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Lion Pair Acne Cream W Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Global Acne Treatment

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
Japanese Brand Japan
French Brand France

Updated on September 11, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Free From

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

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Pair Acne Cream W
Ibuprofen Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ibuprofen.

Unknown Full details ->
Isopropyl-Methylphenetole Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Isopropyl-Methylphenetole is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Stearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon

Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 60 Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Paraben Preservative
Preservative IconParaben Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon ParabenParaben Icon

Sodium Paraben is a preservative and is a paraben.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Isopropanolamine Buffering

We don't have a description for Isopropanolamine.

Unknown Full details ->
Octyldodecanol Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

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

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Effaclar Duo+ Global Acne Treatment
Water 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.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

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.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Isocetyl Stearate Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-1 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

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

0-1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate.

Unknown Full details ->
Silica Abrasive, Absorbent
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
ExfoliantExfoliant Icon 2 Concerns

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Disliked Full details ->
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Emulsion Stabilising

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

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide 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.

Poloxamer 338 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 338.

Unknown Full details ->
Polysorbate 80 Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

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

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Mannose Humectant

We don't have a description for Mannose.

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Zinc PCA Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Good for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne Icon
2 Benefits

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

Isohexadecane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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

2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol.

Unknown Full details ->
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Skin Conditioning

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid comes from salicylic acid, the famous acne-fighting BHA.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

Piroctone Olamine Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Piroctone Olamine is a preservative.

Myristyl Myristate Emollient, Skin Conditioning
0-5 / 2 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
3 Concerns

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

0-5 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Acrylamide

We don't have a description for Acrylamide.

Unknown Full details ->
Sorbitan Oleate Emulsifying
3 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
2 Concerns

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

3 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate Emulsifying

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

Vitreoscilla Ferment Skin Conditioning

Vitreoscilla Ferment is a probiotic derived from the Vitreoscilla bacteria.

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Absorbent

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.

Disliked Full details ->
Glyceryl Stearate Se Emulsifying
3 / 2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

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.

3 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Masking, Perfuming
Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Ingredient Ratings

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

Pair Acne Cream W
1
6
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Effaclar Duo+ Global Acne Treatment
10
2
11
5
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

228 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
68% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
262 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Lion Pair Acne Cream W 11 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 9 ratings
Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (4) Works Well (3)
skinogre's avatar

skinogre

2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

I have been using this product for 3 months now, since March.
What did this product do?
- when applied directly to spots and emerging breakouts,...

I have been using this product for 3 months now, since March.
What did this product do?
- when applied directly to spots and emerging breakouts, it immediately reduces their sebum retention and made them stop swelling
- ibroprophen in the product makes swelling from large nasty cysts stop being painful when you touch it within a few hours
- dried out puss and sebum filled spots so they’re easily glided off with an oil cleaner
How I’d use it:
I’d usually apply this directly to my individual spots, it’s my alternative to a pimple patch and the reason why I prefer this is because the ibroprophen also numbs the pain of any acne on my face.
Things to be wary about:
- This hasn’t happens for me but I have heard that others found the ibroprophen basically became useless on their skin after using it so much users built immunity to its healing properties, although after 3 months of applying it whenever I get a spot I have yet to see this happen to me.
- I noticed that personally if I apply more than a dash of it, it can make the skin a little too coarse on the area you placed it on as if you have been exfoliating it, you know that skin tension that you get when your skin has had harsh chemicals on it

In conclusion, I adore this acne spot cream, I’ve heard people use of it as a lotion or a mask but personally I believe it to be a little to harsh for that, but maybe I’ll try it, I think it’s a really unique acne cream and I know this is going to last me a minimum of 2 years because of how little I use in comparison to the packaging, it’s cute, I struggle a lot with forehead acne and the occasional spots appearing on my under eyes, nose and chin. I put this on my skin overnight and wake up with no more swelling, aching and sometimes the entire pimple is gone. It’s like a pimple patch solution without the sealant sheet over it. I recommend this as it serves a purpose beyond just treating your acne, it also nullifies the pain. The only reason when I do have a clear forehead is because of my exfoliants combined with this treasure that eliminates the smallest sign of a spot that comes my way

SkylerMikalson's avatar

SkylerMikalson

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

This is the most effective spot treatment I've found.

I waited to try it for a long time as I was put off by the inclusion of fragrance, but...

This is the most effective spot treatment I've found.

I waited to try it for a long time as I was put off by the inclusion of fragrance, but I've found it is worth it despite fragrance in the formulation. If your issue with fragrance is just the smell and not any potential sensitization, I don't find this to have any noticeable smell. I do find that if I apply a concentrated dot in the same spot multiple times, it can start to be slightly burn-y, but I'm not sure if that's because of the actives or because of the fragrance. Regardless, I would feel more comfortable if this was reformulated as totally fragrance free.

Nonetheless, I'm rating it five stars for it's unique effectiveness due to the uniqueness of its actives. you're not gonna find those in any other product

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Global Acne Treatment 28 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
YousifShamoon's avatar

YousifShamoon

1 year ago · Combination Skin
Review

interesting to say the least
no one warned me about the purge i was gonna get from this. the crease on my nose and my chin turned red and were...

interesting to say the least
no one warned me about the purge i was gonna get from this. the crease on my nose and my chin turned red and were peeling for weeks but i think it paid off in the end. it handled my sebum production and pimples very well, but unfortunately i can't say the same for my blackheads and whiteheads, which remained unbothered by this product. another thing i wasn't warned about when i used this is that it is not hydrating enough to be used as a moisturiser. i only realised this when i switched to byoma's gel cream moisturiser but you have to use this as a facial or spot treatment and follow up with a proper moisturiser. overall i liked this but i had to stop using it because it was constantly sold out and i think it is so expensive right now and i also needed to stop using benzyl peroxide so i can switch to retinol.