# La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/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 the United States.

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

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 weak match for oily acne-prone skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers general cleansing benefits for your oily skin due to glycerin and niacinamide, but these ingredients are not specialized for acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The presence of sucrose and glycerin provides humectant action that may not be ideal for managing excess oil on your oily skin.
- The formula is safe for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients, with no risks of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Shea Butter, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Glycerin, Vitreoscilla Ferment

## 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## Why other cleansers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers. ([International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140770/))

## What reviewers say

While many appreciate its gentle, hydrating, and versatile nature for face and body, a significant number of reviews mention it functions more like a foaming gel than a traditional oil, and some dislike its natural scent or experience eye irritation.

- Liked: Hydrating and non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Not a true oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective second cleanse (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile for face/body (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes eye irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
- Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil a weak match for oily acne-prone skin?

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil is a weak match because its ingredients are not specialized for acne, blemishes, and breakouts, and its humectant action may not be ideal for managing excess oil. Cleansers that fit this skin well need soothing and effective ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, and salicylic acid to balance oil production and maintain skin clarity without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Sucrose and glycerin make this cleanser a weaker fit because they provide extra moisture that is not ideal for managing excess oil on your skin. Oily acne-prone skin needs cleansers with soothing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, balancing elements like probiotics, and clarifying components like salicylic acid to keep pores clear and control breakouts without causing irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

### What does Shea Butter do for oily acne-prone skin?

Shea butter is generally too heavy for oily, acne-prone skin and may clog pores, leading to breakouts. Skin of this type needs lightweight, non-greasy hydrators like green tea extract to keep it smooth and calm without extra oil.

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine as the main cleansing step. To properly care for oily acne-prone skin, this type of product needs ingredients that target excess oil, blemishes, and breakouts.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine with retinol, applying it first to wash your face before putting on your retinol treatment. While this product is safe and unlikely to irritate your skin, it is a weak match for your breakouts because it lacks specialized ingredients for acne, which responds best to cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in your morning and evening routines, though it is a weak match for your oily acne-prone skin. This cleanser needs ingredients that target excess oil, breakouts, and blemishes while gently washing the skin.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to cause irritation on oily skin, but it is not a strong match for your breakouts because it lacks specialized ingredients to clear blemishes. A cleanser for oily acne-prone skin needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help manage excess oil and breakouts.

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

You can safely use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes because the skin on the body is thick and the eyelids are among the thinnest areas.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

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

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $11.88 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $34.00 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $31.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $17.99 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C673PKK3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sucrose, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Niacinamide, Parfum, Peg-75 Shea Glycerides Butter, Polysorbate 20, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Vitreoscilla Ferment
## 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-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-ap-gentle-foaming-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin