Dermatologist-Developed. Clinically Proven. The Gold Standard Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is the globally trusted, dermatologist-recommended facial cleanser that has earned its place as the definitive cleansing benchmark for oily, acne-prone, and blemish-prone skin — a precisely formulated, soap-free foaming gel that removes excess sebum, impurities, and surface debris with exceptional thoroughness while respecting the skin’s delicate moisture balance and natural protective barrier in a way that harsh, stripping cleansers cannot. Developed by La Roche-Posay’s team of dermatologists and formulation scientists with input from leading dermatology experts, the Effaclar Gel is built around a gentle yet highly effective purifying system that targets the excess oil and surface impurities that contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne breakouts — without triggering the compensatory sebum overproduction, barrier disruption, and increased sensitivity that over-stripping the skin’s natural oils inevitably causes. The large 400ml format provides exceptional value for daily use — enough product for months of consistent twice-daily cleansing — making it the ideal choice for anyone committed to a reliable, dermatologist-approved cleansing routine for acne-prone skin. Enriched with La Roche-Posay’s iconic Thermal Spring Water for its soothing, anti-irritant properties. Soap-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive acne-prone skin.

Key Benefits

• Purifies oily, acne-prone skin by effectively removing excess sebum, surface impurities, pollution particles, and makeup residue without stripping the skin’s natural moisture balance
• Soap-free, gentle foaming formula cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier — preventing the compensatory sebum overproduction and increased sensitivity caused by harsh, stripping cleansers
• Visibly reduces the appearance of shine and pores with consistent daily use — leaving skin feeling genuinely clean, mattified, and comfortable rather than tight, dry, or irritated
• Enriched with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water — a unique spring water with a distinctive mineral and selenium composition renowned for its soothing, anti-irritant, and skin-strengthening properties
• Non-comedogenic formulation — will not clog pores or contribute to breakouts, safe for daily use on acne-prone and blemish-prone skin
• Allergy-tested, paraben-free, and alcohol-free — suitable for even sensitive acne-prone skin types
• Large 400ml size provides exceptional value for consistent daily use — months of twice-daily cleansing in a single purchase

Suggested Use

Use morning and evening as the first step of your skincare routine. Wet the face with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of the Effaclar Gel to damp fingertips and work into a lather between the hands. Massage gently over the entire face using circular motions, paying particular attention to the T-zone, nose, and any areas prone to congestion, blackheads, or excess oiliness. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water — ensuring all cleanser residue is removed, as incomplete rinsing can contribute to congestion — and pat the skin dry gently with a clean towel. Follow immediately with your targeted skincare routine: toner or exfoliating toner (if used), serum, moisturizer, and SPF (morning). For optimal acne-control results, use consistently as part of a twice-daily routine for a minimum of 4–6 weeks before assessing the full benefit to skin clarity and oil control.

Key Features

• Effaclar Purifying System — Targeted Oil Control Without Stripping: The core of the Effaclar Gel’s cleansing performance is its Effaclar purifying system — a combination of gentle, skin-compatible surfactants and purifying agents specifically selected for their ability to dissolve and remove excess sebum and surface impurities from oily, acne-prone skin without the aggressive stripping action of soap-based or high-surfactant cleansers that compromise the skin’s protective barrier. The distinction is critical: cleansers that strip the skin’s natural oils too aggressively trigger a compensatory response in which the skin’s sebaceous glands produce more sebum to replace what has been removed, creating a cycle of over-cleansing and increased oiliness that worsens the very condition it is intended to address. The Effaclar system is calibrated to remove the excess, problematic sebum that contributes to clogged pores and breakouts while preserving the skin’s necessary moisture balance — breaking this cycle and supporting genuinely improved oil control with consistent use
• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water — The Soothing Foundation: Every La Roche-Posay formula is built on the brand’s iconic Thermal Spring Water — a unique water source from the French town of La Roche-Posay with a distinctive mineral composition including selenium, an antioxidant trace element, and a balanced pH that has been studied and used in dermatological treatments for over 25 years. The Thermal Spring Water’s documented soothing, anti-irritant, and skin-strengthening properties make it an ideal formulation base for products designed for sensitive and reactive skin types — counterbalancing the potential for irritation inherent in any active cleansing formula and supporting skin comfort and resilience with every use
• Soap-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologist-Tested: The Effaclar Gel’s soap-free formulation is a deliberate and clinically meaningful choice — soap-based cleansers have a high pH that disrupts the skin’s naturally acidic protective barrier, increasing sensitivity, dryness, and susceptibility to bacterial growth including the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes. By avoiding soap and using pH-balanced surfactant systems instead, the Effaclar Gel cleanses effectively without the barrier disruption that makes soap-based cleansers counterproductive for acne-prone skin. The non-comedogenic certification ensures the formula will not clog pores or add to the congestion that is already the primary concern for acne-prone skin users
• La Roche-Posay — The Dermatologist’s Brand: La Roche-Posay is the number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand in the world — a distinction earned through decades of rigorous clinical research, dermatologist collaboration, and a product development philosophy that prioritises proven efficacy, skin tolerance, and formulation safety above all else. Every La Roche-Posay product is developed with and tested by dermatologists, formulated with the minimum number of ingredients necessary to achieve the desired clinical result, and allergy-tested for safety and tolerability — making La Roche-Posay the trusted choice for dermatologists and their patients worldwide, including the millions of people with acne-prone, sensitive, and reactive skin who rely on the Effaclar range for their daily skincare