Versus

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Versus The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Face Cleanser
Serum
French Brand France
Canadian Brand Canada

Updated on March 04, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 0 ingredients in common

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, fragrances, parabens or silicones

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

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What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

When to use

545 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
88% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
780 Routines
6% use in am
94% use in pm
69% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser 16 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Irritating (2) Broke Me Out (2) Great Value (1)
sacante's avatar

sacante

1 month ago
Review

om the stronger side but works well for my oily acne probe skin. feels like it's really clearing out my sebum. would make sure to pair it with a Hydrating routine

#great value
#works well
madisondorman's avatar

Madison Dorman

7 months ago
Review

Drying. Made my skin produce more oil to make up for the dryness, and made more breakouts.

#drying
#broke me out
#light
#light scent

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 8 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (3) No Scent (3) Oily (3)
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

1 year ago
Review

It’s a great value but it’s definitely like rubbing pure oil on your face, squalane breaks me out apparently.

I don’t like the feeling of oil on my face, it’s just too much for me.

#great value
#hydrating
#broke me out
#heavy
Ninamujer's avatar

Nina

3 years ago
Review

Like the texture
I've tried a lot of retinols and liked the texture of this one the most