# La Roche-Posay EFFACLAR for oily skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-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: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/best/cleansers)

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.

Works for oily skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin, as sodium laureth sulfate and zinc PCA work to decongest pores and regulate sebum production, addressing your oily shine.
- Zinc PCA provides moderate benefits for oily skin by helping to control excess oil and maintain a less shiny appearance.
- The formula is safe for your oily skin, with no harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

## What the research says

- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with oily and acne-prone skin consistently praise this line for effectively clearing hormonal breakouts, reducing blackheads, and controlling excess sebum without being overly harsh. While many describe it as a "holy grail" that delivers visible results within days, a subset of users with sensitive skin find the active ingredients drying or irritating.

- Liked: Rapid acne clearance (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Oil control (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fast results (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle effectiveness (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Texture improvement (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Bleaching fabrics (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging phase (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser work for oily skin?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser offers moderate cleaning for your oily skin by helping to clear out pores and control daily shine, though other products fit it better. To work best for oily skin, a cleanser needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, or salicylic acid to manage oil and support skin health without causing irritation.
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 skin?

Sodium laureth sulfate and zinc PCA make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin because they decongest pores and help control excess oil. Cleansers that fit oily skin even better typically include ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, glycerin, or salicylic acid to manage shine and support skin health without irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

### What does Water do for oily skin?

Water helps keep oily skin hydrated without adding grease or clogging pores. Keeping oily skin properly hydrated may also help balance oil production and reduce unwanted shine.

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

Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleanser that removes excess oil, but it may dry out the skin and weaken its barrier. Because it is harsh, oily skin usually needs gentler cleansers containing mild surfactants and hydrating ingredients to stay calm and smooth.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/)

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

This cleanser goes in your morning routine before a hydrating toner, moisturizer, and SPF, and in your evening routine after a makeup remover. Oily skin works best with a cleanser that uses ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate and zinc PCA to clear pores and control excess oil.
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 treatment. This cleanser is unlikely to cause irritation, but oily skin using retinol also needs gentle, barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides to keep skin comfortable.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine for oily skin. A cleanser of this type works best for oily skin when it includes ingredients like zinc PCA and sodium laureth sulfate to help clear pores and control excess shine without causing irritation.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, as zinc PCA and sodium laureth sulfate help to clear out pores and manage shine for oily skin. A product for oily skin like this needs oil-clearing ingredients and light hydrators to keep pores clear without causing breakouts.
Sources: [The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is not specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. A product of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or plant extracts to safely clean thin eye skin without causing dryness.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €11.75 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €24.59 at Amazon
- [Etude Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/etude/soon-jung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €20.43 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €16.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €38.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €32.80 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €17.55 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003JSEGNC?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: €28.75 (https://www.lookfantastic.de/p/la-roche-posay-effaclar-purifying-foaming-gel-cleanser-for-oily-blemish-prone-skin-400ml/11434754/)
- Notino: €23.90 (https://www.notino.de/la-roche-posay/effaclar-duom-unifiant-leichte-toenungscreme-mit-feuchtigkeitsspendender-wirkung/p-16276006/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 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/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar/for/oily-skin