Kids have a lot going on. They grow fast, play hard, and live loud, and all that movement (plus some inevitable messes) means their skin can go through a lot, too. Add in environmental triggers like weather changes, allergens, or frequent handwashing, and it’s easy to see why so many kids experience dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.

If your kid has started showing interest in skincare or you’re just trying to keep up with dry cheeks, sweaty foreheads, and the occasional mystery rash—you’re not alone. As kids grow, so do their routines, and skincare is a great place to start. It’s not about fancy steps or products they don’t need. It’s about teaching them simple habits that help their skin stay healthy and happy as it develops.

The right kids skincare products can help protect and support your child’s skin while teaching them healthy habits they’ll carry through adolescence and beyond. With so many product options available, it's important to focus on routines that are both safe and age-appropriate. We’re here to help you cut through the noise and build a simple, effective routine that supports your kid’s skin every day.

Why kids need their own skincare products

Children’s skin is not just a smaller version of adult skin. It’s biologically different in a few important ways:

• Thinner barrier: Kids' skin is more permeable, which means it absorbs more of whatever you put on it—good or bad.
  

• Lower oil production: This means skin can dry out faster and is more prone to irritation.
  

• Still developing immunity: Skin plays a key role in immune protection, so keeping it hydrated and intact helps support a stronger skin barrier.
  

Using gentle, non-toxic products helps minimize the risk of irritation and supports your child's natural skin development.

Start simple: A routine that works

You don’t need to buy a 12-step skincare kit to take care of your kid’s skin. In fact, most dermatologists agree that when it comes to younger children, less is more. Start with the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer, and sun protection.

If you’re dealing with dry patches, sensitivity, or frequent messes (hello, ketchup hands), you can add in a few extra products like ointments or cleansing sticks. But at its core, a great kids skincare routine is about consistency, comfort, and keeping it age-appropriate.

Here are some of our favorite Tubby Todd staples to start with:

Face wash: Gentle enough for littles

Washing your face is one of the first personal care habits your child can learn. Our Refreshing Gel Cleanser is made for sensitive skin with plant-based ingredients that cleanse without drying. It’s tear-free, lightly foaming, and easy for kids to use on their own.

Use it:

• In the morning to freshen up

• After school or daycare

• Post-activity or sweaty play
  

Just a pump and a rinse can go a long way in helping your kid feel confident and clean without overdoing it.

Everyday hydration: Lotion that doesn’t feel sticky

A good moisturizer keeps skin soft, balanced, and protected. Our Everyday Lotion is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and safe for daily use. Made with natural plant extracts like calendula and shea butter, it soothes dry skin without feeling greasy or heavy.

Try applying after bath time or before heading out into dry weather. If your child is dealing with eczema-prone or flaky skin, you can layer it with All Over Ointment to seal in moisture.

On-the-go cleansing: Suds Stick + Micellar Water

For those in-between moments—like post-snack cleanup, playground grime, or unexpected car ride stickiness—having a quick and gentle cleanse option is a game changer.

Our Suds Stick is a solid soap that lathers up with water and fits in your bag. It’s perfect for messy hands, travel days, or camp drop-off.

Micellar Water is another MVP. Made with micelles that lift dirt and oil without stripping the skin, it’s ideal for quick wipe-downs, sweaty faces, and even first steps into skincare for older kids. Just apply with a cotton pad—no rinse needed.

Sun protection: A must for all skin types

Sun protection is a year-round essential. Our (S)Undercover Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is broad spectrum, reef-safe, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and without chemical UV filters, so it’s safe for babies, toddlers, and kids of all skin types.

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Bonus: the formula blends in easily and doesn’t leave a ghostly white cast.

The skincare craze: Keeping it real

We know the internet is full of skincare trends, and kids are watching. While it's fun to see littles mimicking your nightly routine or organizing their "products," it’s important to remind them (and ourselves) that good skincare starts with healthy habits, not expensive routines.

Your kid doesn’t need retinol or exfoliating acids. They need:

• Gentle, age-appropriate products

• A simple routine they can learn to manage

• Skin confidence rooted in care, not perfection
  

Creating a calm, encouraging skincare moment in their day can help them build long-term confidence in their skin, and it teaches self-care, too.

Ingredient spotlight: What we love (and what we leave out)

Every product we make is tested with pediatricians and dermatologists and formulated without the harsh stuff. That means no synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or SLS.

Instead, we focus on ingredients for sensitive skin like:

• Aloe: Soothing and hydrating

• Calendula: Calms irritation

• Coconut-based surfactants: Cleanse without stripping

• Glycerin: Locks in moisture
  

We use the word “natural” carefully, only when referring to actual plant-based ingredients, and never as a buzzword. Because what matters most is that our products are safe, effective, and make life a little easier for your fam.

Want to build a starter routine?

Our blog on the Perfect Starter Skincare Routine is a great place to begin. It offers a step-by-step walkthrough for building a daily rhythm that works for your family—no overwhelm, no stress. Then, shop Kids Skincare for everyday products that feel gentle, work hard, and keep your little ones glowing.