La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena: Their Best Products for Different Skin Types
La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena are two of the world's most well-known skincare brands. Neutrogena is a classic brand known for creating mild and effective skincare products at an affordable price. La Roche-Posay is a French brand famous for its use of nourishing thermal spring water in products which are clinically proven to be safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Both brands have an excellent reputation, and both cater to a variety of skin types, conditions and concerns. In this guide, we’ll break down the best products from La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena for targeting common skin types and problems. Click on one of the links to jump to that section:
Dry and sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay’s Hydraphase range contains hyaluronic acid fragments which moisturise the skin and work to maintain hydration all day long. With minimal ingredients and no parabens, the range of moisturisers, masks and serums is designed for sensitive skin types that need that extra bit of attention.
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gelee Milk Cleanser removes makeup and impurities while protecting the natural skin barrier in order to lock in hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid and has been dermatologically tested to ensure it is suitable for sensitive skin.
If you find your dry skin is made worse by harsh cleansers, give the Neutrogena cleanser a try. If your skin needs intense hydration, La Roche-Posay Hydraphase is the range for you.
Blemish-prone and oily skin
La Roche-Posay created the Effaclar range specifically for very oily and acne-prone skin that is also sensitive. The products in this range work to control sebum production and treat breakouts without drying out or irritating the skin thanks to proven ingredients like niacinamide, zinc oxide, lipo hydroxy acid and salicylic acid.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel lightweight moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid and olive extract to nourish the skin without making it feel oily or greasy. The formula is oil-free and is non-comedogenic so does not clog pores, meaning that it won't contribute to pimples. Instead, it works to steadily release moisture over 24 hours to help skin maintain hydration without becoming greasy.
If you're looking for a lightweight moisturiser that won't worsen blemishes, the Neutrogena Water Gel is for you. For a complete skincare routine that will help to improve the appearance of acne, control oil and unblock clogged pores, opt for Effaclar instead.
Sunscreen
The Entire Anthelios range from La Roche-Posay is non-greasy, comfortable to wear and designed to provide high levels of protection from infrared and UV rays. Their Anti Shine formula is one of the most popular SPF products in the collection; it soothes and protects the skin from sun damage and is absorbed quickly to leave a matte, dry, water-resistant finish.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion provides SPF25 sun protection while shielding the skin from harmful pollutants. It works to strengthen the skin barrier while intensely hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. The non-greasy, lightweight texture makes it suitable for application under makeup.
If you require intense sun protection and don't mind adding an extra step to your skincare routine with a standalone sun cream, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios is for you. If you'd prefer a product that hydrates while offering moderate sun protection, the Neutrogena City Shield moisturiser is perfect.
Ageing/mature skin
La Roche-Posay’s Redermic Retinol has proven anti-wrinkle efficacy. It’s non-greasy, hypoallergenic formula makes the dark spots appear faded and skin tone smoother and more refined.
Designed to give ageing skin an indulgent boost, the Neutrogena Ageless Boost Hydrogel Recovery Mask contains a concentrated anti-ageing serum that helps skin to look and feel fresher, smoother and more youthful within just 15 minutes. It contains adenosine which helps to plump lines and wrinkles and is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.
If you want an anti-ageing product which has lasting effects, La Roche-Posay's Redermic Retinol is perfect. For an added boost to an existing anti-ageing skincare routine, opt for the Neutrogena mask.
Other skin conditions and concerns
Eyes
The La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes hypoallergenic serum works to make the delicate skin around the eyes look smoother and feel more supple. It helps to even out uneven skin tone in the eye contour and is ideal for those with tired, sensitive eyes.
Their Toleriane Ultra Eyes cream is specially formulated for sensitive skin around the eyes which have been aggravated by issues such as hay fever. It works to restore a neutral pH balance in the skin, easing sensitivity and allowing it to feel more comfortable.
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Awakening Gel-Cream contains hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate and refresh tired eyes. It replenishes moisture in the skin around the eyes and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. It is designed for daily use in the morning but can be applied repeatedly throughout the day for a refreshing boost.
Dullness
Enriched with Vitamin B3, the Neutrogena Radiance Boost Hydrogel Recovery Mask works to cool and illuminate the skin for a more glowing and radiant complexion. It is intensely moisturising and contains enough active serum that just one mask - applied for 15 to 30 minutes - is the equivalent of an entire month's worth of serum usage.
Redness
The Rosaliac range from La Roche-Posay works to neutralise redness and irritation for those with rosacea or very sensitive, reactive and fragile skin. With ingredients like ambophenol, neurosensine and thermal spring water, Rosaliac products progressively reduce redness and soothe the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Does La Roche-Posay use parabens?
La Roche-Posay products are designed with clean, minimal formulations so they are suitable for sensitive skin. Many of their products are paraben-free, but it is important to check the ingredient list of each product before use to be sure it does not contain an ingredient you are sensitive to.
Is La Roche-Posay recommended by dermatologists?
The entire range of products from La Roche-Posay has been formulated with the help of dermatologists to ensure the formulations are as effective and gentle as possible. Many dermatologists recommend the brand due to its high-quality ingredients and clinically proven results.