La Roche-Posay and Garnier: Their Best Products for Different Skin Types
Garnier and La Roche-Posay are two incredibly popular skincare brands with huge ranges of products to choose from. La Roche-Posay is known for its use of thermal spring water and specialist formulations for sensitive skin, while Garnier offers daily skincare products that are suitable for many skin types.
In this guide, we'll show you some of the best products from each brand and help you to choose that are right ones for your skin type and concerns. Click on one of the links below to skip to that section:
Sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane range is designed to soothe and protect highly sensitive and reactive skin. The Caring Wash cleanser contains glycerine and thermal spring water to gently remove makeup and impurities without irritating the skin. It leaves skin feeling fresh and moisturised.
Formulated with 96% natural ingredients and free from parabens, silicones and artificial colours, the Garnier Natural Rose Water Cleansing Milk is ideal for sensitive skin. Rose water helps soothe irritated skin while gently removing makeup and impurities.
Both products are mild enough for sensitive skin, but the Toleriane wash is particularly effective for those with hypersensitive or easily irritated skin which reacts to many skincare products.
Acne- and blemish-prone skin
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar range is designed specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin. The Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel contains salicylic acid, zinc and thermal spring water to unclog pores and combat persistent blemishes. It has been tested on oily acne-prone skin and has been proven to reduce even the most severe of marks.
Formulated with witch hazel extract and zinc, the Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Soap-Free Gel Wash works to fight pimples without drying out the skin. It soothes soreness and is hypoallergenic; ideal for those with sensitive complexions which are reactive to harsh cleansers.
If you're looking for a gentle cleanser to help control pimples, opt for the Garnier Pure Active wash. If you want a full range of products to choose from that will help you to combat acne, definitely check out the Effaclar range.
Dry and dehydrated skin
The Hydraphase UV Intense Rich moisturiser from La Roche-Posay is a fantastic solution for dehydrated, thirsty skin. As well as thermal spring water and hyaluronic acid fragments, it contains SPF20 and UVA protection to prevent damage and premature ageing caused by the sun. Rich and creamy in texture, it should be used every morning to rehydrate and comfort the skin.
Garnier’s range of Moisture Bomb sheet masks are designed to give your skin an intensive hydration boost whenever it is feeling particularly dull or lifeless. Each mask provides the equivalent hydration of a week's worth of serum, containing hyaluronic acid and plant extracts to plump and nourish the skin.
The Hydraphase moisturiser is ideal for treating dryness all over the face and neck and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, while the Garnier Moisture Bomb range is best suited to those who only need an occasional boost for dry skin.
Oily skin
The Effaclar Mat from La Roche-Posay is a hypoallergenic moisturiser for those with oily skin that works to control sebum production, gradually tighten pores and reduce shine. It is non-comedogenic so won't clog pores or contribute to blemishes, and has a paraben-free formula.
With Airlicium and salicylic acid, the Garnier Pure Active Matte Control Anti-Shine Anti-Blemish Moisturiser works to instantly reduce shine while continuously regulating sebum production. It is quickly absorbed into the skin for visibly reduced pores and a smooth complexion.
Both products work in very similar ways, but if your skin is particularly sensitive, the minimal formulation of the Effaclar Mat might be better for you.
Ageing/mature skin
Products in the La Roche-Posay Hyalu range are formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 to boost the skin's natural repair process. They work to smooth the appearance of fine lines and prevent wrinkles from deepening, leaving the skin looking fresher and more youthful.
The Garnier UltraLift day and night moisturisers contain pure ginger extract and other powerful plant extracts to stimulate collagen production and skin cell renewal. Wrinkles should be visibly reduced within 15 days and the skin appear younger in four weeks.
Both brands have brilliant anti-ageing products, but La Roche-Posay's Hyalu range is more expensive. If you're working on a tight budget, Garnier UltraLift is a great choice.
Normal and combination skin
La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light hypoallergenic daily moisturiser has a simple, minimal formula which nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It's light enough to wear under makeup and is non-comedogenic so won't contribute to blackheads or pimples.
Garnier Natural Aloe Extract Cleansing Milk Normal Skin is made with 96% natural ingredients and enriched with Aloe Vera Extract. A gentle choice for normal to combination skin, it hydrates the skin while removing makeup and impurities and contains no artificial colours, silicones or parabens.
Garnier has a great range of affordable and gentle products in its SkinActive range that is suitable for normal and combination skin. La Roche-Posay's tend to be more specialist and therefore are best suited to those with specific skin problems or concerns.
Other skin conditions and concerns
Eczema
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M provides 24-hour protection against itching and 48-hour hydration to soothe eczema. It can be applied daily or during flare-ups, and it is gentle enough for children and babies. It contains thermal spring water, niacinamide, glycerin and shea butter to soothe and protect the skin, along with AP+M technology (aqua posaeo and microresyl) to rebalance the skin biome.
Sun protection
Garnier is renowned for its range of sunscreens which are designed to offer long-lasting, reliable sun protection. The Ambre Solaire collection includes creams ranging from SPF15 to SPF50, and many of the products are waterproof.
After sun
La Roche-Posay Posthelios Gel contains 10% lipid-replenishing and soothing agents to hydrate the skin after sun exposure and aid the skin's natural reparation process. It instantly soothes hotness and leaves sunburned skin feeling soft, hydrated and nourished.
Frequently asked questions
How long does La Roche-Posay take to work?
Some La Roche-Posay products have an immediate effect, while others have a gradual impact after daily use for several weeks. Be sure to read the usage instructions of each product.
Does La Roche-Posay sunscreen stain clothes?
Products which contain high levels of SPF can occasionally stain clothing. However, since La Roche-Posay’s sunscreens are lightweight and tend to be absorbed into the skin quickly, the risk of them rubbing onto the skin and clothes is minimal.
Which Garnier moisturiser is best?
You should choose a Garnier moisturiser that is designed for your particular skin type or concern. The UltraLift range is particularly good for ageing skin and is one of their most popular moisturisers.
Is Garnier good for pimples?
The PureActive range of skincare products from Garnier is designed to help control pimples and blackheads and includes cleansers, toners, moisturisers and blemish sticks.