The Sephora kids have arrived.

Thanks partly to the ever-growing prominence of beauty discourse on social media, a growing wave of tweens have found their method to the skincare aisle — and it’s protected to say many have mixed feelings about beauty’s fresh-faced recent entrants.

On one hand, says Louisiana-based dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano, “it’s great that preteens are curious about taking good care of their skin and developing a routine, which is usually a way for them to learn a type of self care.” On the opposite, she says, “extensive skincare use at an early age may cause problems; certain products and ingredients aren’t obligatory — and even potentially harmful — to the skin of a preteen.”

So how should this demographic approach constructing a skincare regimen?

First, ideally under the guidance of an adult-aged loved one. And second — “deal with your three basic steps — cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Suchismita Paul, founding father of Balanced Skin Dermatology and Aesthetics. “After that, additional steps ought to be based in your underlying problems.”

On the entire, products containing harsh exfoliating acids, antioxidants and most retinols are a no-go for this age group, Turegano says. Similarly, those who emphasize preventative or antiaging advantages — even those who are available lovable, neon-orange packaging — also aren’t suitable.

“We shouldn’t be starting these tweens from a spot where they think that something is flawed with their skin, or they’re already internalizing that something must be ‘fixed,’” says Dr. Corey Hartman, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology.

Slightly, a no-frills routine that targets the age group’s commonest skin concerns — which Paul pinpoints as hormonal pimples and hydration — is Gen Alpha’s best bet.

Here, eight tween-friendly options that fit the factors.

Bubble Skincare Knock Out 1.8% Salicylic Acid Pimples Spot Treatment

$12 at ultabeauty.com, cvspharmacy.com, walmart.com, hellobubble.com

Bubble Skincare’s assortment is one Hartman generally regards as appropriate for young consumers, with this spot treatment’s hero ingredient, salicylic acid, being a “tried-and-true staple for treating pimples.”

Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter

$48 at sephora.com, soldejaneiro.com

While BeautyTok darling Sol De Janeiro’s signature firming creams will not be a fit for tweens, the brand’s latest whipped body lotion taps bacuri butter and prebiotic hibiscus for a deal with hydration — plus, it is available in a fruity and floral plum-violet scent.

CeraVe Cream-to-foam Cleanser

$16.99 at ultabeauty.com, goal.com, amazon.com, walgreens.com

Wealthy in ceramides and amino acids, this lotion-based cleanser is a go-to advice of Turegano’s for tweens with combination skin. For those with oily skin, she says the brand’s gel-based Foaming Face Wash is an acceptable alternative.

Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream

$15.99 at ultabeauty.com, byoma.com

Like Bubble, Byoma’s minimalist formulas and accessible price point make it a generally tween-friendly option, Hartman says. This oil-free moisturizer harnesses a ceramide and green tea mix to deliver hydrating, anti-inflammatory advantages.

Laneige Cotton Candy Lip Sleeping Mask

$25 at sephora.com, us.laneige.com

While Dr. Hartman considers Laneige’s facial skincare assortment as suited to a Gen Z and older consumer, the brand’s murumuru seed butter-infused lip mask, he says, is a fit for tweens who want in on the K-beauty favorite.

La Roche-posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30

$22.99 at walmart.com, ultabeauty.com, amazon.com, laroche-posay.com

La Roche-posay’s Double Repair Moisturizer isn’t only formulated with sensitive skin in mind and thus gentle enough for young users; it also features the brand’s thermal spring water, which Turegano says is “stuffed with minerals, probiotics and nutrients that may really nourish the skin’s microbiome.” 

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

$43 at eltamd.com, bluemercury.com, dermstore.com, amazon.com

Because of the brand’s gentle formulas, Paul recommends EltaMD’s sunscreens to patients of all ages and skin types, though this mineral offering specifically is oil-free and intended for acne-prone skin. Her biggest SPF tip? “Ensure that you’re applying the best amount — which is technically two fingers’ length on your whole face.”

Differin .1% Pimples Treatment Gel

$17.99 at ultabeauty.com, walmart.com, goal.com, riteaid.com

Topical retinoid adapalene gives Differin gel its blemish-busting capabilities. The ingredient is one in every of Paul’s “first lines of treatment” in addressing pimples, and she or he recommends either using it a spot treatment, or via allover application for pimples that’s “more diffuse.”