La Roche Posay • Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser • Cleansers

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Emma23401 on 5/17/2013 11:30:00 AM more reviews by Emma23401

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Let me start off by saying I have textbook combo skin. My cheeks are dry and rarely break out, if ever, and my t-zone is very oily with no breakouts on my nose or forehead, they're all concentrated on my chin and are hormonal. I probably average about 1-3 cystic bumps a month on my chin around "that time"...attractive, I know. Since starting using the Effaclar Duo, in conjunction with the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel, I have seen a DRAMATIC reduction in redness, oil, and the size of my pores, at first I was just using the Effaclar Duo, which I have reviewed, and noticed a big improvement, but once I added in this cleanser, it's like I have new skin! My breakouts around my period are no longer cystic, I may get a whitehead or two but nothing like before.

This cleanser lathers up very nicely and really cleans the skin, even when I have a face full of makeup. Friends have even commented on how smooth and even my skin has become since using these products. The scent is light and almost floral, but in a good way, not in a grandmom way, and overall it wasn't too drying, I use a cetaphil's daily moisturizer after washing and before applying the Effaclar Duo.

I would not recommend this to anyone with dry skin, as I could see where it would really dry out the skin, but for me, it worked perfectly.

****Keep an eye out for sales at CVS, I bought this for $15 on sale rather than $22. Also, if you use your extra care card when purchasing the Effaclar Duo, you will automatically get a reduced price even if it isn't marked on sale.

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Lynsi01 on 5/8/2013 9:20:00 PM more reviews by Lynsi01

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I first got this cleanser as part of a 5-day sample kit via facebook. I had been using Purity for years. I was nervous about it since it's a gel, and typically gel cleaners are too stripping for my skin.

I was actually completely surprised by this cleanser!! It's extremely soothing, removes all traces of eye makeup, and works beautifully with my Clarisonic. My skin isn't tight afterwards, and after about a month's worth of use (along with the Effaclar serum) my skin is completely clear, calm, even-toned and my pores are significantly smaller.

Another bonus: for several weeks, I had been buying the travel sized Purity at $10 a pop. A tube of this cleanser is $22 at Ulta, and the tiniest pea-sized amount goes an EXTREMELY long way, so I know it'll last forever!

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1kimchan on 4/16/2013 11:57:00 PM more reviews by 1kimchan

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i think i broke out after using this cleanser

as soon as i switched back to my regular cleanser by philosophy purity cleanser, my skin was great.
I usually use my purity cleanser at night anyways to make sure all my makeup is nicely removed.

So i only used la roche posay in the morning on my clean-makeup free face. However, somehow I still had bad skin with this routine .

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pb84 on 3/25/2013 11:40:00 AM more reviews by pb84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Along with the other La Roche Posay Effaclar products I tried, this one is no good. It does not only dry me out, it also irriates my skin. After washing with this cleanser, my skin doesn't have a clean, healthy look but a look of dehydrated skin. I usually find my skin tight, not always but more often than not. And some redness as well. Too bad the package saying oily and sensitive which mine definitely is. But this product is not for me.
I got it for almost 30$ in Vietnam (French version) so damn, it's expensive for 200ml! I have given it a fair time I think, to try. It's 3 weeks and my skin is getting worse ever since I started using this cleanser + Effaclar Duo. Now both will be retired in my cosmetic basket.

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famouscigarillo on 3/12/2013 12:03:00 AM more reviews by famouscigarillo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

Like this product a lot, and will definitely be trying more from the same line!

PROS:
- I went to see a dermatologist about my acne and he recommended this cleanser. I think that alone speaks volumes about this product!
- I have tried loads of different cleansers. This one has a really nice lather, almost creamy.
- I love the fragrance (though I wouldn't say it's subtle.)
- My skin feels clean afterwards but not dry.
- Hasn't given me breakouts.

CONS:
- The second ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which according to acne.org is bad for acne-prone skin like mine.
- Hasn't "transformed" my skin or anything.

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reinabeina on 3/3/2013 7:32:00 PM more reviews by reinabeina

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and I live in a humid tropical climate but am in air-conditioned environments most of the time. I first got this because I heard la roche-posay was good for people with sensitive skin, and for the price tag attached to this 300ml squeeze tube, I thought it was value for money. This product really lasts forever; a little goes a long way. However, it didn't improve my skin condition much nor did it make it worse. I used this with my clarisonic at night and on its own in the morning, and even though it did not affect the visual condition of my skin, my face always felt tight after washing. Also, do take note that even though this product is sans paraben, silicones are still used.

Overall, I think you could get the same results from numerous different products out there. You don't have to buy this unless you dislike buying and switching products. If you use this to the end, this bottle will last you 6 months. I finally binned this last week, and no I will not be repurchasing.

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tracy813 on 2/8/2013 3:56:00 PM more reviews by tracy813

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Lately I have been using a cleanser that does a good job of clearing and keeping away pimples but I still had some unsightly blackheads that I was not happy with so I decided to give this cleanser a try (before I continue you should know that i do NOT in the least bit have sensitive skin and have never bad a reaction to anything like this before). At first it was wonderful! My blackheads cleared up and my pores tightened, but that only lasted for about 4 days. With in the course of 2 days my skin went from an absolute dream to a nightmare! My blackheads returned, along with pimples worse than I have ever had! On top of that my skin is SOO dry and tight to the point where it hurts. Needless to say this product is in the garbage and I will never be buying it again.

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emma89 on 12/26/2012 6:01:00 PM more reviews by emma89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I bought this cleanser about a week ago, and after using it for the first couple of days I was pleased with it. My skin looked clear, I wasn't breaking out and my combination skin felt balanced. However, it's a completely different story now! My cheeks are incredibly dry and flaky, as is my chin and nose. I can't even wear makeup, as it just clings to all the dry patches and looks terrible. I've been using a heavy-duty moisturiser, and my skin is slowly going back to normal, thank goodness! I'm disappointed as I really wanted to like this cleanser, but it looks like its back to dermalogica for me! The only positives I have for this product is that it has a nice fragrance, it lathers well and the packaging is good.

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mafalda14 on 12/8/2012 4:47:00 PM more reviews by mafalda14

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is my HG cleanser. I have combination skin, getting drier with age of course, but with the occasional spot on forehead or chin. I started using it during a huge beak-out due to pregnancy and it really helped clear my skin.
It feels soft when applied, not drying, but still has a "zingy" quality to it. It makes a nice lather and leaves my skin fresh.
I usually use it in the evening, to get off the day's grime. My only complaint is that I have to use a separate product to completely remove eye make up but I can live with that.
In the mornings I use Avene Cleanance or the Apivita cleanser (only for variety, though).

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kintyr on 12/7/2012 1:15:00 AM more reviews by kintyr

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I have dry, sensitive skin.
This is my favourite cleanser, I find this to be a gentle cleanser, no perfume, or soap I believe.
It cleanses my face very well and tightens pores. After I use this, my skin reflects light because the pores are tightened.
It is not very good for those with very dry skin/rosacea, or intolerant skin. Those with combo or acne prone skin should check it out, If your skin is oily or has a lot of blemishes there is a stronger cleanser from Effaclar to use.

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lolcaits on 11/11/2012 6:51:00 PM more reviews by lolcaits

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

Best cleanser ever!

Dry, acne prone skin, NW20.

I started using this after slowly transitioning into an all-LRP skincare routine. I learned the hard way not to switch everything at once...

This is the best cleanser I have ever used. It doesn't irritate the skin like a salicylic acid cleanser, but seems to have the same acne fighting qualities. A teeny bit foams up really well and it isn't too harsh when I use it with my Clarisonic. It doesn't sting the eyes which is a huge plus.

I use this in combination with LRP Effaclar Moisturizers and Serum.

Love it! Five stars!

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optomostichypocrite on 10/18/2012 1:06:00 AM more reviews by optomostichypocrite

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Let me start off by saying that I do not have acne so I can't say much about it clearing up any serious problems. However, my skin is extremely sensitive and very breakout prone with the wrong products. With many other cleansers my skin either doesn't get clean enough or else it ends up being irritated and itchy. I'm happy to report none of that with Effeclar! It gets my skin clean but never in a tight, squeaky clean way. The smell is very mild and doesn't linger. You need a very small amount which means a tube lasts forever. It is now October and I have been working on a tube since last April. My skin certainly isn't perfect but I have really noticed that breakouts have been few and far between since I have started using it. In Canada I often see large bonus sizes as others have mentioned as well. The packaging is nothing special but just does it's job, so no complaints there. I do a double cleanse, usually with MAC cleanse off oil, but lately I have been using a Shu oil instead. Effaclae foams up nicely and rinses off quickly. It may achieve HG status for me!

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*TOP REVIEWER* littlemj on 10/9/2012 1:02:00 AM more reviews by littlemj

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

NC25 Chinese, oily acne prone skin living in AZ's dry desert climate.


From most to least drying:
Avene Cleanance > LRP Effaclar > Acne.org cleanser


I live in a dry, dry, dry climate, so after double cleansing (either w/ oil pre-shower but always 2x beginning and ending in the shower), I immediately can tell how stripped my skin might feel when I exit the shower since we have no humidity in AZ.


I probably would be purchasing the LRP E, if I had not met the Acne.org cleanser. And I would definitely repurchase in Europe if I should be "stuck" (I wish) for an extended period of time. ;)

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KarolSou on 9/29/2012 4:35:00 AM more reviews by KarolSou

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Hey everyone!
I purchased this product a good 3weeks ago after using the Avene cleanser for blemish-prone skin for a long long time. I believed this would be a good product to try as alot of people really say that La Roche is excellent and even a dermatologist recommend their products to me,

but NO,

this buy was such a terrible mistake, I couldn't believe it! After using this product my face was just so increadibly dry its hard to describe. I found it hard to smile because when I did I thought my face just cracked. LOL. And on top of that, eczema began to develop around my mouth and I never had eczema. Also, big nasty blemishes appeared which I did not have for about two years.

I saw a dermatological booth in a shopping centre where they had La Roche and I openly went to tell them what this product did to me and here we go... The dermatologists told me that I chose a completely wrong product for my skin and advised me this:

I should treat blemishes only locally, she gave me Effaclar Duo - (doesn't work with me, the areas where I put it become inflamed ... very inflamed)

For the developing eczema, dry flakes, redness etc she gave me Toleriane Ultra. That is a an absolutely fantastic product!!! It helps so much, I just love to put it on and I my face is practically fine.

I should also use micellar water instead of cleansing gels. I bought the one from Avene and it is very soothing and improves the quality of my skin alot.

With my problems with little blemishes, scars and so on, I just use 100% natural and herbal Indian masks which are fantastic in so many ways.

A little long, but hope my review helped a little.

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Mia_8030 on 9/17/2012 6:48:00 PM more reviews by Mia_8030

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I like the Effaclar Purifying Gel and am kind of regretting venturing away from it lately.

I have always found that Effaclar Gel is great as a cleanser without being too harsh on the skin. Everything ends up clean but there is no tight feeling afterwards. I find that this cleanser if effective at removing lefover traces of oil from precleansing, and it does a decent job of removing cold cream leftovers. There is a slight smell to the product that I find to be pleasant and non irritating (somewhat like a mix between gummy candies and a soft floral scent). Effaclar Gel doesn't burn my skin and is not irritating at all. I find the gel to be very affordable - there is often a 400+ mL bottle availble for $22 canadian. It takes quite a while to go though 400 mL of Effaclar gel. The packaging is surprisingly great quality for tube packaging - it is tough, won't crack, break or explode. You can toss Effaclar in your travel bag and not have to worry about cleanser leaking all over.

I don't think I will ever call a cleanser a HG, especially as there is a lot of variety and skin has different needs as one ages, throughout the seasons, or for any number of reasons, but I do think the Effaclar gel is a very good cleanser and decently priced. I will repurchase again (and maybe stop straying so much : )

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Angelistic on 8/28/2012 10:16:00 PM more reviews by Angelistic

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best cleanser I have never used!

Its great for acne prone-combination skin and oily skin. It leaves my face feeling fresh, and soft. Not over-drying like past products I have used. However, I am not fan about the toner of this brand, its too harsh.

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*TOP REVIEWER* GriffithsGirl on 8/28/2012 9:35:00 AM more reviews by GriffithsGirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been using this along with other La Roche Posay products. I use this cleanser in the shower in the morning and at the end of the day after removing my makeup with LRP Micellar water. A very small blob foams up very well and it feels gentle to use, yet effective. My skin never feels stripped, dry or anything after use. I just pat my face dry and use Effaclar K after. These products have much improved the appearance of my red acne scarring and my blackheads are vastly reduced too. I didnt expct for them to be so effective. I see some other people have reported this product causing acne but I havent. I have had acne for over 20 years and I am convinced these produvts are the best I have ever used.

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maeshiil on 8/23/2012 4:51:00 PM more reviews by maeshiil

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This is the BEST cleanser I've ever used, and I've used countless! I started using this after my dermatologist recommended the Effaclar Duo, and I'm so glad I did. :) I love the Effaclar Duo as well, and if I stop using them for a little while (even only a couple of days) I start breaking out again.

You only need to use a tiny bit because it lathers up really well, so it lasts for a very long time. I've been using the tube I have since April and I'm just now running a tad bit low.

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angelvixen on 8/20/2012 3:49:00 AM more reviews by angelvixen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Okay. Good to know I'm not alone on this. Strips the skin and drying. Caused horrible acne breakouts on my cheeks and chin area. Even though it's paraben free it has Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is bad for acne prone skin.

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pipinko550 on 7/24/2012 6:42:00 PM more reviews by pipinko550

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Green    

When I saw "Sodium Laureth Sulafte" reading ingredients, I was a little skeptical, but fortunately this stuff didn't break me out. It's a very good cleanser, works very well, my skin is clear and matt, it doesn't dry me up. I recommend.

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