Teen Skincare Gets a Glow-Up: Sali Hughes on Equals Even and Rocco 2026

Teen skincare has had a glow-up, according to beauty expert Sali Hughes, with new brands like Equals Even and Rocco offering age-appropriate, dermatologist-approved products that don't prey on insecurities. In her latest column, Hughes highlights these lines as a welcome change from the often harsh and trendy products marketed to young people.

Hughes praises Equals Even, a British-made line founded by two female doctors (and mothers), for its pragmatic and moderate approach to teen skin. The small product lineup focuses on acne but also includes a soothing serum to restore comfort after exfoliating cleansers and toners. A full-routine bundle costs £100.

More fun perhaps is Rocco, the teen skincare range from presenter and art director Laura Jackson. Jackson was inspired to create Rocco after being uninspired by tween-targeted branding and alarmed by the age-inappropriate skincare young people were choosing. Rocco taps into trends teens love—wellness messaging, vegan, plant ingredients, uplifting fragrances—while grounding them in proper, dermatologist-approved formulations.

Why Teen Skincare Needs a Glow-Up

The teen skincare market has exploded in recent years, with young people increasingly influenced by social media trends and celebrity endorsements. However, many products are not formulated for teen skin and can be too harsh, leading to irritation and other issues.

Hughes notes that frontline physicians like the founders of Equals Even manage more routine, everyday teen skin struggles than specialist consultants, giving them a practical perspective on what works. Their experience is reflected in the small, focused lineup.

Rocco, on the other hand, addresses the branding gap. Jackson saw that tween-targeted branding was uninspiring, while the products young people were choosing were often age-inappropriate and potentially damaging. Rocco bridges that gap with smart packaging and formulations that are both trendy and safe.

Equals Even: Doctor-Formulated Skincare for Teens

Equals Even was created by two female doctors who are also mothers, giving them a unique understanding of teen skin needs. The line includes an exfoliating cleanser, toner, and a soothing serum, with a focus on acne management.

While the range is somewhat limited in scope, Hughes finds it dependable and appropriate for everyday use. The full-routine bundle at £100 is a reasonable investment for parents seeking a straightforward regimen.

Key Features of Equals Even

• Founded by two female doctors and mothers
• Pragmatic, moderate, realistic approach
• Focus on acne with a soothing serum for comfort
• Full-routine bundle costs £100
• British-made

Rocco: Fun, Trendy, and Dermatologist-Approved

Rocco, created by Laura Jackson, is designed to appeal to teens with its wellness messaging, vegan formulas, plant ingredients, and uplifting fragrances. But unlike many trendy brands, Rocco's formulations are dermatologist-approved.

Jackson, a design specialist and mother of three, was alarmed by the skincare young people were using, which looked great but was potentially damaging. Rocco offers a safe alternative that doesn't compromise on style or fun.

The packaging is a standout feature, as one might expect from Jackson, and is key to Rocco's appeal among teens.

Key Features of Rocco

What This Means for Parents and Teens

For parents, the rise of brands like Equals Even and Rocco offers peace of mind. These products are formulated with teen skin in mind, avoiding harsh ingredients that can cause irritation.

For teens, the appeal is in the branding and messaging—Rocco, in particular, makes skincare fun without compromising on safety. This balance is crucial in a market where trends can often lead to questionable choices.

Hughes' endorsement of these brands signals a positive shift in the industry, where efficacy and safety are prioritized alongside appealing aesthetics.

How to Choose the Right Teen Skincare

When selecting skincare for teens, look for products that are gentle, non-comedogenic, and ideally dermatologist-tested. Avoid products with high concentrations of active ingredients like retinol or strong acids unless recommended by a professional.

Consider the teen's skin type and concerns—acne, oiliness, dryness—and choose a simple routine that addresses these without overcomplicating. Brands like Equals Even and Rocco offer streamlined options that are easy to follow. The background to this story is set out in Social Media Bans for Teens: Return of Grownup Skincare. A related thread runs through Social Media Bans for Teens Could Bring Back Grownup Skincare.

Encourage teens to patch-test new products and introduce them gradually to avoid reactions. Earlier coverage in Light Therapy Devices: Skincare Staple or Expensive Gimmick? shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Retinoid Alternatives: Proven Anti-Ageing Skincare Formulas.

FAQ

As the teen skincare market continues to evolve, it's refreshing to see brands that prioritize safety and appropriateness. For more expert beauty recommendations, check out our guide to Summer 2026 Beauty Heroes: Sali Hughes' Top Cool Picks, where Hughes shares her favorite products for the season.

If you're interested in K-beauty trends, don't miss our K-Beauty Skincare Haul: Inside Seoul's Biggest Korean Beauty Store, which explores the latest innovations from Korea.

For those considering clean beauty brands, read our Oak Essentials Skincare Review: The Truth About Jenni Kayne’s Clean Beauty Brand to see if it lives up to the hype.

And to understand the importance of proper cleansing, explore Double Cleansing: Beauty Industry Benefits, Not Consumers, which questions whether the trend is truly beneficial.