La Roche-Posay and Elave: Their Best Products for Different Skin Types

Skincare brands focused on efficacy, innovation and minimal ingredients have been a go-to on beauty editor desks for many years. French brand La Roche-Posay targets specific skincare problems with dermatological expertise, using selenium-rich thermal waters for incredible results. Irish brand Elave is renowned for soothing even the most sensitive of skin using high grade purified filtered water and hydrating ingredients that are paraben-free and sulphate-free.

These award-winning brands both treat reactive, inflamed and sensitive skin. In short, both are a skincare revolution. This guide will highlight their best products for different skin types, conditions and concerns. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:

Reactive and sensitive skin

Paraben-free and fragrance-free, La Roche-Posay Rosaliac UV Riche is enriched with a high concentration of pure thermal spring water. Why does this work so well for reactive skin? The high selenium content found in thermal waters has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflamed and sensitive skin. Completely hypoallergenic and with SPF15, reach for Rosaliac UV Riche when you want a lightweight, non-sticky, daily moisturiser that reduces the redness of skin conditions such as rosacea.

elave sensitive intensive cream

Developed by dermatology experts and free from common irritants, Elave Intensive Cream is moisturising and soothing. White soft paraffin and fractionated coconut oil strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and safely soften and hydrate even ultra-sensitive skin. If you suffer from pruritus caused by eczema or dermatitis, this formula is clinically proven to relieve itchiness and diminish flaky patches. Deeply nourishing, it can be applied as often as you like.

Oily and acne-prone skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

Constantly battling breakouts and shine? La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is a rich foaming facial wash that lifts away dirt and controls oil. It doesn't strip moisture from sensitive skin and is clinically proven to minimise spots and blackheads. Specially formulated to cleanse even intolerant skin, Effaclar contains thermal spring water and antimicrobial Zinc PCA, both great for acne-prone skin. Massage into a damp face, working into a rich lather before rinsing.

Elave Oil Free Skin Balancing Cleansing Gel delivers a rich and foamy deep cleanse that rebalances and softens the skin whilst effortlessly ridding it of impurities. Antimicrobial active ingredients including manuka honey, Vitamin E and chamomile: a soothing dream for combating acne, oiliness and redness. Massage into a foamy lather and rinse with warm water.

Dry and dehydrated skin

Saturating the skin with rehydrating thermal water and hyaluronic acid fragments to deliver long-lasting moisture, La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV Intense Rich targets dry, parched skin. A water-based moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid is a hero for dehydrated skin, restoring bounce and absorbing moisture like a sponge. Choose this if you have intolerant skin and need a paraben-free, 100% hypoallergenic formula that contains SPF. Lightweight yet rich and creamy, apply morning and evening to quench thirsty complexions.

Elave Intense Moisture Surge

Elave Intense Moisture Surge is a comfortable daily use cream that rebalances and plumps the skin. Vitamin E rich shea butter hydrates and softens whilst pure fractionated coconut oil restores and repairs. This innovative vegan formula is dermatologically tested and powered by active ingredients that deliver a rush of moisture. Reach for this if you want dry skin to look and feel dewier. Use it after cleansing to encourage a healthier skin barrier that’s intensely hydrated.

Mature and ageing skin

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes

The skin around the eyes is fragile and susceptible to crow’s feet. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes is both ophthalmologically and dermatologically tested to target this delicate area and can be applied to the eye contour both morning and evening. Enriched with thermal water, shea butter and caffeine, it's designed to perk up tired-looking eyes and create a smoother, soft-focus look.

Choose Elave Rejuvenating Cleanser if you're looking for a multitasking vegan facial wash that's free from sulphates, colour, alcohol and perfume. Recommended for oily, sun-damaged and ageing skin alike, the star of the show is its 12% Glycolic Acid Arginine complex—a natural AHA derived from sugar cane—that exfoliates the skin and leaves it looking younger. This safe, hydrating cleanser will eliminate dead skin cells, unclog pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Apply morning and night, massaging in and rinsing off with warm water.

Sun protection

If your skin is intolerant to the sun, an SPF50+ cream is absolutely essential. Unlike heavier counterparts, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Comfort Tinted BB Cream SPF50+ feels light and gentle and works on dry and sensitive skin as well as prickly heat. Designed specifically for the face, it's waterproof, sweatproof and includes a light tint for when you don't want to wear makeup. Minimal ingredients and broad, photostable UVA/UVB and infrared protection make this a hero product.

Elave Sensitive Sun Cream with SPF30

If you're not worried about a tint with your high protection sun cream, the oil-free, hypoallergenic Elave Sensitive Sun Cream with SPF30 is ideal. This lightweight paediatrician-approved sun cream can be used on new-borns and is rich in Vitamins B5, C and E to protect from UV rays whilst repairing the skin. Free of harsh chemicals, it's also safe to use whilst pregnant.

Dullness

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Clinically proven to illuminate dull skin and bring back volume from day one, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is your go-to for skin that's lost its elasticity and is showing signs of ageing. Big-hitting in the hydration stakes, hyaluronic acid plumps and firms after just four hours, madecassoside smooths and heals by promoting collagen synthesis, and Vitamin B5 encourages repair in damaged skin. Apply in the evening after cleansing and before using a retinol cream.

Switch to the Elave Rejuvenating Night Treatment that's jam-packed with hydrating emollients when you need a plumping overnight boost. Enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, coconut and palm glycerides as well as a glycolic acid arginine complex that increases collagen production, this treatment repairs and brightens in remarkable ways so you wake up with a glow.

Frequently asked questions

How long do La Roche-Posay products take to work?

An acne treatment such as Effaclar can take up to 10 days to work whilst with a night treatment such as Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum you'll notice results after four hours.

Which La Roche-Posay cleanser is best?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is suitable for all skin types and is especially good for oily or sensitive skin.

What makes a good face moisturiser?

A good face moisturiser should be paraben-free and contain minimal ingredients for clean beauty that's safe for your skin. Ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid for intense hydration, salicylic acid to unclog blocked pores and anti-irritation thermal spring water to soothe and calm sensitivity.

Can you have both dry and oily skin at the same time?

Yes, you can, and dermatologists call this type of skin ‘combination’. It can occur when you're dehydrated but it's generally down to genetics. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Light Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser is perfect for combination skin that needs long-lasting lightweight hydration.