Mochidream: The safe tween skincare line that my Sephora girl loves

She’s nine. She’s obsessed with skincare. She can talk to you about serums and face mists the way other kids talk about slime or Legos. And she loves arts and crafts just as much—glitter, glue, you name it. She’s right in that magical middle zone of girlhood where everything is beautiful, innocent, and right on the edge of being a little girl and growing up.

And honestly? I love it.

Related: Here’s what Drew Barrymore thinks about her tween daughters’ interest in skincare

Some people love to criticize these so-called “Sephora girlies,” rolling their eyes at nine-year-olds with headbands and face masks, claiming it’s all about image or vanity. But when I look at my daughter and her friends, I see something else entirely.

I see girls embracing the fun of being girls. I see them discovering self-care not as an adult burden, but as something that’s exciting and creative. I see a generation that knows it’s okay to spend time on yourself, that pampering can be playful.

In my view, it’s actually anti-girl to have a problem with that.

That said, as her mom, I do care deeply about what she’s putting on her skin. Because a lot of what’s marketed to kids right now is not made for them. The truth is, many popular products in the beauty aisle contain ingredients that are way too harsh for young skin. They can damage delicate skin barriers and lead to irritation, or worse.

So when I started searching for better options, I found Mochidream—a brand founded by two moms who get it.

Mochidream is basically a mom and daughter dream. The branding is pure magic—colorful, playful, squeal-inducing (my daughter literally squealed when she saw the packaging). The scents are delicious but not overpowering. Most importantly, the formulations are gentle and designed with young skin in mind.

They skip the harsh actives, parabens, and phthalates you’ll find in so many adult formulas. Instead, they use ingredients like squalane, rice water, cloudberry, and ceramides—things that protect and nourish without stripping or irritating. The philosophy is all about helping girls celebrate themselves, take ownership of their self-care rituals, and enjoy this little piece of growing up in a way that feels safe and fun.

Related: Teen skin is different than adult skin

As a mom, I want her to feel good about taking care of herself. I want her to love who she is. But I also want to know the products she’s using aren’t doing harm.

That’s why Mochidream has become a staple in our house. Created by female founders who wanted better for their kids, it lets my girl have the experience she wants—a dreamy, glittery, bestie-level skincare ritual—while giving me peace of mind.

If you’re also living with your own mini Sephora girl, you might want to check them out. It’s proof that self-care can be thoughtful and fun—and that there’s nothing wrong with girls celebrating themselves exactly as they are.