La Roche Posay Laboratorie Dermatologique Effaclar Medicated Cleanser / GEL
La Roche-PosayAnalysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and zinc gluconate, which help maintain skin moisture and reduce inflammation. However, the presence of sodium laureth sulfate, a surfactant with potential contamination risks, and PEG compounds, which are synthetic, lowers its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which further impacts its rating.
Key ingredients 17
Decyl GlucosideGood
Decyl Glucoside is a mild non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and coconut oil. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps to cleanse without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is beneficial for maintaining skin's moisture balance. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to hydrate and maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Zinc GluconateGood
Zinc Gluconate is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help to reduce acne and soothe irritated skin. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Helps to reduce acne and soothe skin inflammation.
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidGood
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is a derivative of salicylic acid with exfoliating properties. It helps to unclog pores and reduce acne. It is beneficial for improving skin texture and clarity.
Risks
May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Exfoliates the skin and helps to reduce acne.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered to the skin.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to adjust the viscosity of the product. It does not have significant direct benefits or risks.
Risks
High concentrations may cause dryness or irritation.
Benefits
Helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product.
Coco-BetaineNeutral
Coco-Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to enhance the foaming properties of cleansers. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances foaming and cleansing without being too harsh.
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a thickener and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture. It does not have significant direct benefits or risks.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves product stability and texture.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause irritation in high concentrations.
Benefits
Enhances product spreadability and texture.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the product. It is used in very small amounts to avoid irritation.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Benefits
Ensures the product maintains an appropriate pH level.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesNeutral
This ingredient is used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and skin feel.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability of cosmetic formulations. It binds to metal ions, preventing them from affecting the product. It does not have significant direct benefits or risks.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances product stability by binding metal ions.
Polyquaternium-47Neutral
Polyquaternium-47 is used as a conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the skin after use. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves skin feel and texture.
MentholNeutral
Menthol provides a cooling sensation and is used for its soothing properties. It can help to refresh the skin and provide a pleasant sensory experience. It is generally well-tolerated in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the product. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Benefits
Ensures the product maintains an appropriate pH level.
Sodium Laureth SulfateBad
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness. There is also a risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
Risks
May cause skin irritation and dryness; contamination risk with 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
Effective at removing dirt and oil from the skin.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
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