La Roche Posay Acne Treatment Salicylic Acid Face Serum - 1oz: Contains Glycolic Acid, Unscented, Acne-Prone

Common questions

Is La Roche Posay Acne Treatment Salicylic Acid Face Serum - 1oz: Contains Glycolic Acid, Unscented, Acne-Prone healthy?

La Roche Posay Acne Treatment Salicylic Acid Face Serum - 1oz: Contains Glycolic Acid, Unscented, Acne-Prone scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, which are effective for exfoliation and acne treatment.

Which ingredients drive La Roche Posay Acne Treatment Salicylic Acid Face Serum - 1oz: Contains Glycolic Acid, Unscented, Acne-Prone's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, GLYCOLIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, SALICYLIC ACID count in its favor; DENATURED ALCOHOL, PERFUME are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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La Roche Posay Acne Treatment Salicylic Acid Face Serum - 1oz: Contains Glycolic Acid, Unscented, Acne-Prone

La Roche-Posay
60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$33.99 · 1 oz · $33.99 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Serum
Summary

This serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, which are effective for exfoliation and acne treatment. However, the presence of denatured alcohol as a top ingredient can be drying and damaging to the skin barrier, and the inclusion of perfume may cause irritation for sensitive skin. These factors, along with the use of PEG compounds, contribute to a moderate processing level and impact the overall safety profile of the product.

Key ingredients 19

GLYCOLIC ACID
Good

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for its exfoliating properties. It helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. It is effective in improving skin texture and tone.

Risks

May cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and enhances radiance.

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NIACINAMIDE
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. It helps improve skin barrier function and reduces redness. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Reduces inflammation, improves skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier.

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SALICYLIC ACID
Good

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties. It penetrates pores to clear out impurities and reduce acne. It is effective in treating oily and acne-prone skin.

Risks

May cause dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Clears pores, reduces acne, and improves skin texture.

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WATER
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the serum. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water hydrates the skin and helps in the absorption of other active ingredients.

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PROPANEDIOL
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in skincare products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps to hydrate the skin and improve product absorption.

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DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE
Neutral

Dimethyl isosorbide is used as a solvent to enhance the delivery of active ingredients. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It helps improve the efficacy of other ingredients.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

Enhances the penetration and effectiveness of active ingredients.

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PENTYLENE GLYCOL
Neutral

Pentylene glycol is a synthetic humectant and solvent. It helps retain moisture in the skin and improves product texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Moisturizes the skin and enhances product stability.

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SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Neutral

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small concentrations to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps maintain the desired pH level of the product.

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PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
Neutral

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for contamination with impurities during manufacturing.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINE ETHANE SULFONIC ACID
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a buffering agent to maintain pH balance. It is effective in stabilizing formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability and effectiveness.

CITRIC ACID
Neutral

Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It is effective in maintaining product stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Can cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps maintain the desired pH level and product stability.

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PEG-30 GLYCERYL COCOATE
Neutral

PEG-30 glyceryl cocoate is an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for contamination with impurities during manufacturing.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID
Neutral

Capryloyl salicylic acid is a derivative of salicylic acid with exfoliating properties. It is effective in improving skin texture and reducing acne. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.

Benefits

Exfoliates the skin and reduces acne.

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BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1
Neutral

Biosaccharide gum-1 is a polysaccharide used for its moisturizing properties. It helps hydrate the skin and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Moisturizes the skin and enhances product feel.

MALTODEXTRIN
Neutral

Maltodextrin is used as a binding agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps improve product texture and stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

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PHYTIC ACID
Neutral

Phytic acid is used as a chelating agent to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps prevent discoloration and degradation of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and prevents product degradation.

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POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Neutral

Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or sensitivity.

Benefits

Conditions the skin and improves product feel.

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PERFUME
Bad

Perfume is used to add fragrance to cosmetic products. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitization.

Risks

High risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

DENATURED ALCOHOL
Very Bad

Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and astringent in cosmetics. It can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations. It may disrupt the skin's natural barrier.

Risks

Can cause dryness and irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides a quick-drying finish and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.

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