From swarming the aisles at Sephora to making GRWM videos on TikTok, it’s clear that teen skincare is a must for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. While we give them props for using items like sunscreen to protect themselves from environmental factors, other viral products that might look cool or have fun packaging aren’t doing their skin any favors.
In fact, many skincare products used by tweens and teens are causing more harm than good. Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a certified teen dermatologist, has become a go-to expert on what kids should use as part of their daily care. In a recent TikTok, she shares five skincare brands teens should leave behind in 2025.
@brookejeffymd Teens & tweens, save your money and your skin and opt for safer options 🫣 Click the link in my bio to shop my favorite safe skincare picks 🔗 #dermapproved
♬ original sound – Dr. Brooke Jeffy
Drunk Elephant
Jeffy talks a lot about why several Drunk Elephant products aren’t good for teen skin. For example, she shares that the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a “no” because it’s got exfoliating acids, which will destroy the skin barrier for a young user. She’s also spoken extensively about the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream being a hard pass because it’s got retinol, an ingredient often linked to anti-aging and not recommended for teenagers.
Glow Recipe
In a previous TikTok, Dr. Jeffy explains why this isn’t a good choice: “It has so many products with so many ingredients with questionable benefits. If you are a fan, stick with their Avocado Cleanser and Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer. Skip everything else.”
Sol de Janeiro
Sure, everyone loves the body mist. But the Bum-Bum cream? It’s a no-no. If your kid wants something from Sol de Janeiro, stick with the popular hair and body mist products. “Tweens don’t need Bum Bum Cream, and this one contains retinol,” Jeffy explained in a separate TikTok.
Dr. Jart and Mario Badescu
Two other brands she mentions are Dr. Jart and Mario Badescu. Mario Badescu products can include alcohol, parabens, and fragrance, none of which benefit the skin, and Dr. Jart products often include active ingredients like retinol, which is best left to the adults.
What Teen Skincare Products Does Jeffy Recommend?
Jeffy has spoken at length about teen skincare and the products she thinks are okay for young skin. For her, teen skincare should be three simple steps: a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a lightweight fragrance-free moisturizer like the BTWN Daily Moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum SPF like La Roche-Posay Anthelios. Of course, lip gloss is okay, and if they insist on a serum, a hyaluronic acid serum is an option.
