La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion, needs no introduction. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion are considered to be one of the best skin care combination for acne prone skin. The effaclar combination contains micro exfoliants such as LHA and micronized benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and heal acne. LHA is a form of Salicyclic acid which is by nature a very good agent in cleaning up acne bacteria by unclogging pores. It is a gentle exfoliant. You do not need to use a physical scrub if you are continuously using salicylic acid.
About La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion Micro Exfoliant
Effaclar astringent micro-astringent lotion helps to unblock and reduce the appearance of pre size, due to the combination of cleansing agents and micro-exfoliant LHA.
Price
The price ranges from Rs.1000 to 1500 on different shopping websites, for 200ml. Buy here.
Ingredients
AQUA, ALCOHOL DENAT, GLYCERIN, SODIUM CITRATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, DISODIUM EDTA, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, PARFUM.
How To Use
After cleansing the face, pat it dry. Dampen a cotton pad in the astringent and swipe across your face. Let it dry for few minutes before proceeding with moisturiser.
I do not always use this astringent with a cotton pad. Sometimes whenever I am in hurry, I just take out some product on my palm, and apply it directly on my face with fingers.
Packaging
It comes in a light blue transparent bottle with flip top cap. The packaging is very convenient and attractive. The blue coloured bottle gives a refreshing feeling.
Colour, Texture & Smell
The consistency of the astringent is clear and watery. When I apply the astringent on my skin, there is little tingling sensatiom specially if I had scrubbed my face before using this. The sensation goes away within few minutes though. The smell of the astringent is not pleasant and generally alcohol, but not something really strong. The smell also goes away after wearing it for some time.
My Skin Type
I have oily, acne prone & sensitive skin with little open pores on my cheeks.
My Views
I got this astringent for many reasons. I had heard/read a lot about this product many times before getting this astringent. The product contains LHA which is a micro-exfoliant and not just over drying alcohols. Since I have oily and acne prone skin, a toner is generally not that effective saying from my experience. An astringent is definitely a right choice.
I have been using it from last 4 months with in between breaks. I use it once in the morning after shower and sometimes at night if I have worn makeup throughout the day. It is advised to use an astringent at night if you wear makeup regularly to completely get rid of the makeup traces after cleaning up with regular cleanser.
Whenever I use it regularly, I experience quite less break outs as compared to the period when I do not use it. It also heals the zits sooner. So I can say that it has has ability to control hormonal acne to some extent if not 100%.
Regarding the pore size, yes there is some difference in my pore size. My skin looks little bit more smoother. But the effect is lost if I discontinue using it.
It is pricey but it’s a 200ml bottle that you get, which takes ages to finish. Okay not ages, but it will last for at least 6 months for me. I have been using it for more than 4 months, and my bottle is still half full.
Likes
- The astringent contains LHA which is a micro exfoliant.
- Unclogs pores.
- Heals existing acne faster.
- Lesser breakouts. Works on hormonal acne too.
- Pores are visibly reduced in size.
- Face looks smoother and clearer after prolong usage.
- Convenient and attractive packaging.
- One bottle lasts for at least 6 months.
Dislikes
- Pricey.
- Available only online.
- Alcoholic smell.
Summary : 4.75/5
It is an excellent astringent for oily and acne prone skin if you can overlook the price. It keeps even hormonal acne in check. Also reduces pore size, making the skin look smoother.
I also tried La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +, but it failed me miserably, while Faceclin Gel helped me survive through a major breakout.
Looking for a mild toner? Check out Plum Green Tea Alcohol Free.
Have you tried this combo from La Roche-Posay? What is your experience?
XOXO
