# La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Soothing Cleansing Cream for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Warning fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Risky.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Extremely low suitability for your dry and sensitive skin as Sodium Laureth Sulfate can strip natural oils, and the formula lacks deeply hydrating ingredients for effective barrier repair.
- While Niacinamide and Shea Butter offer some soothing and emollient benefits, their concentrations are insufficient to counteract the drying effects of the cleansing agents for your dry or flaky skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

## What the research says

- Treatment with sodium lauryl ether sulfate emulsion increased transepidermal water loss and skin surface pH while reducing stratum corneum hydration and natural moisturizing factor content compared to diacyl phospholipid emulsions and controls, irrespective of UVA irradiation, in eight healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/))
- Skin irritation potential of surfactant mixtures in 13 human subjects was dose dependent, with the highest irritation observed in formulations containing sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl glucoside, and cocamide DEA together. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/))
- Squamometry successfully detected subclinical skin surface alterations and discriminated between the irritating effects of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate on human skin using an open assay model. ([Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- A dermocosmetic formulation containing Vichy volcanic mineralizing water, Vitreoscilla filiformis extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E accelerated skin renewal, improved antioxidant defenses, enhanced skin barrier recovery after acute stress, and improved microbiome recovery compared to untreated skin. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34979590/))
- The combination of Vitreoscilla filiformis extract and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating skin differentiation and tight junctions, enhances biochemical defenses via antimicrobial peptides, and supports cellular immune defenses by increasing the IL-10/IL-12 ratio and protecting Langerhans cells from ultraviolet radiation compared to controls. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34979591/))
- Topical bixin application suppresses acute UV-induced photodamage and PUVA-induced hair graying in Nrf2+/+ mice compared to Nrf2-/- mice via NRF2 activation. ([Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29636694/))

## What reviewers say

Users with oily, acne-prone skin undergoing drying treatments find this cleanser hydrating and non-stripping, effectively cleansing without causing tightness. Many appreciate its soothing properties for sensitive and reactive skin. Some long-time users note that a recent reformulation is more drying and has a stronger fragrance than the original version.

- Liked: Hydrating and non-stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective cleansing (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soothing for sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Reformulation issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging problems (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise against La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Iso-Biome Soothing Cleansing Cream for dry sensitive skin?

Lovi advises against this cleanser for dry sensitive skin because it contains sodium laureth sulfate, which can strip natural oils, and lacks enough deeply hydrating ingredients to repair the skin barrier. A cleanser for this skin needs a rich blend of hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

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

Sodium Laureth Sulfate makes this cleanser a poor fit as it can strip natural oils from dry and sensitive skin. This skin type needs a cleanser with a rich blend of hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

### What does Niacinamide do for dry sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps dry sensitive skin by calming irritation and keeping moisture locked in so your face feels soft and smooth. It works to build up your skin barrier and calm redness while being very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/), [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23220080/)

### What does Glycerin do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycerin helps dry sensitive skin by drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there, making the skin soft and smooth. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving how well the skin holds onto water. This type of skin needs ingredients that boost hydration and repair the barrier without causing stinging.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

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

This cleanser is a poor match for dry and sensitive skin because its ingredients may strip natural oils and dry out flaky skin. A cleanser for this skin needs mild cleansing agents paired with rich hydrators and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

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

You should avoid using this cleanser on dry and sensitive skin because its cleansing agents may strip natural oils and worsen irritation. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle surfactants, mild cleansing agents, and rich hydrators like ceramides or natural oils to keep the skin barrier soft and protected.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a poor fit for dry sensitive skin because its ingredients may strip natural oils and dry out your skin further. A cleanser for this skin type needs mild cleansing agents paired with rich hydrators and barrier-repairing ingredients to keep it soft and comfortable.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry sensitive skin, but it is a poor match because its cleansing agents may strip natural oils and dry out your skin further. A cleanser for dry sensitive skin needs gentle cleansing agents along with rich, deeply hydrating ingredients that repair the skin barrier without leaving it tight or flaky.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

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

This cleanser is a poor match for your dry and sensitive skin because its foaming ingredients can strip natural oils and dry out thin areas like the skin around the eyes. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle, non-stripping cleansers and rich, soothing ingredients that protect the moisture barrier.
Sources: [International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42617898/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503452/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €28.02 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €20.99 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €18.79 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €29.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €18.79 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €76.29 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Mask Pack](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-mask-pack/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €76.29 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.fr: €19.49 (https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09X6L5NZP?tag=lovi-care-web-product06-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €21.90 (https://www.notino.fr/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-creme-hydratante-anti-imperfections-de-la-peau-a-tendance-acneique/p-16128922/)
Prices checked 16 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Coco-Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Niacinamide, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Shea Butter, Cocamide Mea, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Mannose, Disodium Edta, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Maltodextrin, Polyquaternium-11, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
## 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-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-h-iso-biome-soothing-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin