Tween skincare: Tips and understanding the ‘Sephora Kid’ trend
Plus, shop the best skincare products for tween skin.
If you find yourself here, chances are, you’re either a parent to a “Sephora Kid” or teetering on the brink of “Sephora Kid” territory.
So, what exactly is the “Sephora Kid” phenomenon and why has it taken the internet by storm?
Tweens have long been fascinated with beauty, makeup, and self-care routines. But with the rise of social media, particularly TikTok, the landscape has shifted dramatically, captivating kids at a much younger age.
Why tweens love Sephora and Mecca
Gone are the days of our makeshift egg white face masks from childhood. Now, tweens are clamouring for trips to Sephora and Mecca to snag the latest skincare products trending on social media.
Can we blame them? Probably not. If we were tweens in today’s world, chances are, we’d be right there with them.
The internet is divided on this tween ‘epidemic,’ with some dismissing it as absurd while others see it as an opportunity to educate our kids about skincare.
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about the dangers of tweens using ‘adult’ skincare products with potent ingredients that could do more harm than good.
While some parents are aware of these risks, many aren’t, and saying ‘no’ becomes increasingly difficult.
So, what are the real risks, and how can we steer our kids away from bagging the latest moisturiser from Drunk Elephant?
Tween skincare dos and don’ts
Bounty Parents spoke to Jacqui Millbank, Owner of Petite Skincare Co., and Gabrielle Meuret, Skin Therapist, to shed light on the dos and don’ts of tween skincare.
The past year has highlighted the importance of simplicity for tweens. According to Jacqui Millbank, safety and suitability are key when choosing skincare for young, developing skin.
“Children’s skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults’, making them susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals,” says Jacqui. She recommends a simple skincare routine for tweens, including a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF50 sunscreen.
What ingredients should parents look out for or avoid in skincare for tweens?
Jacqui advises opting for natural products that protect the skin barrier and reduce the risk of irritation. Avoid sulphates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol, as these can be harsh on sensitive young skin.
Gabrielle Meuret adds that, before puberty, a tween’s skin functions optimally, requiring minimal intervention. Ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, and chemical exfoliants should be avoided, as they can damage the skin barrier.
When should kids start a skincare routine?
Jacqui suggests introducing skincare habits early, as children as young as seven may experience skin changes. “Even if your pre-teen isn’t experiencing these changes, they can still benefit from good skincare habits,” she says, stressing the importance of daily sunscreen use.
How can parents discuss skincare trends with their kids?
Rather than simply saying ‘no,’ Jacqui advises educating kids about the effects of improper skincare use. She recounts her experience with her own daughter, whose skin suffered after using trendy products.
Now, they research skincare together, empowering her daughter to make informed choices. Gabrielle echoes this sentiment, stressing the value of educating kids to make better skincare decisions for themselves.
Shop the best skincare products for tweens
Vee Organics 4 Step Routine Bundle, $99 (usually $108) at Vee Organics
This gentle and effective 4-step routine, perfect for young skin starting to show signs of breakouts.
It’s all about creating good skincare habits with 100% natural and organic ingredients, available in cute teal or pink bottles.
The 4 Step Routine Bundle includes:
- Breezy Cleansing Milk
- Silky Skin Exfoliant
- Dreamy Lush Moisturiser
- Fab Face Oil
Oh Flossy Glowing Skin Essentials Kit, $69.95 at Oh Flossy
Here’s the skincare routine tweens and teens have been waiting for! This set has everything you need for an easy, effective routine that keeps your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing every day.
The Oh Flossy Glowing Skin Essentials Kit includes all three products:
- Glow Getter Gentle Face Wash, a mild cleanser that freshens and cleans without being too harsh.
- Dreamy Dew Hydrating Moisturiser, a light moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated all day.
- Whipped Wonder Shimmering Body Custard, a luxurious body cream that nourishes and adds a touch of shimmer.
Juicy Gel Gentle Gel Cleanser, $39 at Go-To
Meet Juicy Gel: the fun, gentle cleanser for clean, soft skin.
This Gentle Gel Cleanser sweeps away impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils, keeping your skin barrier balanced and happy.
Packed with soothing goodies like:
- Cucumber extract to hydrate, plump, and cool.
- Lotus root water for a conditioning boost.
- Aloe vera to fight dryness and keep skin supple.
Get ready to glow with Juicy Gel!
My First Skincare Routine, $122) at Petite Skin Co.
Say goodbye to skincare guesswork! Whether it’s those first pesky pimples, blackheads, or just wanting to start good habits early, Petite Skin Co.’s My First Skincare Routine has got your kid covered. Perfect for a gentle introduction to great skin.
This kit contains:
- 150ml Face Cleansing Foam – Confetti Collection
- 50ml Face Moisturiser
- 75g SPF50 Face Sunscreen
- 1 Pink Heart Shape Skin Buffer
Bubble Duo: Mini two-step routine, $34.95 at Bubble Skincare
With this duo, you get about three weeks of Bubble Skincare’s cleanser and moisturiser – perfect for trying out these bestsellers before committing to the full routine.
Both kits include:
- Fresh Start Gel Cleanser – this daily PHA gel cleanser washes away pore-clogging dirt and debris without leaving your skin dry and irritated
- Pick your moisturiser sample based on your skin type. For dry or normal skin, go with Slam Dunk. For oily or combination skin, try Level Up.
Face Saver Hydrating Serum Mist, $19.99 by Allkinds
Meet your new skin BFF: a Dermatologically tested serum mist that gives you glowing goals.
- Chamomile and Aloe Vera: Soothing superstars that help your skin relax.
- Niacinamide: The expert’s fave for tackling acne, uneven skin tone, redness, and oil control.
- Earth Marine Water Extract: Shields your skin from daily environmental stressors.
- Vitamin E Acetate: An antioxidant hero that supports and protects your skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): The hydration queen, keeping your skin bouncy, soft, and smooth.
SPF Face Sunscreen, $30 (usually $40) by Petite Skin Co.
Turn daily sun protection into a family ritual with Petite Skin Co.’s SPF50 UVA + UVB Mineral Sunscreen.
This natural, vegan sunscreen is a must for shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Physical zinc barrier: Offers strong protection while being gentle on the skin.
- Non-clogging formula: Easy to apply and won’t clog pores.
Tween Facial Moisturiser, $34.95 at Ecoriginals
Ecoriginals Tween Moisturiser is a nature-powered hydrator made with the best Mother Nature has to offer. Perfect for young, sensitive skin with 100% organic ingredients.
- Lemon myrtle: keeps oil in check, prevents breakouts, and calms irritation.
- Jojoba: delivers deep moisture and repair.
- Papaya: soothes skin, fights inflammation, and tackles acne and blemishes.
Shvitz Spritz, $24.95 by Neon Goat
Loaded with powerful vitamin C, super antioxidants, cleansing botanicals, and anti-odor natural salts, Shvitz Spritz is a cool, vegan light mist sweat spray.
Dermatologically tested, clean, and cruelty-free, straight from Australia. Spray on your body and clothes (not your face) after a good workout. Bye-bye, BO!
