Clean, Soothe, and Protect That Precious Skin With the 2024 Parents Best Skincare Awards Winners (2024)

Table of Contents
Meet Our Panel of Expert Judges Best Skincare for Babies Best Dispenser for Diaper Rash Relief: B.Box Nappy Barrier Cream Best Tools for Cradle Cap: Frida Baby the FlakeFixer Best Multi-Purpose: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Best for Evening Baths: Badger Baby Night-Night Foaming Shampoo & Wash Best for Every Day: CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream Best for Soothing and Protecting: Mommy’s Bliss Baby Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer Best Mess-Free Sunscreen: Mini Bloom Sunny Stick Best Skincare for Kids Best for Independent Bathtime Fun: The Wonderverse Labs Paw Puff Gentle Foaming Face & Body Wash Best for Textured Hair: Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses Never a Knot Detangling Shampoo Best Scents: Hello Bello Kids Shampoo & Body Wash Best for Targeting Knots: Proudly Defining Detangler and Refresher Best Bubbles: Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Bubble Bath Best Grease-Free Sunscreen: Bee&You Skincare Mineral Natural Sunscreen for Kids Best for Messes On-the-Go: Yipes! Face and Hand Wipes Best Skincare for Teens and Tweens Best Breakout Prevention: Holifrog Superior Omega Gel Wash Best Eco-Friendly: Good Time Hydrating Shampoo Bar Best All-in-One: Wen Kids Watermelon Cleansing Conditioner Best for a Mid-Day Boost: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray Best for Oil-Prone Skin: CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel Best Nourishing Formula: Keys Soulcare Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil Best Sunscreen Primer: Elf Skin Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen 35 SPF Best for the Whole Body: Eos Shea Better Fragrance-Free 24H Body Lotion Best Intro to Stink Prevention: Miles Deodorant Fresh Scent Best Prenatal Skincare Best for the Suddenly Sensitive: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Best Glow Enhancement: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Cream Best Double-Duty Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Best for Third and Fourth Trimester: Frida Mom Stretch Prep Balm Best Relief for Pregnant Feet: Voesh NY Solemate Heel Repair Balm Best for Growing Bumps: Earth Mama Organics Belly Oil How We Chose Our Winners About Our Judges

We know that our skin’s needs change as we age. Likewise, the products you might use on an adult or teen usually aren’t the same things you’d use on a baby with very delicate skin. For the 2024 Parents Best Skincare for Kids Awards, we searched for the best moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreen, and more for babies, kids, tweens, teens, and (for the first time this year) pregnant people. Then we asked a panel of parents and expert judges to test over 70 new and tried-and-true products.

We asked our testers to consider several factors including ease of use, packaging, ingredients, smell, and efficacy. Whenever possible, we also looked at the detailed results from the Parents commerce team’s previous lab and real-world tests. From stretch mark cream and your baby’s first bath bubbles to your teen’s acne cleanser, the skincare you choose for your family should be effective and budget-friendly—not to mention safe and gentle enough for growing bodies.

Meet Our Panel of Expert Judges

Wendy L. Hunter, M.D.Pediatrician Dorian Smith-GarciaCommerce Staff Writer Yamel Belen, R.N., IBCLCRegistered Nurse, Professional Doula, and IBCLC

Best Skincare for Babies

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With their extra-sensitive systems, babies need gentle ingredients free from harsh chemicals and irritants, even as you tackle tough problems like diaper rash, eczema, and cradle cap. Specifically, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions caregivers from using formulas that contain phthalates, talc, formaldehyde, and heavy metals like lead. It also encourages the use of hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products on babies. We picked products with moisture-rich formulas to protect delicate skin from the environment—and from dirty diapers!

Best Dispenser for Diaper Rash Relief: B.Box Nappy Barrier Cream

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A travel-friendly push dispenser design means that you can take the B.Box Nappy Barrier Cream with you in that stylish diaper bag and never have to worry about squeezing too much out at one time. This diaper rash cream earned high marks in our testing because you can use it one-handed (super clutch when dealing with wriggly babies). The pump design also prevents air from coming in contact with the main active ingredient zinc oxide, and breaking down prematurely. Conscious parents will appreciate the vegan-friendly ingredient list, BPA-free container, and added butters to keep their baby’s bums soft and protected.

Best Tools for Cradle Cap: Frida Baby the FlakeFixer

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Cradle cap is pretty unsightly, but for most babies, it usually resolves itself with time and a little coaxing from determined caregivers. Frida Baby’s the FlakeFixer is a three-step set that includes a sponge, brush, and comb. While testing this, we loved that the system is very intuitive to use and that the storage stand ensured the tools dried thoroughly between uses. Simply create a lather with the sponge (shampoo is not included), gently brush to loosen flakes, and then finish with the comb to lift and remove flakes.

Best Multi-Purpose: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

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Aquaphor is a staple that continues to earn high marks because it’s a tried and true solution for dry skin, diaper rash, and even keeping scratches and scrapes moisturized so that they heal faster with less visible scarring. This hypoallergenic ointment is fragrance- and paraben-free and is generally well tolerated by most people. The main active ingredient is petrolatum, and it also contains mineral oil and lanolin, which some people try to avoid, though they’re effective ways to protect the skin’s barrier.

Best for Evening Baths: Badger Baby Night-Night Foaming Shampoo & Wash

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Help little ones drift off to dreamland with a calming lavender bath. Badger Baby Night-Night Foaming Shampoo pulls double duty by serving as a hair and body cleanser. Key ingredients such as coconut and sunflower oils help to infuse moisture in your baby’s skin—ensuring that they’re cleaned without stripping natural oils. The foaming pump makes it easy to use, although some of our testers felt the spout was a bit short. We also love the certified organic ingredient list that’s vegan and free from palm oil, as well as the plastic-neutral packaging.

Best for Every Day: CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream

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CeraVe is known for making skin-friendly, dermatologist-recommended products that are endorsed by the National Eczema Association. The Baby Moisturizing Cream is free from fragrance, parabens, dyes, and phthalates while it includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to reinforce your baby’s protective skin barrier. In particular, we loved that the thicker cream helped to soothe our babies’ dry skin and that it worked to address itchiness as well.

Best for Soothing and Protecting: Mommy’s Bliss Baby Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer

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If you’re shopping for a steroid-free moisturizer that leverages the power of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and olive oil, Mommy’s Bliss Baby Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer should be at the top of your list. This eczema treatment helps to soothe and protect skin from further irritation while helping to prevent itching. This winner is free from fragrance, parabens, and phthalates to avoid any further irritation.

Best Mess-Free Sunscreen: Mini Bloom Sunny Stick

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Sunscreen sticks are often easier to use on wriggly babies versus traditional creams and lotions. Mini Bloom Sunny Stick joined our awards list because it provides 30 SPF protection to block both UVA and UVB rays and is a mineral sunscreen, meaning it doesn’t rely on chemicals being absorbed into the skin. This reef-safe non-nano zinc oxide formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, too. As with most baby sunscreens, this is intended for ages 6 months and up (though doctors say you can use it sparingly on younger infants). While this package is small, we appreciate the travel-friendly design and fairly easy application.

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Best Skincare for Kids

As kids get more independent and curious, they get into everything, which means you’ll want products designed with little hands and big messes in mind—but that still rely on gentle ingredients that won’t cause irritation or clog pores.

Best for Independent Bathtime Fun: The Wonderverse Labs Paw Puff Gentle Foaming Face & Body Wash

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Little kids who want to do everything themselves will be able to use the oversized pump on the Wonderverse Labs Paw Puff Gentle Foaming Face & Body Wash that dispenses foam in a paw shape. This 100% nontoxic, dye-free cleanser can be used on the entire body, and it’s infused with coconut oil to add moisture to delicate young skin. Our testing parents also loved the simple, adorable packaging.

Best for Textured Hair: Afro Unicorn Magical Tresses Never a Knot Detangling Shampoo

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Curls and coils often need a little more TLC to coax out the tangles on very textured strands. Afro Unicorn’s Magical Tresses Never a Knot Detangling Shampoo has plenty of slip to soften and loosen stubborn knots and allow detangling brushes and combs to glide through hair before washing it. Free from parabens, alcohol, sulfates, and silicone, this moisture-rich product removes dirt and product buildup from your child’s scalp and hair.

Best Scents: Hello Bello Kids Shampoo & Body Wash

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This vegan and cruelty-free body wash and shampoo from Hello Bello is a smart, affordable solution for families on a budget. The 10-fluid-ounce capacity and foaming dispenser allow caregivers to stretch their dollars further. It’s available in nine different scents, including fragrance-free. The mild scent was a hit with our kid testers and even made them more enthusiastic about bathtime. Along with being Leaping Bunny-certified and boasting a tear-free formula, the ingredients include moisturizing picks like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and aloe vera juice. It never caused irritation in our testers. Best of all, this combination shampoo and body wash is appropriate for all hair types.

Best for Targeting Knots: Proudly Defining Detangler and Refresher

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Textured hair is pretty, but often requires a bit more elbow grease when it’s time to detangle. Proudly Defining Detangler & Refresher is made with wavy, curly, and coily hair in mind. It helps make quick work of knots and also adds moisture when you need to stretch a hairstyle to day two, three, or four. The spray bottle design allows you to target particularly difficult tangles or to use it all over the head as needed. This detangler is free from parabens, sulfates, and gluten while being vegan and cruelty-free—with a yummy scent that most will enjoy.

Best Bubbles: Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Bubble Bath

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Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin Bubble Bath makes it possible for even the most sensitive littles to have fun with bubbles. Along with being hypoallergenic, this formula uses natural oat extract to nurture and moisturize irritated or compromised skin. While this bubble bath does contain fragrance, it’s tested and proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Best Grease-Free Sunscreen: Bee&You Skincare Mineral Natural Sunscreen for Kids

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A good kids’ sunscreen should be water-resistant, easy to apply, and offer full coverage without being greasy. Bee&You’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen for Kids offers plenty of protection with up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient for sun protection, while aloe vera and vitamin E provide moisture and antioxidant-fueled protection. Our testers loved that this sunscreen had a minimal scent and didn’t leave a white cast, unlike most mineral sunscreen.

Best for Messes On-the-Go: Yipes! Face and Hand Wipes

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Be prepared for any little mess with Yipes! Face and Hand Wipes. Available in box or pouch form, each individually wrapped pre-moistened wipe measures 7 by 8 inches and is durable enough to remove stubborn food, paint, and all kinds of dirt. Our testers loved how travel-friendly the wipes were and that they were easy for kids to open independently. It also has a pleasant scent. Conscious shoppers will like that these wipes are 99% plant-derived, compostable, plastic-free, and not tested on animals.

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Best Skincare for Teens and Tweens

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At this age, many kids are just beginning to build a true skincare routine as all those hormones bring on new skin issues (and smells!). Gentle ingredients are still a priority, but now it’s time to look for products that will hydrate the skin with moisture-rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerine. And when breakouts begin, no matter how tantalizing influencer recommendations may be, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid ingredients like retinol/retinoids, high-strength benzoyl peroxide (above 5%), or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Experts also warn against trendy multi-step regimens, as at this stage, it may be too intense for young skin.

Best Breakout Prevention: Holifrog Superior Omega Gel Wash

Organic ingredients, skin-friendly probiotics, rice extract, and omega fatty acids combine to create a gentle face wash that was our top pick in a recent test of cleansers for teens and tweens. Holifrog Superior Omega Gel Wash is designed with all skin types in mind, and it’s free of silicone and fragrances. This vegan and cruelty-free pick is packed with probiotics and aids in controlling breakouts. Our testers loved how it made their skin feel clean and hydrated and even tackled minor blemishes without stripping their skin.

Best Eco-Friendly: Good Time Hydrating Shampoo Bar

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Dry stressed hair that still needs a good cleansing will thrive with the Good Time Hydrating Shampoo Bar. This product is 100% soap-free and enriched with glycerin, marula oil, and jojoba oil to clean while also moisturizing thirsty strands. The brand promises that thanks to the concentrated formula, one shampoo bar can last just as long as three bottles of regular shampoo. Note this product is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

Best All-in-One: Wen Kids Watermelon Cleansing Conditioner

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Whether you have lots of heads to detangle and wash in your home or just like to go long periods between restocking, Wen Kids Watermelon Cleansing Conditioner is a solid choice that pulls double duty as a detangler and co-wash (which is a big deal for fans of the Curly Girl Method). The creamier formula makes this ideal for tough tangles and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, rice extract, and glycerin ensure that your child’s hair isn’t stripped of critical moisture. Plus, the pump dispenser makes this easy to use whether in or out of the shower.

Best for a Mid-Day Boost: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

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Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is a toner that balances the skin’s pH, reduces redness, and soothes irritated skin while providing a good hydrating base. Teens can use it as part of an AM/PM skincare routine or as an as-needed refresh throughout the day. The simple three-ingredient formula includes hypochlorous acid, a naturally occurring antibacterial and anti-inflammatory component also found in the body. This spray carries the National Eczema Association seal of approval.

Best for Oil-Prone Skin: CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel

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Even adolescents’ oil-prone skin also needs hydrating, and this gel uses hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, ceramides to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, and niacinamide to brighten and boost cell turnover. In short, CeraVe’s Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel is a lightweight solution for tweens and teens to keep their skin soft, hydrated, and flake-free. This oil- and fragrance-free pick mattifies skin too. Our testers enjoyed the lightweight texture and that it dried quickly.

Best Nourishing Formula: Keys Soulcare Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil

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While Keys Soulcare Deeply Replenishing Squalane Facial Oil is a heavier product, it absorbs quickly into the skin. This makes it ideal for thirsty skin that struggles with dryness or flaking. Moisture-rich squalane is the top ingredient, followed by jojoba, soybean, and sunflower oils. This product is unscented, so it won’t cause irritation if layered within a multi-step skincare routine. The straightforward packaging and dropper bottle style design make this a snap to use. In short, you might be tempted to snatch this from your kid’s vanity.

Best Sunscreen Primer: Elf Skin Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen 35 SPF

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As a baby step towards wearing makeup, Elf’s Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen 35 SPF provides serious sun protection while also offering just a hint of complexion-smoothing support. The invisible broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen can either be worn alone for a nice dewy finish or as a primer under makeup. As promised, testers with a range of different skin tones enjoyed its invisible finish and even mentioned that it’s an affordable alternative to the pricier SuperGoop sunscreen.

Best for the Whole Body: Eos Shea Better Fragrance-Free 24H Body Lotion

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Scents can be tricky for sensitive kids and adults, which is why we’re including Eos’ Fragrance-Free Body Lotion. This medium-weight, non-greasy formula made from shea butter and shea oil absorbs quickly into the skin and provides up to 24 hours of hydration. The 16 fluid ounce size ensures you get your money’s worth and won’t have to make restock runs every other week. Meanwhile, you’ll appreciate that this dermatologist-recommended lotion is free from parabens, phthalates, and gluten yet is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Best Intro to Stink Prevention: Miles Deodorant Fresh Scent

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The tween years are when many kids start needing deodorant, and Miles Deodorant is a good introduction that’s free from questionable ingredients found in many popular alternatives—like aluminum, parabens, alcohol, and sulfates. Made with plant-based ingredients, this stick deodorant is designed to put an end to odor-causing bacteria while also preventing wetness. Kids will also get up to 24 hours of odor protection.

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Best Prenatal Skincare

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Pregnancy often brings concerns about harsh skincare ingredients potentially impacting your baby. Your skin may also be more sensitive thanks to hormones and your changing bump. While physicians may disagree on which ingredients are OK to use while pregnant, most warn against salicylic acid and retinol.

Best for the Suddenly Sensitive: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

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Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser has a non-foaming formula that doesn’t strip or overdry the skin if it gets irritated easily or you simply want to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals while you’re pregnant. Glycerin and vitamins like B5 and B3 work to provide necessary moisture while the cleanser removes dirt, grime, and makeup. This soap-free formula was a hit with our testers, and one of our judges often recommends it to her patients.

Best Glow Enhancement: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Cream

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Dry skin can sometimes go hand-in-hand with pregnancy, which is why we added this cream from La Roche-Posay to our list. This shea butter-infused formula is specifically designed for sensitive and dry skin. Other key ingredients include niacinamide (which is safe for pregnant people) for improving skin texture, glycerin as a humectant, and mineral spring water with prebiotics and antioxidants. The cream has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and provides all-day hydration.

Best Double-Duty Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen

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Imagine a sunscreen that improves the look of your skin while simultaneously protecting you from harmful UV rays. EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen works double time as a mineral sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 46 that also uses niacinamide (vitamin B3) to reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. This fragrance-free pick goes on clear on all skin tones thanks to the transparent zinc oxide in the formula, a relief to anyone who dreads that white cast.

Best for Third and Fourth Trimester: Frida Mom Stretch Prep Balm

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If you’re looking for a multipurpose solution that you can use through your fourth trimester, the Frida Mom Stretch Prep Balm is a solid choice. This gel to oil formula is designed for use during your pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks, but it can also be used as a massage gel to prepare and soothe sore areas like the perineum. Key ingredients include vitamin E for elasticity and nourishing emollients to hydrate and reinforce skin’s natural barrier.

Best Relief for Pregnant Feet: Voesh NY Solemate Heel Repair Balm

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As if pregnancy didn’t come with enough discomforts, swollen, cracked, or rough feet are another factor to contend with. The Voesh Solemate Heel Repair Balm hydrates and softens the driest skin with a vegan formula that includes squalane, organic virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, wild mint oil, and macadamia oil. The easy twist-up balm applicator is user-friendly, even when your bump gets larger. This also means that the Voesh balm is travel-friendly. When testing this product, we also enjoyed the way the mint oil added a cooling sensation to soothe our tired feet.

Best for Growing Bumps: Earth Mama Organics Belly Oil

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Yes, stretch marks may be a badge of honor, but not everyone wants them. And while genetics are probably to blame for their appearance, moisturizing with a good, safe belly oil can sometimes prevent them by improving skin’s elasticity. Earth Mama Organics Belly Oil incorporates vitamin E, a vital nutrient to boost moisture retention and elasticity in the skin. This formula is vegan and cruelty-free, using organic borage, jojoba, and orange blossom oils. You’ll appreciate that this isn’t heavy and absorbs quickly into the skin. While it’s labeled as a belly oil, feel free to use it anywhere you want.

How We Chose Our Winners

Finding the right products for your or your child’s skin is a personal process. Along with ensuring that a product is effective and safe, other factors you may want to consider are ease of use, packaging, scent, and texture. These are just a few of the factors we asked our testers and judges about when we set out to test more than 70 different skincare products for everything from diaper rash to teenage acne:

  • Price: Walk down a skincare aisle—whether in a drugstore or specialty retailer—and it’s easy to spend the equivalent of a car payment on a handful of items. We narrowed our initial testing to products that didn’t exceed $40, but most of our winners are under $20.
  • Inclusivity: Sunscreen has often been a category that wasn’t inclusive, thanks to mineral sunscreen’s hallmark white cast that is most visible on darker skin tones. We made an effort to find products that go on clear, ensuring that everyone has access to effective sun health. We also chose shampoos and conditioners for a variety of hair textures.
  • Packaging: Ask any caregiver tasked with unboxing a toy—frustration-free packaging is clutch. The same applies for many skincare products. Along with reducing waste, another factor to consider is how effectively packaging preserves a product’s longevity. For example, lotions, diaper balms, or serums touting active ingredients should have packaging that shields the contents from light and ideally also prevent air from entering the container—which can cause premature oxidation that reduces efficacy. Similarly, kid-friendly products should feature designs like oversized pumps or easy-to-hold containers that are optimized for little hands.
  • Ingredients: The ingredient list on each product was reviewed by our expert panel. Here’s a list of just a few of the ingredients we stayed away from: parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oxybenzone, octinoxate, phenoxyethanol, PABA, dyes, aminobenzoic acid. We also looked for products with effective ingredients most people’s skin agrees with, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.
  • Effectiveness: One thing to remember about skincare products is that sometimes it may take several uses over a consistent period to achieve results. This is especially true for the products we tested in the tweens/teens and prenatal categories. It’s not uncommon for these products to require anywhere from four to six weeks of regular use before consumers will see measurable results.
  • Sensitivities: Most people know that babies have incredibly sensitive skin, but not everyone outgrows that as they age. So, we prioritized products with gentle ingredients across all categories. Some people can have sensitivities or allergies to natural ingredients like lavender or rose essential oil—which are generally considered safe. Similarly, there are active ingredients that can be effective for cell turnover or controlling oil but might require adjusting the frequency of use because too much exposure can cause unwanted reactions. This includes common ingredients like niacinamide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. This is why it’s a good idea to perform a patch test before fully incorporating a product into a regular skincare regimen for adults or children.
  • Certifications: More conscious shoppers might be concerned about whether their favorite product was tested on animals or used animal byproducts. When possible, we prioritized products that carry third-party certifications from Leaping Bunny (no animal testing) or the Environmental Working Group (avoiding harmful ingredients).

About Our Judges

Wendy L. Hunter, M.D. is the host of "The Pediatrician Next Door" podcast and a pediatrician at Children’s Primary Care Medical Group in San Diego. She was formerly an associate professor at the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine and worked as a general pediatrician in the emergency department at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, health, and parenting writer at Parents, where she reviews and tests products, and provides insider tips on can’t-miss deals. She also has a background in beauty and skincare as a former beauty writer with hands-on experience in the beauty industry for independent beauty brands.

Yamel Belen, R.N., IBCLC, a registered nurse, professional doula, and international board-certified lactation consultant, has over a decade of experience in pediatrics. She’s also a certified childbirth educator based in Tampa, Florida.

Clean, Soothe, and Protect That Precious Skin With the 2024 Parents Best Skincare Awards Winners (2024)
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