The skincare aisle isn’t just for grown-ups anymore. If you’re a parent to a tween or teen, chances are you’ve seen firsthand the explosion of youth-targeted clean skincare. From viral body sprays to bedtime routines packed with serums and creams, skincare is quickly becoming the self-care ritual for Gen Alpha.

In fact, in 2023 alone, tweens and young teens spent nearly $4.7 billion on beauty and skincare—and that number is only going up. But how much is too much? What’s truly safe for their growing bodies? And how do we make sure our kids are building confidence—not clogged pores?

On Episode 323 of the MomShine Podcast, I sat down with Sabrina Yavil, founder of Gryme, a clean personal care brand specifically designed for boys, to discuss raising skincare-smart kids—without the overwhelm or hormonal disruption.

Here’s what I learned—and what every parent should know.

Less Is More: What Kids Really Need for Healthy Skin

As tempting as it is to mirror adult routines, young skin has a natural barrier that doesn’t need layers of heavy creams, retinols, or scented serums. In fact, overloading skin at a young age can lead to early breakouts, barrier damage, or even hormonal imbalances.

Think of skincare like food: You wouldn’t feed your kids McDonald’s every day—so they don’t load up their faces with products designed for adult skin. Save the trendy actives and overnight masks for later in life. At this stage, your kids need:

  • A gentle, hydrating cleanser
  • A non-comedogenic moisturizer
  • Mineral sunscreen (daily, even on cloudy days)
  • Occasional exfoliation with parental guidance (tweens only)

Watch Out for “Greenwashed” Ingredients

Just because a product says “paraben-free” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. In our conversation, Sabrina reminded us that brands have learned how to label their products to seem clean—while still sneaking in:

  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Hormone-disrupting phthalates
  • Harsh sulfates
  • Dyes and preservatives banned in other countries

Pro Tip: Check which ingredients are listed first. If fragrance is one of the top ingredients, it might be better to pass. Additionally, consider European-produced products, as their skincare regulations are more stringent than those in the U.S. But always read the full ingredient list—and teach your kids how to do the same.

Why Boys Need Better Skincare, Too!

The skincare movement hasn’t traditionally included boys—but Gryme is changing that. Inspired by her own sons and backed by years of experience at Clinique and Bumble & Bumble, Sabrina built a line that’s clean, cool, and confidence-boosting.

Why this matters: It’s challenging to get teens to do the basics, such as showering. Boys often skip steps like applying lotion or conditioner so that a safe 2-in-1 product can be really helpful for an efficient bedtime transition. Giving them products that work—and aren’t secretly toxic—is a small but powerful way to support their mental and physical well-being.

Build Confidence, Not Consumerism

One of my biggest takeaways? Skincare is a teaching tool. Helping our kids discern what they put on their bodies teaches them to think critically about what they’re sold—whether on TikTok, in a store, or by their peers. This isn’t about policing their beauty hauls—it’s about modeling discernment. And that’s a life skill that shines well beyond the bathroom mirror.

Alicia’s Tween Self-care Picks for Summer

At our house, my son is obsessed with Gryme’s body wash and chapstick (especially with two older sisters around!). Here’s what I keep stocked:

  • Gryme Hydrating Body Soap – Clean and gently scented
  • Mineral Sunscreen – Brands like Thinkbaby, Blue Lizard, or Babo Botanicals
  • BuzzPatch or Buggables bracelets for bug-free beach days

Want to try it? Use code MOMSHINE15 at Gryme.co for 15% off your purchase. Your summer toiletry bag just got safer.

Listen, Learn & Share

If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to:

  • Listen to Episode 323: Raising Clean Kids: Skincare 101 & Confidence with Sabrina Yavil
  • Rate and review MomShine on Apple or Spotify
  • Watch the full interview on YouTube
  • Share this post with a fellow mom navigating the beauty aisle minefield!

We’re all figuring this out together—and I hope this helps you breathe a little easier (and spritz a little less) on your next trip to Target.