# La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/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 Kingdom.

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

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing and hydration for your oily skin, with Glycerin and Niacinamide providing general benefits, though they lack specialization for directly targeting acne and breakouts.
- The presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Coco-Betaine ensures effective pore cleansing, but ingredients like Glycerin and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter may be too heavy for oily skin.
- The 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/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine

## 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/))
- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Squamometry successfully detected subclinical skin surface alterations and discriminated between the irritating effects of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate on human skin using an open assay model. ([Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11278060/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## 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

A small minority experience breakouts or find the scentless formula has a faint chemical odor.

- Liked: Gentle & non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fragrance-free (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Hydrating texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile use (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Breakouts or reactions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Low lather (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Not moisturizing enough (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant natural scent (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

### How well does Lipikar Wash AP+ work for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser provides moderate washing and moisture for oily skin, though some ingredients like shea butter may feel too heavy. A better fit for oily, acne-prone skin needs specialized ingredients like salicylic acid, probiotics, and ceramides to balance oil and target breakouts without causing irritation.

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

Glycerin and Niacinamide help clean and hydrate oily skin, while Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Coco-Betaine effectively clear out pores. However, cleansers for this skin type typically need soothing ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, or salicylic acid to properly target breakouts and balance oil production.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### What does Prebiotic Thermal Water do for oily acne-prone skin?

Prebiotic Thermal Water helps calm oily, acne-prone skin by soothing irritation and supporting the skin's natural balance. It may also improve overall skin condition and help reduce dryness without clogging pores.
Sources: [Life, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35330173/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29879253/)

### 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, and it is safe and gentle for your skin. Because this product only offers moderate care for oily skin, a cleanser for this skin type needs ingredients that target breakouts and oil control while keeping pores clear.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol, but this type of cleanser works best for oily acne-prone skin when it also includes ingredients that directly target breakouts and manage extra oil.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in your morning and evening routines, as it cleans your pores effectively without being harsh on your skin. However, because it contains heavier ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, oily skin of this type needs lightweight or oil-controlling cleansers with targeted acne-fighting ingredients to better manage breakouts.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to cause irritation on oily acne-prone skin, though heavy ingredients like shea butter and glycerin may occasionally feel too rich for this skin type. Oily acne-prone skin typically needs a cleanser with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and lightweight hydrators that clear pores without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This cleanser is safe for use on the body, but it lacks specific formulation for the thin skin around the eyes. A product for the eye area needs targeted ingredients that gently care for delicate skin without causing irritation.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £8.29 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £47.18 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £12.51 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — £27.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £21.49 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LTGM28G?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: £11.20 (https://www.notino.co.uk/la-roche-posay/lipikar-gel-lavant-soothing-and-protective-shower-gel/p-480525/)
- Lookfantastic: £17.20 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/la-roche-posay-lipikar-syndet-ap-soothing-cream-wash-for-eczema-and-atopic-skin-400ml/12021437/)
Prices checked 17 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Coco-Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Niacinamide, Acrylates Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cocamide Mea, Disodium Edta, Glycol Distearate, Mannose, Polyquaternium-11, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, 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-wash-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/lipikar-wash-ap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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