La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Reduces clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and imperfections”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. 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: glycolic acid
CleansingCapryloyl glycine, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilCleanses gently
“Removes excess dirt and dead skin cells to leave skin feeling refreshed and even.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (capryloyl glycine, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“CLARIFYING SOLUTION: This exfoliating acne toner with salicylic acid and glycolic acid helps remove pore-clogging debris and smooth skin texture.”
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: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., MentholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidWater~40–60%
Alcohol denat.~9.9–14.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Propanediol~4.6–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlycolic acid~3.1–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidSodium hydroxide~2.2–3.2%
Capryloyl glycine~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycinePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzyl alcohol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholPpg-26-buteth-26~0.9–1.4%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilMenthol~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolOphiopogon japonicus root extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking
More about Ophiopogon japonicus root extractScutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol denat., Propanediol, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Capryloyl glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl alcohol, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Menthol, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Butylene glycol, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
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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.
| La Roche-PosayEffaclar Clarifying Solution Acne TonerYOUR PRODUCT | FacetheoryGlycolacsal Solution T4 with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid | CliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel | BeautycounterAll Bright Triple Acid AHA Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 90% | 88% |
| Price | $18.99 | — | $21.64+$2.65 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Lactobionic Acid | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Celeteque Acne Cleansing GelThe Purest Solutions Exfoliating and Clarifying Toner Glycolic Acid 5% AHA+BHA
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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