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Skin care aficionados everywhere are making space for a dermatologist-backed, budget-friendly brand in their medicine cabinets: La Roche-Posay. Known for its expert-recommended formulas, the brand offers everything from hydrating serums to retinol products and acne spot treatments — most of which will run you under $50 (or less, if you scoop up Amazon Prime Day deals).
Founded in 1975, La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique set out to create skin care solutions rooted in the healing properties of its namesake French town’s thermal spring water. The brand came to develop products specifically designed for dermatologists and skin care professionals to treat patients with sensitive skin. Since its inception, La Roche-Posay has built a reputation for gentle formulas that effectively target sensitivity and other skin concerns, like dryness, acne, or signs of aging. The cult-favorite French pharmacy skin care brand has recently made its way into beauty influencer’s TikTok must-haves and to the top of Amazon’s bestseller lists.
Top La Roche-Posay Skin Care Products of 2024
The Toleriane line is one of the stars of La Roche-Posay’s lineup: The Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer and Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser earn high marks from testers for their ability to treat sensitive skin and provide hydration that can handle low humidity days and cold snaps. In 2024, the Cicaplast Balm B5 stepped into the spotlight when TikTok users showed its prowess as a blackhead remover when dabbed on the nose before bed, while its Anthelios face sunscreen remains a perennial favorite SPF for acne-prone skin types.
WWD editors have tested these products (and many more) to curate the ultimate list of La Roche-Posay must-haves. Take advantage of the Amazon Prime Day deals that are now in full swing, and stock up on these skincare essentials. Run — don’t walk — to grab these deals.
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This newly-minted holy grail moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin is a lightweight yet intensely hydrating formula. With key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin, it helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier while providing all day moisture. Ideal for those prone to irritation, the thermal spring water used in the formula soothes and calms the skin. With its unique blend of ceramides, this moisturizer not only hydrates but also strengthens the skin, ensuring a healthier complexion in one easy step.
Editor testing and review notes: “This La Roche-Posay moisturizer is always on standby in my medicine cabinet. I love it when my skin is reacting poorly to the weather or products I’m testing, as well as when my dry skin gets breakouts. On top of quenching parched skin, it also makes my skin better tolerate more intense actives (like retinol products or chemical face exfoliants). Another reason I love it is the value; even when my skin’s behaving, it’s a great budget-friendly option given the price point and hefty 3.4 ounces of product.” — WWD Shop Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $23.99
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gentle but highly-effective cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Infused with niacinamide, the cleanser removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture and features thermal spring water, known for its calming properties, to reduce redness. This cleanser is fragrance-free and leaves the skin feeling fresh, clean, and balanced, and is intended for everyday use.
Editor testing and review notes: “I picked up this moisturizer at the drugstore after it flooded my TikTok FYP — I scrolled through five videos of users raving about it for radiant skin, so I knew I needed to test it out. I have dry skin so usually I can’t touch a foaming cleanser without feeling my skin get tight, but this one, surprisingly, left my complexion supple. It deftly removes every bit of makeup, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.49
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This powerhouse hyaluronic acid serum makes skin impossibly plump. The formula features a blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, which work together to attract moisture and give you a youthful glow. Naturally, this face serum uses thermal spring water to soothe and calm the skin while reducing signs of aging. Lightweight and quick to absorb, this serum makes a gorgeous base for makeup.
Editor testing and review notes: “La Roche-Posay’s hyaluronic acid serum is one of the products I always recommend to friends that are looking for a great hydrating face serum that won’t break the bank. It makes my skin look like I’m wearing a luminous makeup primer or expertly-placed highlighter. The dewy look is excellent for reviving tired-looking skin, and I love how well this formula layers under other moisturizers and makeup.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $29.99
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum
A retinol product you can trust, this anti-aging serum is formulated with pure retinol and niacinamide and works to refine the skin while reducing potential irritation often associated with retinol products. La Roche-Posay’s retinol treatment is designed to address fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture and is ideal for sensitive skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “My skin is prone to breakouts in my T-zone, and many retinol products trigger purging when I first use them, bringing pimples to the surface before they clear away with regular retinol use. La Roche-Posay’s serum is one of the few options I’ve tested that not only prevents this purging, but also feels lightweight — never greasy! — on my skin. The packaging tends to leak a little bit near the opening, but otherwise, it’s an all-star product in my rotation.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.99
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
This multi-purpose healing ointment is formulated with vitamin B5 and madecassoside, helping skin recover while providing intense hydration and nourishment. This product is perfect for those with sensitive skin to keep handy to treat dry patches, minor cuts, and irritated skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “I love to keep Cicaplast in my everyday bag to hydrate cracked cuticles, dab on as a lip balm, and massage on like a hand cream. So you can imagine my surprise when I realized that this product is also a — wait for it — blackhead remover? I saw a few TikTok users apply it onto their nose as a final step in their nighttime skin care routine, then wake up with zero sebaceous filaments. It’s honestly like witchcraft; I can’t believe something so soothing and hydrating actually has pore-clearing powers, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $16.99
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum
Talk about an energy boost. This brightening treatment from La Roche-Posay is formulated with 10% pure vitamin C, effectively targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone. This vitamin C serum also uses salicylic acid and neurosensine; these ingredients provide gentle exfoliation and soothing benefits for sensitive skin. It leaves the skin looking revitalized and luminous, making it a great brightening serum to cycle into your morning routine.
Editor testing and review notes: “Some vitamin C serums can cause my sensitive skin to turn red and itchy. La Roche-Posay’s, on the other hand, feels more like a calming serum on my skin. This is excellent, as I know that vitamin C is crucial for protecting my skin from everyday pollution I experience in New York City — because it’s so gentle and lightweight, I can apply it without abandon.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $44.99
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk SPF 60 Face & Body Sunscreen
It’s no surprise this cult-favorite brand offers a sunscreen that makes you want to reapply. Full of antioxidants to help prevent dark spots from sun exposure, this sunscreen helps to nourish the skin while delivering high-performance protection. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for a day in the sun.
Editor testing and review notes: “I always stock up on the Melt-in Milk sunscreen before beach vacations and winter getaways; it streamlines my packing as I can wear it on my face and body. Whenever I whip it out, my friends flock my way. The sunscreen has a creamy texture to it that sinks into the skin like a great body lotion or face cream. No breakouts, no greasy residue, and most importantly, no sunburns.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $37.99
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
One of La Roche-Posay’s most iconic products is this face mist that you can use as a toner, a setting spray, or a refreshing mist throughout the day. Its naturally sourced thermal water helps to reduce redness and irritation while providing antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Editor testing and review notes: “La Roche-Posay’s face mist comes out in a superfine spray (rather than heavy droplets) that let me evenly coat my skin without ruining any makeup I’m wearing. I like to store it in the fridge so it feels cool on contact — this amps up its calming powers when my skin is feeling irritated or overly dry.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $19
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid SPF 60 Face Sunscreen
Specifically designed for the sensitive complexions, this ultra-lightweight SPF 60 sunscreen absorbs quickly, providing a matte finish. Also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this top facial sunscreen is perfect for everyday use. Just take it from celebs like Kate Moss who wear it regularly.
Editor testing and review notes: “This was one of the first La Roche-Posay skin care products I was introduced to. A dermatologist recommended it as a pick in an interview I conducted years ago, and it’s been one of my go-to SPFs ever since. Rather than a cream or a lotion, this sunscreen is more of a watery fluid — give it a good shake, then apply a few drops onto your skin. It’s also available in a tinted version, if you prefer a little coverage.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $32.99
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment
Featuring 5.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, this acne treatment penetrates pores to eliminate acne-causing bacteria while preventing future breakouts. The non-comedogenic gel then uses calming ingredients to help minimize redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This product can be applied directly onto blemishes for quick healing, or all over as an acne serum for more severe breakouts.
Editor testing and review notes: “When my skin breaks out on a monthly basis, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo is my first line of offense. I find that if I dab it on twice a day, my pimples are noticeably less inflamed. For deeper bumps, I’ll dab it on and follow up with an acne patch for an overnight treatment. Best of all, it never causes my skin to peel after I use it.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
How We Tested & Selected the Best La Roche-Posay Products
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To create this list of the best La Roche-Posay skin care products, our editors personally tried 23 of the brand’s top-rated formulas. Some of these products were sent to us on behalf of the brand for testing, while our editors independently purchased others. A panel of four men and women tested the skin care products for a minimum of three months to assess each La Roche-Posay skin care product. We ensured that all products were evaluated on different skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types. After the testing window was complete, our WWD Shop editorial team reviewed notes to narrow down our list to the top 10 La Roche-Posay products based off of key criteria like value, results, and special features. We will continue to test the La Roche-Posay products as well as new releases and TikTok-viral finds for consideration on this list. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Tester
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan has been using La Roche-Posay skin care products regularly since 2018.
Meet the Author
Nana Regueiro is a fashion and beauty writer with a flair for clean skincare, makeup, and hair. She covers everything from in-depth product reviews to the latest industry news and trends — and knows a thing or two about making beauty feel effortless and fun. Her work can be found in ELLE, Bustle, PS formerly known as Popsugar, and more. Regueiro regularly reports on cult-favorite skin care brands like La Roche-Posay.