La Roche Posay By La Roche Posay Effaclar H Compensating Soothing Moisturizer --40Ml/1.3Oz For Women
La Roche-PosayAnalysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, squalane, niacinamide, and shea butter, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. However, the presence of triethanolamine, which can be irritating and has potential contamination concerns, slightly lowers the product's safety profile. The overall formulation is mostly safe with some synthetic emulsifiers, resulting in a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 15
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant that helps to hydrate and protect the skin. It mimics the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer for all skin types. It is non-comedogenic and helps to reduce redness and irritation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with squalane; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Butyrospermum parkii butter/shea butterVery Good
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient for dry skin. It helps to soothe and nourish the skin, improving its overall health.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with shea butter; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is a natural compound that is well-tolerated by most skin types. It enhances the skin's natural barrier function.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Helps to maintain skin hydration and improve barrier function.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and helps to strengthen the skin's barrier. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with niacinamide; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Improves skin texture, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Aqua/waterNeutral
Aqua, or water, is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is essential for the formulation but does not provide direct skin benefits. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the skin by providing moisture.
Ethylhexyl palmitateNeutral
Ethylhexyl palmitate is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid, used as an emollient and thickening agent. It provides a smooth application and helps to soften the skin. It is generally considered safe but can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Risks
May be comedogenic and cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Benefits
Acts as an emollient, providing a smooth texture and softening the skin.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideNeutral
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps to smooth the skin and works as a carrier for other ingredients. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with caprylic/capric triglyceride; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Provides a silky texture and helps to moisturize the skin.
PEG-100 stearateNeutral
PEG-100 stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend water and oil-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics to stabilize formulations. While generally considered safe, it can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Helps to stabilize and emulsify cosmetic formulations.
Glyceryl stearateNeutral
Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier and emollient that helps to form stable emulsions and provides a smooth texture. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid and is generally considered safe. It helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glyceryl stearate; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Acts as an emollient, providing a smooth texture and softening the skin.
PEG-20 stearateNeutral
PEG-20 stearate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Helps to stabilize and emulsify cosmetic formulations.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth, gel-like texture. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, gel-like texture and stabilizes formulations.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts or irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Propylene glycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to retain moisture and improve the absorption of other ingredients.
TriethanolamineBad
Triethanolamine is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and as an emulsifier. It can be irritating to the skin and eyes and has potential contamination concerns with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. It is generally used in low concentrations to minimize risks.
Risks
Potential skin and eye irritant with contamination concerns.
Benefits
Helps to stabilize and emulsify cosmetic formulations.
Dimethicone/vinylBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts or irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Processing
Processed Foods
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