Lately, TikTok has been flooded with videos of tweens and teens showing off their multi-step skincare routines—organized, aesthetic, and often inspired by influencers twice their age. This tween TikTok skincare trend is everywhere. While I love seeing young people take an interest in caring for their skin, I also have concerns, as both a dermatologist and a mom of three.
Because here’s the thing: a 10-year-old doesn’t need a 10-step routine. And some of the products in those viral videos? They’re not just unnecessary, but potentially harmful.
Tween TikTok Skincare: The Science Is In and It’s Eye-Opening
A new study from Northwestern Medicine, published in Pediatrics in June 2025, took a close look at this trend. Researchers created mock TikTok accounts as if they belonged to 13-year-old girls, and analyzed 100 “Get Ready With Me” skincare videos posted by girls between the ages of 7 and 18.
Here’s what they found:
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Most teens and tweens used an average of six skincare products in a single routine. Some used more than 12.
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The average monthly cost of these routines was $168—some went well over $500.
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On average, each video promoted 11 potentially irritating active ingredients, including exfoliating acids like salicylic and glycolic acid.
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Only 26% of daytime routines included sunscreen.
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Many products were designed for adult skin and not tested or recommended for children.
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Alarmingly, the study also pointed out that the repeated use of strong actives could lead to long-term skin sensitivity and even lifelong allergic reactions.
The study’s lead author noted that these routines offer little to no benefit for young, healthy skin—and, in some cases, pose real dermatologic risks.
If young skin is exposed to certain ingredients too soon, like fragrances or essential oils, it can become “stained” with sensitivity. Once that reaction is triggered, the skin can remember it for years and overreact even to the tiniest exposure later on. Young skin is still developing its tolerance to outside exposures, so it’s more likely to become sensitive to ingredients.
So What Should Young Skin Actually Need?
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that more products automatically mean better skin. In reality, healthy skin starts with a strong skin barrier—the outermost layer of the skin that helps lock in moisture and protect against irritants, allergens, and environmental damage. In children and young teens, this barrier is still developing, making it more vulnerable to disruption from unnecessary active ingredients. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, redness, stinging, breakouts, and increased sensitivity. That's why I encourage parents and young patients to focus on consistency. A simple routine built around cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sun protection does far more to support long-term skin health than layering multiple trendy products.
The truth is, tween and teen skin is totally different from adult skin.
Let’s break it down:
What’s best to avoid at this age:
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Retinoids (often used for anti-aging or acne in adults)
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Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other strong exfoliants
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Fragrances and essential oils
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Harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants
These can strip the skin, disrupt the barrier, and even increase the risk of allergic reactions—some of which can become permanent sensitivities. At ERLY, we prioritize hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare.
What does make sense for younger skin:
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A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
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A lightweight, barrier-supporting moisturizer
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A daily, mineral-based SPF 30 or higher (this is the most important step of all—ERLY Start Moisturizer SPF 40 is a great example)
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Simple, proven ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid (we like ERLY Daily Soothe Calming Serum for this)
The goal for young skin isn’t about transforming or treating—it’s about protecting and preserving.
One of the healthiest habits young people can build is consistency rather than complexity. A simple routine that's easy to follow every day is often more beneficial than frequently changing products or layering multiple active ingredients.
Where Brands Come In
The current social media environment makes it easy for young people to pick up habits from viral trends rather than trusted sources. That’s where brands need to step up.
If you’re working with teen and tween influencers—or just marketing skincare in this space—there’s a responsibility to lead with education. That means being honest about what a product is designed for, and who it’s not for. If something is meant for mature skin, say so. If a product could irritate or sensitize young skin, don’t promote it to kids.
Brands should be focusing more on helping young users and their parents understand the basics. A three-step routine—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen—is more than enough. And it's sustainable. That’s the kind of skin confidence we should be promoting.
A Chance to Do Better
This skincare trend might seem superficial at first glance, but it actually presents a powerful opportunity. We can shift the conversation toward healthy habits, simplified routines, and a message that emphasizes skin support, not perfection.
As a dermatologist, I’ve seen what can happen when the wrong products are used too young. As a parent, I want to make sure we’re empowering kids with knowledge, not just letting them absorb what they see online.
At ERLY, we believe in skincare that supports all ages, especially those just starting out. That’s why we focus on gentle, fragrance-free formulas, safe ingredients, and routines that actually make sense. Because the goal isn’t to do more. It’s to do what’s right for your skin.
FAQs
Do tweens need a skincare routine? Yes, but it should be simple. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are often enough for healthy tween skin. More complex routines are not usually necessary.
Are TikTok skincare routines safe for kids? Many skincare routines shared on social media include products and active ingredients that are designed for adult skin. Young skin has different needs, so it's important to choose age-appropriate products and keep routines simple.
What skincare ingredients should tweens avoid? The article recommends being cautious with strong exfoliating acids, retinoids, fragrances, essential oils, and harsh scrubs, which may be more irritating for younger skin.
What skincare products should tweens use? A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a mineral sunscreen are the foundation of a simple skincare routine. Some gentle ingredients, such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, may also be appropriate.
Why is sunscreen important for tweens? Daily sunscreen helps protect young skin from UV exposure and supports healthy skin habits that can benefit skin over the long term.
Last reviewed and updated: June 2026.
