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There's a stage that sneaks up on every parent. One day your kid is running in from the backyard with dirt and a smile spread across their face. Next, they’re having sleepovers, volleyball practice and sleeping past 7am.  Welcome to the tween years. Not a little kid anymore. Not a teenager yet. Just… in-between. And it's not just their daily routine, their height, hormones and attitude that’s changing. Their skin is changing too. And while they could get a way with splashing it with water as a kid, they do need a little more than that as they grow up.   Why water isn't enough anymore For years, water really was enough. Young kids' skin is extremely resilient, and it makes very little oil, so a rinse was plenty. But as the tween years begin, the body starts its slow warm-up toward puberty, and one of the first things to change is the skin. Oil glands become more active. There's more sweat, more sunscreen, more time spent touching screens and faces. And more environmental stressors that they’re exposed to.  Water can rinse the surface, but it can't break down the oil, SPF, and daily buildup that now settle onto the skin. Over time, that buildup is exactly what leads to clogged pores and those first little breakouts. Here's the catch: their skin is changing, but it's still delicate. The strong foaming cleansers and acne washes made for teens and adults can strip a tween's skin, leaving it tight, dry, and irritated. Which often makes things worse, not better. What tween skin needs is a middle path: something that genuinely cleans, but stays gentle. What to look for in a cleanser for tweens Here's the good news: tween skin doesn't need much. It just needs the right things. As you start looking, a few qualities separate a cleanser that helps from one that does more harm than good: Gentle, not stripping. If skin feels tight or squeaky after washing, the cleanser is too harsh. The goal is clean and comfortable, not dry. A soft texture over an aggressive foam. Jelly, gel, and cream textures tend to be far kinder to delicate skin than heavy foaming or "deep clean" formulas built for adult oil and acne. It actually cleans. Gentle doesn't mean weak. It should lift away real oil, sweat, and sunscreen, not just wet the surface the way water does. None of the harsh stuff. Skip strong acne actives, drying alcohols, and heavy fragrance. Tween skin is changing, which means it’s still sensitive, and it rarely needs the potent ingredients marketed to teens and adults. Gentle enough for every day. A tween will use this twice a day, so it has to be kind enough for morning-and-night use without irritation. Simple enough to do solo. The best routine is one your tween will actually keep. Which means easy to use and hard to overdo. Find a cleanser that checks these boxes, and you've found the middle path: something that genuinely cleans while staying gentle on still-delicate skin. The gentle ingredients to look for A short, kind ingredient list beats a long, complicated one. A few gentle, skin-loving ingredients worth looking for: Glycerin. A gentle hydrator that draws moisture into the skin, so washing never leaves it tight or parched. Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) fruit extract. A light, water-rich botanical rich in antioxidants and vitamins that soothes and refreshes delicate skin. (Bonus: it feels as fun as it sounds, which makes "go wash your face" an easier sell.) Mild, sugar- and coconut-derived cleansers. Gentle cleansing agents like coco-betaine and glucosides lift away oil, sweat, and SPF without the harsh sulfates that strip and dry. Together, ingredients like these do the quiet, important work of cleaning the skin while leaving its protective barrier fully intact. Just as telling is what a good tween cleanser leaves out: harsh sulfates (like SLS), strong acne actives, and heavy synthetic fragrance can all disrupt that barrier on skin that's still finding its footing. Morning and night. The whole routine Twice a day is the sweet spot: In the morning, a quick wash clears away the oil and sweat that build up overnight, giving skin a fresh, clean start. At night, it's the most important wash of the day. Lifting off a full day of sunscreen, sweat, environmental stressors and grime so skin can rest and recover during sleep. The how is simple: wet the face, massage a small amount of cleanser in gentle circles for a few seconds, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat dry. Easy enough for a tween to do entirely on their own. Clean skin, barrier intact As millennial parents, we were told our whole lives we needed to fix things. Whether it be about our skin, our bodies, our clothes. I refuse to let this be the reality for my daughter.  Skincare, especially at this age, is not meant to "fix" anything. This is simply about giving it a little more care as it starts to change. And clearing away what water no longer can, without taking away what keeps skin healthy. If you're looking for a cleanser that ticks all of those boxes, our Jelly Face Cleanser was made for exactly this stage. Its soft, jelly texture melts away the day's oil, sweat, and sunscreen without scrubbing or stripping, with gentle ingredients that leave the skin barrier intact. Clean skin, comfortable skin, and a simple habit your tween can own morning and night.

At MALOA, our name means something simple and joyful: today was a good day. It’s a word we created to hold a feeling. And that's the whole idea behind what we make. We want kids outside — riding bikes, at the beach, walking home from school, chasing each other around the park until the streetlights come on. The messy, sunny, scraped-knee kind of day that ends with a smile. The kind of joy we had when we were young, before there were screens.  But being the kind of brand that champions getting outside also means being honest about what's out there. And making sure our kids are taking a few simple precautions while they're at it. We already know about the sun If there's one thing most of us have internalized, it's SPF.  But the sun isn't the only thing our kids' skin meets on a good day outside. There's a second environmental stressor that almost no one talks about. The part no one mentions: everyday pollution If you live in or near a city, the "fresh air" out there isn't quite as fresh as it feels. Traffic and everyday emissions leave behind a fine mist of tiny particles and pollutants. The kind you can't see or smell. And here's what might surprise you: that stuff doesn't only affect little lungs. It settles on skin, too. Over time, exposure to airborne pollutants is associated with oxidative stress and free radicals that can leave skin looking dull, contribute to dark spots, and wear down the skin's natural barrier. The skin most vulnerable to it? Kids' skin. It's thinner, still developing, and still learning how to defend itself. None of this is a reason to stay inside. It's just a reason to send our kids out with a little more in their corner. A simple step  This is exactly why we made the Cucumber Splash Face Mist. It's a lightweight, refreshing mist that delivers an instant hydration boost. But we built it to do a little more than feel good. It's packed with gentle, food-derived antioxidants like green tea, cucumber, and sweet potato, chosen to help skin defend itself against everyday environmental stressors. Antioxidants are the skincare world's answer to free radicals, helping to neutralize the invisible stuff before it settles in. No harsh actives. No synthetic fragrance. Just a clean, feel-good step that works morning, night, or after a long afternoon outside. Formulated to clean retail standards, and made specifically for skin ages 9+. Think of it as the pollution-conscious sibling to sunscreen. Not a replacement for SPF, but the other half of a smart outdoor routine. Good days, well protected We want more days outside, not fewer. More sunshine, more movement, more of the kind of afternoon that earns the name we chose. We just want our kids to head out there protected. Small steps that let the good days keep coming, and let young skin stay healthy while it does. Because at the end of it all, the goal is the same one we started with: today was a good day.  

Standing in the skincare aisle, or scrolling online, it can feel like every product claims to be “gentle,” “clean,” or “safe.” But when it comes to tween skincare, ingredient lists matter more than buzzwords. Here’s what parents should know.     Why Ingredients Matter More for Tweens Tween skin is still learning how to regulate itself. Strong actives and aggressive formulas can: Strip the skin barrier Cause irritation or sensitivity Create long-term skin issues Ingredients designed for adult skin aren’t inherently bad, they’re just not always appropriate for kids.     Ingredients Parents Often Question for Tweens While every child’s skin is different, ingredients that often raise concern for tweens include: Strong exfoliating acids:  Glycolic Acid (AHA) Lactic Acid (AHA) Mandelic Acid (AHA)  Salicylic Acid (BHA) Tartaric Acid  Retinoids:  Retinol  Retinal Retinyl Palmitate Retonioc Acid Adapalene Harsh physical scrubs:  Walnut shell powder Apricot kernel powder Sugar or salt scrubs Coffee grounds Crushed nutshells or seeds Over-fragranced formulas:  “fragrance” or “parfum” essential oils  Products designed to aggressively “treat” skin:  High percentages of benzoyl peroxide strong acne treating complexes, “clinical strength” or “intensive treatment” formulas These ingredients are commonly found in viral skincare trends and adult routines. While they can be highly effective for aging or acne prone adult skin, they can be extremely damaging to young, growing skin. Which is why guidance matters.     What to Look for Instead For tweens, skincare ingredients should focus on: Gentle cleansing Coco-Glucoside  Skin comfort Glycerin  Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Oat Extract (Avena Sativa)  Chamomile Extract Calendula Extract  Barrier support Lactobacillus  Pentylene Glycol Shea Butter  Look for formulas that are: Non-stripping Simple (less is more) Designed specifically for younger skin Transparent about what they include — and exclude When it comes to tween skincare, more ingredients don’t mean better results.     A Parent’s Takeaway Choosing skincare for tweens isn’t about finding the strongest product, it’s about choosing the kindest one. When in doubt, simpler is usually safer.  

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does my child really need skincare?” you’re asking the right question. The short answer?Skincare for tweens can be helpful, but only when it’s simple, gentle, and age-appropriate. Let’s talk about what tween skin actually needs, and what it doesn’t.     What’s Happening With Tween Skin? Tween skin sits in a unique in-between stage. Hormones may just be starting to shift, oil production can change, and kids are often more active than ever. They are sweating, playing outside, and touching their faces more frequently. At the same time, their skin barrier is still developing. That means it can be: More sensitive More reactive Easier to disrupt with harsh products This is why adult skincare routines don’t translate well to tweens.     So… Is Skincare Necessary for Tweens? For most tweens, skincare doesn’t need to go beyond: Gentle cleansing Keeping skin comfortable and clean Supporting healthy habits There’s no need to “treat,” “correct,” or aggressively manage skin at this age unless advised by a professional. In fact, doing too much too early can create problems that weren’t there to begin with (where are all my St Ives Apricot Scrub moms?). Skincare for tweens should feel supportive, not overwhelming.     When Skincare Can Be Helpful Skincare can be a positive part of a tween’s routine when: It encourages consistency, confidence and self-care Products are gentle, non-stripping and effective The routine is simple and pressure-free Think of it less as a solution and more as a foundation.     A Parent’s Takeaway If your child is curious about skincare, you don’t need to shut it down, you just need to guide it. Skincare at this age is about learning how to care for skin kindly, not trying to change it.

If you feel like “tween skincare” suddenly appeared out of nowhere, you’re not alone. Between TikTok trends, “Sephora kids,” and younger kids showing interest in skincare routines, many parents are left wondering the same thing: Is this necessary? Is it safe? And where do I even start? Whether you love the idea of skincare for tweens or it makes you a little nervous, the reality is that many kids are already using products, most of which are designed for adult skin. And that’s where concern comes into play. As parents, we see the stories. Kids overusing products, experimenting with harsh actives, damaging their skin barrier, and spending surprising amounts of money on skincare that was never made for them in the first place. With more age-appropriate skincare options entering the market and just as much marketing noise telling you what’s “best,” it can feel overwhelming to know who — or what — to trust. So let’s slow it down. This guide is here to help you understand why tweens are using skincare, whether they actually need it, and what to look for (and avoid) when choosing products. Without fear, pressure, or trends driving the decision. Why Are Younger Kids Using Skincare Products? There are a few reasons skincare for tweens has become so visible, so quickly. First, skincare has become entertainment. Social media has turned routines, products, and “before and afters” into content, and kids are naturally curious. They’re watching older teens and adults talk about skincare as self-care, and they want to participate. Second, kids today are exposed to more information, and more influence, than ever before. A product that’s trending isn’t always a product that’s appropriate, especially for growing skin. And finally, there’s a positive side worth acknowledging: many kids are genuinely interested in taking care of themselves. Wanting to wash their face, feel clean, and build routines can be a healthy thing when it’s guided thoughtfully. The challenge isn’t interest in skincare.It’s knowing what products are safest for tween skin. Is Skincare Necessary for Tweens? This is the question parents ask most, and the answer is refreshingly simple.  Yes, and for most tweens, skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Tween skin is still developing. It’s more delicate, more reactive, and often doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. They don’t need skincare to “fix” anything, they need skincare that will help to wash off the dirt and grime of the day, the sweat, the sunscreen, and the environmental pollution in the air (because simply using water will just move the dirt around, it won't actually clean the oil off their skin). And if it helps to boost their confidence, makes them feel beautiful and looks good on their vanity… Well, that’s a huge plus.  At this stage, skincare should focus on: Gentle cleansing Supporting the skin barrier Building healthy habits Not anti-aging.Not exfoliating acids.Not correcting problems that aren’t there. In many cases, a simple, age-appropriate routine can help kids feel confident, clean, and cared for. And they can do this without overwhelming their skin or creating unnecessary dependency on products. Skincare for tweens should be about building healthy habits not transformation. What Ingredients Should Tweens Avoid? When parents worry about tween skincare, ingredients are usually at the top of the list, and for good reason. Many products popular with kids today contain actives and ingredients designed for adult skin, which can be too harsh for younger skin when used too early or too often. While every child’s skin is different, ingredients that often raise concern for tweens include: Strong exfoliating acids Retinoids Harsh physical scrubs  Over-fragranced formulas Products designed to aggressively “treat” skin That doesn’t mean skincare is off-limits. It means ingredient choice and formulation matter. For tweens, look for products that are: Gentle and non-stripping Focused on cleansing and comfort Designed specifically for kids or younger skin Clear about what they include — and what they leave out When in doubt, simpler is usually better.   A Final Thought for Parents If your child is curious about skincare, you’re not behind, and you’re not doing anything wrong. This moment is less about products and more about guidance. Helping kids understand how to care for their skin in a gentle, age-appropriate way can set the tone for years to come. Tween skincare doesn’t need to be loud, complicated, or trend-driven. It should support real life, growing skin, and healthy habits. One simple step at a time. And that’s exactly where we believe skincare should begin.