As a parent, you may have noticed the growing obsession with elaborate skincare routines among tweens and teens. As they scroll through social media, they are shown an influx of influencers and trends that use and promote flashy, cutely packaged products that you often see on the shelves at Sephora — and your kids are paying attention. While it’s nice to see a younger generation embrace self-care, many of these “preppy” products are formulated for adult skin and could cause problems for young users. That’s where tbh kids comes to the rescue, offering tweens a safe and effective way to start their skincare journey in a way that’s age-appropriate but still lets them live out their preppy skincare dreams.
Every new face cleanser or serum that goes viral on TikTok lures tweens in with preppy packaging and promises of perfectly clear, dewy skin. However, these products are not designed with kids’ sensitive skin in mind. Many of them contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and active ingredients that can irritate young, developing skin. According to dermatologists, tweens’ skin needs gentle care that balances oil production without stripping natural moisture.
Watch Out for These Common Ingredients
Common in adult skin-care products are ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol and synthetic fragrances. While these may work for adult skin, they can disturb the delicate balance of tween skin. Strong actives and harsh exfoliants can lead to redness, irritation and, yes, even long-term damage to a child’s skin barrier. Tweens need products focused on hydration and mild cleansing, not the other way around. To learn more about which ingredients are too harsh for tween skin, read our blog: “Ingredients Your Tween Should Avoid in Their Preppy Skincare Routine.”
Our tbh kids products are purposefully created to tackle these issues. Parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes are no-no’s in our formulas — so our products are gentle enough to use daily, yet yield visible results.
Cultivating Healthy Skincare Habits Early
Teaching your tween good skincare habits goes beyond avoiding breakouts. It’s an opportunity to teach them about responsibility, sticking to a routine, and self-care—lessons that will stay with them into adulthood.
Simplicity Is Key
We believe a best practice routine has three gentle steps: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. Tweens shouldn’t do complicated 10-step regimens to get nice skin because that’s what is cool on the internet. Adding too many products can overwhelm their skin, leading to problems such as clogged pores, a compromised skin barrier, or dryness.
How to Help Your Tween Start Their Skincare Journey
Start Small: Introduce one or two products at a time. Start with just a mild cleanser and a moisturizer.
Select the Right Products: Select the products that are age-friendly and chemical-free. All of our products are made with natural, kid-friendly ingredients. To better understand how to teach your tween about what the right products are, read our blog: “Preppy Skincare for Tweens: How to Teach Your Kids to Choose the Right Products.”
Make It Fun: Ask your child how they might add their own personal touch to their routine. Choose a cute spa headband or an organizer for skincare so they find it more enjoyable.
Be a Role Model: Start this process early by showing your regular skincare routine to demonstrate the importance of a consistent and caring skincare regimen.
Why tbh kids Is the Perfect Solution
Tbh kids is one of a kind. By offering a unique blend of safety, effectiveness, and trend appeal, we can satisfy the tween's desires for aesthetics, while addressing moms’ concerns of their kids using products that are too harsh on their skin. Here’s why:
Safe, Gentle Ingredients
All of our formulas are dermatologist-recommended with clean, naturally derived ingredients. Key ingredients such as cucumber and hyaluronic acid hydrate and provide moisture; while chamomile soothes and balances. We enforce the use of NO harsh chemicals which ensures them to be safe for daily use.
Visible Results
Our products show results! Your tween will feel the difference, with softer more healthy skin. As an example, our gentle face wash provides a deep clean without stripping the skin’s natural oils and our wipes are an easy refresh on those busy days. Tweens will know that their skin looks and feels amazing, and all the parents can rest easily knowing they are using safe skincare products on their face.
Cool, Trendy Appeal
We know packaging matters to kids. It’s also why our products are meant to integrate with the “preppy” aesthetic that tweens love. With bright, fun packaging and effective formulas, tbh kids bridges the gap between kids’ demands and parents’ trust. To discover more about why tbh kids is the perfect brand to help build a simple, and safe but preppy routine, read our blog: “Best Preppy Skincare Products For Tweens and Teens.”
Social Media’s Effect on Tween Skincare
The rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made elaborate skincare routines aspirational, if not one of the most important pieces in these preppy kids’ arsenals. Influencers display curated high-end goods, leaving young viewers in a desire to recreate these routines. To learn more about how social media influences tweens' obsession with preppy skincare, check out our blog: "Why Are Tweens So Obsessed With Preppy Skincare? A Guide For Parents."
The Role of Influencers
The world of social media is run by influencers. They create aspirational content that draws in tweens, featuring “perfect” routines and lit-from-within skin pampered with expensive products. Some creators provide truth on what’s worth a try, and some are paid to promote things that have no business in the hands of young people. Although a strategy to sell more products, this pressure can make tweens feel like they need to sample luxury or nonessential products to be seen as cool and accepted by their friends.
Aesthetic Marketing:
Aside from influencer endorsements, the look of preppy skincare products is key to drawing in tweens. Bright, pastel-heavy packaging, sleek designs and “Instagrammable” layouts create an allure that speaks to kids. Even more so, the message being communicated is pretty clear: “These products are trendy, exclusive, and a must-have for anyone who wants to fit in.” Educating your child that these are merely marketing schemes will help your child not feel forced to buy something simply because it looks good.
Teaching Your Tween About Marketing Tricks
Help your child distinguish between true product recommendations and paid endorsements. Influencers can get paid to post about certain beauty products, even if those products aren't right for their skin.
Encourage your child to ask questions, such as:
- Does this product address my specific skincare needs?
- Are there lower-cost alternatives that offer the same benefits?
- Are these products age-appropriate for me or adult-oriented?
- What do the ingredients do, exactly?
These questions will help your tween make healthier decisions that are better suited for them, not just trends.
Encouraging Media Literacy
Media literacy is a required skill of today’s tweens. Teach your child how to:
- Read about sponsored content and learn how to separate the two from actual reviews.
- Only buy products that they have researched thoroughly.
- Focus on the real science behind the ingredients rather than aspirational marketing.
- The idea is to help your child safely and confidently make their way through social media and marketing, and not be pressurized into consumerism.
How tbh kids Empowers Moms and Tweens
Founded by Risa Barash, tbh kids was born to fill the gap in the market for personal care products that were safe, effective, and appealing to tweens. Being a mom herself, Risa understood the challenges parents face navigating the world of hygiene products for kids. She lived it with her two tween kids at the time! Her goal was to make products that kids love and parents approve of.
Our Full Product Line
Tbh kids is more than just skincare. We also have mom-approved and tween-loved:
Hair Care: Oil-reducing shampoo and conditioner that adds shine and softness.
Body Care: Spa-like body wash and deodorant crafted for tween skin.
Every product is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of growing kids, so parents can feel peace of mind and kids can feel confident in their routines.
Practical Advice for Parents
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the preppy skincare craze (we know it seems impossible!). Here are some extra things that may help you support your tween:
Do Your Research: Get to know what ingredients are in popular products. Find clean, natural choices that do not contain harsh chemicals.
Establish Limits: Guide your child in developing a manageable regimen that won’t require the overuse of products.
Just Wait: Skincare is a long process that will develop all of their life. Encourage your child to maintain their routine, and celebrate small successes.
Get Involved: Participate in your kid’s skincare routine. Share tips, try products together and turn it into a bonding exercise.
Still feeling stressed? Check out our blog, "Preppy Skincare for Tweens: How to Teach Your Kids to Choose the Right Products" for some more expert advice.
Fostering Confidence in Your Child
Building a skincare routine is more than just a way to be nicer to your skin — it can also be a great confidence booster for your child. Tweens who feel good in their skin are more likely to adopt self-care and cultivate a positive self-image. When you equip them correctly, you give them the ability to sail through a major phase in their lives with maybe just a tad bit less of the fear or pressure that comes with being a teen.
Debunking Common Skincare Myths
Misinformation about skincare runs rampant, and it affects many parents and tweens. Here are some popular myths and the truths behind them:
Myth: More products = Better Results
Truth: Applying too many products to immature skin can cause irritation and breakouts. Stick to a simple routine. Less truly is more!
Myth: Tweens don’t need a moisturizer if they have oily skin.
Truth: Oily skin still needs hydration! Lightweight, oil-free moisturizers help keep oily skin balanced without clogging pores.
Myth: Natural products are always safe.
Truth: Natural ingredients are generally gentler on the skin, but not all of them are appropriate for young skin. Always check product labels and do your research about what ingredients are considered safe for young skin.
Join the tbh kids Community
At tbh kids, we’re a community, not just a brand. Follow us on social media @tbh.kids for expert skincare tips & tricks, product launches, & real stories from parents & tweens successfully navigating their skincare journey! Join the effective movement and encourage others by sharing your story.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Browse our skincare line and see the difference tbh kids can make in your child's routine. From mild cleansers to face wipes and moisturizing creams, our products are created for nurturing and protecting sensitive, young skin.
By choosing tbh kids, you’re investing in a whole lot more than just skincare. You’re teaching your child to practice self-care with confidence and responsibility. Let’s redefine what caring for tween skin looks like in today’s world, together. Want the ultimate one and done kit? From skincare to body care to hair care -- Shop our starter kit and get ready to see your tween stick to a routine like never before!
Final Thoughts
The preppy skincare trend presents both opportunities and issues for parents. By getting armed with knowledge and choosing reputable brands like tbh kids, you can ensure that your child’s journey into skincare is safe, simple and effective. Just remember the goal is not perfection; the goal is developing lifelong self-care habits. So allow tbh kids to be a partner on this journey — a brand you and your child can trust.
