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

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for combination skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your combination skin due to shea butter and glycerin, which hydrate and enhance barrier resilience, but lacks specialized ingredients to control oil production for your oily shine.
- Dimethicone and glycerin provide emollient and humectant actions, offering moderate suitability for combination skin, though more robust oil-control ingredients would be beneficial.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/oily-skin): Caution
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin): Low (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Externally applied substances such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, licorice extracts, dimethicone, petrolatum, and paraffin wax treat skin disease resulting from damage to the skin barrier. ([Clinics in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22507050/))

## 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

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ a weak match for combination skin?

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ is a weak match for combination skin because it hydrates dry areas well with shea butter and glycerin, but it lacks the specialized ingredients needed to control oily shine. A moisturizer for this skin type needs oil-controlling ingredients, brightening agents, and soothing antioxidants to balance both dry and oily areas without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This cream is a weak match for combination skin because it lacks specialized ingredients to control oil production for your oily shine. A moisturizer for this skin type needs ingredients that target hydration and brightness while managing excess oil without causing irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Shea butter helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by supporting the skin barrier and providing gentle moisture. This ingredient is unlikely to clog pores when used in balanced amounts, helping to calm dry areas while keeping the oily zones comfortable.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/)

### What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

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

This moisturizer goes near the end of your morning and evening routines, right before sunscreen in the day and after your treatment at night. While it offers good hydration with shea butter and glycerin, combination skin also needs ingredients that control oil to help manage shine.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cream with retinol, applying it after your retinol to help reduce dryness and irritation. A moisturizer of this type works well for combination skin when it also includes ingredients to control oil production and keep the T-zone clear.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22648223/)

### How often should I use it?

This moisturizer is a weak match for combination skin because it lacks oil-controlling ingredients, though shea butter and glycerin provide strong hydration. A product of this type needs specialized ingredients to manage oily shine while keeping the skin soft and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

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

This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts for combination skin, as very few reviewers mention pimples and studies show its ingredients are well tolerated. However, a product for this skin needs lighter, oil-controlling ingredients to properly balance shiny areas.
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 suitable for use on the body and around the eyes, though combination skin also needs specialized ingredients to control oil production.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### 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 combination skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €18.06 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €92.92 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €13.11 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €13.50 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €103.91 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €40.49 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €40.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €13.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €17.15 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €37.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €40.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €13.50 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €49.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/vt-cosmetics/cica-purifying-mask/for/combination-skin) — High fit — €19.79 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [La Mer The Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-mer/the-tonic/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €103.91 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — €37.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.it: €20.59 (https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FSRVPY96?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €18.90 (https://www.notino.it/la-roche-posay/lipikar-apmax-balm-balsamo-corpo-trattante-per-pelli-molto-secche-sensibili-e-atopiche/p-16347523/)
- Lookfantastic: €28.75 (https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/la-roche-posay-lipikar-ap-max-triple-action-balm-for-ultra-dry-to-atopic-eczema-prone-skin-400ml/17597203/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 2 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/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-balm-ap/for/combination-skin