One thing that happens when you’re a beauty writer: Friends text you all the time asking about products, brands, or random TikTok trends. Often, I have to be the bearer of bad news (no, you shouldn’t use lube as primer), but sometimes I get to send an enthusiastic rave review. Such was the case recently, when not one but two friends asked if the hype around French skincare brand La Roche-Posay was real.
"YES. Which products are you looking at? Doesn’t matter, they’re all good,” was essentially my response—plus a slew of emoji to stress the point. La Roche-Posay products are one of the few things that dermatologists, estheticians, and skincare TikTok are in agreement on because they're just that good.
Known for its sunscreens and gentle formulations, the brand has been a French-pharmacy staple for decades. Better yet, the products are also affordable. Read on for 16 of the best La Roche-Posay skincare products, including those recommended by board-certified dermatologists Michelle Henry and Corey L. Hartman.
This moisturizer can be used head to toe and has a nice weight to it. "This product feels elegant like a lotion but hydrates like a rich cream,” says New York City–based Henry.
Henry likes that this sunscreen is "cosmetically transparent on all skin types” and adds that "it is both lightweight and fast-absorbing.”
"Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer has saved my skin over and over during the winter months,” says Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. "It’s the perfect complement to a preventive skincare regimen that experiences periods of dryness and irritation, especially when the weather is cold and dry.” Plus, says the derm, "The lightweight lotion vehicle feels refreshing and provides skin barrier protection without the greasy feel.”
Hartman says this foaming face wash is "simple yet effective at thoroughly cleansing my skin without leaving it feeling dry and irritated.” It also won’t strip skin’s natural oils—in fact, just the opposite. "It holds on to just enough oil and actually feels better after washing,” says Hartman. "In a landscape of liquid cleansers that overdry the skin, it is refreshing to finally have a cleanser that removes dirt and grime and simultaneously nourishes the skin.”
Due to the pandemic, perhaps no skincare product has become more essential than hand sanitizer, and Hartman says this one is among the best. "Purifying Hand Gel is the best hand sanitizer that I’ve tried, and I’ve tried them all,” says the derm. "It gets the job done while leaving my hands feeling adequately moisturized and without an offensive aroma.”
The brand’s acne treatment contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria plus lipo-hydroxy acid to exfoliate skin, while glycerin hydrates and prevents overdrying.
This fragrance-free cleanser is about as gentle as it gets but still manages to remove makeup, excess oil, and dirt. Plus, it’s packed with ceramides and niacinamide, so it leaves skin more moisturized and even-toned too.
This La Roche-Posay sunscreen has been a cult favorite for years. Fans love the mineral formula for its ultra-lightweight texture, high SPF, and matte finish that works great under makeup.
Most every dermatologist will recommend a vitamin C serum for anti-aging, antioxidant protection, and brightening properties. This one contains 10% vitamin C, salicylic acid, plus neurosensine to help with sensitivity.
This hyaluronic acid serum not only contains two types of the hydrating ingredient but also vitamin B5 and the brand’s signature, mineral-rich thermal spring water.
Who doesn’t love a good do-it-all product? This rich skin balm is packed with shea butter and glycerin to seal in moisture plus panthenol to soothe dry skin anywhere from the face to the cuticles.
Especially great for mature skin, this firming eye cream contains a proprietary anti-aging ingredient called Pro-Xylane plus moisturizing shea butter and thermal spring water for an extra nutrient boost.
Any anti-aging regimen would benefit from this lightweight serum, which features pure retinol as well as time-released retinol to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Micellar water is often considered the gentlest form of makeup remover (which it is), but this formula still takes the day off with the best of them. Not only does it easily remove mascara, foundation, and lipstick, but it also leaves skin soft and soothed and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Those with eczema or itchy skin will find relief with this soothing (and non-greasy) cream, made with soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and niacinamide.
This product has just one ingredient: thermal spring water sourced from France. Spritz it on first thing in the morning, for a midday pick-me-up, and right before your p.m. skincare routine for better product absorption.
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