Why Alcohol and Fragrances Don’t Belong in Children’s Skincare Products
If you’ve ever typed into Google, “what to use for my child’s skin” or “safe skincare for teens,” you’re not alone. As parents, we want the best for our children—from what they eat to what they put on their skin. But many popular skincare products for kids and teens contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and artificial fragrance, two major irritants that do more harm than good.
Teen and Child Skin is Thinner, more absorbent and Sensitive
Children’s skin is not just smaller—it’s structurally different from adult skin. It’s thinner, more permeable, and less equipped to protect against environmental irritants. This means that any ingredient applied topically can be absorbed more readily and deeply, potentially entering the bloodstream.
Alcohols, especially drying types like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, strip the skin of natural oils. For an adult, this might result in mild dryness. For a child, it can lead to irritation, rashes, or even cracking—leaving skin vulnerable to infections.
Fragrances Are a Leading Cause of Allergic Reactions
Looking for skincare for teenage sensitive skin?
Avoid products that list “fragrance” or “parfum.” These often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals and are a leading cause of allergic reactions in children and teens. Symptoms can include redness, itching, eczema flare-ups, and even respiratory reactions in sensitive individuals. If your teen has acne-prone or reactive skin, synthetic fragrances are a no-go.
Alcohol & Fragrance Damage the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier acts as the body’s first line of defense. In children, this barrier is still developing. Ingredients like denatured alcohol and synthetic perfumes can disrupt the natural microbiome and lipid barrier of the skin, leading to:
- Increased transepidermal water loss (dryness)
- Greater susceptibility to environmental allergens
- Higher risk of long-term sensitivity
Instead of supporting healthy development, these ingredients hinder the skin’s ability to self-regulate and protect.
What to Use for Teenage Skin Instead
The good news?
Fortunately, there’s a growing awareness of these issues, and more brands are offering gentle, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free products for children, such as FUNNY SKIN.
Look for products that contain,
- Natural oils like jojoba, almond, or coconut (in moderation)
- Plant-based emollients like shea butter
- Mild preservatives and naturally derived ingredients
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulas
- Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and niacinamide
- Products formulated with dermatologists and paediatricians
Always patch-test new products and read labels carefully. Just because a product is marketed for “young skin” doesn’t mean it’s actually safe for kids or teens.
”Your child’s or teen’s skincare should support—not strip—their delicate skin. Choosing gentle, alcohol- and fragrance-free skincare helps reduce irritation, prevent breakouts, and protect the skin barrier”
Ashley Wady, Skincare Formulator
FUNNY SKIN is proudly developed by cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, and paediatricians to provide safe, effective care for growing skin.
