Overview
La Roche-Posay is a French dermatological brand that has spent decades formulating products specifically for sensitive and compromised skin. Their Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser combines glycolic and salicylic acid with the brand's trademark thermal spring water base — which has documented soothing and microbiome-supportive properties. The result is an exfoliating cleanser that's unusually well-tolerated by skin types that typically react poorly to acids. If you've given up on glycolic because it irritated your skin, this is worth trying.
- Dermatologist-developed and tested
- Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic
- Thermal spring water base is genuinely soothing
- Works for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Available at pharmacies and Amazon
- Results are gradual, not dramatic
- Lower active concentration than professional options
- Pricier than many drugstore alternatives
- Formulation changes between regions (US vs EU)
Our Verdict
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is the recommendation when someone says 'I tried glycolic but it irritated my skin.' The dermatological formulation, fragrance-free base, and thermal spring water make it as gentle as an acid cleanser gets, while still delivering real exfoliation benefits over time. Expect gradual improvement rather than dramatic results — but expect it to be tolerated where other options haven't been.