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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin .

Last updated on October 03, 2023. Published on October 03, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 17 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain BHA and niacinamide

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

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

Facial Treatment French Brand France
General Moisturizer French Brand France

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

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Buy Effaclar Duo+M

Shop

Buy Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Large Pores
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger (3)
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Exfoliators
Niacinamide

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (3)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (3)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 1.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 2.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 3.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Isocetyl Stearate is an ester of isocetyl alcohol and stearic acid.

Stearate esters are low in viscosity and are oily by nature. Once applied, these stearate esters create a film on your skin. As an emollient, Isocetyl Stearate helps soften and smooth your skin.

One study found Isocetyl Stearate is non-irritating to human skin. However, another study found Isocetyl Stearate to be pore-clogging or comedogenic.

Learn more about Isocetyl Stearate

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 4.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 5.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer made from ammonium salts. It helps add stability and texture to a product.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is stable over a wide pH range. Due to its ability to absorb water, it can help thicken the texture of a product.

As an emulsion stabilizer, this ingredient is able to stabilize and mix the other ingredients. This creates a consistent texture.

Learn more about Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 6.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
What it does: Emulsifying

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.

Learn more about Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 9.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 10.

8
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.

Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.

Learn more about Sorbitan Oleate

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 10.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 11.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Zinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.

It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.

Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!

Learn more about Zinc PCA

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 11.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 12.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate Se is a self-emulsifying (SE) form of glyceryl stearate. Self-emusifying means this ingredient automatically blends with water. It is an emulsifier, emollient, and cleansing agent.

As an emulsifier, Glyceryl Stearate Se prevents ingredients such as oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant, meaning it helps cleanse the skin. Surfactants help gather oil, dirt, and other pollutants so they may be rinsed away easily.

Emollients help your skin stay smooth and soft. It does so by creating a film on top of the skin that helps trap moisture in.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate Se

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 12.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 13.

11
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.

Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.

Learn more about Isohexadecane

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 13.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 14.

12
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 14.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 15.

13
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Myristyl Myristate is created from the fatty acids of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid. In skincare, it is an emollient and texture enhancer.

On its own, this ingredient has a comedogenicity index of 5/5. This means it has the potential to clog pores. When diluted with cetyl alcohol or propylene glycol, the comedogenicity will decrease.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Nutmeg, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil all contain this ingredient naturally.

Learn more about Myristyl Myristate

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 15.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 16.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Capryloyl Salicylic Acid.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 19.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 23.

15
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.

Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 80

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 22.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 27.

16
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 23.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 30.

17
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Loved

Piroctone Olamine is a preservative.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M contains this as ingredient number 24.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin contains this as ingredient number 31.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

42% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
25% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
6% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M 24 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 4 reviews
youssefIhab's Avatar'
Mar 15, 2024

good

good

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
Pilling
Light Scent
Works Well

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin 32 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 reviews
teafacemask's Avatar'
Nov 18, 2022

chefs kiss
comodonal acne said bye LIKE UR DAD DIDDDDD

chefs kiss
comodonal acne said bye LIKE UR DAD DIDDDDD

evaaarts's Avatar'
Feb 18, 2023

Not great for my sensitive skin
Personally this really hurt my skin (barrier). I tried it over my moisturizer and only on a few spots. It dried those spots out so much, that even after a couple of days i still had flaky skin. It also...

Not great for my sensitive skin
Personally this really hurt my skin (barrier). I tried it over my moisturizer and only on a few spots. It dried those spots out so much, that even after a couple of days i still had flaky skin. It also burned my skin a lot, which made me take the product off quickly. The reason I write this review is to let my sensitive skin people know, that even though it is marketed for sensitive skin, still be very carefull!

On the other hand my boyfriend, who seems to have a iron skin, really likes this product!

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