Narrowing down a list of teen grooming products to just a dozen is a challenge, given that there are thousands of grooming products out there! Plus, everyone has an opinion about what’s best for teenage skin, hair, teeth, lips, et cetera— including teens! Indeed, the rise of social media means ‘skincare TikTok influencer’ is a legit job title these days. Now, are those opinions influenced by lucrative brand partnerships? That’s up to you to decide. That’s why we relied on the advice of moms (and their daughters) to help compile this list. Each item fulfills an important teen need, and has been chosen to make the lives of young women easier.
Gelapa Curly Hair Brush
This TikTok famous brush is meant for teens with long, luscious curls, but the Gelapa Curly Hair Brush can be used for all hair types, including straight and thick. It works by separating curls without much effort, and combating frizz when used wet with conditioner or styling cream.
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandru Shampoo
Every teen deals with dandru sometimes, so it’s smart to have Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandru Shampoo on hand. Its key ingredient—pyrithione zinc—reduces the fungal growth on the scalp (blech!) that causes dandru . Just be sure to leave it on or at least five minutes before rinsing to reliably eliminate persistent flakes.
Lume Acidified Body Wash
This one isn’t cheap, but consider it a gift to the whole family in the wake of puberty activating teen sweat glands. Lume Acidified Body Wash works better than soap at controlling B.O. and comes both in three appealing fragrances and unscented. Because it’s pretty concentrated (and teens tend to use a heavy hand at applying products), consider cutting it with water.
Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant
This is a big investment in combating teenage smells, but the feedback on Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant is impressive. It goes on easy and stands up to sweat and odour for hours. It’s also plant-based and smells nicely of coconut. It is best used in conjunction with a good body wash to keep your household free from adolescent aromas.
Akunbem Women’s Electric Shaver
Body hair can be a political issue in adolescence, but if a teen has decided to shave, don’t use mom’s razor! The Akunbem Electric Shaver is safe, gentle, and easy to handle. It’s also waterproof, so it’s safe to use in the shower. Most importantly, it’s smooth on skin and gives a close shave.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
What teens clean their faces with is a controversial grooming topic, but skin doctors agree a gentle formula is ideal. The best choice is based on your skin type, but, for normal to dry skin, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a good way for teens to wipe away sweat, dirt, and makeup. It’s especially useful for sporty teens and those who want to avoid acne breakouts.
Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer
Alongside a cleanser, teens should also get into the habit of using a facial moisturizer, especially one with sunscreen, as outdoor sports and walking to school leads to lots of sun exposure. Designed for normal to dry skin, Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer locks in moisture and absorbs easily. It also has a broad spectrum SPF 50 rating to prevent sun damage.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
There are so many body creams and lotions out there. I’m going to suggest CeraVe Moisturizing Cream simply because my stepdaughter uses it to prevent stress-induced eczema. It can be used on skin ranging from normal to very dry; provides all-day hydration; and is oil and fragrance-free, making it perfect for teens with sensitive skin.
Cosmedix Purity Balance Toner
Acne treatments are a big deal for teens, and high school is a source of stress-related skin problems. One product getting great feedback from aestheticians is the Cosmedix Purity Balance Toner. It exfoliates skin gently and restores pH a er cleaning. It also deep cleans pores and removes excess oils without leaving the face dry or tight. It’s pretty strong (and not cheap), so apply sparingly.
Teenitor Oil Absorbing Sheets
One of the best resources for this guide was a post by teen vlogger Rubix Cubix on must-have high school products. Among those she keeps on hand is Teenitor Oil Absorbing Sheets, which are great, she says, for bad skin days. They also preserve the day’s makeup.
Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste for Braces
Braces are less of a social stigma thanks to Billie Eilish and her Invisalign. But they’re still a pain, and having good toothpaste for braces is essential. Dentists agree that teens with braces should avoid toothpastes with whitening agents; instead, look for products with tartar control and fluoride. Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste is a simple choice that keeps brace-encased teeth clean and protected.
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
Most households have Vaseline lurking in their bathroom medicine cabinets. So it’s easy to overlook as a means for teens to keep lips luscious and hydrated, especially when they can’t be bothered applying lipstick or gloss. Some girls also use it to plump up their eyelashes.
Sean Plummer | Contributing Writer
