Comparing La Roche-Posay Effaclar moisturisers |Which is the most ideal for you?
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar range of skincare products has been designed with oily, acne-prone skin in mind. It has quickly become one of the most well-known moisturiser ranges aimed at this skin type.
Within the Effaclar collection is a variety of moisturisers for targeting specific skin problems associated with oily skin, and it can be tricky to choose the right one for your skin. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Effaclar Duo+ Moisturiser, Effaclar H and Effaclar K to help you to decide which one is right for you.
The Effaclar range is one of the most popular product ranges for treating oily skin. Read our guide to choosing a La Roche-Posay Effaclar moisturiser.
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Find out whether any of the products in the Effaclar range may benefit you.
Read about the product aims, texture, and how Duo+ compares to the other Effaclar K and Effaclar H.
Find out more about the product aims, texture, and how Effaclar K compares to Duo+ and Effaclar H.
Read about the product aims, texture, and how Effaclar H compares to Duo+ and Effaclar K.
Read our quick summary to the differences between each moisturiser.
Are the La Roche-Posay Effaclar moisturisers for me?
The Effaclar moisturisers are all designed for skin that is prone to oils and breakouts. If you struggle with acne, oily skin or have damaged skin caused by acne products, there is something in the range for you. However, each product has its own specific product aims and ingredients.
We summarise the key product aims, texture and ingredients of each below:
Effaclar Duo +
What does it do?
Effaclar Duo+ is designed specifically for acne-prone skin. It works to hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling oily or contributing to clogged pores which lead to breakouts. It can help to minimise the appearance of lasting acne marks, reduce inflammation caused by breakouts, and prevent hyperpigmentation caused by persistent breakouts. Duo+ moisturises the skin while controlling shine, and is suitable for sensitive, oily skin.
What is the texture like?
The product has a gel-cream consistency and absorbs quickly.
Is it suitable for me?
Effaclar Duo+ is suitable for people with active acne and inflammation.
How does it compare to other Effaclar moisturisers?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ is more effective at treating active acne flare-ups than the other moisturisers.
Unlike Effaclar H, Duo+ contains salicylic acid. However, the addition of thermal spring water and niacinamide gives it a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect which prevents it from being too harsh on sensitive skin and reduces redness.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ 40ml
- Anti-blemish moisturiser that corrects and hydrates oily, acne-prone skin.
- Helps to reduce spots, control shine and reduce the appearance of pigmentation marks.
- 24-hour hydration.
- For clearer skin in 4 weeks.
- Tested on sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K
What does it do?
Effaclar K focuses mainly on improving the skin’s texture and reducing oil and shine. It aims to treat the t-zone area and unclog pores.
What is the texture like?
The product is a very light cream; however, it takes slightly longer to absorb than Effaclar Duo+.
Is it suitable for me?
Effaclar K is suitable for shiny and oily skin, and those who experience pores on the t-zone.
How does it compare to other Effaclar moisturisers?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar K is more effective at improving the skin’s texture and reducing excess oil than the other two moisturisers.
Like Effaclar Duo+, Effaclar K contains salicylic acid, which is effective for exfoliating the skin and keeping the pores clear. It also contains zinc, which is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar, Effaclar K(+) 40ml
- Indications: Combination to oily skin, blackheads, irregular skin texture, shine.
- Texture: Quickly absorbed ultra-fresh and non-oily aqua gel texture for all-day moisturisation and comfort.
- Non-comedogenic.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H
What does it do?
Effaclar H is a soothing moisturiser that is also suitable for skin susceptible to breakouts, however it contains protective, hydrating properties to help repair skin damage. It is designed specifically for skin that has been made fragile by skin treatments and medications which dry out the skin in order to tackle acne. Many acne treatments such as Roaccutane work to minimise the skin’s production of sebum to reduce the frequency and severity of pimples, but they can leave the skin very dry, flaky, tight, and sensitive as a result. Effaclar H works to restore the skin’s protective lipid layers, leaving the face feeling soft, soothed and more comfortable.
What is the texture like?
The product is very nourishing, however is non-greasy.
Is it suitable for me?
Effaclar H is suitable for people with fragile, sensitive skin that has been damaged by harsh skin treatments. It is ideal for acne-prone skin.
How does it compare to other Effaclar moisturisers?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H focuses more on soothing the skin and reversing damage than the other moisturisers. It contains bisabolol, which soothes irritation and redness.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturiser 40ml
- Rebuilds the skin's protective layer.
- Contains Ceramide 5 to reinforce skin's barrier function.
- Restores comfort and suppleness.
- Soothes irritation and redness - contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring water and Bisabolol.
- Paraben-free formula.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Suitable for Oily Skin.
Comparing the Effaclar moisturisers
Effaclar Duo+
Product aims: Combats active breakouts. Treats painful, inflammatory acne. Improves appearance of marks. Mattifies the skin. Hydrates the skin.
Designed for: Active breakouts. Painful acne and inflamed skin.
Texture: Gel-cream consistency, quickly absorbed into the skin.
Contains salicylic acid?: Yes
Contains niacinamide?: Yes
Contains zinc?: Yes
Effaclar K
Product aims: Treats the t-zone area. Unclogs and minimises pores. Mattifies shiny skin. Improves the skin’s texture. Evens out redness. Hydrates the skin.
Designed for: Blackhead-prone and oily skin.
Texture: A very light cream, takes longer to absorb.
Contains salicylic acid?: Yes
Contains niacinamide?: No
Contains zinc?: Yes
Effaclar H
Product aims: Treats dry, flaky and sensitive skin. Contains bisabolol, which soothes irritation and redness. Hydrates the skin.
Designed for: Skin that has been made fragile due to treatments and medications to treat acne.
Texture: More nourishing than Duo+, soothing and non-greasy.
Contains salicylic acid?: No
Contains niacinamide?: Yes
Contains zinc?: No
| Product | Product aims | Designed for | Texture | Contains salicylic acid? | Contains niacinamide? | Contains zinc? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effaclar Duo+ | Combats active breakouts. Treats painful, inflammatory acne. Improves appearance of marks. Mattifies the skin. Hydrates the skin. | Active breakouts. Painful acne and inflamed skin. | Gel-cream consistency, quickly absorbed into the skin. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Effaclar K | Treats the t-zone area. Unclogs and minimises pores. Mattifies shiny skin. Improves the skin’s texture. Evens out redness. Hydrates the skin. | Blackhead-prone and oily skin. | A very light cream, takes longer to absorb. | Yes | No | Yes |
| Effaclar H | Treats dry, flaky and sensitive skin. Contains bisabolol, which soothes irritation and redness. Hydrates the skin. | Skin that has been made fragile due to treatments and medications to treat acne. | More nourishing than Duo+, soothing and non-greasy. | No | Yes | No |