La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection Corrector

La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection Corrector

Efficacy93/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Evens skin tone
Niacinamide, Capryloyl salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Target blemishes and diminish dark spots with the Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector from La Roche-Posay.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.8–2.6%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.35–0.8%
Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.45%
Anti-blemish
Niacinamide, Capryloyl salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“An easy-to-apply, quickly absorbed, targeted SOS treatment to help reduce the appearance of localised imperfections and blemishes and prevent residual marks.”
Source: La roche posay UK

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.8–2.6%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.35–0.8%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.45%
Exfoliation
Capryloyl salicylic acid, Salicylic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“The intensive local treatment works three-fold: new imperfections are prevented thanks to Niacinamide, existing imperfections and bacteria are deeply purified with Piroctone Olamine and Glycacil, and regeneration of the skin is encouraged thanks to micro-exfoliating LHA and soothing La Roche-Posay thermal spring water.”
Source: Escentual

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.35–0.8%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.1–0.45%
Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Cetyl alcohol + 6 more
Works
What the product description says
“Restore zen-like balance to complexions on the brink thanks to barrier-strengthening ingredients which won't further aggravate your breakouts.”
Source: Cultbeauty

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.8–2.6%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1.1–1.6%
Capryloyl glycineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.1%
Cyclohexasiloxane· EmollientEffect: LowA silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels~6.4–9.7%
Isononyl isononanoate· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowForms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness~4–6.1%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~2.8–4.2%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~2.2–3.3%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.3–2%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Niacinamide, Magnesium aluminum silicate
Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.8–2.6%
Magnesium aluminum silicateEffect: LowMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation~0.9–1.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.8–4.2%est.
Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.35–0.8%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.1–0.45%est.
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamateA preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.02%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Chlorhexidine digluconateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Piroctone olamineA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Cyclohexasiloxane~6.4–9.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane
Isononyl isononanoate~4–6.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness

More about Isononyl isononanoate
Propylene glycol~2.8–4.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Isohexadecane~2.2–3.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Niacinamide~1.8–2.6%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Peg-100 stearate~1.6–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Glyceryl stearate~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Cetyl alcohol~1.1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.9–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate
Carbomer~0.5–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Sodium hydroxide~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Capryloyl glycine~0.45–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycine
Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.35–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemish
More about Capryloyl salicylic acid
Citric acid~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Acrylates copolymer~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be irritating

More about Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
Chlorhexidine digluconate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorhexidine digluconate
Piroctone olamine~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Piroctone olamine
Parfum~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isononyl isononanoate, Propylene glycol, Isohexadecane, Niacinamide, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Carbomer, Sodium hydroxide, Capryloyl glycine, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Acrylates copolymer, Salicylic acid, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Chlorhexidine digluconate, Piroctone olamine, Parfum

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇬🇧 Face the future (UK)
≈ $12.46
Buy
🇬🇧 Supderdrug (UK)15 ML
≈ $16.62
Buy
🇬🇧 Mankind (UK)15 ml
≈ $16.77
Buy
🇬🇧 La roche posay UK (UK)
≈ $18.78 Out of stock
Check
🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)Price as of 11/8 06:08 GMT
≈ $20.78
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
La Roche-PosayEffaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection CorrectorYOUR PRODUCTAbibGreen LHA Pore Pad Clear TouchCodexialEnoliss Perfect Skin Spot Scrub Purifying Anti-Marks Correcting CareBeplainMATCHA CATECHIN INTENSIVE CARE CREAM Spot Cream for Targeted Care — from New Breakouts to Post-Blemish Marks
Match—85%83%80%
Price—$18.52$16.96$35.00
Shared key ingredients—3 of 32 of 32 of 3
Key difference—AdenosineAscorbyl GlucosideRetinal
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Vivant Skin Care Brightening & Gently Exfoliating Peel PadsCeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

"La Roche-Posay - Effaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection Corrector" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Exfoliation

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • A good concentration of Niacinamide (1.80% - 2.60%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.

Price

The product retails for 31.50A$ in Australia, from 11.20£ up to 14.99£ in the United Kingdom and for 12.50$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection Corrector
La Roche-PosayEffaclar AI - Targeted Imperfection Corrector

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.