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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution

High

  • SuperiorOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

A great choice for oily skin; a few products fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers excellent exfoliation for your oily skin, as glycolic acid and salicylic acid work to decongest pores and smooth texture, while capryloyl salicylic acid aids in seboregulation and controlling oil.
  • This formula is well-suited for managing oily shine and maintaining a balanced complexion.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant product as part of your PM routine once a week. Start slowly and build up frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb fully. Avoid any harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
  • Apply the exfoliant directly onto completely dry skin to get the best balance and results. Clean, dry skin helps the product work evenly.
  • Always avoid the delicate eye area when applying. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily while using exfoliating acids.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 2.2k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is highly regarded by users with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin for its ability to clear breakouts and unclog pores without causing excessive dryness. While most users find it leaves their skin smoother and refreshed, a small number with sensitive skin have reported experiencing irritation or purging. The packaging has also been noted as a minor issue by some users due to leaks.

Highlights

  • Clears breakouts Often Mentioned
    • “helps keep my acne at bay”
    • “effective at clearing acne and reducing breakouts”
    • “noticed fewer breakouts”
    • “helps reduce and clear breakouts”
  • Minimizes pores Often Mentioned
    • “effective at unclogging pores”
    • “helps remove dirt and impurities from pores”
    • “can definitely feel my pores unclogging”
    • “see a difference with my pores”
  • Gentle and non-drying Sometimes Noted
    • “gentle yet effective salicylic toner”
    • “does not dry your face out”
    • “gently exfoliates without over-drying”
    • “doesn't feel stripped”
  • Smoothes texture Sometimes Noted
    • “works well to smooth your skin”
    • “noticed clearer, smoother skin”
    • “Leaves my face feeling fresh and smooth”
    • “improved texture since using it”
  • Causes dryness Rarely Noted
    • “can be a little bit drying”
    • “occasional dryness”
    • “if you're overusing the product you would experience a lot of drying”
  • Causes irritation Rarely Noted
    • “burned above and around my eyes”
    • “large red acne bumps appeared”
    • “scaliness under one of my brows”
    • “now i have a lot of pimples”
  • Leaky packaging Rarely Noted
    • “every bottle I get of this stuff leaks”
    • “half leaks out every time”
    • “issues with packaging”
    • “frustrating because I do pack it while I travel”

Sources: lovi.care, target.com, ulta.com, walmart.com, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution a great fit for oily skin?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution is a great fit because glycolic acid and salicylic acid clear out pores and smooth texture, while capryloyl salicylic acid helps control excess oil. This blend is well-suited for managing oily shine and keeping your complexion balanced, and it is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for oily skin?

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid help clear out pores and smooth your skin, while capryloyl salicylic acid helps control extra oil and shine. Niacinamide and zinc PCA also support a balanced, clear complexion without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021BioMed Research International, 2020

What does Salicylic Acid do for oily skin?

Salicylic acid helps oily skin by reducing excess oil and keeping pores clear. It may also improve overall skin hydration while managing breakouts.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Experimental Dermatology, 2019

What does Glycolic Acid do for oily skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear away dead skin and excess oil for a smooth, clean feel. It gently removes buildup from the surface, which keeps pores clear and skin looking fresh.

Molecules, 2023Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011

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

This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, starting once a week and gradually increasing frequency if your skin tolerates it well.

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

You can use this exfoliant with retinol by alternating nights rather than applying them together, which helps prevent dryness and irritation. Apply the exfoliant in your evening routine after cleansing, wait a few minutes, and use your retinol on a separate night.

How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start by using this exfoliant once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid help clear out pores and smooth your texture, while safely managing oily shine.

Dermatologic Surgery, 2003Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

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

This exfoliant is a great fit for oily skin because glycolic acid and salicylic acid work to clear out pores and smooth texture. It helps control shiny skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

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

What the research says

  • 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

  • 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

  • A combination of dermapen and glycolic acid peel significantly decreased acne scar grades and resulted in higher patient satisfaction compared to either monotherapy in 30 patients.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

  • Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Dermatology, 2000

  • Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2017

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Ingredients

Water, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Zinc Pca, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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