La Roche-Posay Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream Cleanser 4.2 Fl oz.
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, coco-glucoside, and salicylic acid, which provide moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and acne-fighting properties. However, the presence of 'parfum' introduces potential irritation and sensitivity risks due to undisclosed chemical components. The product is moderately processed, which affects its overall rating.
Key ingredients 12
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.
Coco-GlucosideGood
Coco-glucoside is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with coco-glucoside, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Coco-glucoside provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Salicylic AcidGood
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating and acne-fighting properties. It helps to unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts. It is widely used in skincare products for its effectiveness in treating acne-prone skin.
Risks
Salicylic acid may cause dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne breakouts.
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 associated with its use.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function.
Myristic AcidNeutral
Myristic acid is a fatty acid used as a surfactant and cleansing agent in cosmetics. It helps in removing dirt and oils from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
In rare cases, myristic acid may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Myristic acid effectively cleanses the skin by removing excess oils and impurities.
Potassium HydroxideNeutral
Potassium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is used in small concentrations to avoid irritation.
Risks
In higher concentrations, potassium hydroxide can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Benefits
Potassium hydroxide helps in maintaining the desired pH level of the product, ensuring its stability.
Glyceryl Stearate SENeutral
Glyceryl stearate SE is an emulsifier that helps to blend water and oil components in cosmetics. It provides a smooth texture to the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glyceryl stearate SE, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Glyceryl stearate SE helps in creating a stable and smooth formulation by emulsifying water and oil components.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as a thickener and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing formulations and providing a creamy texture. It is generally safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
Stearic acid may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Stearic acid helps in stabilizing and thickening cosmetic formulations, enhancing their texture.
Lauric AcidNeutral
Lauric acid is a fatty acid used for its cleansing and emulsifying properties in cosmetics. It helps in removing dirt and oils from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
Lauric acid may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Lauric acid effectively cleanses the skin and helps in emulsifying formulations.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps in providing a smooth texture and stabilizing formulations. It is generally safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
Palmitic acid may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Palmitic acid helps in stabilizing and thickening cosmetic formulations, enhancing their texture.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It binds to metal ions, preventing them from affecting the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Tetrasodium EDTA may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and has potential environmental concerns.
Benefits
Tetrasodium EDTA enhances the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic formulations by binding metal ions.
ParfumBad
Parfum, or fragrance, is used to impart scent to cosmetic products. It can contain a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrance is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.
Risks
Fragrance can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain undisclosed chemicals.
Benefits
Fragrance enhances the sensory experience of using the product by providing a pleasant scent.
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