If there is one skincare brand that has been a consistent cornerstone on my bathroom shelf throughout my life, it’s La Roche-Posay. Even as a beauty editor who tries new beauty products every month, I can honestly say this is a skincare brand I always have on hand and genuinely buy myself, even with a beauty cupboard full of trending skincare products at my disposal.
When I experienced hormonal acne throughout my early twenties, it was the brand my dermatologist immediately recommended—specifically the Effaclar range, which is designed for oily and breakout-prone skin. Then, when my skin went haywire and developed a stubborn eczema flare, my derm pointed me in the direction of the Toleriane range, which not only helped my sensitive skin alongside my prescription treatment, but also helped to soothe both the physical and mental discomfort that often comes from having a skin condition. For that reason, I consider La Roche-Posay as my skincare first-aid kit that I’ll always have to hand.
My skin is (touch wood) pretty healthy right now, but I still use a lot of La Roche-Posay skincare in my routine to keep it looking and feeling as healthy as it can be. The TikTok-viral Cicaplast Baume (£11) exceeds the hype (there’s a reason it’s nearly always sold out in my local drugstore) as a barrier-restoring aid, while the new Anthelios UVAir SPF50+ (£20) has become my new favourite SPF. The brand does extensive research into skin health, so it’s no wonder that every single dermatologist and skincare expert I speak to usually recommends at least one of their iconic skincare formulations. This is skincare that really works.
The iconic French pharmacy skincare brand is celebrating its 50th year this year, so what better time to list some of the best La Roche-Posay skincare products? From well-known favourites, such as Anthelios SPFs, to the unsung heroes that our beauty team swear by, scroll ahead for the best La Roche-Posay skincare products you should have on your radar.
The Best La Roche-Posay Products
1. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
La Roche-Posay
MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum
One of La Roche-Posay’s newer icons is the Mela B3 Serum. It was developed with dermatologists and pigmentation experts and contains a multi-patented ingredient called Melasyl™, which works to fade existing hyperpigmentation (think stubborn sun damage or post-acne scarring) while preventing new pigmentation from forming too. Think of it as a two-pronged approach to unlocking clear, even skin. The addition of niacinamide helps to restore the skin barrier while the gel texture sinks in immediately, making it great to wear underneath makeup if you also have oily skin.
Shannon’s review: “It’s only since I turned 30 that I have realised just how bad my hyperpigmentation is,” says Who What Wear UK beauty director, Shannon Lawlor. “Despite having experienced hormonal acne for years, only recently have I really battled with post-breakout scarring. My chin exists in a permanent state of red blotchiness—or rather, it did before I started using Mela B3. I don’t usually get on with resurfacing serums, but this combination of retinyl palmitate, niacinamide and L’Oréal’s patented Melasyl™ doesn’t just aid in fading my post-breakout marks, but also works to prevent further breakouts from occurring. I’ve been through four bottles of this stuff since it launched last year, and I’ll never look back.”
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Uvmune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF 50+
Ask a room full of dermatologists what SPF they recommend, and I’d bet on every single one picking this. The Anthelios UVMune 400 is well-loved by skincare experts, beauty lovers and editors alike because it ticks all the boxes you want from an SPF. Firstly, it offers a high, broad-spectrum SPF 50. Secondly, it has a lightweight, watery texture that sinks into the skin while offering a good amount of hydration. For those with sensitive skin, you can rest assured knowing that it’s free from fragrance. Plus, there’s zero white cast, making this a dependable SPF you can rely on day-to-day. If you’re oily, there is also the Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (£21), which helps to reduce unwanted shine, while the Anthelios Anti-Dark Spots Fluid SPF50+ (£21) is perfect if you’re wanting to address dark spots—it’s great paired with the Mela B3 serum above.
Grace’s review: “This is, hands down, one of my favourite facial SPFs of all time,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. “The lightweight liquid formula practically melts into the skin and sits beautifully under makeup. Like most of the brand’s products, it has been designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it never irritates my complexion. Not only do I love the way that it feels, but I also love knowing that it contains the brand’s most efficient UV filter and is resistant to water, sweat and sand. An absolute summer essential if you ask me.”
3. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Long before it went TikTok-viral, many with sensitive skin or compromised skin barriers swore by this multi-purpose soothing moisturiser. Its uses are varied, too. You can use it as a comforting aid to irritated skin or apply it in a thick layer as an overnight mask to wake up with plump, glass-like skin come morning. It’s also designed to be used as a post-treatment product for lasers, right through to treating nappy rash. Basically, if your skin is irritated, this magical cream will soothe it. It contains cica, which is renowned for its healing properties, as well as a prebiotic complex, antibacterial zinc and manganese that all help to support your skin’s microbiome to aid repair.
Grace’s review: “This product has been all over my TikTok feed,” says Grace. “The moisturising balm has been designed to nourish very dry skin types thanks to ingredients such as glycerin. It has a thicker texture than your standard moisturiser, but it doesn’t feel greasy or oily when applied to the skin. I like to pop this on at night whenever I’ve used a product that can be a little more drying (such as retinol or an exfoliating acid), and I always wake up with such a glowing complexion. I also reach for this on those days when my skin is feeling a little dull or lackluster, as it imparts so much radiance. My skin can get quite congested, so it’s not a product I would use every day, but I love having it to hand when my complexion needs a little TLC.”
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin
When I was experiencing acne throughout my twenties, it was an Effaclar moisturiser that was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I saw a big difference once I pared back my routine and used it religiously. It has a velvety gel texture that doesn’t clog pores or feel slick on oily skin, yet it adds just enough hydration to balance the skin while leaving a matte finish. Salicylic acid helps to decongest build-up in the pores, helping to clear and prevent breakouts simultaneously, while zinc and niacinamide aid brightening to help clear stubborn acne scarring, too.
5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
I’ve long been a fan of the classic Anthelios SPF, but I think the new UVAir version may have cemented itself as my favourite. Featuring a gel-cream texture, this genuinely sinks in immediately and feels almost undetectable on the skin. If you have oily or combination skin and don’t like the feeling of a creamy SPF, I’d highly recommend you try it, as it doesn’t leave a hint of residue and doesn’t compromise on broad-spectrum protection. In fact, after trying this for the first time with the La Roche-Posay team, I viewed my skin with a UV camera and could see for myself how well-protected my skin was, even five hours after applying it in the morning. So I know it really works to shield the skin.
6. La Roche-Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanse
La Roche-Posay
Toleraine Dermo Cleanse
When I experienced a bad eczema flare on my face a few years ago, this cleanser was the dependable product that never let me down. Part of La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane range, it’s designed for sensitive skin and has a beautifully milky-gel consistency that’s so gentle on the skin. It gently cleanses without irritating and gives my skin relief without aggravating my eczema further. Plus, it also works great as a makeup remover and can be either rinsed or wiped off depending on your preferences. It contains La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, which is highly regarded for its skin-soothing properties.
7. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream
Those with sensitive skin will know how tricky it can be to find a good eye cream. But the Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream is a team favourite. It has been clinically proven to both hydrate and alleviate skin sensitivity and irritation around the eyes. It’s particularly great if you’re prone to eczema on your eyelids or suffer with irritated skin around allergy season in particular, but it’s also great to have on standby as a nourishing eye cream for days when the skin around your eyes is compromised.
Grace’s review: “I have very sensitive skin around my eyes, so don’t usually use an eye cream as I’m afraid of irritating my skin,” says Grace. “However, this year the skin around my eyes has been incredibly dry, so I’ve been keen to add one into my routine. Enter, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream. This hydrating formula has been designed with sensitive skin in mind, and is infused with the brand’s thermal spring water to soothe the eye area. I’ve definitely noticed a difference since using this.”
8. La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z Gel Cream Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar A.Z Gel Cream Moisturiser
The winning combination of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid makes this a brilliant, lightweight moisturiser if you have oily or breakout-prone skin. It gently exfoliates, helping to unclog pores while addressing acne-scarring too, helping to encourage a clearer complexion. What’s great is that it has a velvety matte finish that doesn’t feel at all sticky on the skin, making it a great option to wear underneath makeup for those with oilier skin types.
Shannon’s review: “I can’t even begin to tell you how many people have told me azelaic acid is what I need for my acne breakouts,” says Shannon. “However, after trying a prescription product, recommended to me by a dermatologist, I discovered that my skin isn’t a big fan of the stuff. Since then, I’ve barely touched an azelaic acid product. However, this stuff has won me over big time. I struggle to find moisturisers that don’t exacerbate my breakouts, but with azelaic acid and salicylic acid, this hydrating gel-cream helps treat them and prevent them. I adore it.”
9. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser
One thing I love about La Roche-Posay is its attention to detail, not only with its formulas, but the textures. This moisturiser has a creamy consistency and is great for sensitive or irritated skin. However, it also comes in a richer formula (La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Rich Moisturiser £22) if you want something a little more nourishing. I always keep a tube of this moisturiser on standby for when sensitive skin moments strike, and I swap to the rich version of the moisturiser for winter when my skin requires more of a protective shield against the wintery elements.
10. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Spray
La Roche Posay
Cicaplast B5 Soothing Repair Spray for Damaged Skin
In my opinion, this is one of the brand’s most underrated products. It’s part of the Cicaplast range and is brilliant for sensitive skin, or just if your skin barrier becomes compromised. Because it’s a spray, it means you can nourish and restore the skin without needing to touch the area, making it perfect for harder to reach areas where you may be experiencing skin concerns. I like to use it as an extra layer of defence before I apply my retinol, and I find my skin tolerates it so much better with this layered underneath.
