Versus

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin Versus Q + A Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
French Brand France
British Brand United Kingdom

Updated on December 27, 2024

Overview

What they are

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for scar healing

Free From

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

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

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

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
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Coco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.

Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.

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.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

When to use

2,140 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
209 Routines
44% use in am
55% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Face Cleanser For Oily Skin 14 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 29 ratings
Drying (11) Irritating (9) Expensive (5)
wonyonnieoilygirl's avatar

wonyonnieoilygirl

2 years ago
Review

Too much work
My skin is a combination type so I struggle with a lot of oil production BUT dehydration-prone type. So, I was actually skeptical about this product. However, it did the job for me just fine at the end? It actually reduced all the redness around my T-Zone. Also it is really effective against new appearing pimples. Like, give it two days and it will heal just because of this cleanser. Show more

ksjsj's avatar

ksjsj

1 year ago
Review

Tried this before I realised my skin was dry, when I thought having acne = oily skin. Despite that, I don't think any cleanser should be this drying and irritating.

#expensive
#drying
#broke me out
#irritating

Q + A Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cleanser 13 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 7 ratings
Great Value (3) No Scent (3) Works Well (2)
tttende's avatar

tttende

2 years ago
Review

10 / 10
Underrated. The ingredient list is perfect. Best texture I've tried in a cleanser - leaves the skin feeling clean, hydrated and never tight.
I use it as a second cleanser at night, or as a cleanser in the morning when my skin feels more dehydrated than usual. Creamy texture. Has no smell.
✦ Price: Decent, you can find it for $5-7 on sale instad of $15 but the full price is totally worth Show more

An.A's avatar

An.A

3 months ago
Review

It took me a while to love this product, but when I finally did it became my new holy grail. I use it every morning and in the evening I use it in combination with harsher ingredients (AHA/BHA, retinol, and the likes).

The first time I got it, the product was too runny, which made me lose product every time I opened the tube. This is what made me hate it. It seems like something was wrong with Show more

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well