# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/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 Germany.

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/best/exfoliators)

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.

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few products fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your oily skin as salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid work to deeply cleanse pores and regulate sebum production, addressing your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- Zinc gluconate further aids in seboregulation, complementing the exfoliating action for smoother, less shiny skin.
- The formulation 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/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/dark-spots): Caution
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High (this page)

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Lha Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, Glycerin, Zinc Gluconate, Menthol

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487026/))
- Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23947673/))
- Zinc gluconate induced alpha2, alpha3, alphaV, and alpha6 integrins, copper gluconate induced alpha2, alpha6, and beta1, and manganese gluconate induced most studied integrins in cultured keratinocytes. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10215764/))
- Coadministration of 40% topical L-menthol with 10% trans-cinnamaldehyde reduced spontaneous pain intensity, neurogenic inflammation, primary and secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, and heat hyperalgesia, but not cold hyperalgesia, in 14 healthy volunteers. ([The Journal of Pain, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27260636/))
- Topical application of menthol-based cooling gel decreased intramuscular temperature by 1.9 °C and increased cutaneous blood flow by 0.3 ml/min in healthy males compared to placebo gel. ([International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30038834/))
- Cooling skin temperature or applying topical menthol reduced histamine-induced itch intensity and flare diameters in healthy male volunteers. ([Neuroscience Letters, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7624016/))

## What reviewers say

Users with oily and acne-prone skin frequently praise this gel for its ability to instantly reduce excess sebum and smooth rough skin texture on both the face and body. While many report significant improvements in clearing breakouts and "backne," a notable minority experience an initial "purging" phase or find the formula too drying for daily use without a heavy moisturizer.

- Liked: Reduces oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Clears body acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle exfoliation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying and stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective on deep acne (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Initial purging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Irritates sensitive skin (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week to start, increasing frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but before your final moisturizer step.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the product directly onto clean, dry skin for the best results against breakouts.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and always use a daily SPF since exfoliating makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel is a great fit for your oily, acne-prone skin because salicylic acid, LHA, and zinc gluconate deeply cleanse pores, control oil, and help clear up breakouts while keeping the skin comfortable and less shiny.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/)

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

Salicylic acid, LHA, and zinc gluconate make this exfoliant a great fit because they deeply cleanse pores, control oil, and smooth out breakouts. This combination helps clear blemishes while keeping skin calm and less shiny.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear breakouts and keeps oily skin balanced by reducing oil levels and calming inflammation. It is well suited for oily, acne-prone skin because it targets pimples while helping keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682377/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972839/)

### What does Lha Lipo-Hydroxy Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

LHA Lipo-Hydroxy Acid helps clear pores and smooth oily, acne-prone skin by gently shedding dead skin cells one by one. Because it works very gradually on the surface, it is less likely to cause irritation while helping keep pores clear.

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

This product is a great fit for your oily acne-prone skin, going into your evening routine as an exfoliating treatment once a week to start. Salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid deeply cleanse pores and help control oil, while zinc gluconate leaves your skin smoother and less shiny.

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

It is best to use this exfoliant on a different night than your retinol to help prevent any extra dryness or irritation on your skin. Alternating nights allows both treatments to work effectively without overwhelming your face.

### How often should I use it?

Start by using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. Salicylic acid and zinc gluconate help deeply cleanse pores and regulate oil to keep your skin smooth and less shiny.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14725662/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16640681/)

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

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores and is a great fit to help clear breakouts and manage oil on oily skin. It may cause mild initial purging as it cleanses deep inside pores, but it has a very safe profile and is unlikely to cause harsh irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [REN Clean Skincare Clearcalm Non-Drying Acne Treatment Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/ren-clean-skincare/clearcalm-non-drying-acne-treatment-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €17.95 at Amazon
- [PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/panoxyl/acne-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €20.20 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €11.75 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/green-tea-seed-hyaluronic-acid-hydrating-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €37.64 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €18.35 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0866V21WT?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €17.50 (https://www.notino.de/la-roche-posay/effaclar-reinigendes-peeling-gel-fuer-fettige-und-problematische-haut/p-16356765/)
Prices checked 13 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Citric Acid, Menthol, Polyquaternium-47, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate
## 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-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-micro-peeling-purifying-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin