La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ Review

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

Key Benefits of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Sucrose (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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 Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), 
 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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Sucrose (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+ as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+

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

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Sucrose

Cons: 

  • Needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Vitreoscilla Ferment
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.5
9
6
1.5
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.5 10
10.0
9
6
1.5
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
1.5
All humectants 16.5 10
10
All humectants
16.5
9
6
1.5
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
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Niacinamide
1.5
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
1.5
All soothing 7.5 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.5
6
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Sucrose
Est. %6
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauryl SulfateA synthetic soap-like ingredient that is used in cleansing products. It foams very well and is able to remove dirt and oil from the skin. It can be irritating.
Coco-Betaine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-BetaineA naturally-derived cleansing agent often paired with other surfactants. It can help make other cleansing agents less harsh on the skin, and it also provides high amounts of fine foam.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Citric Acid
Est. %2
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

Fragrance
Est. %1
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.
PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-5-Ceteth-20A synthetic emulsifier that can also contribute to the smooth feel of a product.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.

Vitreoscilla Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitreoscilla Ferment