Social media has been the catalyst for many beauty trends, but an unintended result of recent skin-care focused content has been a surge of interest among pre-teens and teens eager to adopt skin care routines that may not be ideal for young skin. While viral products can be tempting, they often contain ingredients formulated for adult skin, potentially causing more harm than good for Gen Alpha and Gen Z.
So, what does a good beginner skincare routine look like for young skin? The answer is keeping it simple. The truth is, pre-teen and teen skin benefits most from a foundational routine that prioritizes hydration and protection.
Gentle & Effective Skincare Products for Teens
When searching for skincare products for teens, a good place to start is Korean brands, or K-Beauty, which is known for formulas that put hydration at the forefront. Our brand specializes in clean, vegan formulations without harsh additives, emphasizing the radiant results Korean skincare is known for. Here are some of our recommended products that are excellent choices for a Gen Alpha's first skincare routine, or a Gen Z's updated routine to address emerging skin concerns.
Cleanser: The Essential First Step
Whether or not you wear makeup daily, a cleanser should always be the cornerstone of your skincare routine.
Cleansing twice a day is key. Your skin naturally produces oil and sheds dead skin cells in your sleep, and can also accumulate dirt and product residue from your pillowcase. Cleansing in the morning gives your skin a clean slate for the day, and prevents clogged pores that can lead to acne. At night, it’s important to remove all makeup and sunscreen, along with the day’s oil and impurities.
For most teens, a simple and gentle cleanser like the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel is a great starting point. This moisturizing cleanser removes dirt and oil using soap-free, coconut-derived natural surfactants while maintaining the skin's natural barrier and balance. The fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
For older Gen Z teens experiencing hormonal changes affecting the skin, gentle exfoliating cleansers can help manage new skin concerns like acne and clogged pores. The Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel removes impurities while gently exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. The Triple AHA offers multiple benefits, including dissolving dead skin cells, regulating oil production, and balancing the skin's pH.
Toner: Hydration and Targeted Concerns
Toners help prep your skin for the rest of your routine, and can also target specific skin concerns— but not all are suitable for a teen’s skin. For younger Gen Z faces, look for a hydrating toner with gentle ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps with hydration and elasticity in the skin, eyes and joints. It acts like a moisture magnet, attracting and binding water molecules, which helps boost and maintain hydration. This also gives the skin a plump, dewy appearance.
To take advantage of these benefits, try the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid Toner — a light formula that delivers immediate hydration while the Black Rice fermented extract helps reduce inflammation and nourish the skin with antioxidants. Clinically proven to improve moisture and skin texture after just two weeks of regular use, this toner is a fantastic choice for achieving healthy, glowing skin with gentle ingredients suitable for teens. Plus, it's free of alcohol and fragrance, two common skin irritants!
Pre-teen Gen Alpha faces can likely skip the toner, unless they have particularly dry skin that could use a boost.
Moisturizer: Lock in Hydration and Strengthening the Barrier
Using an effective hydrating product is vital to a teen skincare routine, as keeping the skin well-moisturized helps prevent common issues like acne and enlarged pores, and strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
Gen Alpha can benefit from a nutrient-rich cream like the Haruharu wonder Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream. This moisturizer combines the hydrating power of Hyaluronic Acid with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E to help reduce inflammation, and the Evening Primrose Oil helps smooth texture and improve moisture retention.
Older Gen Z teenagers may want to start incorporating ingredients like Niacinamide into their routine, which helps boost hydration and even skin tone, while reducing the appearance of large pores and acne.
As teens begin to explore active ingredients like these, it’s important to start with mild and calming formulas. The Haruharu wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream replenishes and soothes the skin with moisturizing ingredients like Squalane and Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and is clinically proven to brighten the skin, improve moisture and reduce hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks of use. This lightweight gel cream provides a cooling effect and helps calm redness and prevent irritation.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable for Healthy Skin
The earlier you can get in the habit of wearing sunscreen daily, the better. Protecting your face from the sun is the best thing you can do for healthy skin long term. Daily SPF application not only helps prevent serious conditions like skin cancer but also helps to avoid dark spots, uneven skin tone, and premature wrinkles.
But, we get it, not all sunscreens are made equal. That’s why we tried to check all the boxes with the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airylift Daily Sunscreen, which offers SPF50+, and advanced PA++++ filters. This sunscreen is:
The formula is seamless under makeup and can be used as a primer sunscreen, and is easy to reapply throughout the day over makeup with no white cast. It’s a sunscreen that doubles as skin care to provide brightening, moisturizing and well-aging benefits for all skin tones.
The irony isn’t lost on us seeing so many young shoppers reach for harsh, age-inappropriate ingredients meant to treat skin concerns that consistent sun protection can often prevent!
Easy Skincare Routine for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
We know K-Beauty popularized the elaborate 10-step skin care routine, but when you’re just starting out, three to four staple products are all you need for both morning and night. In fact, the same core products can be used in both routines.
Morning Skincare Routine for Teens:
1. Cleanse - (Gen Alpha & Z)
2. Tone - (Gen Z - optional for younger teens)
3. Hydrate (Gen Alpha & Z)
4. Protect (Gen Alpha & Z)
Nighttime Skincare Routine for Teens:
1. Cleanse (Gen Alpha & Z)
2. Tone (Gen Z - optional for younger teens)
3. Hydrate (Gen Alpha & Z)
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing the Essentials
The best skincare routine for teens and pre-teens centers around cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection— three to four products is enough to provide what younger skin needs. Additional steps or more potent ingredients can be introduced in the later teen years, ideally under the guidance of a dermatologist for specific skin concerns.
Easy Skincare for Teens: Simple Steps & Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Social media has been the catalyst for many beauty trends, but an unintended result of recent skin-care focused content has been a surge of interest among pre-teens and teens eager to adopt skin care routines that may not be ideal for young skin. While viral products can be tempting, they often contain ingredients formulated for adult skin, potentially causing more harm than good for Gen Alpha and Gen Z.
So, what does a good beginner skincare routine look like for young skin? The answer is keeping it simple. The truth is, pre-teen and teen skin benefits most from a foundational routine that prioritizes hydration and protection.
Gentle & Effective Skincare Products for Teens
When searching for skincare products for teens, a good place to start is Korean brands, or K-Beauty, which is known for formulas that put hydration at the forefront. Our brand specializes in clean, vegan formulations without harsh additives, emphasizing the radiant results Korean skincare is known for. Here are some of our recommended products that are excellent choices for a Gen Alpha's first skincare routine, or a Gen Z's updated routine to address emerging skin concerns.
Cleanser: The Essential First Step
Whether or not you wear makeup daily, a cleanser should always be the cornerstone of your skincare routine.
Cleansing twice a day is key. Your skin naturally produces oil and sheds dead skin cells in your sleep, and can also accumulate dirt and product residue from your pillowcase. Cleansing in the morning gives your skin a clean slate for the day, and prevents clogged pores that can lead to acne. At night, it’s important to remove all makeup and sunscreen, along with the day’s oil and impurities.
For most teens, a simple and gentle cleanser like the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel is a great starting point. This moisturizing cleanser removes dirt and oil using soap-free, coconut-derived natural surfactants while maintaining the skin's natural barrier and balance. The fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
For older Gen Z teens experiencing hormonal changes affecting the skin, gentle exfoliating cleansers can help manage new skin concerns like acne and clogged pores. The Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel removes impurities while gently exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. The Triple AHA offers multiple benefits, including dissolving dead skin cells, regulating oil production, and balancing the skin's pH.
Toner: Hydration and Targeted Concerns
Toners help prep your skin for the rest of your routine, and can also target specific skin concerns— but not all are suitable for a teen’s skin. For younger Gen Z faces, look for a hydrating toner with gentle ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps with hydration and elasticity in the skin, eyes and joints. It acts like a moisture magnet, attracting and binding water molecules, which helps boost and maintain hydration. This also gives the skin a plump, dewy appearance.
To take advantage of these benefits, try the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid Toner — a light formula that delivers immediate hydration while the Black Rice fermented extract helps reduce inflammation and nourish the skin with antioxidants. Clinically proven to improve moisture and skin texture after just two weeks of regular use, this toner is a fantastic choice for achieving healthy, glowing skin with gentle ingredients suitable for teens. Plus, it's free of alcohol and fragrance, two common skin irritants!
Pre-teen Gen Alpha faces can likely skip the toner, unless they have particularly dry skin that could use a boost.
Moisturizer: Lock in Hydration and Strengthening the Barrier
Using an effective hydrating product is vital to a teen skincare routine, as keeping the skin well-moisturized helps prevent common issues like acne and enlarged pores, and strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
Gen Alpha can benefit from a nutrient-rich cream like the Haruharu wonder Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream. This moisturizer combines the hydrating power of Hyaluronic Acid with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E to help reduce inflammation, and the Evening Primrose Oil helps smooth texture and improve moisture retention.
Older Gen Z teenagers may want to start incorporating ingredients like Niacinamide into their routine, which helps boost hydration and even skin tone, while reducing the appearance of large pores and acne.
As teens begin to explore active ingredients like these, it’s important to start with mild and calming formulas. The Haruharu wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream replenishes and soothes the skin with moisturizing ingredients like Squalane and Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and is clinically proven to brighten the skin, improve moisture and reduce hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks of use. This lightweight gel cream provides a cooling effect and helps calm redness and prevent irritation.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable for Healthy Skin
The earlier you can get in the habit of wearing sunscreen daily, the better. Protecting your face from the sun is the best thing you can do for healthy skin long term. Daily SPF application not only helps prevent serious conditions like skin cancer but also helps to avoid dark spots, uneven skin tone, and premature wrinkles.
But, we get it, not all sunscreens are made equal. That’s why we tried to check all the boxes with the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airylift Daily Sunscreen, which offers SPF50+, and advanced PA++++ filters. This sunscreen is:
Reef Safe
Fragrance-Free
Ultra-lightweight
Alcohol-Free
Semi-matte, not greasy
Moisturizing and Soothing with Ceramides
Brightening with Niacinamide
The formula is seamless under makeup and can be used as a primer sunscreen, and is easy to reapply throughout the day over makeup with no white cast. It’s a sunscreen that doubles as skin care to provide brightening, moisturizing and well-aging benefits for all skin tones.
The irony isn’t lost on us seeing so many young shoppers reach for harsh, age-inappropriate ingredients meant to treat skin concerns that consistent sun protection can often prevent!
Easy Skincare Routine for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
We know K-Beauty popularized the elaborate 10-step skin care routine, but when you’re just starting out, three to four staple products are all you need for both morning and night. In fact, the same core products can be used in both routines.
Morning Skincare Routine for Teens:
1. Cleanse - (Gen Alpha & Z)
2. Tone - (Gen Z - optional for younger teens)
3. Hydrate (Gen Alpha & Z)
4. Protect (Gen Alpha & Z)
Nighttime Skincare Routine for Teens:
1. Cleanse (Gen Alpha & Z)
2. Tone (Gen Z - optional for younger teens)
3. Hydrate (Gen Alpha & Z)
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing the Essentials
The best skincare routine for teens and pre-teens centers around cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection— three to four products is enough to provide what younger skin needs. Additional steps or more potent ingredients can be introduced in the later teen years, ideally under the guidance of a dermatologist for specific skin concerns.