La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
1.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
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Review

Results you may expect from using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.9 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Slightly moisturizing: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 3.1 out of 10, primarily due to Propylene Glycol (est. ≈1.5%), Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈1.3%) and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈0.3%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.9 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈3.0%),
 highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
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
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Ratings

All humectants
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.1 10
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1.3
0.3
All humectants 3.1 10
3.1
All humectants
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 3 0.9
Total
0.9
Glycolic Acid
0.9
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
p-Anisic Acid
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
The 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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin

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.

Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A pH buffer that secures the pH around 7.5.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Diisopropyl Adipate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A synthetic oil-like ingredient with a light feel and softening effect not just on skin, but for products as a whole.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin

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.

Citric Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A 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.
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A water-loving surfactant, which means it can act as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleansing agent. As an emulsifier, it helps to create oil-in-water emulsions.
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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

p-Anisic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A simple phenolic acid with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that is used as a preservative. It has a faint, sweet aroma and can be found in anise, fennel, and cocoa seeds.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
Polyquaternium-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A cellulose-based film former.