Skincare ingredients explained for tweens + teens (ages 9–17)
At alcheMe, we keep skincare simple, barrier‑focused and pH balanced - with ingredients that support young, sensitive and breakout‑prone skin (and nothing unnecessary).
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Barrier Support (Ceramides, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate)
Hydration (Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Saccharide Isomerate, Beta‑Glucan, Glycols)
Soothing (Pro‑Vitamin B5, Allantoin, Vitamin E)
Gentle Cleansing (Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Mild Surfactants)
Skin Feel & Moisture Seal (Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fatty Alcohols, Olivates)
Keeping Formulas Safe & Stable (Preservatives, Thickeners, pH adjusters)
Barrier support ingredients
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What is it? Skin‑identical lipids naturally found in your skin barrier.
What does it do? Helps support and protect the barrier, so skin holds on to moisture and feels more balanced.
Why teens need it? Tween/teen skin can swing between dry, sensitive and breakout‑prone - barrier support helps keep things calm without harsh actives.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A skin‑identical lipid that naturally exists in the barrier (and works best with ceramides).
What does it do? Helps support barrier structure and reduce moisture loss.
Why teens need it? Keeps skin feeling comfortable and less “reactive,” especially when it’s easily irritated.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? Part of the skin’s natural lipid system.
What does it do? Helps support a healthy barrier and comfort sensitive skin.
Why teens need it? Great for “my skin is doing the most” days - when skin feels stressed, dry or easily irritated.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A barrier‑support helper ingredient.
What does it do? Helps ceramides work more effectively within the skin barrier.
Why teens need it? Supports the barrier without adding extra steps or strong actives.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Hydration ingredients
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What is it? A form of hyaluronic acid used in skincare.
What does it do? Helps attract and hold water in the skin for lightweight hydration.
Why teens need it? Hydration helps skin stay balanced (not tight, not overloaded) - especially when skin changes through the teen years.
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A classic humectant (hydration magnet).
What does it do? Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft and comfortable.
Why teens need it? Hydrates without heaviness - ideal for sensitive and breakout‑prone skin.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A hydration‑supporting ingredient that binds to the skin.
What does it do? Helps provide longer‑lasting hydration and comfort.
Why teens need it? Keeps skin feeling smooth and balanced even when you’re cleansing AM/PM.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A skin‑comfort ingredient that also hydrates.
What does it do? Helps support hydration and keep skin feeling calm.
Why teens need it? Perfect when skin is sensitive, stressed, or easily annoyed by “too much.”
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? Lightweight hydrators used to support skin feel + formula performance.
What does it do? Helps boost hydration and keep textures smooth and easy to apply.
Why teens need it? Comfortable hydration that layers well (especially if you wear SPF or makeup).
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Soothing ingredients
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What is it? A skin‑soothing, hydration‑supporting vitamin ingredient.
What does it do? Helps comfort the skin and support a healthy barrier feel.
Why teens need it? Great for sensitive, eczema‑prone, or breakout‑prone skin that needs kindness, not intensity.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A calming, skin‑softening ingredient.
What does it do? Helps soothe and smooth, so skin feels more comfortable.
Why teens need it? Helps take the “edge” off when skin feels dry, reactive, or stressed.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? An antioxidant used in skincare.
What does it do? Helps support skin against everyday environmental stress.
Why teens need it? A nice extra layer of support for healthy‑looking, cared‑for skin.
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Gentle cleansing ingredients
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What is it? A mild, plant‑derived cleanser.
What does it do? Helps lift dirt, SPF and daily build‑up without stripping.
Why teens need it? Gentle cleansing matters - stripping can lead to tightness, dryness and a cranky barrier.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A gentle cleansing agent (foam helper).
What does it do? Helps create that rich, creamy mousse feel while staying comfortable on skin.
Why teens need it? Cleansing can feel good and be gentle - no tight, squeaky aftermath.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? Mild surfactants (cleansing ingredients).
What does it do? Cleans effectively while being kinder to the skin barrier than harsher options.
Why teens need it? Helps keep skin feeling clean, fresh and comfortably balanced - not stripped.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Skin feel + moisture seal ingredients
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What is it? A lightweight emollient that mimics skin’s natural oils.
What does it do? Helps soften and smooth without feeling heavy or greasy.
Why teens need it? Comfort + hydration support, without cloggy vibes.
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A gentle, skin‑conditioning emollient.
What does it do? Helps moisturise and improve skin feel.
Why teens need it? Keeps skin soft and comfortable (especially if skin gets dry easily).
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? A fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol).
What does it do? Helps soften skin and keep formulas stable and smooth.
Why teens need it? Helps create that lightweight, non‑greasy moisturiser texture.
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? Olive‑derived ingredients that help blend oil + water in a formula.
What does it do? Helps moisturise and support a creamy, comfortable texture.
Why teens need it? Makes moisturising easy (and not sticky).
Found in:
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Keeping formulas safe + stable
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What is it? Preservative system used to keep products safe.
What does it do? Helps prevent microbial growth and keeps formulas stable for everyday use.
Why teens need it? Safe, stable skincare = skincare you can actually use consistently.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? Texture and consistency helpers.
What does it do? Helps give products the right feel (mousse, gel‑cream, etc.).
Why teens need it? Makes products easy to use, easy to spread, and comfy on skin.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? pH‑adjusting ingredients.
What does it do? Helps keep formulas pH balanced so they stay gentle and effective.
Why teens need it? pH balance helps support the skin barrier - key for sensitive and breakout‑prone skin.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
Fragrance
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What is it? Added fragrance used in our scented variants.
What does it do? Gives products their scent experience.
Why teens need it? Skincare should feel fun - but still gentle.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
How much? Less than 0.3% in fragranced products.
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What is it? Texture and consistency helpers.
What does it do? Helps give products the right feel (mousse, gel‑cream, etc.).
Why teens need it? Makes products easy to use, easy to spread, and comfy on skin.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
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What is it? pH‑adjusting ingredients.
What does it do? Helps keep formulas pH balanced so they stay gentle and effective.
Why teens need it? pH balance helps support the skin barrier - key for sensitive and breakout‑prone skin.
Found in:
- Daily Mousse Cleansers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Daily Moisturisers: Fragrance Free, Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Coconut
- Bundles: On‑The‑Go, Strawberries & Cream, Cherry Bomb
What we leave out
We intentionally formulate without:
Retinol • Harsh actives • Essential oils • Drying alcohols • SLS/SLES • Parabens • Silicones • Phthalates • Mineral oil & petrolatum • Formaldehyde‑releasing preservatives • Dyes
Because young skin doesn’t need more - it needs balance.
Quick links
FAQ
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alcheMe is designed for young, growing skin (typically ages 9–17), including sensitive and breakout‑prone skin.
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Yes. All alcheMe products are pH balanced to help support the skin’s natural barrier.
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Yes. Ceramides are included to help support and protect the skin barrier.
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Yes. Our Daily Moisturisers include sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) for lightweight hydration.
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Yes - alcheMe scents are made to mix and match. Blend them in your palm to create your own combo.
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The formulas are very similar - fragrance free options are simply made without added fragrance.
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Less than 0.3% fragrance in fragranced variants.
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No. We avoid essential oils because they can be irritating for young or sensitive skin.
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No. alcheMe formulas are free from retinol and harsh actives.
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Yes. We never test on animals.
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Yes - all alcheMe products are made in Australia.