# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Cleanser for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily and acne-prone skin, as sodium laureth sulfate and zinc pca work to decongest pores and balance oil production.
- Citric acid provides mild exfoliation, which is beneficial for your skin type, though it does not directly target active breakouts.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Caution
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

## What the research says

- Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/))
- Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/))
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment decreases lipid membrane chain conformational order and stiffness leading to increased water sorption and diffusivity, whereas sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) treatment increases lipid membrane conformational order and stiffness with increased water sorption capacity driven by its hygroscopic nature. ([Langmuir, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24359219/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))

## Why other cleansers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers. ([International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140770/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly recommended for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, effectively reducing excess oil and clearing breakouts without significant irritation. A considerable number of users report clearer skin and fewer blemishes. However, some users find the formula to be too drying, especially with frequent use or in dry conditions.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Deep clean feeling (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective oil control (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: High efficiency/value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging phase (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
- Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Foaming Cleanser work for oily acne-prone skin?

LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Foaming Cleanser offers moderate cleansing for your oily and acne-prone skin, as it helps decongest pores and balance oil production safely without irritation. To fit this skin type best, a cleanser of this type needs soothing and effective ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, probiotics, or salicylic acid.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser fits your oily and acne-prone skin because sodium laureth sulfate and zinc pca work to decongest pores and balance oil production, while citric acid offers mild exfoliation. To fit this skin type even better, a cleanser needs soothing and effective ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, probiotics, salicylic acid, and glycerin to calm the skin and manage oil without causing excess dryness.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

### What does Water do for oily acne-prone skin?

Water helps keep oily, acne-prone skin hydrated without making it greasy. Keeping skin hydrated is important because acne treatments can dry it out and irritate the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40196957/)

### What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do for oily acne-prone skin?

Sodium laureth sulfate helps clean away excess oil, but it may dry out the skin and disrupt its natural protective barrier. This type of ingredient tends to cause irritation, so oily and acne-prone skin needs a cleanser formulated with much milder detergents, soothing moisture-boosting ingredients, and a skin-friendly pH that protects the barrier while it cleans.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser fits in your morning and evening routine as the first step of cleansing, and for oily acne-prone skin it helps clear pores and balance oil. To give this skin type a better fit, a product of this type needs stronger blemish-fighting ingredients and deep oil control.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser with retinol, applying the cleanser first to clean your skin before putting on your retinol. This product helps wash away extra oil and clear out pores using sodium laureth sulfate and zinc pca, but a cleanser for this skin also needs ingredients that protect the skin barrier to keep it from getting dry.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. It is unlikely to cause irritation on oily acne-prone skin, though this skin type also benefits from cleansers that deeply clear pores and control oil with ingredients like salicylic acid.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, but it may cause dryness or stripping for your oily acne-prone skin. To better care for this skin type, products need ingredients that balance oil and gently clear pores without harshness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/)

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is unlikely to suit the very thin skin around the eyes where skin thickness is lowest. A product for the eye area needs gentle ingredients and rich soothing agents to protect delicate skin without irritation.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 140.26 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 44.75 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 145.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon
- SPF: [Dear, Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dear-klairs/all-day-airy-sunscreen/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — AED 95.14 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 62.76 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B003JSEGNC?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Zinc Pca, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)