La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

Works for

5 of 5 advertised claims delivered

Exfoliation
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Formulated with 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, this acne spot treatment provides fast and visible results in less than 3 days.”
Source: Lila Beauty

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~0.25–0.4%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.1–0.2%
Moisturizing
12 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Works to unclog blocked pores and controls sebum to mattify skin and control shine. Hydrates skin for 24 hours.”
Source: La roche posay UK

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, zinc pca.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, isocetyl stearate.

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

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.7–5.7%
Isocetyl stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.1–3.8%
Zinc pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.55–0.8%
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~2.3–2.8%
2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediolKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss over time~0.3–0.6%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~4.2–5.1%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.5–0.7%
Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.9–2.4%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.2–0.4%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%
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~0.55–0.8%
Myristyl myristateUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic~0.45–0.65%
Anti-aging
2 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Fast absorbing and non-sticky, this anti-blemish hydrating gel-cream moisturiser is designed especially for acne-prone and sensitive skin.”
Source: Mankind

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~2.3–2.8%
Zinc pcaEffect: LowA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.55–0.8%
Anti-blemish
4 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo(+) reduces the number and severity of acne blemishes, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.”
Source: Lila Beauty

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, zinc pca

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~2.3–2.8%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.4%
Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.55–0.8%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.1–0.2%
Evens skin tone
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Active ingredients not only fight the causes of acne but also tend to the aftermath, reducing the appearance of red and brown hyper-pigmentation marks.”
Source: Mankind

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~2.3–2.8%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.4%
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)~0.1–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.25–0.4%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~0.1–0.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~1.9–2.4%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.7–1.05%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenicMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Piroctone olamineA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic3/5~0.45–0.65%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.55–0.85%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.5–0.7%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.7–5.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Dimethicone~4.2–5.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Isocetyl stearate~3.1–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Isocetyl stearate
Niacinamide~2.3–2.8%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

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
Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate~1.9–2.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate
Silica~1.8–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate
Oryza sativa starch~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Punica granatum pericarp extract~0.9–1.1%
Formula
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Sorbitan oleate~0.55–0.85%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Zinc pca~0.55–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca
Glyceryl stearate se~0.5–0.7%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Isohexadecane~0.55–0.8%
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
Sodium hydroxide~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Myristyl myristate~0.45–0.65%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic

More about Myristyl myristate
2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss over time

More about 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol
Mannose~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mannose
Poloxamer 338~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Poloxamer 338
Propanediol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.25–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemish
More about Capryloyl salicylic acid
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Vitreoscilla ferment~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Maltodextrin~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Polysorbate 80~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures

More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.2%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens 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
Piroctone olamine~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Piroctone olamine
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl stearate, Niacinamide, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Silica, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Oryza sativa starch, Punica granatum pericarp extract, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Sorbitan oleate, Zinc pca, Glyceryl stearate se, Isohexadecane, Sodium hydroxide, Myristyl myristate, 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol, Mannose, Poloxamer 338, Propanediol, Hydroxyethoxyphenyl butanone, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Vitreoscilla ferment, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Maltodextrin, Xanthan gum, Pentylene glycol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Salicylic acid, Piroctone olamine, Parfum

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo [+]YOUR PRODUCTEmma STreatment Niacinamide FormulaHoraceSérum Acide Salicylique 2 % + Niacinamide 3 %Kiehl'sExpertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid
Match—80%79%78%
Price$14.87——$39.00+$24.13
Shared key ingredients—4 of 94 of 95 of 9
Key difference—DimethiconolAscorbyl GlucosideDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"La Roche-Posay - Effaclar Duo [+]" is effective for: Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish and Evens skin tone

Ingredient callouts

  • We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (2.30% - 2.80%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. 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 help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.

What our users say

Based on 4 reviews 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of three reviewers didn't notice clogged pores after using this sunscreen, but the third reviewer found that it clogged pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of two reviewers report that the product does not pill under makeup.
Our users describe the finish of this product as matt - dewy, They find the product's texture to be light and In terms of the smell, our users report that light fragrance.

Price

The product retails from 11.25£ up to 30.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 35.95A$ in Australia and for 30.99$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]
La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo [+]

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.