La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30 work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Lightweight moisturizer well-suited for oily skin and a humectant enhancement for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.8 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant engancement 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.

Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

With an SPF of 30, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Oleamide
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Poloxamer 338
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.9 10
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
1.5
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.9 10
6.9
All humectants
6.9
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
All occlusives 1.5 20
0.8
All occlusives
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Carnosine
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Octocrylene
Est. %9
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Homosalate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Avobenzone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
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.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Silica
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
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.
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
PEG-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Oleamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleamide
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Poloxamer 338
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poloxamer 338
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sucrose Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose Cocoate
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.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.