# La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin

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

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/moisturizers)

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

A poor match for oily skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your oily skin due to shea butter and glycerin, which hydrate and enhance barrier resilience, but these emollients can be too heavy for oily skin.
- While the formula is safe and free of harsh ingredients for your oily skin, its primary benefits are general hydration rather than addressing oily shine.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Shea Butter, Niacinamide, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone

## What the research says

- 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/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- Petrolatum-based skin protectants demonstrated protection against irritants and maceration while providing skin hydration, whereas dimethicone and zinc oxide products showed varying or limited performance across parameters among 18 healthy volunteers compared to positive and negative controls. ([Ostomy/wound Management, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16439809/))
- Malaysian thermal spring water as an adjunct to standard acne therapy improved skin hydration, reduced dryness and stinging, enhanced overall tolerability, and improved the acne disability index in patients with mild to moderate acne. ([The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553920/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Balneotherapy with thermal water altered specific skin microbiota at genus and species levels in healthy female volunteers compared to tap water, which produced no significant microbiome changes. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36983902/))
- A 2% Sphingomonas xenophaga ferment extract cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks significantly decreased facial vascular disorder scores compared to vehicle in 86 Caucasian female subjects, alongside dose-dependent inhibition of pre-kallikrein activity in vitro. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40545753/))
- A formulation containing vitamin C, biopeptides, hyaluronic acid, and mineralizing water accelerated cell turnover to 17.1 days versus 19.2 days for untreated skin, and reduced crow's-feet, forehead, and nasolabial folds by 9%, 11%, and 5% respectively after 28 days in female subjects. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038010/))
- 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/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))

## What reviewers say

- Liked: Deep hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Defective pump design (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle & unscented (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Restores skin barrier (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasy/sticky finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (face) (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Thick consistency (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ for oily skin?

Lovi advises caution because shea butter and glycerin provide heavy hydration that can feel too rich for oily skin. To work well for this skin type, a moisturizer needs lightweight textures, peptides or other hydrating agents, and ingredients that manage shine without heavy oils or clogged pores.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily skin?

Shea butter and glycerin make this cream a poor fit because these heavy emollients can feel too thick for oily skin. A moisturizer for this skin type needs lightweight hydrating agents and peptides that provide moisture while maintaining a light texture without heavy oils.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Shea Butter do for oily skin?

Shea butter may feel too heavy for oily skin and is unlikely to be the best fit without careful testing. This skin type needs light, non-greasy moisturizers and ingredients that balance oil production without clogging pores.

### What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This moisturizer is a poor match for oily skin because ingredients like shea butter and glycerin can feel too heavy. Oily skin needs lightweight hydrators and balancing ingredients that control shine without clogging pores.

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

You can use this cream with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with the moisturizer to help soothe dryness and support your skin barrier. Using a barrier-enhancing moisturizer with treatments like retinol is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve how well your skin handles the routine.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930436/)

### How often should I use it?

This heavy cream is a poor match for oily skin because its rich ingredients can feel too weighty, so you may prefer to use it sparingly or only on dry patches rather than as a daily all-over moisturizer. Oily skin typically needs lightweight, oil-free hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide that balance moisture without clogging pores.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This thick moisturizer is a poor match for oily skin because heavy ingredients like shea butter and glycerin may feel greasy and cause breakouts. Oily skin needs lightweight, oil-free hydration and ingredients that help balance shine without heavy emollients.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This moisturizer is safe to use on your body and around your eyes, where the skin is much thinner. It hydrates well and feels soft, though oily skin needs a lighter lotion that controls shine without heavy butters.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$16.20 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$35.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$28.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-clarifying-clay-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$18.95 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0G6BHRNMX?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$36.95 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/la-roche-posay-lipikar-baume-ap-max-soothing-body-cream/p/BB_3337875930239?variantCode=3337875930239)
Prices checked 14 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Peg-100 Stearate, Propandiol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Tristearate, Dimethiconol, Sodium Chloride, Mannose, Coco-Betaine, Disodium Edta, Capryloyl Glycine, Caprylyl Glycol, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
## 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/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin