# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Cleanser for combination skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-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 Australia.

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/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 weak match for combination skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your combination skin, as sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine help remove impurities while zinc PCA regulates sebum to combat oily shine.
- Citric acid provides mild exfoliation, contributing to a balanced feel, though more potent ingredients could offer enhanced benefits for your primary concern.

## Fit by skin type

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

## 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 combination skin better

- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))

## 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 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

### Why is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Cleanser a weak match for combination skin?

This cleanser is a weak match because, while it removes impurities and helps control oily shine with zinc PCA and citric acid, it lacks more potent ingredients for your main concerns. A cleanser for combination skin needs to be exceptionally safe and non-irritating while effectively balancing oil production and maintaining hydration in dry areas.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

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

This cleanser is a weaker match for combination skin because its ingredients offer only moderate cleansing and mild exfoliation, which may not fully address the mixed needs of oily and dry areas. A better product for this skin type needs soothing, hydrating, and barrier-repairing ingredients that balance oil production while keeping dry zones comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/)

### What does Water do for combination skin?

Water helps keep combination skin hydrated, though a product of this type needs additional barrier-protecting ingredients like ceramides or petrolatum to lock in that moisture and support overall skin health.

### What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do for combination skin?

Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing ingredient that may leave combination skin feeling dry and can disrupt skin moisture if not balanced properly. A product of this type needs milder cleansing agents, moisturizing ingredients, and a balanced pH to keep the skin barrier calm and hydrated.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/)

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine, before your toner, moisturizer, and other steps. Combination skin needs a cleanser that removes impurities and controls oily shine while keeping the skin balanced.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol, but combination skin needs a gentle wash that protects the skin barrier and soothing ingredients like ceramides to prevent dryness and irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. This helps wash away impurities and control oily shine while maintaining a balanced feel.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, but it has a high likelihood of leaving combination skin feeling dry and stripped. To properly care for combination skin, a product of this type needs gentle cleansers and hydrating ingredients that clean without removing essential moisture.

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

This cleanser may be too strong for the thin skin around the eyes and body, as body and eyelid skin is thinner than facial skin. Combination skin needs a gentler formula with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients in these areas.
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/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.00 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.69 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$30.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$29.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$30.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$35.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$118.35 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — A$16.95 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$30.79 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B003JSEGNC?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&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/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin