La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser + LHA + Glycerin, Foaming Acne Face Wash, Helps Clear & Prevent Acne Breakouts, Oil Free, Targets Excess Oil Review
Our verdict
La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser pairs 2% salicylic acid with a soap free, oil free base, and its 4.6 star average across nearly 19,700 ratings, plus its number one ranking in facial cleansing gels, make it one of the most trusted acne focused cleansers on the market. It is a strong choice for oily or sensitive skin dealing with recurring breakouts.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Oily or sensitive skin looking for a well tested, salicylic acid based cleanser to target the look of acne breakouts and blackheads.
Skip if
Your skin is very dry or already using multiple salicylic acid products, since layering more of this beta hydroxy acid could be more exfoliation than your skin needs.
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 19,700 owner ratings
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Popularity4.8/5
19,700 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is built around 2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid commonly used to target the look of acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes. The unscented, soap free and oil free formula is also labeled non comedogenic, allergy tested, dermatologist tested and sensitive skin tested, a fairly comprehensive set of reassurances for anyone with reactive skin.
Sold in a 6.8 fluid ounce bottle, this cleanser is recommended for acne prone, purifying and general facial cleansing use, and its paraben free formula keeps the ingredient profile fairly clean for a drugstore priced product. It holds the number one Best Sellers Rank in the facial cleansing gels category, a strong signal of how widely it is trusted.
With close to 19,700 ratings and a 4.6 star average, few facial cleansers in this category can match its combination of scale and consistency, and ongoing monthly purchases show that demand remains active.
Pros
- 2% salicylic acid targets the look of acne breakouts, blackheads and blemishes
- Oil free, soap free and paraben free formula
- Dermatologist tested and sensitive skin tested
- Ranked number one in facial cleansing gels
- 4.6 star average across nearly 19,700 ratings is exceptionally consistent
Cons
- Salicylic acid may be more exfoliation than very dry or already acid heavy routines need
- Unscented formula may feel plain to those who enjoy scented skincare
- Bottle size may run out faster with twice daily use
Performance notes
Salicylic acid is an oil soluble beta hydroxy acid well known for its ability to get into pores, which is why it is a common choice for targeting the appearance of acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. At 2%, this is a moderate strength suited to regular daily cleansing rather than an intensive treatment, and the soap free, oil free base is designed to cleanse without over stripping the skin.
What buyers say
A 4.6 star average across nearly 19,700 ratings, combined with a number one ranking in facial cleansing gels, reflects an unusually strong and consistent track record. The continued monthly purchases suggest this remains a go to, repeat buy cleanser for a large number of people managing acne prone or oily skin.
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Frequently asked questions
What does the salicylic acid in this cleanser do?
At 2%, salicylic acid is included to help target the appearance of acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes as part of a daily cleansing routine. It is an oil soluble acid known for its ability to work down into pores during cleansing.
Is this cleanser safe for sensitive skin?
It is labeled sensitive skin tested, dermatologist tested and allergy tested, and the base formula is soap free and oil free. That said, since it contains an active acid, patch testing is still a reasonable first step if your skin is easily irritated.
Can I use this cleanser twice a day?
Many people do use it as part of both a morning and evening routine, though if you use other salicylic acid or exfoliating products, you may want to start with once daily use to see how your skin responds.