The Best of the Effaclar Range from La Roche-Posay
Premium French skincare brand La Roche-Posay is renowned for formulating highly effective, dermatologist-approved products suitable for the most sensitive of skin. Effaclar is one of the brand's most beloved ranges, owing to its ability to control oil production and acne without irritating sensitive skin.
The Effaclar range is formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. Its products work to reduce the appearance of pimples, blackheads and imperfections without stripping away moisture or causing irritation—ideal for those susceptible to sensitivity. Effaclar’s range of gels, cleansers, moisturisers and serums are incredibly effective yet gentle, which means they are suitable for anyone with oily skin including teenagers experiencing acne.
In this article, we'll highlight the best Effaclar products to help you build a skincare routine that will support your pimple-prone skin in looking its best.
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Effaclar gels and cleansers
Effaclar Micellar Water
This micellar water gently removes dirt, oil, makeup, and grime, without disrupting the skin's delicate pH balance. It is enriched with La Roche-Posay’s signature Thermal Spring Water, also boasting fragrance-free and hypoallergenic properties. It's ideal for those with sensitive skin and should be used once or twice each day by applying to a cotton pad and wiping over the face and neck.
Effaclar Micro Peeling Purifying Gel
With salicylic acid, LHA and zinc, this powerful cleanser works to unclog pores to prevent congestion that often leads to blackheads and pimples. It has a soothing gel texture and contains menthol to provide a cooling, invigorating deep cleanse. Use morning and night to reduce imperfections by up to 51%.
Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
Formulated with zinc PCA, this foaming wash works to gently cleanse the skin while reducing the visibility of spots and blackheads. It leaves the complexion feeling fresh and helps to control shine without causing dryness or tightness in the skin. Although designed for daily use on the face, it can also be used as a body wash which makes it ideal for those with acne on the back and chest.
Effaclar Micro-Exfoliant Astringent Lotion
The active ingredient, LHA, works to prevent blocked pores and reduce pore size in this astringent lotion. It is ideal for those with very oily skin and irregular skin texture and should be applied twice daily with cotton wool after cleansing and before moisturising.
Effaclar H Derma-Soothing Hydrating Cleansing Cream
This ultra-gentle cream wash is suitable for those with skin weakened from harsh acne treatments that have dried out the skin and left it feeling sore. It soothes tightness, rebalances the complexion and provides immediate comfort while effectively cleansing, and is suitable for daily use.
Effaclar moisturisers
Effaclar MAT+
Designed for acne-prone skin which is particularly oily and shiny, the MAT+ moisturiser works to hydrate while controlling sebum production to leave the skin looking luminous without excessive shine. It should be used daily after cleansing, and within four weeks pores should look tightened and less noticeable. It also works as a brilliant base for makeup.
Effaclar Duo+
Effaclar Duo+ contains niacinamide to reduce the appearance of pimples, LHA and salicylic acid to unclog pores, zinc PCA to control sebum and shine, and procerad to reduce red marks left by healed spots. It provides gentle all-day hydration for the skin while gradually improving skin clarity within four weeks. It should be applied after cleansing and toning and can be combined with other moisturisers and serums, such as retinol or hyaluronic acid, if you're looking for anti-ageing and hydration benefits.
Effaclar Duo+ SPF30
This moisturiser offers all the benefits of the original Duo+ with added SPF30, PPD and carnosine, which means it protects the skin against damage caused by UVA and UVB rays and pollution. This is a great moisturiser to use in the morning, particularly for those who spend lots of time outdoors, as it is a lightweight alternative to greasy, sticky sunscreen.
Effaclar Duo+ Unifant Light and Medium
Unifant has all of the blemish-controlling benefits of the original Duo+ but also contains a subtle tint to provide natural coverage for skin imperfections. It is ideal for those who want a lightweight and simple alternative to heavier makeup products like foundation and concealer, which can clog the pores and worsen acne. It is available in Light and Medium.
Effaclar H
Effaclar H contains Ceramide 5 which works to protect and restore the skin's natural hydrolipidic film, making it an ideal moisturiser for those with skin that has been weakened by harsh, drying acne treatments. It has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soothed without any stickiness.
Effaclar K+
Effaclar K+ is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of blackheads. It contains salicylic acid and LHA to unclog the pores, while vitamin E works to protect the epidermis and improve skin texture. It has a fresh, water-gel texture which is quickly absorbed by the skin to provide all-day hydration.
Other Effaclar products for acne
Effaclar Serum
Effaclar Serum contains a high concentration of active ingredients salicylic acid, LHA and glycolic acid which work to stimulate skin cell renewal, micro-exfoliate the pores, and visibly smooth the surface of the skin. It also contains niacinamide which helps to reduce the appearance of spots and hydrate the skin. It should be used after cleansing and before moisturising.
Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector
Effaclar A.I. is designed to target individual blemishes as and when they crop up to reduce their appearance and prevent lasting residual marks on the skin as the pimples heal. It contains niacinamide, piroctone olamine and LHA which tackle the cause of pimples and support the skin's natural regeneration process. It should be applied to individual pimples after moisturising the face.
Effaclar Purifying Clay Mask
This mask contains argilla to gently absorb sebum from the surface of the skin without drying it out, and kaolin which helps to gradually reduce sebum deeper in the skin to reduce unwanted shine over time. Pathenol B soothes and calms the skin, while cellubeads remove invisible impurities caused by pollution. The mask can be used daily after cleansing or whenever your skin feels like it needs an additional deep cleanse.
Serozinc
Serozinc is an incredibly helpful product for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It is a zinc sulphate toning mist that works to tighten pores and mattify the skin. It should be sprayed onto the face after cleansing then left to absorb for a few minutes before any excess is patted away.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you use La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo+?
Effaclar Duo+ should be used twice a day in the morning and at night, after cleansing.
How long do La Roche-Posay Effaclar products take to work?
Some Effaclar products offer visible improvements to the skin from the very first use, but others provide a gradual improvement in the appearance of imperfections over four weeks.
Is La Roche-Posay Effaclar good for acne?
The entire Effaclar range has been designed for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Effaclar products can help to control oil production and reduce the severity of pimples and blackheads.
Is La Roche-Posay good for sensitive skin?
All La Roche-Posay products have been formulated with sensitive skin in mind and contain clean, minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation. The brand also has specific ranges—such as Toleriane—which are particularly suitable for ultra-sensitive and reactive skin.