Whether you’ve visited a dermatologist at the office, perused the drugstore skincare aisle or scrolled on #BeautyTok, you’ve likely been recommended to try La Roche-Posay.
And, rightfully so, as the brand is touted for being safe on a variety of skin types — including sensitive and acne-prone — while being effective and fairly priced compared to most other product lines.
Dermatological research is the crux of the brand itself with the brand receiving praise among more than 90,000 dermatologists worldwide. Uniquely, the La Roche-Posay is rooted in its namesake French town where it sources thermal water that’s infused for all of its products.
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“At the center of the brand are ultra innovative and breakthrough formulas developed with L’Oreal R&I as well as the exclusive selenium-rich La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water,” Rachelle Mladjenovic, general manager at La Roche Posay-US, exclusively told the New York Post. “It’s a core ingredient in its skincare formulas known for its soothing and antioxidant properties that is sourced from its Thermal Center in France, the first Dermatology Center in Europe.”
What’s more, selenium is an element involved in the activity of numerous enzymes, playing an essential role for the body with its dermatological anti-inflammatory, healing and soothing properties. “The products are developed using a strict safety and formulation charter with a minimal number of ingredients and are formulated at optimal concentrations,” Mladjenovic added. “It contains a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of natural antioxidants.”
As a full-time beauty product tester who has skincare products on rotation, I can attest La Roche-Posay is a nourishing suite of skincare formulas that always nourishes my dry, sensitive and sometimes acne-prone skin.
So, I decided to put the lion’s share of La Roche-Posay to the test. The brand has quite an assortment of products, contrary to what you may think, so this is one of the most exciting and in-depth reviews yet.
Be sure to check out the in-depth FAQ section with Rachelle Mladjkenovic, who shared more behind-the-scenes intel about La Roche-Posay, following the reviewed products.
Our review
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin
Pros:
- Leaves the skin incredibly well-balanced and nourished
- Gel consistency helps prevent shininess once used
- Contains zinc to purify and help prevent breakouts
Cons:
- The price point is more expensive than some other cleansers tested
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin never ceases to leave my skin incredibly well-balanced and nourished. Its gel consistency allows my skin to feel debris and oil-free but not dry, allowing it to be incredible for oily skin types or areas.
What’s more, this cleanser contains zinc to purify and help prevent breakouts. I always feel like I have the deepest cleanse when I use this formulation and it’s one I reach for regularly. While my skin leans sensitive and dry instead of full-on oily, I appreciate its ability to cleanse away impurities for that “super-clean” feeling. Because of its ability to mute oils, it’s typically a go-to for me when dealing with inevitable hormonal acne at times.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pros:
- Contains dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, as it’s broad spectrum
- Contains ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier and diminish the appearance of pores
- Multi-purpose and safe on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Heavier consistency than other creams tested
Lesson learned: the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a formula that you’re bound to love, no questions asked. Not only is it one of my favorite moisturizers with SPF but it leaves my skin white cast-free and incredibly moisturized. It doesn’t feel like a facial sunscreen at all.
While the feel and consistency are a bit heavier than most other creams I’ve tried throughout the years, it absorbs quickly into the skin, so it’s not a dealbreaker. It even contains ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier and help mitigate the appearance of pores. It’s certainly one of my favorite of La Roche-Posay’s products and a two-in-one hydrator and protector that’s suitable for virtually any user.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Ultra Yeux Eye Cream
Pros:
- Incredibly rich, so much so that it can double as a moisturizer
- Wonderful on dry and sensitive skin types
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Some may not love how it’s not as lightweight as some other options
If there’s a skincare product class I’m obsessed with, it’s eye creams — but not for the reason you think of. Sure, eye creams serve as wonderful dark spot correctors but my eyes tend to become incredibly dry. What’s better than a soothing, under-eye salve that can work its magic?
Enter the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Ultra Yeux Eye Cream. The pocket-sized formula is deeply decadent in consistency which makes it wonderful on even the driest of under-eyes. It’s long-lasting, similar to under-eye patches, and doesn’t irritate the area at all. For about $30, it’s worth your purchase, especially if you follow up with the brand’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, like I do.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 60
Pros:
- Contains SPF 60, which supersedes the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 count
- Hydrating, lightweight, milky formula
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Some may not love that it’s multi-purpose for face and body, as there are plenty of facial sunscreens that are a bit more cosmetically elegant
A cult-favorite to La Roche-Posay is its signature Anthelios Melt-In Milk Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 60. This fast-absorbing, lightweight formula doesn’t leave a white cast (hooray!) and is one of my favorites to use as it contains double the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30 count. Of course, you’ll have to reapply every two hours or so.
Because it’s fragrance-free and oil-free, it doesn’t clog my pores. It’s truly a shield for any time of day — even if you’re not headed to the beach — and should be a staple in everyone’s beach bag, for sure.
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum
Pros:
- Super hydrating
- Has a fresh scent that smells like lotion, has a roller application that massages your skin
- Doesn’t have that “runny” feel that’s characteristic of many serums on the market
Cons:
- The price point is more expensive than some other vitamin C serums tested
For a one-way ticket to a brighter, more glow-ridden complexion, vitamin C serums are a surefire way to speed your skin to stunning heights. The La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is one of my favorite products from the brand at large, blending seamlessly into my skin and layering well with my favorite Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
Most of all, I love how it contains salicylic acid — the superstar ingredient found within many acne-prone skin formulations — to provide my skin with a fresh detox without being too harsh. It offers the ideal amount of radiance while remaining cosmetically elegant when applied. If you ask me, this vitamin C serum is perfect for morning use, though I sometimes use it twice daily if I *really* want to brighten the appearance of my skin.
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Pros:
- Helps reduce dark spots and discoloration
- Extremely lightweight and highly absorbent
- Safe on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Has a potent smell, though doesn’t irritate the skin
The La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector is so gentle on my sensitive skin that it doesn’t feel like it’s an exfoliant. It helps balance out my skin tone, even though I don’t struggle with severe hyperpigmentation, and layers well with the brand’s Vitamin C Serum and Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
What’s more, it contains kojic acid which, per a 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, was seen to “reduce skin discoloration by increasing skin brightness in 75% of patients tested.” On par with the study, my skin feels like it was doused with a vitamin C serum each time I use the product. In fact, it’s a two-in-one serum that brightens and balances.
Even though the finish of the Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector is lightweight and delightful on the skin, I limit my use to once or twice a week because of its potent scent and the fact that it’s an exfoliant; typically, my dry and sensitive skin doesn’t need a daily exfoliant, but consult with your dermatologist to see if using one more often is more compatible for your skin type.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Pros:
- Hydrating, lightweight formula that leaves the skin smoother and more supple with consistent use
- Elegant dropper application
- Layers beautifully underneath moisturizer
Cons:
- The price point is more expensive than some other hyaluronic acid serums tested
The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum is like a bath for your skin. Whenever I use it, my skin feels revitalized and hydrated, well-balanced and bouncy.
If you’re keen on anti-aging skincare, this is one of La Roche-Posay’s hero products for that very concern. Pro tip: use it on your neck for additional care — just like your neck cream — and your dry skin will thank you. I love mixing using this with the Vitamin C Serum almost every day.
And, another thing. If you’re a beginner to skincare, I recommend starting with hyaluronic acid. There’s a reason dermatologists tout the ingredient and it’s a universal skin booster that, when used consistently, is one that you likely won’t want to get rid of.
La Roche-Posay Dermallergo Night Moisturizer
Pros:
- One of the best night creams tested
- Ideal consistency for the evening
- Ergonomic, contaminant-free packaging
Cons:
- Takes a few rubs to blend fully into the skin, but not a dealbreaker
The La Roche-Posay Dermallergo Night Moisturizer is one of my go-to options for the evenings when I don’t want a thick night cream for “slugging.” It’s one of the good-for-sensitive-skin options that never lets me down, especially if I’m cycling new skincare products into my ritual. In a sense, this is one of the trustier options that serves well to apply before bed.
Its gel-cream consistency is the Goldilocks consistency (not too thick, not too light). Its packaging is another win for the product as it’s airtight so no bacteria will wander its way into the bottle. Overall, it’s a product I recommend to plenty of people IRL.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Cream
Pros:
- Incredible for dry, chapped or chafed skin
- Versatile balm
- Budget-friendly, so reachable for many shoppers
Cons:
- May be too thick for some users, though not a dealbreaker
As seen on TikTok: the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Cream. Truth be told, I was surprised this product, among all of the brand’s products, was going viral. But then I thought, “it’s actually really good.”
Does it have aesthetically pleasing packaging? No. Does it have a formulation that glows or shimmers? No. However, it’s quite immaculate for my dry and sensitive skin, making it a glamorous, effective and practical product in the eyes of many content creators. Even better, it’s unbelievable for chapped skin. I constantly apply the cream to the corners of my mouth and along my jawline, the areas where it’s most dry.
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser
Pros:
- Soothing feel
- Pleasing scent that’s not too strong as to irritate sensitive skin
- Wonderful for normal to dry skin types, especially
Cons:
- Somewhat sticky formula
The La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser is a hidden gem among the brand’s product assortment and one I can’t stop using. The best part? It helps wash away impurities nearly instantaneously with a wonderful consistency that absorbs quickly, too.
While it’s not completely void of fragrance, its pleasing, floral-esque scent is subtle and not harsh on sensitive skin types. My skin feels squeaky clean each time I use it and serves as a wonderful precursor for additional serums, moisturizers and sunscreens.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
Pros:
- Contains benzoyl peroxide to help mute blemishes
- Works great on blackheads
- Gently exfoliates the skin once applied
Cons:
- May not be effective for more severe acne conditions, like cystic acne
Whether your skin is acne-prone or you’re bound to have a blemish you want to banish, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment is a targeted formulation that’s safe on my sensitive skin. It contains benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient found in acne-safe skincare, to render it effective.
Specifically, it helps cancel out blackheads like a charm. As it’s applied, it also works well as a gentle exfoliant to help smooth out my skin surface.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Pros:
- Rich on dry and rough skin
- Multi-purpose for face and body
- Contains shea butter, niacinamide and ceramides to lock in moisture, especially on rough areas like elbows and kneecaps
Cons:
- May be too lightweight for certain skin conditions, like eczema
For the person who’s always dry like me, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream will be your saving grace. For less than $25, it’s a cream suitable for your face and body. In fact, it’s one of my favorite body lotions to use and, wonderfully, contains shea butter to make it more of a glorious product to use whenever you need it.
Not only does it contain shea butter but it contains niacinamide to help hydrate rough skin. It’s void of fragrance and holds the consistency of your very best hand cream: rich, decadent and lovely to use. Infused with La Roche-Posay’s prized thermal water and also ceramides, it’s a dermatologist’s dream. I love using it after my shower.
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Pros:
- Effectively removes eye makeup without irritation
- Even removes waterproof makeup, unlike some others that are marketed to do so
- Budget-friendly, so reachable for many shoppers
Cons:
- Some may find it too watery
The worst possible feeling is paying top dollar for a makeup remover that’ll sting your eyes and fail to remove every trace of mascara. Luckily, the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover exists and was specially designed to be safe on sensitive eyes.
This small but mighty bottle removes liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner alike while coming off in one or two swipes, depending on how much eyeshadow or product you applied to your lids. With a cotton round, this product is a surefire go-to to take the day away.
La Roche-Posay Eau Thermal Spring Water
Pros:
- Refreshing to spritz on, whether you’re wearing makeup or not
- Wonderful for sensitive and dry skin types
- Budget-friendly, so reachable for many shoppers
Cons:
- Some may not believe there’s a “noticeable” difference from using the product
One of La Roche-Posay’s hallmark products is its La Roche-Posay Eau Thermal Spring Water, which is a refreshing skincare essential for any time of day, any place. Hailing from La Roche-Posay, France, this base ingredient is found within all of the brand’s products. Think of it as the first step: good water to cleanse the skin.
While, at first, I thought, “thermal water is a waste of money,” you won’t believe how many times I’ve reached for it to quickly refresh my skin without ruining my makeup or succumbing to a seven-step skincare routine when I simply don’t have the time. For less than $15, it’s the brand’s most affordable product that deserves a spot in your beauty closet.
An FAQ on La Roche-Posay
Ahead, Rachelle Mladjenovic, general manager at La Roche Posay-US, exclusively shared more about the brand with The Post.
What is La Roche-Posay?
First things first: La Roche-Posay is the leading brand in its category and is recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide. “Its mission is clear and meaningful: provide life-changing skincare prescribed by dermatologists,” Mladjenovic said. “It offers a unique range of daily skincare developed for every skin type to address various skin concerns and complement prescription treatments.”
Deeply rooted in dermatology, La Roche-Posay has been an internationally trusted source for sensitive skincare for over 40 years and is committed to improving the quality of life for those with skin conditions caused by cancer treatments. “At the center of the brand is the exclusive selenium-rich La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, a core ingredient in its skincare formulas known for its soothing and antioxidant properties that is sourced from its Thermal Center in the city in France called La Roche-Posay, where the brand gets its name,” she noted. “The brand creates products that undergo stringent clinical testing with over 700+ clinical studies on more than 200,000 patients of all skin tones, ages, and ethnicities, including the most fragile skin.”
What are some of La Roche-Posay’s hero products?
La Roche-Posay offers a wide range of skincare products from sunscreens, cleansers, moisturizers, serums and more. “A fan-favorite product, Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is formulated with dermatologist-recommended ingredients including ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, and has a lightweight cream texture that easily absorbs into the skin to provide immediate comfort,” she explained.
This cream’s double action helps repair skin’s natural protective barrier after one hour and provides up to 48-hour hydration, restoring healthy-looking skin.
Additionally, the Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream has been clinically proven to reduce dry, rough skin and provide long-lasting for those with even the most sensitive skin. “Its triple action helps rebalance the skin microbiome, restores the skin’s protective barrier and replenish the skin’s essential lipids to provide daily relief for dry to very skin,” she said.
Next, the viral Cicaplast B5 Baume is a multi-purpose soothing balm with a rich nourishing texture for dry skin irritations that’s suitable for adults, children and babies. “With panthenol, shea butter and glycerin, Cicaplast Baume B5 helps in nurturing and soothing dry, visibly irritated areas on the skin, and leaves a matte finish that’s non-oily and non-sticky,” Mladjenovic mentioned.
Additionally, the Anthelios 60 Melt-In Milk Sunscreen is an incredibly popular, multi-award winning sunscreen that provides advanced protection in a fast-absorbing, velvety texture that leaves skin hydrated and smooth. “With a powerful antioxidant complex to help protect skin from free radicals caused by UV rays, the lotion is non-greasy and water-resistant, and formulated for even the most sensitive skin,” she highlighted.
The most recent La Roche-Posay launch, explained
Formulated with the first discoloration and dark spot solution powered by Melasy, a brand-new, first of its kind, multi-patented breakthrough molecule created by L’Oreal innovation backed by 18 years of research and a 5-month clinical study, MelaB3 Serum is used to treat excess pigmentation.
“The Melasyl pigment inhibitor and blocker acts uniquely vs existing pigment ingredients, 10% niacinamide pigment inhibitor, retinyl palmitate, LHA exfoliator and carnosine antioxidant, that all work simultaneously to reduce discoloration and dark spots on the skin,” Mladjenovic listed. “La Roche-Posay’s goal with MelaB3 Serum was to improve the quality of life of patients who have been unable to improve their excess hyperpigmentation, and offer them solutions they have been looking for.”
Moreover, 50% of people worldwide suffer with at least one pigmentation disorder, ranging from sunspots and post-acne marks to excess pigmentation disorders — Mladjenovic told us — prompting the brand to help make a change. “Furthermore, pigmentary disorders can have a profound effect on quality of life, with studies conducted by La Roche-Posay on 23,000 women demonstrating that nearly half the people dealing with pigmentary disorders reported a moderate to extremely large effect of their quality of life,” she said.
How we tested
After using the brand for as long as three years, here is the testing criteria I kept in mind with each product as I began assessing the brand at large for this review:
- Efficacy: If the product is, say, a vitamin C serum, did it brighten? If it’s a lotion for dry skin, did chapped areas feel more moisturized? For each product, I looked at it at face value over time to see how it performed on my skin.
- Essentiality: With thousands of skincare products on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide if a product is *actually* worth the money. I took each product from La Roche-Posay into account and only included ones I’d pick up again after running out.
- Irritation levels: My skin is ultra-sensitive and, especially because La Roche-Posay is touted as a dermatologist-recommended brand, I wanted to see if I noticed a difference. Sometimes, products geared for sensitive skin aren’t all amazing.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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