The Skin and Hair Products Teen Boys Are Using Right Now

As a teen and a competitive surfer, Wynter Larrabee, 17, says the brand 31st State has become a must-have in his pre- and post-surf routine. “After hours ofsunscreen, saltwater, and sun, I use the 31st State cleanser in the shower to wash everything off without my skin feeling stripped or tight,” he says.

Ben Kaye, 16, was the only teen who brought upretinoids. He uses prescriptionAkliefto keep his skin clear fromblackheadsand breakouts. “I like mixing it with moisturizer so it feels good on my skin.” He keeps it basic with moisturizer, preferring unscented formulas fromCeraVeor La Roche-Posay. “They’re easy on my face.”

When breakouts erupt, some guys reach for Mario Badescu products. (They’re popular with teen girls, too.) “They have this pink stuff that I use as a spot treatment,” says Kaye. He’s referring to the popular Drying Lotion. It’s a mixture of salicylic acid to help with inflammation, sulfur to unclog pores, and zinc oxide to absorb excess oil. The ingredients separate, but you’re not supposed to shake it up. Just dip a cotton swab into the bottle and dab it directly on your pimple.

Ryan Watkinson, 16, is on the autism spectrum, and showering used to be a challenge until his mom found a mix of products that he enjoys using, including this mask withAHA and PHA acids. “It clears up my skin and doesn’t feel sticky,” he says.

These bar soaps came up again and again in interviews. One mom joked that her son may have discovered the brand through its collaboration withSydney Sweeneylast year. But the guys all said they use it for the scents, the smooth feel on their skin, and the masculine branding. Jack Coppa, 18, says, “The soaps are made with natural ingredients, no chemicals, and smells clean and fresh.” He also likes the exfoliating soaps. “Some of the bars have a gritty side and that’s great for scrubbing my face.”

Watkinson says he loves to shower with Olly. “The scent makes me happy and energized.” The body wash has a vitamin complex that includes magnesium and vitamin B12 for skin-barrier support, plus an uplifting springtime scent with notes of neroli, green dew, and patchouli.

Jacob Kaye, 16, is a big fan of Jack Black’s scented lotions. “Big Sir is refreshing and smells great,” he says. Even better: “It makes my dry skin feel very soft.” Big Sir has notes of bergamot, marine, and woody amber, inspired by the Pacific Coast.

Based on my interviews, I’d say shampoo is not as important to teen boys as styling products are, and most tend to use what their parents use. This is the case for the Kaye brothers. “We’re a dry-skin family, so we use Head & Shoulders,” says Ben. This one clears flakes and has the brand’s signature clean scent.

Boys need curl control, too. “After a shower, I like to put in this leave-conditioner or else my hair gets super frizzy,” says Ben Kaye. “It’s super lightweight but also moisturizes well.”

I was surprised to learn that sea-salt spray is a coveted item for boys. It gives them that beachy, piecey look. Sean Dietrich, 15, likes this spray from Based. “It gives good volume and texture without making my hair feel dry.”

I learned that teen boys collect cologne, much like the fragrance version of sneakerheads. Cristian Walker, 17, has over a dozen fragrances at the moment. He says he “likes having a variety of unique scents and bottles to match different moods, occasions, and seasons.” He also enjoys finding scents that not everyone has. His current favorite is Azzaro Most Wanted because it has a distinct vanilla scent that most people like. “It’s always a safe pick.” I think Cristian may have a future in the fragrance industry.

Rex Dietrich, 14, says this Prada scent is his favorite because it’s “a little sweet but still smells clean.” He says he can wear it every day without it being overpowering. “And when I wear it, people like it.”