Versus

CeraVe Hydrating Toner Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner

Toner
Toner
American Brand United States
French Brand France

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

When to use

1,027 Routines
52% use in am
48% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
118 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
81% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Hydrating Toner 25 ingredients

2.7 /5
from 9 ratings
Doesn't Work (4) Hydrating (3) Irritating (3)
alexisforchette's avatar

Alexis F

10 months ago
Review

Immediately irritated my skin. Heavy burning sensation. Did a spot test on a portion of my skin without any acne just to make sure and my already oily skin became about 3x more oily with little to no hydrating effects. Yikes.

#irritating
#oily
#doesn't work
Piplup85's avatar

Pip Lup

8 months ago
Review

After a week of using this, my cystic acne reappeared on my chin. Yeah I do have hormonal acne, but the painful red bumps from the last (before I used topical medicine) have returned. It does irritate my skin, and after reviewing the comments, I feel like I’m not the only one experiencing this problem with this product. I think my skin is sensitive to Hyaluronic Acid. Go with a different product

#expensive
#broke me out
#irritating
#doesn't work

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner 16 ingredients

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