The library
Everything we cover, flagged for teen skin: good (earns its spot), caution (fine in the right situation), or skip (not worth it at your age). Every verdict cites its evidence. Tap any entry for the full reasoning.
Benzoyl peroxide
Good: GoodThe workhorse for breakouts
evidence: strongAAD 2024Adapalene
Caution: CautionOK for acne, with care
evidence: strongFDA 2022Salicylic acid
Good: GoodGentle helper for clogged pores
evidence: moderateFDA 2024Azelaic acid
Good: GoodUnderrated and well tolerated
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2025Niacinamide
Good: GoodNice, not necessary
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2014Ceramides
Good: GoodYour barrier's building blocks
evidence: moderateAAD 2014Hyaluronic acid
Good: GoodFine. Just not magic.
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2012Sunscreen (SPF 30+, broad spectrum)
Good: GoodThe one true must-have
evidence: strongAAD 2026Sulfur
Caution: CautionOld-school, thin evidence
evidence: weak/contestedFDA 2024Isotretinoin
Caution: CautionPrescription territory
evidence: strongAAD 2026Retinol (anti-aging)
Skip: SkipMade for skin you don't have yet
evidence: strongAAD 2025Strong acid peels (glycolic and friends)
Skip: SkipToo harsh for developing skin
evidence: strongPEER-REVIEWED 2009Gritty face scrubs
Skip: SkipScrubbing makes it angrier
evidence: strongAAD 2026Alcohol-heavy toners and astringents
Skip: SkipThat squeaky feeling is your barrier leaving
evidence: strongAAD 2026Fragrance and essential oils
Skip: SkipThe number-one allergy troublemaker
evidence: strongPEER-REVIEWED 2023The 10-step routine
Skip: SkipMore steps, more problems
evidence: strongAAP 2025Peptides
Skip: SkipProbably useless for most people, honestly
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2026Strong vitamin C serums
Skip: SkipSolving a problem you don't have
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2017Pore strips
Skip: SkipSatisfying, brief, pointless
evidence: weak/contestedAAD 2026Slugging (petroleum jelly)
Caution: CautionGreat for lips. Risky for breakout-prone faces.
evidence: moderateAAD 2026Snail mucin
Caution: CautionHarmless. Also unproven.
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2023Beef tallow
Skip: SkipA trend, not a treatment
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2025Kitchen DIY (lemon, baking soda, toothpaste)
Skip: SkipThe kitchen is not a lab
evidence: strongPEER-REVIEWED 2015At-home microneedling and dermaplaning
Skip: SkipTiny needles, real risks, no upside
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2021Skin-lightening creams (hydroquinone)
Skip: SkipNot legal over the counter, not for teens
evidence: strongPEER-REVIEWED 2025Tretinoin (prescription retinoid)
Caution: CautionPrescription territory
evidence: strongAAD 2024Topical antibiotics (clindamycin)
Caution: CautionPrescription, and never solo
evidence: strongAAD 2024Lactic acid
Caution: CautionThe gentlest acid, still optional
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2018PHAs (polyhydroxy acids)
Caution: CautionGentle, and still unnecessary
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2004Chemical sunscreen filters
Good: GoodNot the villain the videos claim
evidence: moderateFDA 2019Tanning beds
Skip: SkipNot even close: a real cancer risk
evidence: strongAAD 2026Pimple patches (hydrocolloid)
Good: GoodFine, and great if you pick
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2025Clay masks
Caution: CautionFun, temporary, easy to overdo
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2023LED light-therapy masks
Skip: SkipBig time sink, thin proof
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2019Witch hazel
Skip: SkipAn astringent you can drop
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2022Centella asiatica (cica)
Caution: CautionSoothing-ish, barely studied
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2021Aloe vera
Caution: CautionNice for a burn, not for acne
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 1999Tea tree oil
Caution: CautionReal evidence, real allergy risk
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2007Skin cycling
Caution: CautionSmart schedule, not a breakthrough
evidence: moderateAAD 2024Mandelic acid
Caution: CautionThe gentlest peel, still optional
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2019Bakuchiol
Skip: SkipA 'retinol dupe' for a problem you don't have
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2019Retinaldehyde (retinal)
Caution: CautionA stronger retinol, same 'do you need it?'
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2022Zinc supplements for acne
Caution: CautionMixed evidence, upset stomach
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2013Spironolactone
Caution: CautionPrescription territory
evidence: moderateAAD 2024Squalane
Good: GoodA light, pore-friendly moisturizer add-on
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2025Coconut oil on your face
Skip: SkipClogs pores on breakout-prone skin
evidence: moderateAAD 2026Charcoal masks and cleansers
Skip: SkipThe 'pore detox' that isn't
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2021Facial oils (rosehip, argan, marula)
Caution: CautionLovely on dry skin, risky on breakouts
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2018Face rollers and gua sha
Caution: CautionRelaxing, not transformative
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2025Face icing and ice rolling
Caution: CautionDepuffs for an hour, not much more
evidence: weak/contestedAAD 2026Facial steaming
Caution: CautionFeels spa-like, thin on proof
evidence: weak/contestedAAD 2026Collagen supplements
Skip: SkipSold for aging skin you don't have
evidence: weak/contestedPEER-REVIEWED 2025Double cleansing (and micellar water)
Good: GoodA fine way to get sunscreen off
evidence: moderatePEER-REVIEWED 2011