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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
It’s admittedly hard for any skincare brand to distinguish itself in a market where there are zillions of brands—and more launching daily. But La Roche-Posay is that rare unicorn, a cult classic that dermatologists love, consumers can’t get enough of, and that’s known for established hero products and innovative newbies alike. Add to the list the fact that you can get it at the drugstore and that the products are all super affordable, particularly as compared to their counterparts that boast similar types of ingredients. Oh, and it’s a must-have for anyone with sensitive skin. “La Roche-Posay products are allergy-tested, non-comedogenic, and clinically studied to demonstrate efficacy and safety, and most are well-tolerated, even by people with sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Devika Icecreamwala, a dermatologist in Berkeley, CA.
There are plenty of La Roche-Posay goodies to choose from, but we wanted to show the best of the best. We conducted hours of research to find the best La Roche-Posay products on the market, evaluating each choice based on their benefits and active ingredients. After consulting a dermatologist and considering dozens of products, we landed on these top picks.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Ap+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin
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Ulta Beauty
48-hour hydration
Goes on smoothly
Clinically shown to reduce dry, rough skin
Feels greasy to some
One of our favorite body moisturizers of all time, this is also a must-have for Icecreamwala, who lauds it for being extremely hydrating yet never greasy or sticky. However, if you want even more moisture, it also comes in a thicker balm variant. It's one of the only creams we'll put on and still get dressed right after. It hydrates for up to 48 hours, can be used on the face or body, and has earned the National Eczema Association's Seal of Approval, per the point of being good for sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, shea butter | Skin Type: Extra dry | Size: 6.7 or 13.5 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Cleansing Micellar Water Ultra
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Naturally rich in minerals
Has antioxidant properties
Mild, refreshing scent
Results may not be drastic to some
“This gentle cleanser is perfect to use at night, effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup,” says Icecreamwala. Still, despite this cleansing prowess (it even breaks down long-wearing foundation formulas), it’s crazy gentle. One of the cleansing ingredients, poloxamer, is so delicate that it can be used as a contact solution. In other words, no irritated skin here.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Micelles, poloxamer | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 13.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Body and Hand Lotion
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Amazon
Dermatologist-tested
Soothing and restoring properties
Protects cracked skin
May cause breakouts for some
One tube of this multi-tasker is sold every 15 seconds in European pharmacies. Multi-tasker is somewhat of an understatement to describe it because it truly can do it all. A combo of panthenol, shea butter, and glycerin makes it super soothing and nourishing. It is perfect to dab onto any irritation—rashes, burns, blisters, bug bites, and even diapers rash. But, it’s also the star of a viral TikTok beauty hack, doubling as a great makeup primer and highlighter thanks to the dewy sheen it imparts.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Panthenol, shea butter, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, irritated | Size: 0.05 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Visible Redness Reducing Serum
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Amazon
Highly concentrated formula
Minimal ingredients
Intense hydration
Pump functionality could be better
Icecreamwala says this serum is a choice for those battling rosacea (and for the record, she’s not the first derm who’s recommended it to us for this purpose). It touts ambophenol, an ingredient that helps constrict blood vessels to visibly reduce redness, fast, along with the brand’s unique thermal spring water, full of skin-soothing minerals.
Price at time of publish: $43
Active Ingredients: Ambophenol, thermal spring water | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, redness-prone | Size: 1.35 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
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Amazon
Balancing
48-hour hydration
Maintains a protective skin barrier
Feels heavy to some
A tried-and-true classic, this is one of those simple, no-frills moisturizers that everyone should have on hand at all times. It’s a gentle yet effective, oil-free formula that relies on ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide to deliver moisture without ever feeling greasy. A universal crowd-pleaser, it’s great for all skin types.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide-3, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 2.5 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer + Hyaluronic Acid
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Broad-spectrum UV protection
Rigorously tested for skin tolerance
Defends against free radicals
May leave a white cast
This is the latest addition to the line-up and one we can’t get enough of. Along with plenty of offerings for sensitive skin, LRP is also well-known for its extensive portfolio of sunscreen options. Mineral sunscreens are ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin but are somewhat notorious for often being drying or even chalky. That’s not the case here, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid that ensures this formula hydrates for up to 12 hours.
Price at time of publish: $35
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide 5.5%, zinc oxide 10.0% | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz. | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Face Primer with Sunscreen SPF 50
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Courtesy of Kohl's
Intense UV protection
Soft, matte finish
Lightweight
Hard to use
Those who prefer chemical sunscreen formulations will love this makeup-skincare hybrid. On the makeup side of things, it instantly blurs away the look of fine lines and prominent pores and helps the foundation go on smoothly and more evenly. On the skincare side, you get that oh-so-important daily dose of (non-pore-clogging) SPF.
Price at time of publish: $41
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5%, oxybenzone 6% | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.35 oz. | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
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Amazon
Smooths texture
Absorbs fast
Easy to use
Can be drying to some
The ‘duo’ in the name refers to a combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial benzoyl peroxide (in a 5.5% concentration) plus exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid. The former calms down red, inflamed blemishes while the latter keeps clogged pores at bay, a perfect recipe for clear skin. Plus, unlike many other benzoyl peroxide-containing products, Icecreamwala notes that this one isn’t overly drying.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 5.5% | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 0.6 or 1.35 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
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Courtesy of Ulta Beauty
Can use alone or with moisturizer
Gently exfoliates
Allergy-tested
Reviewers note it has an unpleasant smell
Another newbie, this is a must-have for anyone battling dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Along with the 10% concentration of exfoliating and brightening glycolic acid, there’s also tranexamic acid in the mix, a lesser-known though highly effective spot fading ingredient. You can use it solo or as a booster mixed into your favorite moisturizer and, in true brand fashion, can be used even on sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, vitamin B5 | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1.0 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
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Amazon
Absorbs quickly
Leaves skin soft
Antioxidant-rich
Smell is unpleasant to some
The hard truth of the matter is that it’s hard to find an affordable, effective vitamin C serum at the drugstore—consider this the exception to that rule. Not only does it contain a potent dose of vitamin C (and ascorbic acid, the most effective kind, at that), it also has salicylic acid to help keep pores clear too, great for anyone who is dealing with wrinkles and pimples. Bonus points for the addition of neurosensine, a soothing ingredient.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, neurosensine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.0 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash
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Amazon
Leaves skin feeling comfortable
Retains essential moisture
Not greasy
Doesn't remove makeup well
If the micellar water is great for those with sensitive skin, then this cleanser is the one for anyone with normal to oily skin. It too boasts that thermal spring water, and gives a deeper clean, without stripping your skin's natural moisture and/or compromising your skin barrier, explains Icecreamwala. That’s because it’s both sulfate-free and touts skin-strengthening ceramides, a rare ingredient to find in foaming face wash formulas.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramides | Skin Type: Oily, sensitive | Size: 6.7 or 13.5 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
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Amazon
Mineral-rich
Anti-aging benefits
Repairing
Feels a little sticky to some
This is no ordinary hyaluronic acid serum. It contains two different types of hyaluronic acid—one with a larger molecular weight and one smaller. Why does that matter? It means the two molecules can penetrate the skin at various layers, upping the hydrating power of this formula, which also contains hydrating vitamin B5 and that unique La Roche-Posay mineral spring water we mentioned before.
Price at time of publish: $34
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, thermal spring water | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.0 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
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Amazon
Doesn't leave a white cast
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Soothing
Can look shiny on oily skin types
Sunscreen is absolutely essential for everyone, but finding an affordable one without a white cast can be a feat in itself. We love this one, which has SPF 60 protection and blends in seamlessly without leaving a chalky residue or cast. Being formulated with the brand's signature thermal spring water, it's also able to hydrate and soothe irritated or dry complexions.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, thermal spring water | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 oz. | SPF: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
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Ulta
Prescription-strength retinoid
Dermatologist tested
Non-greasy
May irritate sensitive skin types
Retinoids are considered the most effective products for acneic skin, but many are only available through prescription from a dermatologist. But if you're a beginner who'd like to try it for yourself, this adapalene 0.1% treatment is a great start that'll be just as effective as a prescription grade product. It comes in a bigger size than other picks on the market, and is able to clear all types of acne without the irritation.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Adapalene 0.1% | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 3 oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Final Verdict
La Roche-Posay has a wide range of products that have skin-nourishing ingredients for a healthy and clear complexion. We love everything that the brand has to offer, but we're particularly fans of their Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream, which keeps the face and body hydrated for up to 48 hours, and the Effaclar Duo, which is well-loved for its ability to soothe inflammation and heal blemishes without drying the skin.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Devika Icecreamwala is a board-certified dermatologist in Berkeley, CA. She’s the founder of Icecreamwala Dermatology, a practice specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
What to Look For in La Roche-Posay Products
Targeted ingredients
La Roche-Posay produces a wide range of products. When choosing what to purchase from the brand, look for targeted ingredients that work to address your specific skin concerns. For instance, if you need skin-plumping, fine line prevention, moisturizing, acne-fighting, or other benefits, check the label for those claims.
Antioxidants, minerals, hydrating components, and sun-blocking ingredients are wise choices for everyone.
Product type
La Roche-Posay creates various products for every aspect of your skincare routine, including face wash, toner, moisturizer, and targeted skin concern products. Consider what aspects of your current skincare routine are not serving you or what items you need to replace from your collection, and then choose La Roche-Posay products that fit into your routine.
A solid base would be a face wash, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, and at least one targeted skincare product, such as one for blemish control or fine lines. Additional products to consider are serums and multitasking balms.
Skin type
Your skin type will determine which types of products you should look for when purchasing from La Roche-Posay’s line. Luckily, the brand caters to several skin types, including sensitive, rosacea, acne-prone, and aging skin.
It’s best to know your skin type before making a purchase. Some beneficial products for dry or aging skin may not work for oily or acne-prone skin. Acne-specific products may also be too harsh for some people with sensitive skin. For example, we love the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer and the Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream for drier skin types that need hydration, but it might be too heavy for oily skin. On the other hand, the acne-soothing Effaclar Duo may be drying for those with rough, parched skin.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. As someone with extremely sensitive skin, she greatly appreciates that she knows she can use pretty much any and every La Roche-Posay product and never have an issue.
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