ACNE-PRONE SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Acne-prone skin is defined by repeated and stubborn blemishes on the skin. These pimples usually occur deep within the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin.

Acne-prone skin requires a targeted and consistent skincare routine to help maintain a clear complexion. To read more about skincare routines for acne-prone skin, read our guide to The Anti-Acne Regime for Clearer Skin.

Our targeted skincare for acne-prone is formulated with scientifically backed ingredients to help reduce blemishes by penetrating the deeper layers of skin and reducing the occurrence of future breakouts.

A great option to include in your skincare for breakouts is our Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum, designed to visibly reduce the appearance of breakouts, blemishes and imperfections, alongside fine lines and wrinkles.

The ideal skincare routine for acne-prone skin should begin with cleansing. It’s important to cleanse skin to wash away irritants or debris that can get clogged within pores and lead to unwanted breakouts.

Following cleansing, the skincare routine for acne-prone skin should be: a toner, exfoliation, serum, and moisturiser. For spots and pimples, try our pimple patches. Finally, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step of your anti-acne routine.

Read more on how to find the best acne treatments for you.

When choosing a moisturiser for acne-prone skin, consider a non-comedogenic moisturiser formulated with lightweight hyaluronic acid to hydrate and hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate. A mattifying moisturiser can also help to reduce visible shine. For blemish and acne-prone skin, we recommend the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser or the Effaclar Duo + M Anti-Imperfections Moisturiser to target the root cause of your skin's breakouts.

When caring for acne-prone skin, it’s important to choose a cleanser that not only removes impurities but also supports the skin’s natural balance - especially after using targeted products that can leave skin feeling dry or sensitive.

• For sensitive acne-prone skin: Effaclar H Iso-Biome Wash is a nourishing cream cleanser which helps maintain the skin's natural pH and microbiome while gently cleansing away impurities. Ideal for daily use, this is a great option for skin which may be sensitised from salicylic acid or retinoid usage.
• For oily acne-prone skin: Effaclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser is enriched with Phylobioma to help rebalance the microbiome while removing excess oil and impurities that can contribute to repeated breakouts.

To target breakouts, clogged pores and excess oil production, acne-prone skin can benefit from an exfoliating serum formulated with beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid serums deeply penetrate the pores to clear away the build-up of dead skin cells, sebum and impurities that contribute to breakouts. Our Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum contains a potent blend of salicylic acid, LHA and glycolic acid, to refine pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum production, addressing existing blackheads and whiteheads while managing future breakouts.

Skincare ingredients for acne-prone skin include exfoliants like Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA), Benzoyl Peroxide , and Retinol (Vitamin A) , which help clear pores and reduce the occurrence of breakouts.

Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as Vitamin C , Vitamin E, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) can also support skin repair and reduce inflammation. Each of these ingredients improves skin clarity while preserving hydration. Hyaluronic Acid is especially effective for maintaining moisture without clogging pores, making it ideal for acne-prone routines.

The products best suited to use on dry skin prone to acne are effective but gentle exfoliation products.
Both overly dry or oily skin can lead to unwanted buildup of dead skin cells or excess sebum, contributing to clogged pores and increased breakouts. It’s important to exfoliate twice weekly and not use products that reduce moisture in the skin moisture barrier.

LHA is known as a gentle exfoliant, making it suitable to use on dry skin or sensitive skin types. Read more on how you can introduce LHA: The Essential Exfoliant for Acne in your anti-acne skincare.

Our range of oil-reducing cleansers for acne-prone skin help to unclog pores and purify skin of bacteria and dirt that can lead to breakouts, blackheads and blemishes. The anti-acne products in La Roche-Posay's Effaclar range are well-suited for oily skin prone to acne.

If you have ultra-oily skin or need a quick, rinse-free cleanse, Effaclar Micellar Water Ultra Oily Skin is enriched with zinc PCA and glycerin to mattify and purify. Perfect for after workouts, in the morning, or anytime your skin needs a refresh.

Back acne, or bacne, is often caused by excess oil, sweat, and dead skin clogging pores. For oily skin that's prone to acne breakouts on the back or shoulders, we recommend our Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser - a salicylic acid-based body wash that deeply cleans pores and reduces the frequency of breakouts without stripping the skin.