# La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, 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 skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid, which provide mild chemical exfoliation.
- The product is unsuitable for your dry skin as these ingredients have keratolytic action, potentially exacerbating dryness, and it lacks sufficient emollient and humectant ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Thermal Spring Water, Salicylic Acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

This moisturizer is praised by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its ability to instantly mattify the face and serve as an excellent primer for makeup. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula is appreciated for minimizing the appearance of pores. Some users find it insufficiently hydrating for drier areas or experience pilling when layered with other products. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should be definitely taken into account.

- Liked: Effective Oil Control (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Excellent Makeup Base (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight Texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Price vs. Quantity (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on Skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pore Minimizing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling/Peeling (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Short Duration (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Fragrance/Scent (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient Hydration (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and work your way up to daily use.
- Apply your moisturizer after your toner and before your sunscreen in the morning. At night, use it as the final step after your serum.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing to keep your dry skin happy.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra hydration. This is great for soothing dry and flaky areas .
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Effaclar Mat for dry skin?

Lovi advises caution because this treatment has ingredients that remove dead skin cells which may make dry skin even drier, and it does not have enough soothing and moisture-holding ingredients. A product for dry skin needs rich, nourishing ingredients and moisture-locking helpers to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9603669/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/)

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

This cream is a poor fit for dry skin because it contains salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid, which remove dead skin cells and may worsen dryness. A product for dry skin needs rich, nourishing ingredients and moisture-retaining agents like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration and support the skin barrier.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9603669/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/)

### What does Thermal Spring Water do for dry skin?

Thermal spring water helps soothe dry skin by boosting hydration and calming irritation. Regular use may also reduce redness and help keep the skin barrier stable and comfortable.
Sources: [The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553920/), [Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32870553/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for dry skin?

Salicylic acid is generally not a good fit for dry skin, as it is meant to clear out pores and remove dead skin rather than hydrate. Because dry skin needs soothing and moisture rather than exfoliation, a product for dry skin needs nourishing ingredients like urea to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft.

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

This cream may not be a good fit for dry skin because it tends to dry out the skin and lacks enough ingredients that keep moisture locked in and attract water. A dry skin routine needs rich moisturizing ingredients and softening oils to keep the skin comfortable and smooth. When you do use a treatment like this, it generally goes in the evening after cleansing and before your main moisturizer.

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

Using this cream with retinol is a poor match for your dry skin because its exfoliating ingredients may worsen dryness, and a product of this type needs rich smoothing and moisture-locking ingredients to keep dry skin comfortable.

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is a poor match for dry skin, as its exfoliating ingredients may worsen dryness and it lacks enough softening and water-attracting ingredients. Dry skin needs a product with rich, nourishing ingredients that deeply moisturize and soothe the skin barrier.

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, but its exfoliating ingredients may make dry skin even drier and more flaky. A product for this skin needs plenty of rich softening ingredients and water-attracting hydrators to keep the skin comfortable.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9603669/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/)

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

This cream is not ideal for the thin skin around the eyes or on the body because its exfoliating ingredients can easily worsen dryness. A product for these areas needs rich softening and hydrating ingredients to keep dry skin smooth and comfortable.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

It contains fragrance (parfum) and drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £14.74 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £11.40 at Amazon
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £12.21 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £11.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £14.74 at Amazon
- SPF: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £22.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £13.58 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £14.74 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £13.58 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £17.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £59.74 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — £14.74 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £16.72 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B4RJP72?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: £16.00 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/la-roche-posay-effaclar-supramolecular-face-moisturiser-for-oily-skin-visible-pores-with-salicylic-acid-niacinamide-40ml/17886923/)
- Notino: £18.60 (https://www.notino.co.uk/la-roche-posay/effaclar-matte-emulsion-for-oily-and-problematic-skin/p-79138/)
Prices checked 17 Oct – 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl Stearate, Alcohol Denat, Silica, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylamide Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Peg-100 Stearate, Cocamide Mea, Sarcosine, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Isohexadecane, Perlite, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid, 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-mat/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-mat/for/dry-skin