La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant - Colour: Medium

Name: La Roche-Posay - Effaclar Duo Unifiant - Colour: Medium
Brand: La Roche-Posay

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Anti-blemish

5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“This tinted care unclogs the pores, corrects the imperfections while matifying and unifying your skin.”

Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients 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, linoleic acid, zinc pca

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: 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)~0.55–0.8%

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%

Linoleic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.5–0.75%

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~0.45–0.65%

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.45%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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~0.45–0.65%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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

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.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.45%

Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed 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)~0.55–0.8%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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, salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: 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)~0.55–0.8%

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.25–0.45%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · 13 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

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: linoleic acid, niacinamide

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~0.45–0.65%

Isocetyl stearateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.1–3.8%

Linoleic acidHero· EmollientEffect: HighAn excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores~0.5–0.75%

2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediolKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss over time~0.25–0.5%

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%

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%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.2–0.4%

Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.9–2.4%

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~0.45–0.65%

Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.7–1.1%

Myristyl myristateUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

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~0.55–0.8%est.

Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.25–0.45%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistencyMedium~1.9–2.4%est.

T-butyl alcoholUsed to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritatingMedium~1.1–1.3%est.

Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.7–1.1%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Piroctone olamineA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Myristyl myristateAn emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenicMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

BhtA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%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 comedogenic3/5~0.25–0.5%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.25–0.45%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.2–0.4%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-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer

T-butyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating

More about T-butyl alcohol

Sodium hydroxide~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Oleic acid~0.7–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid

Salicylic acid~0.55–0.8%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · 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

Silica silylate~0.6–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate

Poloxamer 338~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Poloxamer 338

Nylon-12~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Polysorbate 80~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Zinc pca~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

Linoleic acid~0.5–0.75%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansingAnti-blemish

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores

More about Linoleic acid

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Isohexadecane~0.45–0.65%

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

2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol~0.25–0.5%

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

Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.25–0.45%

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

Piroctone olamine~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Piroctone olamine

Myristyl myristate~0.25–0.5%

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

Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer

Parfum~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Sorbitan oleate~0.25–0.45%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Disodium edta~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Bht~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Bht

Glyceryl stearate se~0.2–0.4%

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

Ci 77891~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ci 77891

Titanium dioxide~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Ci 77491~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491

Ci 77492~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492

Ci 77499~0.1–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499

Iron oxides~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Mica~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

(code f.i.l : b184641/1)

Not recognized

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl stearate, Niacinamide, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, T-butyl alcohol, Sodium hydroxide, Oleic acid, Salicylic acid, Silica silylate, Poloxamer 338, Nylon-12, Polysorbate 80, Zinc pca, Linoleic acid, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Isohexadecane, 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Piroctone olamine, Myristyl myristate, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Parfum, Sorbitan oleate, Disodium edta, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Bht, Glyceryl stearate se, Ci 77891, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Iron oxides, Mica, Unknown

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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 Unifiant - Colour: MediumYOUR PRODUCT	Emma STreatment Niacinamide Formula	HoraceSérum Acide Salicylique 2 % + Niacinamide 3 %	REVOLUTION SKINCARE20% Niacinamide Blemish and Pore Refining Serum
Match	—	76%	73%	73%
Price	$16.97	—	—	$15.86−$1.11
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 12	4 of 12	3 of 12
Key difference	—	Dimethiconol	Ascorbyl Glucoside	—
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"La Roche-Posay - Effaclar Duo Unifiant - Colour: Medium" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Exfoliation and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 2.30% - 2.80%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
Salicylic acid (0.55% - 0.80%) in this product will have an exfoliating effect and help smooth the skin. We, however, do not recommend using a moisturizer with Salicylic Acid daily to avoid over-exfoliating.