La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Review

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Isocetyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Piroctone Olamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.9 10
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
4.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.9 10
8.9
All humectants
8.9
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
All antioxidants 2 3 No
All antioxidants
2
Niacinamide
2
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.6 5 No
All soothing
2.6
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Isocetyl Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isocetyl Stearate
Niacinamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
Zinc PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc PCAA two-part ingredient: Zinc helps to control sebum and bacteria in acne-prone skin, while skin-identical PCA is a moisturizing humectant. Zinc PCA may even boost collagen production and so is researched as a potential anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Myristyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl MyristateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethoxyphenyl Butanone
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidA derivative of salicylic acid, with bigger and more lipid-soluble molecules. This makes it more powerful and safer than salicylic acid. It is used as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Piroctone Olamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Piroctone Olamine