# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-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 combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for combination skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent cleansing for your combination skin, as sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate and salicylic acid effectively decongest and exfoliate pores to control oil and reduce shine.
- Zinc PCA further aids in seboregulation, making it highly suitable for managing oily shine.
- The formula is safe for your 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-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Low
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin): High (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Micro-Exfoliating Lha, Zinc Pca, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Combining a salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid facial serum and mask improved closed comedones and acne severity significantly more than serum alone in adults with acne over 8 weeks, with no adverse reactions reported. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Capryloyl salicylic acid peel reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation comparably to glycolic acid peel in 44 female volunteers, with no statistically significant differences between the two treatments. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/))
- Parity was demonstrated between an OTC BPO 5.5% formulation with lipohydroxy acid and tretinoin cream 0.025% versus prescription clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% gel and tretinoin cream 0.025% in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris at 12 weeks. ([Cutis, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22838094/))
- Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36698447/))
- Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21834944/))
- 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/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its ability to significantly reduce breakouts and control excess sebum without being overly harsh. While most find it effective for smoothing texture and deep cleaning, a subset of users experiences dryness, purging, or irritation, particularly those with sensitive skin barriers.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Controls oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Deep clean (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying and stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Irritation and redness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging phase (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser a great fit for combination skin?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is a great fit for combination skin because salicylic acid and sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate clear out pores to control oil and reduce shine. Zinc PCA helps manage oily shine, and the formula is safe with no harsh ingredients to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Salicylic acid and sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate make this cleanser a great fit because they effectively decongest pores to control oil and reduce shine on combination skin. Zinc PCA also helps manage oily shine, while the formula remains safe and gentle without harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for combination skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores and balance oily areas while remaining gentle enough for dry spots on combination skin. It reduces breakouts and oiliness effectively with a low likelihood of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### What does Lipohydroxy Acid do for combination skin?

Lipohydroxy acid helps clear clogged pores and smooth skin texture by gently exfoliating the surface. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used regularly, making it a helpful ingredient for balancing oily and dry areas.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine. It helps clean your skin and control oil.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying it first to clean your skin, and then following with your retinol treatment once your skin is dry. This helps clear away oil and dirt while keeping your skin calm and comfortable.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It helps clear pores and control oil while keeping irritation unlikely.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleanser helps clear pores rather than clog them, though a mild purging phase may occasionally happen when you first start using salicylic acid. Its ingredients work together to control oil and reduce shine while maintaining a safe profile for combination skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

This cleanser is generally safe to use on the body, but it is unlikely to be a good fit for the thin skin around the eyes because that area is very delicate and prone to irritation. When treating areas like the body, a cleanser with strong oil-controlling ingredients works well, whereas the eye area requires much gentler care.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 44.75 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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 140.26 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/combination-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/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 33.40 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United Arab Emirates has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, 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-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)