La Roche Posay • Effaclar Duo • Treatments

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lovelylovely on 5/15/2013 8:16:00 PM more reviews by lovelylovely

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I am so sad this product didn't work out for me as I wished. I actually had no prior knowledge of the supposed "2 versions" of this...apparently there is a US one and a Euro one. (which is confusing on its own). I bought the US version and was really excited to try this because I have struggled with clogged pores for a long time! A couple of my favorite beauty guru's raved about this and I totally wanted to try it out, I was at CVS saw that it was on sale and bought it. I read the warnings..and it said not to use if you have sensitive skin. It may cause severe itching followed by burning or redness..swollen skin...dry skin...the works. I didn't really think I had sensitive skin...I thought wrong. When I woke up the next morning I was attacked by ANGRY skin. areas such as my chin broke out into a severe rash leaving me blotchy, itchy, and dry beyond belief. I was uncomfortable the entire day. It was the WORST! Although, I looked into the mirror and saw that my clogged pores all over my nose had completely vanished!! Which upset me even further. The product itself works. Its just a harsh HARSH product. (This is the US version) So...I decided to try the product again the following night (the results..although painful, were truly astounding). I guess I sort of thought that my skin needed to get used to it...or I used to much. SO DUMB, I KNOW! So, I woke up at 3 am in agonizing itchiness. I immediately went and washed my face and went back to bed. I realized later that it actually left a sort of chemical burn around my chin area..it was red, brownish...? I don't know. It was AWFUL. I'm not too sure of the differences between the US version and the European version...and how to use them. I used this one as a zit cream (on all the trouble AREA'S of my face). I'm still unclear as to if the US version is for active zits, spot treatment..prevention..? I'm not going to give up on it just yet.....because I honestly feel as if I am using it wrong..but to say the least steering clear until I'm absolutely positive of how to use it..

My skin is still recovering, and I'm icing it for now.

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MarleyXavier on 5/13/2013 5:12:00 PM more reviews by MarleyXavier

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Excellent product, had moderate acne for about 4 years and i have used this for a week now and my skin is almost clear! my skin hasn't been this clear since about 4 years ago. excellent product, perfect amount of moisture for my normal/combination skin, not drying at all. highly recommend. i use this with La mer cleansing foam with clarisonic and also la roche posay effaclar A.I spot treatment which is also excellent. so glad i found this range, so cheap compared to what i was paying for products such as creme de la mer ha.

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Layalina on 5/13/2013 9:43:00 AM more reviews by Layalina

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Other    

There are two versions of this product: the U.S. has benzoyl peroxide and is targeted, meaning that you apply it to get rid of a pimple/acne; the European version has salicylic acid, which gets rid of pimples but also prevents pimples.

I bought the European version and it's been amazing. I apply a thin layer on areas that is acne prone and it keeps blemishes in check. I also apply it to the occasional blemish outside of those areas when I feel like one is burgeoning. It has really worked for me.

Also, I've read and heard that some people use it as a moisturizer. I can't use it that way, because it's too drying. I apply it at night and need a good moisturizer on top of it.

I like the packaging; the amount (1.35oz/40ml) is good for the money; no scent. Will definitely keep using as it works for my skin. As one reviewer said, it's great insurance for breakouts.

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Concealergeek on 5/4/2013 3:41:00 AM more reviews by Concealergeek

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

I don't know if this product works for acne, but it is my insurance against hormonal blemishes. When I detect one is coming I substitute my moisturiser by Effaclar duo and it doesn't even show. If I have not been so fast it makes them disappear in two days without leaving a trace. It is drying, but not aggressive. I couldn't use it on a regular basis, but it is perfect to solve occasional problems. The price is reasonable as well. I adore this product because it has made my life much easier. Now I am not in a bad mood when I see a blemish in the mirror . Now I know it won' t last. I will buy it again and again

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AbiWilks on 5/2/2013 2:22:00 PM more reviews by AbiWilks

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

(European version)

I think this might be the best product I have ever put on my face. I've got a bad habit of attacking my face with loads of really harsh products whenever I get a spot or two, inevitably making it worse and sending me into a downward spiral where I get frustrated and pick, turning barely visible blackheads into massive great wounds and making my face look like a war zone.

This happened recently, and no kidding I went from three smallish spots and a few whiteheads and blackheads into a disastrous mess it took literally an hour to cover with makeup (and which still looked terrible once I had). I kept attacking it with peels, alcohol heavy cleaners and other harsh products, and unsurprisingly it didn't help at all. As soon as one thing started healing, another would pop up. I was finding it really upsetting and hard to just leave my face alone, so I picked some more and made it even worse.

I vaguely remembered having some good results with Effaclar Duo a while ago when my skin was really congested, so I decided to order another tube for myself. OMG. I've been using it for a couple of days and my skin is already getting better. All of the inflamed spots have shrunk and are on their way out, I've got far fewer blackheads and whiteheads and my skin is generally looking much smoother and healthier. I've still got quite a few red marks and need a decent amount of concealer to cover them, probably mainly because I've picked my skin so much, but the point is they are all old things that are healing. No new spots, and as far as I can tell no whiteheads under my skin that are ticking time bombs waiting to erupt.

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*TOP REVIEWER* 4eyes on 5/2/2013 11:00:00 AM more reviews by 4eyes

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I also posted this under Effaclar Duo (US Version). I am reposting here, as I tried both the European and the US version, and my review compares them both:

I am so glad someone started a US version category for LRP's Effaclar Duo, because all of the existing reviews for both the US and the European version are all under the same category, and they shouldn't be, because the US version could not be more different. In fact, I really think LRP should call the US version a different name.

The US version has both LHA, which is an exfoliating acid, and 5.5% strength benzoyl peroxide, a strong antibacterial which also has drying and exfoliating action. It is unscented. The European version, on the other hand, contains NO BP at all, is quite fragranced, and contains only a low concentration of salicylic acid.

The only similarities are the name, which is very confusing, because the products are SO different, and the price, which at $36 is very pricey for active ingredients found in many inexpensive drugstore acne products.

I have VERY oily, acne-prone skin that is also sensitive to random products. My skin responds very well to a mild, low-dose BP product like the 2.5% BP cream Walgreen's and Walmart makes. With both the LHA and the fairly high dose of 5.5% BP, this LRP US version of Effaclar Duo was way too strong for me . After only 2 days of consecutive use, I ended up w/ a mild chemical burn - with that reddish-yellow-brown-very-irritated- scorched-skin look.

On the other hand, the European version of the LRP Effaclar Duo contains only a wimpy amt of BHA and is quite annoyingly fragranced. It had no effect on my skin, either good or bad - the scent just annoyed me.

So, if you are looking for a BP product that does not burn your face off, save your $$ and buy the Walmart/Walgreen product. If you're looking for a BHA product, again, save your $$ - Neutrogena makes a better and more effective one, and there are other BHA products out there w/ no or less fragrance.

I love LRP ss's, but both of LRP's very different Effaclar Duo products were overpriced and were either way too strong or ineffective. I can't understand why LRP would use the same name for both products, use both a fairly strong dose of BP AND an LHA in one resulting in major overkill, and use nothing but a minimal dose of BHA and a lot of fragrance in the other.

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cocoacloud on 5/1/2013 12:09:00 AM more reviews by cocoacloud

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I'm very cautious when reviewing acne products because I have never had 100% clear skin. This is why no matter how good a product is, I will never give it full marks until I know it is completely effective and has cleared me up. It's a hard battle I'm sure a lot of people always face - once you clear one area, another problem area crops up. I've always suffered from whiteheads, clogged pores, and have never gone a day without one cystic acne on my face. I've had near success once with an AHA gel and glycolic acid toner, but success was short lived for half a year and I soon rebounded back to my old skin.

I first heard about LRP's Effaclar line on reddit, and how it has been HG for a few users. I figured there's no harm in trying so I went out and bought Effaclar Duo, Effaclar K and received samples of Effaclar purifying foaming gel and Effaclar clarifying moisturizing lotion. I've been using this line for about 2.5 months. Effaclar Duo at night, and Effaclar K in the morning, I later went out to buy Effaclar A.I. and tied that in.

So how's my skin now? I can honestly say that it has improved. It's a very long, slow battle but I can see results. What's better is that people have started noticing. Finally, I know how it feels to have a coworker comment on how much better my skin has gotten! I still get the occassional cystic acne, and I still have clogged pores, but probably only 30% of what I used to have. My skin looks healthy, and less rough. It looks plump and moisturized. My pores have gotten smaller. Makeup glides on better. I have less scars and bumps to conceal.

This has kind of been a review of the Effaclar line in general - but for Effaclar Duo, I can say that it has a very nice consistency, not too heavy and fairly gel like. It sinks into my skin easily and has a very mild, pleasant scent. I use this at night, on top of my moisturizing serum also from LRP (Hydraphase intense serum). It claims to reduce the appearance of imperfections and unclog sebum-blocked pores. I believe it has been quite successful so far and I will continue to be patient, waiting for my skin to completely purge and heal! I will update this review in due time!

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*TOP REVIEWER* BayRidge on 4/24/2013 11:45:00 AM more reviews by BayRidge

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is for the US version...

I decanted a portion of this into a tiny opaque container to use over a long weekend of travel. It remained closed for 2 days, then when I opened it up, I noticed the plastic on the sides of the container had degraded. It looked like it had been burned. And yes, it was completely clean, no product to interact with. Was it a reaction to the air? If so, how will this reaction to oxygen work when on my skin?

Needless to say, I threw out the container & the tube when I got home.

Why does LRP feel the need to supply a completely different product in the US than what they provide in Europe?! Why?!

going back to my tea tree oil & crushed aspirin, thank you very much...

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Angelique79 on 4/24/2013 11:16:00 AM more reviews by Angelique79

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

PROS:
Yeah, it does zap blemishes quicker than any other formula. As a spot treatment, it did take care of blocked comedones (those blemishes that swell under the skin and you have a flesh colored bump that sorta kinda hurts) within two days or less.

CONS:
This is not an all over daily treatment! While I'm thankful that this attacks my comedones before they erupt into anything worse, I also have to keep a heavy moisturizer on hand and some Cortizone creme to then tackle the extreme peeling and dryness that occurs where ever I've placed this product on my face. So I'm very selective about what break outs I use this on...monster disasters only!

Having said that, I'm willing to deal with the slightly peeling areas rather than a swollen bump, with a creamy concealer, its easier to hide a little redness than swelling. At least that's my opinion.

But please be careful with this product...its not for everyone.

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qdo2599 on 4/23/2013 11:50:00 PM more reviews by qdo2599

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

This is generally a great product - I just wish my skin wasn't so damn sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. However I find this product is one of the only products my skin can tolerate that contains benzoyl peroxide... for 2 nights max. If I use it for my than 2 nights my skin typically dries out and starts looking RED and ANGRY. Other products will turn my skin red by just looking at the ingredient list.
I finally figured out a regimen that works for me - I use Effaclar K daily at night. Then 2 days before the start of my period (aka 2 days before my placebo pills on my BC pack), I switch to Effaclar DUO LIGHTLY for nighttime. That gives it the extra umph I need to prevent any breakouts from occuring during that time of the month. So if you are also super sensitive to benzoyl peroxide this trick may work for you!
The product is pretty light - kind of a middle between a serum and a moisturizer. Therefore I apply it as such - after my nightly exfoliater serum and before my moisturizer. It's kind of paste-like so it doesn't apply as smoothly as the Effaclar K.
There is no smell to this like the Effaclar K has. It's also a little bit larger too (1.35 oz versus 1 oz).
All in all a GREAT product for anyone that can tolerate it and a GOOD product for anyone that can't. I can't say how many times I wish I can use it daily instead of just 1-2 nights at a time.

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Catherrine on 4/20/2013 3:50:00 PM more reviews by Catherrine

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

So, I basically ended up buying this product because my skin was just horrendous! The spots on my forehead were extremely noticeable & nothing would get rid of them. I started using the cleanser from the Effaclar duo in December. I was using it with a cheaper moisturizer and it was just not working as the cleanser was too strong. I bought this moisturizer on the 24th of December 2012, and after using it twice a day every day, its still not gone yet. This duo, has improved my skin IMMENSELY. I have scars from younger years left on my forehead, but no spots. The moisturizer also helps my makeup to go on easier. This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. The only thing i don't like it the price, its steep at €16.69 for a teenager, but it is most definetly worth it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* michkal on 4/20/2013 1:12:00 AM more reviews by michkal

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I'm really liking this so far. I had moved away from benzoyl peroxide because it usually irritates my skin. I also find that bp products are usually thick and sticky. Because I've been breaking out a bit more recently, I picked up this product. I am impressed by its unique texture for a bp product. It is smooth and feels light. It almost feels moisturizing. I also like the tube packaging with its very small tip opening. It makes it easy to squeeze out only the amount you need. I had previously used a Clinique bp product, and I like this one much better. My skin feels calmer, less inflamed, and my breakouts seem to be clearing more quickly than without this product.

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1kimchan on 4/16/2013 11:53:00 PM more reviews by 1kimchan

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

too mild for killing active pimples
the tube will last me a long time. i won't repurchase because i think there are better pimple fighting products out there.

i only use this on small pimples. but i also attack the small bumps with another salicylic acid treatment over.

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kissyxface on 4/16/2013 9:35:00 AM more reviews by kissyxface

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

Saw a few youtube beauty gurus rave about this product while i was going through a nasty breakout & decided to give it a go. So happy i did because within a few days my skin became even & clear. For the price you pay & the amount of product you get, this is such a great value. Will definitely repurchase this.

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daniellejae on 4/13/2013 8:42:00 AM more reviews by daniellejae

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

As for the effeclar duo, I just want to make sure people know what they're buying because there seems to be some confusion. If you live in Europe, you are buying a product that can be used all over your face as a moisturizer/primer that prevents and helps existing acne because it has a low amount of salicylic acid in it. BUT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, if you are buying in the US, this product is different and to be only used as a spot treatment. In the US, the effeclar duo contains 5.5% of benzoyl peroxide, which is a strong and effective acne medication. It should not be used all over your face otherwise I presume it will "sting" and "burn" like some of the reviewers have said, and dry your face out horribly. If you use the US one just on existing pimples, I promise you, it works amazingly! Pimple size decreases significantly in just one night. I use it in conjunction with the La Roche Posay purifying gel cleanser, and my skin has really improved after my past hormonal breakouts! I hope this review helps past buyers of the effeclar duo and future buyers because I couldn't bear people using 5.5% benzoyl peroxide all over their face and really harming their skin!! As for the UK one, that's completely different, and I'm interested in trying it!

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Emma23401 on 4/9/2013 10:37:00 AM more reviews by Emma23401

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

New HG product. Seriously. I was using Benza-clin which is a dermatologist prescribed benzoyl peroxide gel. It was running me $160 a month. Needless to say, finding effaclar duo for $36 was a serious improvement in price. And it works 10 times better than my prescription did! I'm not kidding, I apply this all over my face at night and in the morning under my makeup, I have had no hormonal breakouts this month and not one pimple at all. It seems to be fading my scars rther quickly and although it is a bit drying, my skin adjusted in only a few days. I'm very happy and surprised at how well this product works. Oh and it reduces how oily my skin is! I'm in LOVE!

**********BUY THIS AT CVS!!!!!! If you use an Extra Care Card, the price is automatically reduced!! Even when it's not marked as on sale.

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nhabu11 on 4/2/2013 8:11:00 PM more reviews by nhabu11

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

It has been nothing short of amazing. Literally in one night, my spots were reduced in size, redness and was concealable. I started using the Clarisonic not too long ago and I'm starting my purging phase so I wanted to use something to combat these breakouts. I've been looking for a product to replace my proactiv spot treatment which is about 6% BP and I saw that this had about 5.5%, plus I got it at my Walgreens. If you can get it, get the USA not the international version, as I've heard its much milder. It is definitely a much steeper price but I use it sparingly like spot or area treatments so it will definitely last me a looong while.
Now my acne is very responsive to BP but my skin does get red if I go overboard with it (like when I started using proactiv) so I did experience some irritation but I use the Body Shop Aloe creams to calm it. The product does say to ease into it since it is so strong. I'm not afraid of the dreaded Clarisonic purging phase now that I have this in my routine.

UPDATE: I am just starting the purging period and this has been such a huge help. After reading some of the reviews, I thought I would leavea few tips on application for sensitive skins. Squeeze for 1-2 sec and that should be enough. Don't concentrate on one area, try to spread it out evenly. Also, I only use it 3x/week at night only after my aloe night cream. It helps with any irritation and redness.

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Cupcake07 on 3/31/2013 6:56:00 AM more reviews by Cupcake07

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love this cream. I currently use the European version which is less harsh than the US version. I'm on to my fifth tube simply because this is the only treatment I can rely on to keep my skin clear. I don't think it's very expensive plus you only need to use a small amount for your whole face. I use mine morning and night after I tone and before I put my other moisturizer on. It's honestly the best stuff.

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agiri on 3/22/2013 3:32:00 PM more reviews by agiri

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This review is for the EUROPEAN version of Effaclar Duo.

Finally bought this on Amazon after hearing Tanya Burr and Ruth Crilly rave about this cream. I have pretty good skin but am plagued with constant bumps all over my face. I would't really call them pimples, just little bumps that come and go as they please.

I started using this cream in hopes of controlling those blemishes. I specifically purchased the EUROPEAN version of this cream on Amazon which ran me about $30 for a tube of product that costs roughly 12 pounds in the UK. No matter though, still came out cheaper than the US version of this cream which contains Benzyl Peroxide.

If you're using the US version of this cream, use as a SPOT TREATMENT ONLY. The European version is A LOT milder (and therefore cheaper) and uses salicylic acid instead. The European version can be used all over the face, twice a day, whenever you want. Obviously, not true for the US versions. If you experiences burn or any discomfort as a result of the US version, it's because it's A LOT stronger.

I've been using this is a daily moisturizer and found that it does great things for regulating my oil production throughout the day. It has a very gel like consistency and seeps into the skin rather quickly. It's not SUPER moisturizing, but it gets the job done and stays nicely under foundation. If I'm not wearing makeup that day, I find that it helps my face look a lot more matte and less shiny.

It did sorta help with the bumps but didn't solve my problem entirely. I'm not super disappointed or surprised since I'm not even sure if these blemishes are acne related. I would, however, still repurchase this product just because of how nicely it regulates my oil and how matte it makes my makeup-less face look!

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LCEL on 3/21/2013 3:16:00 PM more reviews by LCEL

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I also bought this product after Tanya Burr's recommendation but I seem to have had a similar to reaction to some of the other women leaving comments here. Initially I thought this product was clearing my skin up but on the 3rd day of using it i developed small white bumps all over where I had put the cream on my face...not sure if it's a break out they aren't itchy but they aren't like what I usually get if I get spots. They do appear to be pores that have become inflammed perhaps....my skin wasn't terrible before I use Liz Earle products and I love them shouldn't have tried this and spent the money on it! Immediately stopped using it and I hope these bumps clear up soon! AWFUL product don't waste your money and ruin your skin!!

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