La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel Review | Keep Your Skin Clean, Clear and Captivating

A few years ago now I tried out the La Roche-Posay spot treatment which I think was the Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector and loved it. But for whatever reason I never picked it or a product from La Roche-Posay up again, until now. When I went to Stylist Live I was lucky enough to find the stall giving out free samples and picked up multiple products to test out. The first one for me to try is the Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel.

Main Ingredients and Their Benefits

Water acts as a solvent and enables multiple other chemicals to work much better than if they were without water. As water is water, it is also suitable for all skin types and won’t be over-drying or make skin oilier.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a detergent and works as an inexpensive and effective foaming agent. SLES can be an irritant so be careful before using products that include it, especially with sensitive skin.

Coco Betaine is used as a foam booster. It is also used in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener, and to reduce irritation.

Hexylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in many skin care products. It is used to thin out heavy compositions and create a thinner, more spreadable product.

Citric Acid contains high levels of Vitamin, Folic Acid and Vitamin B, as well as minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. It is an alpha hydroxy acid used in personal care products to adjust the acidity or promote skin peeling and re-growth in the case of anti-aging products.

First Thoughts

After having a bad reaction to a foam cleanser when I was a lot younger I’m always hesitant with them now. Because I never really found out what I reacted to, I was initially worried about the use of Sodium Laureth Sulfate as it’s a known irritant. So I decided to spot test this gel first. After the initial test, my skin didn’t seem irritated at all, but I would always be cautious in case your skin is sensitive.

During Use

It doesn’t foam as much as expected and it doesn’t last for long, especially compared to other foaming cleansers I’ve used. When using it it also feels very different to the other cleansers I’ve used. It has a very watery feel, and it doesn’t quite feel like it’s doing anything to your skin (although afterwards it does!).

After Use

Once I dried off my skin it felt tight but extremely soft to touch after using the cleansing gel. The main thing is that my skin did feel clean afterwards which is the main use. Plus my pores were visibly minimised and my blackheads smaller.

I do think that it can be slightly drying, probably because its catered towards oily skin and I’ve been using it in the winter when my skin is drier. But, with a good moisturiser and toner I think it does help keep your skin clear.

Would I Purchase Again?

I would for sure purchase this product, especially in the summer months. It helps with oiliness which will be perfect for the hotter weather. Plus, it helps minimise the pores and blackheads I get around my nose which is always a bonus!