11 Best Face Washes for Kids to Keep Their Skin Nourished

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Best Face Washes for Kids to Keep Their Skin Nourished
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Skincare is important, but you might be unsure of whether you should encourage your kids to follow a skincare routine. The reply is a resounding yes! But it’s not easy to pick the best kids' facewash. Kids are bubbling with energy and it's difficult to get our hands on them to enforce hygiene in the most efficient and gentle manner. But a good face wash makes your child's skin feeling clean and fresh by removing dirt, grime, and bacteria, which are often in close proximity to children. Andrea Suarez, MD, FAAD,  a dermatologist and skincare enthusiast says, "Skincare for kids, like for adults, should be very simple and minimal. Babies and young children have a less developed skin barrier compared with adults, as a result of which they tend to lose water and are more prone to irritability." 

Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, it is vital to encourage proper skincare practices while your child is still growing, and he or she will be well on the road to having clear, healthy skin for the rest of their life. It is an overwhelming and confusing task to find the best face wash for tweens and adolescents that is also mild yet effective, and they should address age-related skin issues including acne and greasy skin. To help you with this, we've done some groundwork for you and picked out the best children's face wash.

11 Best Face Wash for Kids

Cera Ve Hydrating Cleanser is an avant-garde daily face wash that has ceramides and glycerin to assist the skin in retaining moisture. It hydrates for a full 24 hours and leaves a moisturized, non-greasy feeling after removing facial makeup, debris, and excess oil. This face wash is developed with dermatologist's recommendations and is great for acne-prone skin and suits all skin types. The face wash is suitable for tweens and teens too because it is intensively moisturizing and gentle. Ceramides work to close the spaces between skin cells so that your skin can keep moisture in and show the pollutants the exit door. Hyaluronic Acid, which is also included, aids in preserving the skin's natural hydration.

Pros
  • Ceramides
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Eczema-friendly
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Bioderma ABCDerm H2O Cleansing Water

    Bioderma ABCDerm H2O Cleansing Water
  • Bioderma - ABCDerm H2O Cleansing Water is a humble micellar water that does not require washing the face with water. It has been explicitly designed to use on kids' and preteens’ fragile skin. The formulas maintain the essential moisture balance of all skin types and provide a nourishing effect without leaving a greasy residue that most tweens and kids would despise. The micelles are imperceptible cleaning micro-droplets whose structure is influenced by the lipids of the skin. They are able to remove pollutants while keeping the skin's natural barrier intact. The micellar water has been tested under pediatric supervision and has been certified as alcohol and fragrance-free. It is easy to use and can be used on the go, making a mother’s job easy!

    Pros
    • No-rinse formula
    • Maintains moisture
    • Easy to use in travel
    • Dermatologically tested
    Cons
    • Not for dry skin

    Quick Tip

    Always dilute the body wash a little bit before applying it to your kid's sensitive skin. This prevents the skin from drying and itchiness.

  • Best Hydrating Face Wash

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a gentle face wash formulated with prebiotic thermal spring water. Its mild cream composition aids in comforting the delicate skin that kids have. It is suitable for all skin types and kids can use it every day. Ceramide 3, sometimes referred to as Ceramide NP,  a lipid that is identical to natural skin ceramide is used in La-Roche-Posay Tolriane to protect the skin's moisture barrier, making it the best face wash for tweens. Additionally, it contains niacinamide, a famous skincare ingredient used in dermatology for its calming effects, aiding in restoring the skin's moisture barrier, and significantly lightening skin discolorations, making it one of the best face wash for pre-puberty.

    Pros
    • Contains niacinamide
    • Hydrates skin
    • Removes discolorations
    • Maintains normal pH level
    Cons
    • Slightly expensive
  • Best For Sensitive Skin

    Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser

    Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
  • Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser checks the list of ingredients that needs to be considered in a face wash for children. It is a super-gentle creamy face wash for delicate and reactive skin. While being safe for all skin types and conditions, including rosacea, eczema, and acne, it nevertheless eliminates impurities efficiently. It was created by a dermatologist and contains zero allergens The formula is also enriched with skin-nourishing polyglycerin and glycerin. Often, kids in their preteens tend to develop a myriad of skin issues, and this cleanser could be a one-stop solution to prevent acne, allergies, and even clogged pores. It can be used without the fear of any reactions, which is a huge relief for parents.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Nourishing formula
    • No essential oils
    Cons
    • Open pump
  • CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanse

    CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanse
  • CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is an extension of its former hydrating cleanser with the primary difference of having a foamy appearance. It's like watching a magic trick for kids when they see cream being dispensed out and turning into foam as it is massaged into the skin. It has a non-drying composition that effectively cleanses the skin. It also has hyaluronic acid and amino acids to assist the skin's natural moisture. The cleanser is suitable for skin that is normal to dry and is non-comedogenic. Interestingly, the cleanser was formulated using MVE technology that ensures the release of moisturizing nutrients into the skin throughout the day. A good way to keep young skin nourished.

    Pros
    • Maintains pH balance
    • No parabens
    • Suitable for lens wearers
    • Contains triple ceramides
    Cons
    • May be expensive
  • Best Natural Face Wash

    Burt's Bees Face Cleanser

    Burt's Bees Face Cleanser
  • Burt’s Bees sensitive skin facial cleanser is medically proven to replenish the skin by supplying moisture while preventing skin irritation or discomfort. It's always a good idea to introduce kids and teens to skincare products that have natural ingredients, like this face wash. It is enriched with rice extracts such as bakuchiol and cica, along with aloe vera, which helps treat delicate skin with the care it deserves. Burt’s Bees Cleanser is fragrance-free, making it safe to use on children below 10. The cleanser has also received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, making it a safe face wash for kids dealing with eczema.

    Pros
    • Unscented
    • Hypoallergenic
    • For Sensitive Skin
    • Dermatologically tested
    Cons
    • Not travel-sized

    Quick Tip

    Always apply cleansers in a circular motion. This not only increases blood circulation but also massages the skin and prevents allergies.

  • Best Spot Face Wash

    TBH Kids Spot Foam Face Wash

    TBH Kids Spot Foam Face Wash
  • TBH Kids Spot Foam Face Wash comes in a pretty-looking bottle with a pump and is enriched with organic ingredients that feel good on young skin. The spot face cleanser is made with 0.4% salicylic acid for children and teenagers which helps penetrate the skin to break down dead skin cells that can otherwise block pores. This facial cleanser exfoliates, eliminates pollutants, and moisturizes skin thanks to a blend of natural skin care elements like jojoba oil and willow bark. These ingredients help decongest pores and treat acne and blackhead. The cleanser also contains Sea salt, quinoa, licorice, arrowroot, and grapefruit, which make for a wonderful blend of skin potion.

    Pros
    • No toxic chemicals
    • Unclogs pores
    • Very hydrating
    • Suits acne-prone skin
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dry skin
  • Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Wash

    Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Face & Body Wash
  • Aveeno Sensitive Skin Face and Body is a great exfoliating wash enriched with oat extract. It is a great addition to your kids' skincare cabinet to wash away all the dirt and impurities that they love to latch on to. While it exfoliates and cleanses simultaneously, it ensures that the essential oils in the skin are not stripped away. Additionally, this formula moisturizes and freshens the scent of the skin on your children. The oat extract-infused face and body wash for children with sensitive skin is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.

    Pros
    • No sulfates
    • No parabens
    • Tear-free formula
    • Pediatrician & Dermatologist recommended
    Cons
    • Mild scent
  • The Natural and Organic Family Foaming Wash

    The Natural and Organic Family Foaming Wash
  • The Natural and Organic Family Foaming Wash is a reflection of its name and boasts of completely natural ingredients that are also biodegradable. It is a good face wash to not only cleanse your children’s skin but also teach them  about the importance of conscious consumption. It contains papaya extract, a great natural antioxidant that reduces excess oils, softly cleanses, and delicately exfoliates the skin, leaving it fresh, soft, and evenly toned. It is ideal for all types of skin thanks to its humble organic formulation. The foaming face wash is a good way to get your child hooked on to a face wash that will help them keep acne and other teenage-skin developments at bay.

    Pros
    • Prevents acne
    • Easy-to-use
    • No chemicals
    • Safe for all skin types
    Cons
    • Has a mild scent
  • T-Blast Foaming Facial Cleanser

    T-Blast Foaming Facial Cleanser
  • T-Blast Foaming Facial Cleanser for Kids and Pre-Teens will make sure that your teen's confidence is not undermined by hormonal acne. The face wash is ideal for tweens and teens because it is created with the intention of treating all the skin issues that a teenager and preteen would suffer from. Using this face wash every day will fight acne, blackheads, oily t-zone, and open pores naturally. It is formulated with 0.4% natural tea tree oil that reduces any oil buildup and also keeps a check on skin irritation. It is free from all the harmful ingredients, giving you a green signal to get your child to start using this. It's never too early to establish good skincare habits, after all.

    Pros
    • Gentle on skin
    • No sulfates
    • Fragrance-free
    • Prevents oil build-up
    Cons
    • May dry out the skin
  • TBH Kids Gentle Gel Face Wash

    TBH Kids Gentle Gel Face Wash
  • TBH Kids Gentle Gel Face Wash is made with a holistic approach using cucumber, chamomile, and calendula flowers. All these ingredients work together to preserve moisture and keep children's skin free of microorganisms that cause diseases. Chamomile is a wonderful ingredient to tackle acne-prone skin. On the other hand, the calendula flowers are supplemented with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that may be of utmost importance when looking at skincare for the tiny little tots who love to play. The natural content of the face cleanser makes it a good choice for children. It is a great face wash for sensitive skin too, so tbh, we would advise you to get your kid this cleanser right away!

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Gluten-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Hydrating formula
    Cons
    • Smells like cucumber

    What to Look for When Buying Face Wash for Kids

    Ingredients 

    Begin by examining the surface properties. There are several types of face wash that include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) , acyl-polyglycolide (APG) , amino acids, and soap formulations. When compared to other cleansers, amino acid cleansers are more gentle and kind to the skin, and most of them are mild enough to be used on children's delicate skin. Therefore, while selecting a children's face wash, parents should pay attention to the ingredients and avoid harmful ones.

    Preservatives

    The addition of preservatives is inevitable in products to ensure there is no bacterial contamination. But it is recommended to look out for high-risk preservatives that are a complete no-no. Three different high-risk preservative types are available on the market: allergenic preservatives like salicylic acid, free formaldehyde, CMIT, etc.; aggressive preservatives like ethyl hydroxybenzoate, hydroxyphenylpropyl ester, etc, and alcohol-contained preservatives. On the contrary, preservatives such as sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and other foo-grade ingredients can make for the best face wash for tweens.

    pH level
    Children have smaller skin cells that are more susceptible to damage. Cleansers and soaps that have a pH greater than 7 can put the kids' skin at risk. “The principles of skincare for children are very similar to those of adult skincare, which includes a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. Water alone is not sufficient because it can't remove all impurities. The first step is to choose a cleanser that has a pH lower than 7. Ideally, 5 to 6.5 is good," Andrea Suarez says.

    Fragrance
    It is of utmost importance to avoid fragrances in facewashes, no matter how enticing or amazing they smell. A light scent is doable, but strong fragrances in products should definitely be kept away from kids. It will make them prone to skin rashes and irritation.

    Formulation
    Whether it is for your toddler, tween, or adolescent, a gentle cleansing formula is key to maintaining healthy skin and hygiene. It should not lather too much as it strips the moisture away from the skin. Also, it’s definitely a bonus if the formula has ceramides or other nourishing factors.

    Pro Tip

    Always follow up the body washes with a hydrating body lotion. Ensure that the body lotion consists of SPF that allows your child's skin to breathe without feeling greasy.

    Quick Tip: In addition to using a good face wash, dermatologists emphasize the importance of good SPF and moisturizer for kids, after all, comprehensive skincare is good for all. “Their skin is more susceptible to damage from UV rays as they have smaller melanocytes. Sun protection is also equally important, but the best one is a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and gives wide protection to a child's skin. These two ingredients don't irritate the skin and are safe to use even around the eyes,” Suarez says It is also beneficial to use moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in the lost moisture and avoid skin issues.

    There are a number of face washes that you can use for your kids. You can consider the list and determine which face wash suits better for your child, depending on their skin type, age, and other skin concerns. When it boils down to supplementing our kids with a great lifestyle, we never compromise on anything, so why not invest in the best face wash available for kids! After all, seeds of today will reap a better tomorrow, so a good skincare routine, when they are young, is extremely significant.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our skincare expert not only scrutinizes skincare products for adults but also for kids. She believes that parents should take care of their little one’s skin right from an early age and thereby encourage them to maintain good skin health and of course, softness. We asked her to carry out intensive research and bring you a list of the best face washes for kids. While glancing through the features of every product, the Cera Ve Hydrating Facial Cleanser managed to seek a top spot on her list of favorites. It is an avant-garde daily face wash that has ceramides and glycerin to assist the skin in retaining moisture. Plus, this face wash is also suitable for adults. You can snatch a glimpse of the rest of her top picks and splurge on the one that suits your needs the best!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More