La roche posay review

The story behind La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay is a dermatological skincare brand that formulates products with high efficacy and safety standards to address skin needs, even sensitive skin. 

Recommended by tens of thousands of dermatologists across the globe, La Roche Posay has become known for delivering highly effective skincare solutions that target a variety of skin concerns, from acne to aging and more.

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2021?

 In this La Roche Posay review, we’ll discuss a few of the best-selling La Roche Posay skincare products, formulation details, La Roche Posay reviews from real customers, and an alternative for you to consider.

What Are The Best Selling La Roche Posay Skincare Products?

La Roche Posay is committed to making dermatological skincare accessible to those who need it and offers consumers products for each step of their skincare routine. 

For instance, you can browse through La Roche Posay cleansers, moisturizers, masks, toners, serums, BB and CC creams, sunscreens, and more. But if you don’t have time to look through the extensive range of products, we’re going to cover three of the best-selling La Roche Posay skincare products, including Effaclar Duo, Lipikar Balm AP+, and Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is a dual-action acne spot treatment that is said to reduce the number and severity of acne blemishes, as well as help to clear blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, this treatment is claimed to reduce 60% of acne in just 10 days. 

La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ is a body cream moisturizer for dry skin to extra dry skin that is clinically shown to reduce dry, rough skin. In addition, this cream is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is suitable for babies as young as two weeks.

Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing sunscreen for the face and body that provides broad-spectrum SPF 60 sun protection. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

Inside La Roche Posay Skincare

Did you know that one of the key ingredients used inside La Roche Posay skincare dates back to the 14th century? We’re talking about La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, unique selenium-rich water at the heart of the brand. 

In the 14th century, a French nobleman named Bertrand Du Guesclin discovered the thermal springs of La Roche Posay when he stopped to drink the water. According to legend, his horse, who suffered from severe eczema, submerged itself into the water and was cured of its skin disorder.

 In the 17th century, Pierre Milon, a doctor to Henry IV and Louis XIII, went to the spring to conduct an analysis of the water. He discovered that the thermal water was naturally rich in selenium, an essential trace mineral, which provided the water with its unique soothing and antioxidant skincare properties. 

Throughout history, hospitals were built at the site of the spring to treat patients who came from all over the world.

 Fast forward to 1975 and the La Roche Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique was created with its mission being to use this special thermal water to develop skincare products that would provide dermatologists with effective skincare solutions for their patients, especially those with sensitive skin.

In addition to the Thermal Spring Water, we’d like to discuss a few of the key ingredients you can find in the best-selling La Roche Posay skincare products mentioned above. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

One of the key ingredients in La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is 5.5% benzoyl peroxide.  Benzoyl peroxide can effectively kill bacteria by destroying the cell walls. 

Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can exfoliate and help peel the outer layer of skin. One drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that while it does effectively kill , it also kills the good bacteria that keep your skin healthy. 

This can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, which for some people can make skin look worse. The formula also features lipohydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid with skin-renewing, exfoliating, and acne-treating properties.

La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+

La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ features key ingredients such as shea butter, niacinamide, and mineral oil. Shea butter is a very rich occlusive emollient that forms a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and leave the skin feeling soft. 

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to help repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, it may also help to reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. 

Mineral oil is a clear, odorless oil that functions as an emollient. After application, mineral oil forms a protective film on the surface of skin that helps to prevent evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture.

Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology, offering broad spectrum SPF 60 protection plus an antioxidant complex.

 This formula contains the antioxidants tocopherol (vitamin E) and Cassia alata leaf extract. Unfortunately, both of these antioxidants are present in concentrations lower than 1%. We know this by looking at the ingredient list (which is in order of descending concentrations). Both ingredients are listed after the preservative phenoxyethanol, which as our resident biochemist Elle MacLeman discusses, cannot be used in concentrations more than 1%. 

Where Are La Roche Posay Skincare Products Sold?

La Roche Posay skincare products are sold online through the company website and third-party e-commerce sites. Consumers can also find this brand in drug stores such as Walgreens and CVS, as well as beauty supply stores like Ulta. 

What Is The La Roche Posay Return Policy?

The La Roche Posay return policy states, “If for some reason you’re not happy with your order, you can return it in its original packaging with a receipt and receive a full refund.”

La Roche Posay Reviews

La Roche Posay reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive, with each of the best-selling La Roche Posay skincare products mentioned above receiving an average of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Many La Roche Posay reviews for Effaclar Duo confirm that this is an effective spot treatment for acne. However, there are quite a few reviews that mention this product can cause skin dryness. 

The majority of the La Roche Posay reviews for Lipikar Balm AP+ point out that this is a really great moisturizer for dry skin that doesn’t leave a greasy feel on the skin.

La Roche Posay reviews for the Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk mention that it is easy to use, effective, and non-greasy. 

What Are Some Alternatives To La Roche Posay?

After discussing a few of the best-selling La Roche Posay skincare products, it’s clear that La Roche Posay uses highly effective ingredients to formulate its products. 

The brand particularly stands out when it comes to body moisturizers and sunscreens. However, we didn’t have a chance to discuss La Roche Posay’s anti-aging products. 

Take the La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The third highest concentration ingredient in this serum (after water and glycerin) is denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol has been associated with skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier, especially when used in high concentrations. If you’re looking for a brand that formulates anti-aging skincare products, we recommend Formulyst. 

Instead of La Roche Posay’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum, try Formulyst’s Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer. This lightweight formula features hyaluronic acid, the key molecule involved in skin hydration. 

Hyaluronic acid helps boost your skin’s natural nourishing powers by attracting atmospheric moisture and transforming it into intense hydration for your skin. 

Formulyst Super Hyaluronic Water Moisturizer also contains jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil to balance oil production. Both of these botanical oils are non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about clogged pores or breakouts. 

There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that is effective and safe. Carrot & Stick takes a tough-love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the power of plants with cutting-edge science. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals commonly found in skincare products.

• Written by

  
  Dr. Kaitlyn Rose
  

• Fact Checked by

  
  Elle MacLeman