My Honest La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Review
If you're looking for a gentle yet effective acne treatment, you'll want to keep reading! Today we'll be reviewing the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo in-depth.
Quick facts:
Formulation: Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Oil-free, Alcohol-Free, Essential Oil-free Non-comedogenic
Texture: A super light and thin, hydrating lotion texture that’s non-greasy and absorbs very easily into the skin
Scent: No particular scent
Where to buy: La Roche Posay website, or also on Amazon (currently out of stock on Amazon though)
Price: $22.99USD (20ML) $35.99USD (40ML)
Main pros: Great for spot treating areas of concern. Targets red areas, blemishes, and acne. With even just a few days of using this, I've noticed a difference in the appearance of blemishes.
Cons: Can be a little sensitizing if it is your first time using a chemical exfoliator, and can cause irritation. I would avoid using it daily if it’s your first time with an exfoliator and start out alternating days or every three days at first then work your way to more applications.
Some people do mention it causes redness and burning, which may be due to skin sensitivity or skin shedding due to its exfoliating properties.
My verdict: 9/10. I've really enjoy using this product and find it's been one of the most gentle yet effective acne treatments for my combination skin. I use this in conjunction with their super gentle Toleriane Sensitive Fluide (review here) and have been able to see results within 2 weeks. (I have a bunch of small red dots on my forehead - not sure if it's irritated closed comedones, clogged pores or just small raised pimples but using this has been able to really smooth and deal with all of the above).
What does this product do?
La Roche Posay is a widely known brand supported by dermatologists with over 750 studies and 25 years of research. The Effaclar Duo is considered one of their best spot treatments for acne and is meant to reduce the number and severity of blemishes, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. It is formulated with 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid. More on the active ingredients below:
Benzoyl peroxide (a very popular ingredient for combating acne) works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of germs (bacteria) on the surface of your skin and is often one of the first recommended treatments for mild - moderate acne.
Lipo-hydroxy is a derivative of salicylic acid, and helps in skin renewing, exfoliating, and acne treatment.
The Effaclar Duo is claimed to provide fast, visible results in less than 3 days. I personally didn't see results in less than 3 days since I started pretty slow with this (every other night), but definitely saw results within 2 weeks.
Ingredients
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl Stearate, Niacinamide, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Silica, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sorbitan Oleate, Zinc Pca, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isohexadecane, Sodium Hydroxide, Myristyl Myristate, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Mannose, Poloxamer 338, Disodium EDTA, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Parfum/Fragrance
www.laroche-posay.us
How to apply
- Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo day and night after thorough cleaning of your face. However, how regularly you apply it may depend on your skin texture. If you have delicate skin, you may want to start by using it once a day (or every other night) and see how your skin reacts.
- Apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo to the face using your fingertips.
- Massage gently until the product is absorbed.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.
- Follow up with a moisturizer.
- Use sun protection. Avoid using this treatment in conjunction with any other exfoliating products or treatments that might irritate the skin!
Do I need moisturiser after Effaclar Duo?
Yes. The treatment is on the thinner side so it's recommended to follow up with a moisturizer. I use this in my problem areas and then I apply the Toleriane Sensitive Fluide (review here) to areas that need more hydration. That moisturizer is super gentle and light!
Is the La Roche Posay Effaclar duo good for acne?
Yes, the Effaclar Duo+ anti-acne treatment is meant for acne! It's been great for my combo skin but I think this would especially be good for oily or mild acne-prone skin types to help with congested skin or clogged pores and excess sebum.
Important Note:
If you're new to chemical exfoliants, go slow on using this (every other night), then work your way to every night. I did this and saw results within 2 weeks!
I personally did not experience purging with using the effaclar duo treatment, but have read online that it would be normal if you are to experience it.
Summing up:
In short, I love using this treatment and it's made my all-time favourites list along with the sensitive fluide moisturizer! I originally purchased this as a set with the cleanser and toner from the same line, but those two didn't really stand out to me as much as the actual treatment did! If you are looking for a similar set (good value since it's basically the same price as just the treatment by itself), I found this one available on their official website.
Let me know if you've found this review useful or if there's another product by La Roche-Posay you'd like me to review, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
*This post may contain affiliate links. However, these are always my honest opinions*