Very few brands have a cult following of beauty editors quite like French skincare brand La Roche-Posay. Besides the fact that the products are affordable and readily available, the reason that La Roche-Posay is such a hit amongst us beauty eds is actually down to what I like to call its antidote status. Let me explain. Right now, it seems like every time I click on to Instagram, there is a new product that skinfluencers can’t get enough of. From glow-boosting serums to spot-blitzing masks, the power of a skincare product that goes viral knows no bounds. While trying to keep up with the ever-changing world of skincare can be totally exhausting for the average shopper, for us beauty editors, it can wreak havoc on our skin.
You don’t need me to tell you that chopping and changing your skincare line-up every time a new It product hits the shelves is terrible for your skin. Not just because our skin likes routine but also because all skin is different, and what is deemed a miracle product by one skinfluencer could be disastrous for your complexion. And no one knows this peril better than a beauty editor. You see, while we beauty editors like to think we know better than to fall for every buzzy product that comes our way, in reality, we’re ruining our skin every single day by testing and trialling them all—it’s part and parcel of the job. In order to know what products are good and which ones aren’t, we’ve got to be prepared to face the music when our skin acts up.
This is where our stash of antidotes comes in. Every beauty ed has a small handful of products to act as antidotes any time our skin reacts to a product it doesn’t like. Made up of trustworthy, effective products guaranteed to get the skin back to its spot-free, glowy ways, the antidote stash is there to be called upon during skin emergencies. The products have to be fuss-free, basic and, most importantly, fast acting. The most common brand amongst such stashes is, without a doubt, La Roche-Posay. Whether their skin is oily, acne-prone, sensitive or dry, every single beauty editor I know relies on at least one La Roche-Posay product for healthy, glowy skin.
So why is it so great? Well, that’s just it. It’s as though the formulators at La Roche-Posay just have a certain je ne sais quoi that means every product they touch actually works. The products are gentle but hardworking and lightweight but seriously effective, and they don’t break the bank. Sure, they don’t have Instagram-worthy packaging or TikTok-ready textures, but what they do have is a fan base chock-full of experts who really know what skin needs. According to editors and dermatologists, these are the best La Roche-Posay products that beauty experts love.
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+
This little tube contains an impressive concoction of salicylic acid, niacinamide and glycerin to banish blackheads and spots. In fact, it's probably one of the most universally loved products out there.
2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream
If you have spot-prone skin, this gentle cleansing cream should be your first port of call. Basically, every dermatologist I have ever seen has something great to say about this stuff.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream
Hate the feeling of SPF on your skin? I challenge you to give this lightweight, second-skin formula a go and not be seriously impressed.
4. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
If you have redness and sensitivity, this face mist will become your best friend in no time. Just a few spritzes instantly soothe and take down most signs of visible inflammation. I can't be without a bottle.
5. La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum
I have it on good authority (a beauty-editor bestie who is a real retinol aficionado) that this retinol serum is the perfect formula for beginners. As someone with sensitive skin, I can confirm that it's a great option for those who want a bit of extra glow come morning without any serious side effects.
6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel
While the previously mentioned Effaclar cleanser is a good starting point for those with blemish-prone, oily skin, this foaming gel is a great next step. It works harder and is slightly more drying—but in all of the right ways.
7. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Finding a really great hyaluronic acid serum can be tough. In their nature, they tend to have a sticky, tacky finish that feels uncomfortable on the skin. This formula, however, sits wonderfully under thicker skincare and makeup, leaving skin looking plumped and radiant.
8. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel Wash Sensitive Skin
If you have rosacea or are prone to redness, listen up. La Roche-Posay's Toleriane range is the best of the best. This wash will help rid skin of the day's dirt without disrupting its natural balance, meaning you don't have to worry about cleanser-induced flare-ups.
9. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips
As someone with impossibly dry, troublesome lips, trust me when I say there is no single lip balm better than this. If this little tube can't better the situation, then sadly, I can't help you anymore.
10. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturiser Sensitive Skin
Ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin that is prone to inflammation, this super-hydrating moisturiser gives skin everything it needs to function at its best.
11. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Ultra Concentrated Serum
The thing that La Roche-Posay gets so right is its ability to come out with products that tackle an issue without causing another one. This serum is really effective at dealing with oil, breakouts and blemishes without drying the skin out in the process.
12. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Eye Cream
I'm yet to meet an eye-cream denier who doesn't have a soft spot for this formula. Whether you have irritation, milia or congestion around the eyes, this lightweight, depuffing lotion just manages to brighten up the under-eye area without a hint of trouble.
13. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Soothing Serum
Out of the entire Toleriane range, this stuff is the hero I must say. Most beauty eds have a bottle of this somewhere in their stash for when things take a bad turn. In a matter of minutes, it calms irritation, takes down redness and relieves tightness.
14. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist
I can't imagine going on holiday without a can of this easy-to-apply SPF. Just mist directly onto skin for comfortable sun protection—it's the perfect product for midday top-ups.
15. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm Ap+M
It's not just facial skincare that La Roche-Posay does really well. This heavy-duty body cream is an absolute hit amongst those who suffer from severe dryness, itchiness and inflammation.
16. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Body Lotion SPF30
La Roche-Posay is known for its exceptional SPF formulas, and this body sun cream is one of the best in its offering. Not only does it hydrate dry limbs, but the formula itself is also impressively non-greasy. Plus, it's housed in an eco-conscious cardboard tube, reducing plastic consumption and making recycling a whole lot easier.
17. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30
This SPF30 is a go-to for warmer months. The lightweight gel formula leaves skin looking plump and dewy while delivering impressive sun protection.
18. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Fluid
Lighter than the aforementioned Toleriane Creme, this stuff sits somewhere between a fluid-like lotion and a serum. It provides essential hydration and moisture to keep the skin barrier in check (reducing redness, dryness and itching) without overloading the skin with greasy richness.
19. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
This is a brilliant all-rounder serum for glowy skin. Alongside pure vitamin C to brighten it contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and gently exfoliating salicylic acid for brighter, smoother skin.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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