# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser for acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

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

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent cleansing for your acne-prone skin, as sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate and salicylic acid effectively decongest and exfoliate pores. Zinc PCA further aids in seboregulation, making it highly suitable for your combination skin type.
- The formula provides moderate exfoliation to address your blemishes and breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- This product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Micro-Exfoliating Lha, Zinc Pca, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21834944/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its ability to significantly reduce breakouts and control excess sebum without being overly harsh. While most find it effective for smoothing texture and deep cleaning, a subset of users experiences dryness, purging, or irritation, particularly those with sensitive skin barriers.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Controls oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Deep clean (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying and stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Irritation and redness (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging phase (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- 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

### What makes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser a great fit for acne-prone skin?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is a great fit because salicylic acid and sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate deeply decongest pores to address blemishes and breakouts, while zinc PCA helps balance oil. It has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients, making it unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/)

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

Salicylic acid and micro-exfoliating LHA help decongest and exfoliate pores, while zinc PCA helps balance oil to keep acne-prone skin clear. This combination addresses breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation safely without harsh irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/)

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

Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Lipohydroxy Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Lipohydroxy acid helps clear clogged pores and reduces breakouts and acne severity. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture comparably to other standard acne treatments.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/), [Cutis, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22838094/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine. It effectively decongests pores and helps clear up breakouts without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/)

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol, but apply the retinol after cleansing and drying your skin completely. This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin, effectively clearing pores and balancing oil without harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin and can be used daily both morning and night as part of your routine. It effectively unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, and helps balance oil without causing irritation.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/)

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

This cleanser helps clear pores and manage breakouts for your acne-prone skin by decongesting and exfoliating with salicylic acid and micro-exfoliating LHA. A purging phase is unlikely, though some users may experience moderate dryness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36999489/)

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

This cleanser is intended for facial acne and is generally too harsh for the very thin skin around the eyes. You may safely use it on your body to help clear breakouts on areas like your back or chest.
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 acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.64 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.98 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €17.43 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Ireland has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, 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-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
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