Your tween might be showing an interest in skincare or beauty products. Or perhaps some signs of puberty are slowly creeping in and you’ve spotted the beginnings of a pimple or two. It’s good to start self-care routines young and looking after our skin is one of them. But can your pre-teen use the same products as you or their older siblings?
Pre-teen skin is thinner than adult skin and more sensitive too so it can get irritated or inflamed easily if it’s exposed to harsh chemicals or preservatives. It’s also still developing its natural oil production and pH balance. And it’s not uncommon for tweens to have dry skin.
It’s best for your tween to use skincare and beauty products that are natural and gentle. They should also follow a simple regime and not over-complicate things with too many products. Start with just a few basics, like a face wash, cleanser and moisturiser. Any products to tackle acne should be gentle too. Look for products specially formulated for young skin or brands that are natural and targeted for sensitive skin.
Here are six organic skincare and beauty brands you can buy for your pre-teen.
A lightweight gel cleanser that’s ideal for skin that isn’t used to harsh skincare products. This facial wash’s combination of eucalyptus, antibacterial tea tree and antioxidant-rich pomegranate work together to remove dirt and purify skin. Eucalyptus is also extremely beneficial in reducing the redness that comes with breakouts.
$19.70 from Watsons.
Boys’ skin need some TLC too. 808 Dude is a range from Australian brand Naturally Safe Cosmetics – which makes natural, organic and non-toxic cosmetics and personal care products – The range includes a face wash, deodorant, shampoo & body wash and spot free gel. This moisturiser gives skin a matte finish and provides a protective barrier too. It’s a light moisturising lotion with plant-based ingredients that helps with typical young skin issues such as redness, acne scarring and flaky skin. Bonus: it’s packaged in a recyclable tube made from sugar cane.
$24.17, via international shipping from Naturally Safe Cosmetics.
An organic brand from the United States, Juice Beauty has a collection of natural skincare for teens. These clean products target common teenage skin concerns – such as breakouts – without using harsh chemicals. From sunscreen and moisturisers to cleansers and even lip moisturisers, there’s something here that will help your pre-teen’s skin. This serum doesn’t just clear blemishes; it also reduces breakouts, unclogs pores and hydrates skin. Ingredients include vitamin C, willow bark and organic fruit acids.
$53, from Sephora.
One especially for coconut fans, this lip gloss is Kopari’s cult favourite product and is also popular on TikTok. Coconut is this American brand’s hero ingredient and its 100% organic coconut is sustainably-sourced from family farms in the Philippines. A petroleum-free lip gloss, it’s formulated with with squalane (derived from olives) and shea butter too. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and proteins, which keep lips moisturised, while shea butter is high in vitamin A and E, keeping skin soothed and smooth. It’s glossy, smooth, long-lasting and not sticky – and it’ll definitely be a hit with your pre-teen.
$26, from Sephora.
Iko is a brand just for tweens and aims to show them the benefits of having a self-care routine. This certified organic face oil is a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and promotes cell growth. Because it’s made for young skin, your tween will not get clogged or blocked pores. As its name suggests, one of its key ingredients is camellia oleifera seed oil, obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the camellia oleifera plant, known as tsubaki in Japanese. This ingredient’s molecular makeup is similar to sebum, our skin’s natural oil, so its able to retain moisture and penetrate deep into the skin. The result? Velvet-smooth skin that’s also hydrated and refreshed.
AUD24.95, via international shipping from Iko.
Oasis products are formulated and handmade in Singapore, with fresh batches made weekly in its very own production kitchen. Its organic skincare products are targeted for sensitive skin and are suitable for all skin types – they even recommend them for babies. Your pre-teen will love this mist, as it provides skin with hydration, while also keeping it plump and toned.
From $10, from Oasis or their stores at Joo Chiat and Cluny Court.