Decoding La Roche-Posay: How to Find the Best Range for Your Skin Type

If you're a regular at Adore Beauty, chances are you're already familiar with La Roche-Posay.

Whether it’s via our team touting the multi-purpose magic of Cicaplast Baume B5+ on our social pages or our Senior Beauty Editor Sadaf talking about the importance of wearing SPF and her love affair with LPR’s Anthelios on Beauty IQ.

Even if you aren’t an AB addict (...why?), I bet you’ve come across La Roche-Posay’s signature blue and white packaging on the shelves of your local chemist.

(And if you’re still scratching your head, don’t worry, you’re exactly where you need to be.)

La Roche-Posay is a French pharmacy brand that has earned its spot in the beauty Hall of Fame. Loved by dermal therapists, beauty enthusiasts, skinfluencers and beauty editors alike, their cosmeceutical skincare range offers effective results at an affordable price.

So, what's the secret behind La Roche-Posay's fame? I'm glad you asked.

Behind La Roche-Posay’s Notoriety.

Dating all the way back to the 15th century (yes, it's that legit), La Roche-Posay made its mark when its star ingredient, thermal spring water, was discovered in the town of La Roche-Posay in France (hence the name).

Today, the brand is celebrated for its scientifically-backed skincare that caters to all skin types.

Whether you have parched, desert-like skin like me (hello), tend to get a bit oilier, or have skin that's more temperamental than this beauty writer before her morning coffee, La Roche-Posay has a range tailored just for you.

Now, all that's left is to figure out where to begin—but don't worry, that’s what I’m here for.

Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to know.

For Oily & Combo Skin: Effaclar.

If your skin tends to be oily, prone to breakouts, or switches between oily and dry, Effaclar is the perfect companion for you.

La Roche-Posay's Effaclar range is specifically formulated to deeply cleanse your skin, tackling breakout-causing bacteria and excess oil to reveal a smoother, clearer complexion.

With over 10 products available on Adore Beauty, many of them harness the power of La Roche-Posay's signature thermal spring water. This unique ingredient helps soothe sensitivity, reduce redness, and infuse the skin with antioxidants.

Effaclar products also feature active ingredients such as niacinamide, LHAs, AHAs, and BHAs. These ingredients work together to gently exfoliate the skin, sloughing away dead cells and promoting a more radiant appearance.

Our Effaclar product pick: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum

Fast facts:

• Reduces the appearance of blemishes and helps with acne-prone skin.

• Diminishes the frequency of blackheads and pimples, as well as the redness associated with blemishes.

• Contains LHAs, AHAs and BHAs that work overnight to micro-exfoliate the skin and boost collagen production.

This review from AB customer Amy says it all:

“Finally I have found something to treat my acne that actually works! After just a few weeks of using this serum at night and no other acne treatments, my breakouts are clearing up and scars are less visible.”

For Sensitive Skin: Toleriane.

This one's for all my sensitive skin friends out there. Say hello to Toleriane.

The Toleriane range is specially designed to treat, heal, and protect sensitive and allergy-prone skin. All Toleriane products are formulated without fragrance and alcohol, ensuring they are gentle and unlikely to cause any irritation.

Just like Effaclar, Toleriane harnesses the power of La Roche-Posay's thermal water, known for its natural prebiotic properties. This helps balance the skin's microbiome, while vitamin B3 (niacinamide) works to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Our Toleriane product pick: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

Fast facts:

• Enriched with moisturising glycerin and soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

• Soft, fluid, milky texture that effectively cleanses the eyes and face while keeping the skin hydrated.

• Hypoallergenic, minimalist formula designed to hydrate the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.

One AB customer left this glowing review:

“My skin had become dry and irritated and my current cleanser only seemed to be making it worse, so I tried a sample I had received of this cleanser and instantly felt like it was working better for my skin.

It is gentle with no strong fragrance and leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped. I have since purchased a bottle and have been using it as my only cleanser day and night ever since.”

For Dry Skin: Cicaplast B5.

Dry skin sufferers, it’s time you met Cicaplast B5 (if you haven’t already).

This beloved collection is specially formulated with dry and sensitive skin types in mind. It's designed to soothe, calm, and restore your skin to its hydrated, happy self, from head to toe.

Those who struggle with irritation, dermatitis, eczema or any other external environmental aggressors like sunburn or winter dryness will also benefit from this restorative range.

Our Cicaplast B5 product pick: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm (surprise!)

Fast facts:

• Non-greasy, multi-purpose treatment balm that intensely hydrates and soothes dry, irritated skin on the face, body and lips.

• Supports optimal skin moisture barrier recovery and reduces the appearance of redness.

• Dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types (including sensitive) and ages.

• Suitable to use after-sun, post-procedure, post-laser and post-chemical peel.

• Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

One AB customer shared their thoughts with us:

“This is my go-to night moisturiser.

It's lovely. It's great after a big day outside and helps my son’s eczema. Kind of like a one-stop shop cream.

Amazing if you have gone a little too hard on the actives too. Very soothing and nice, it's on the thicker side too which I like for nighttime.”

For Anti-Ageing: Redermic.

If your skin is looking a little dull or you're concerned about it ageing, La Roche-Posay’s Redermic range is here to help.

The Redermic collection is specifically formulated to target wrinkles, plump the skin and restore radiance, promoting healthy ageing for all skin types, including sensitive skin, starting from your mid-twenties.

Packed with powerful active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, retinol, neurosensine, and the rejuvenating properties of thermal spring water, Redermic works to smooth and firm the skin while stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell turnover.

Our Redermic product pick: La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml

Fast facts:

• Instantly hydrates and comforts the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

• Improves signs of pigmentation including dark spots as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

• Perfect for those showing signs of ageing including dullness and rough texture, and is suitable for all skin types.

Here’s what one AB customer thought of it:

“I usually use a much higher end Vit C but trialled the La Roche-Posay.

This is actually a great product. The texture isn't thick, but isn't fine, nor is it sticky or did it leave my skin sticky - perhaps people could use less.

It feels luxe and effective and has a pleasant smell that's bright and refreshing. A serious contender when the budget is tight!”

(Alternatively, if you're looking to take things up a notch, give the La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum a go.)

For Body: Lipikar.

Next up, because skincare doesn’t stop at the neck, we have Lipikar.

This comprehensive body care collection includes body wash, hand cream, body lotions and balms, all designed to be gentle even on the most sensitive skin.

Just like the other ranges from La Roche-Posay, Lipikar is specifically formulated to address various skin concerns, ranging from very dry to atopic-eczema-prone skin.

Enriched with thermal spring water, along with nourishing and cleansing ingredients like shea butter and niacinamide, Lipikar provides the ultimate care for your body.

Our Lipikar product pick: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+

Fast facts:

• Ultra-absorbing cream works quickly to replenish lipids in severely dry and irritated-prone skin.

• Inclusion of shea butter and niacinamide breaks the vicious cycle of itchy skin, providing 24-hour relief and nourishment.

• Formula is suitable for use on babies and children, and it can be applied all over the body. Plus, it's fragrance-free and paraben-free!

This review from AB customer Fifi sums it up well:

“It is really good. I usually put it on damp skin and it makes my skin really smooth and hydrated.

For dry skin, I had a red patch on my leg that was itching and I put it on and as I was still rubbing it on, it felt better already. No more itch.

It calms the skin but not like those soothing creams. It just makes it feel more natural than the cold soothing feeling.

A little goes a long way so the price is reasonable 100% would recommend”

SPF: Anthelios.

Finally, because no skincare routine is complete without sunscreen, we have Anthelios.

Anthelios combines broad-spectrum protection of up to SPF 60+ with a gentle, sensitive skin-friendly formula. It's specifically designed to be comfortably worn on the face and leave no sticky or greasy residue behind.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios also won't clog your pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for all skin types.

Plus, each sunscreen has been eco-tested to be respectful of marine life—a win for your skin and our planet.

Our Anthelios product pick: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Spray SPF 50+ 200ml

Fast facts:

• Provides very high SPF50+ protection, fragrance-free for sensitive skin.

• Convenient spray applicator ensures easy coverage for the entire body.

• Lightweight texture leaves an invisible finish without any sticky or greasy residue.

Here’s what one customer thought about it:

“We all know about the importance of sunscreen, both for skin health and as an essential part of any anti-ageing routine.

Where this sunscreen excels is in its suitability for anyone with sensitive skin and its high (SPF 50), broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Its application is easy and makes hard-to-reach areas a breeze with its light, effective spray.

The coverage is super fast and efficient, great for anyone with impatient family members! It's the perfect size to take with you for those all important top-ups and amazingly, it's lasted me for ages.

Bottom line, I wouldn't be without it!”

Keen to dive deeper into La Roche-Posay? Check out these Beauty IQ articles:

• This Budget-Friendly Cleanser and Moisturiser Duo Healed My Breakouts in a Week

• Why Everyone Should Own a Tube of This Skin-Saving Cicaplast Balm That’s Under $25

• IT'S HERE: My Honest Thoughts on the New La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum