, what should be avoided, and how to teach healthy skincare habits without overwhelming their children.
Dermatologists, pediatricians, and parents have all started to raise red flags about the troubling trend in marketing adult skincare products to children. Young people absolutely need to develop and maintain good skincare habits, but they don’t need difficult, multi-step skincare routines and unnecessarily potent products.
Retail shelves and online beauty stores are brimming with skincare lines marketed specifically to children, and many of them mimic adult skincare products. Additionally, adult skincare products are increasingly pushed toward children with colorful branding or unique packaging or distribution systems (like those pump-up cleansers and moisturizers). There are products with adult ingredients like retinol being pushed toward kids as young as eight! Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be a fad. Instead, it seems to be in direct response to higher demand from younger and younger consumers who are fueled by social media influencer culture. These influencers show complex skincare routines that don’t contextualize what products are needed and for what age groups or skincare needs.
The potential ethical concerns related to marketing unnecessary skincare products to children and teens are abundant. According to a review published on PubMed, ethical implications that deserve consideration include:
It’s important to note that children and preteens are still developing physically and emotionally. Imposing adult cosmetic goals on them, like anti-aging or skin lightening, can impact their confidence and wellbeing. What children truly need is a skincare routine that respects developmental stages and offers gentle protection.
Unlike adults, children don’t need complex skincare routines. Pediatric dermatologists widely agree that less is more when it comes to kids’ skincare. Children have more elastic and resilient skin than adults, but that doesn't mean it's immune to all damage. Kids’ skin is thinner and more sensitive, meaning it can be more reactive to chemicals and fragrances, so it’s important to build a skincare routine that uses gentle products with minimal additives like fragrances and dyes. A healthy skincare routine for children should focus on cleansing, sun protection, and hydration.
Opt for a fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleanser that removes dirt and sweat without stripping skin’s natural oils (called sebum). Children don’t need exfoliants or foaming cleansers that disrupt the skin barrier.
UV damage begins in childhood and accumulates over time. Consistent use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher prevents sunburns and long-term skin issues like melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Even young skin gets dry, particularly in colder climates or due to chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. A gentle, non-irritating moisturizer keeps the skin barrier intact and prevents inflammation. For children dealing with specific skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or frequent rashes and scrapes, targeted but gentle care is needed. Ideally, chronic skin conditions should be treated under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Parents feeling overwhelmed navigating the skincare aisle or browsing products online need clear, simple recommendations for safe, dermatologist-approved skincare products for kids.
Why: A child’s sensitive skin does not require scrubbing or exfoliating. Using harsh soaps or exfoliants leads to irritation, dryness, and damage to the skin barrier.
Recommended Product:
Hello Bubble – these fun, gentle foaming cleansers are designed specifically for children and teens. With dermatologist-approved formulas, these products are sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for daily use.
Why: Protecting young skin from UV rays is one of the most important preventive steps parents should take. Sunscreen prevents sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and long-term skin health risks. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. It’s important to choose products that are broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and free from harsh chemicals.
Recommended Product:
EltaMD UV Clear – lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, this sunscreen is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It blends easily and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it easy to apply and kid approved.
Why: Moisturizing keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces dryness, irritation, and sensitivity, especially important in winter months or for kids who live in dry climates.
Recommended Product:
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this product supports skin’s natural barrier and provides lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Why: Eczema affects millions of children and requires guided care from a dermatologist. Eczema-prone skin can be itchy, inflamed, and extremely sensitive. Products used by young people with this condition should be free from potential allergens and irritants.
Recommended Product:
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream – a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free product that provides deep hydration and sooths inflamed skin. Excellent for children with eczema or allergy-prone skin.
Important Note: For persistent eczema or to address more severe flareups, consult a pediatric dermatologist to develop a custom skincare plan.
Why: Kids are naturally high energy, leading to frequent scrapes, cuts, and sometimes scars. Using safe, effective healing ointments can speed recovery and reduce long-term skin changes and risk for scarring.
Recommended Products:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment – seals in moisture, soothes irritation, and protects wounds.
Mederma for Kids – specially formulated for children, this scar treatment minimizes the appearance of healed wounds with regular use.
While finding the right skincare products for kids is essential, it’s just as important to know what to leave out of your child’s skincare routine. Several ingredients found in adult skincare products are not appropriate for children, and they can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and flareups in chronic skin health concerns. Some common skincare ingredients to avoid include:
Social media is one of the biggest challenges parents face when it comes to raising healthy, happy kids. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are flooded with content creators, many of them teens themselves, promoting extensive skincare routines with dramatic before-and-after results. Young children are walking into beauty stores requesting products meant for adult skin types. Without understanding what their skin truly needs, they may misuse strong active ingredients like retinol, exfoliants, or anti-aging peptides. This can cause rashes, burning, or long-term skin irritation. It's crucial to educate children (and their parents) that skincare isn't about following trends. It’s about understanding and caring for your individual skin type and skin health needs. Simple, protective care is far more effective, and far safer, than chasing viral beauty routines.
Pediatric skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler and more consistent the routine, the better. Avoiding trends and adult-targeted products protects a child's skin while supporting their self-esteem and healthy, natural development.
Find more dermatologist-recommended skincare products to keep skin glowing at any age by exploring the DermSkincare site. You can also come back to read our blog regularly for more tips and tricks from our knowledgeable dermatology team.