The Best La Roche-Posay Products for the Face
La Roche-Posay is a specialist French skincare brand that is recommended by dermatologists worldwide for its efficacy and use of simple, high-quality ingredients that work for all kinds of skin type. From acne prevention to anti-ageing, they have a product for just about every skin concern you might have.
This article will cover the best La Roche-Posay products for each step in the facial skincare routine, as well as the key ingredients in these products and how to properly use them in order to maximise their impact and efficacy. Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
La Roche-Posay cleansers
Cleansing is usually the first step in a skincare routine. It is an essential step for removing any dirt, grime and excess sebum that may have accumulated on your skin throughout the night or during the day.
While the Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel with clarifying ingredients like salicylic acid is great for controlling sebum production in oily, acne-prone skin, the Micellar Foaming Water has been specially formulated without parabens, alcohols or sulphates to cleanse and soften the most sensitive skin.
For sensitive, reactive and intolerant skin, try the Toleraine Foaming Gel Cleanser. Suitable for both normal to combination skin and skin prone to dryness, tightness, redness or itching, this formula is enriched with glycerine for moisture and EDTA to neutralise hard water, which will thoroughly but gently cleanse the skin.
To use these cleansers, work up foam and apply it to your face. Rub gently in small circles, ensuring the product reaches all areas and is absorbed into the skin. Gently rinse away with warm water and pat dry.
La Roche-Posay toners
Toners can serve many functions, such as removing the remnants of makeup that your cleanser might have missed. It is also a useful way of applying active ingredients which reduce pores or soothe irritation, clarify the skin, improve shine and reduce oils, or even just provide a cool luxurious feel.
La Roche-Posay has created a range of toners suitable for different skin types. Their Soothing Lotion is suitable for all types of sensitive skin, and leaves your face feeling clean and purified, with added glycerine to soften. Simply apply to the face using a cotton pad and allow to sit.
Their Serozinc Spray is an alternative for those with oily, blemish-prone skin. Infused with zinc sulphate, this facial mist can be simply sprayed on the skin to achieve a more mattified look, reduced pores and minimised oil production throughout the day.
La Roche-Posay moisturisers
Arguably one of the most important steps in any skincare routine is moisturiser. La Roche-Posay has developed plenty of formulas to suit various needs.
Dry skin types should try Hydraphase Intense Riche, made with hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture for longer and treat your skin to deep hydration.
Toleraine Sensitive Cream is another moisturiser for easily irritated skin with its alcohol-free, fragrance-free formula that has been awarded the Seal of Approval by Allergy UK. Toleraine targets skin sensitivities like stinging and dryness, and works to reduce signs of discomfort like tightness and itching within four weeks.
For those with oily, acne-prone skin, the Effaclar H moisturiser or cult cream Effaclar Duo SPF both provide a gentle moisturisation to replace the oils stripped out in cleansing, but in a controlled way.
Apply these creams to the face and neck mornings and evenings after cleansing for best results.
La Roche-Posay serums
Serums are usually the next step in a comprehensive skincare routine and again are formulated to target specific skin concerns. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum contains active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 for plumper, more youthful-looking skin.
Toleraine Ultra Dermallergo is a serum designed for sensitive, reactive, allergy-prone skin. Boasting a minimal formula containing simple ingredients, it is perfect for giving delicate skin a moisture boost without disturbing its natural balance. With nine out of 10 dermatologists recommended La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Oiler skin types should look to the Effaclar Serum, which has similar properties and effect as other products in the Effaclar range: oil production control; shine reduction; and helps minimise the appearance of pores. Enriched with salicylic acid, LHA, and glycolic acid, it will improve the overall texture of the skin while reducing blackheads and keeping blemishes at bay.
La Roche-Posay eye creams
The final step of most skincare regimes is eye cream. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes is a roll-on cream developed specifically to rejuvenate the eye contour. With ingredients like niacinamide to reduce dark spots and inflammation and glycerine to moisturise and elasticate, this formula is hypoallergenic, with no parabens or perfume.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong in growing old gracefully, but should you wish to halt the signs of ageing a bit then consider Redermic R Eyes. This cream is specially formulated to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, containing the well-known anti-ageing ingredient retinol. It helps keep skin under the eyes looking soft and youthful, and combat visible signs of fatigue, puffiness and dark circles.
Apply these eye creams to the inner part of your under-eye area, gently massaging outwards as you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Roche-Posay good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar range in particular is well-loved for anti-inflamatory efficacy and ability to unblock clogged pores. With high-quality ingredients like salicylic acid, the range takes a new, gentler approach to acne-prone skin that we think is more effective than traditional, heavily chemical products.
Is La Roche-Posay good for older skin?
Yes. La Roche-Posay has a variety of products intended for older skin, which have gentler formulas to target concerns specific to ageing. From SPF creams to protect the skin from UV rays that can accelerate ageing, to retinol-enriched moisturisers and eye creams that keep fine lines at bay, there’s a variety of products to be found to help mature skin.
What’s better: retinol or hyaluronic acid?
This depends on your skin and the effect you’re looking for. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it keeps in moisture and produces a plumped, firm effect. Retinol is more potent and can have a more penetrating effect. There’s no reason not to use both, but if you must choose, we recommend those with drier skin opt for hyaluronic acid, and those with combination or oily skin should try retinol.