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Dermatologist Recommended

Cerave cleanser vs. La Roche-Posay cleanser

Cerave foaming cleanser and La Roche-Posay effaclar cleanser are intended to help people with acne and acne-prone skin. The Cerave foaming cleanser contains Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide, while the La Roche-Posay effaclar cleanser contains Salicylic Acid. What are the pros and cons of each of these two products?

Cerave foaming cleanser

Pros:

  • Fragrance-free
  • Contains Ceramides
  • Contains Niacinamide
  • Contains Hyaluronic Acid

Key ingredients:

  • Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II; Hyaluronic Acid; Niacinamide

Cons:

  • Contains methylparaben
  • Contains propylparaben
  • Non-medicated - cannot help with acne
  • Not the best for people with oily skin
  • Not customized

Full ingredients:

Aqua / Water / Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Niacinamide, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl, Taurate, Propylene Glycol, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Disodium Edta, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum

How to use:

Use once daily. Clean skin gently and pat dry before applying the product. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results, and may worsen skin irritation.

Cost:

$16/bottle

La Roche-Posay effaclar cleanser

Pros:

  • Contains Salicylic Acid
  • Contains glycerin

Key ingredients:

  • Salicylic Acid 2%

Cons:

  • Contains menthol that can irritate the skin
  • Not customized

Full ingredients:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Zinc Gluconate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-47, Menthol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid

How to use:

Cleanse 2x daily, morning and evening.

Cost:

$16/Bottle

The alternative:

MDacne hydrating cleanser

Pros:

  • Medicated cleanser with Salicylic Acid 0.5%.
  • Enriched with plant extracts to reduce skin redness and help prevent and fade post-acne dark spots
  • Effective in the treatment of acne
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Paraben-free, Alcohol-free, Silicone free
  • Provides free 24/7 medical chat support
  • Free trial when part of a customized treatment kit

Key ingredients:


Salicylic Acid 0.5%


Treatment boosters:

  • Tea tree oil - Potent antimicrobial and anti-fungal, with proven medical-grade efficacy for acne
  • Aloe Vera Leaf Extract - Powerful antioxidant that hydrates and reduces redness and irritation, suitable for sensitive skin
  • Chamomile Extract - Effective antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal with potent skin-soothing properties
  • Calendula Officinalis Extract - Highly effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compound used by dermatologists to soothe irritated skin
  • Sunflower Extract - Powerful ingredient that helps neutralize free radicals and exhibits strong anti-glycation properties
  • Licorice Extract - Potent antioxidant that prevents and helps fade brown spots
  • Glycolic acid - Produces a mild exfoliating effect that can help smooth the skin and fade dark spots
  • Vitamin C - Helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne and hyperpigmentation
  • Witch Hazel - Can help reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and help with razor bumps

Cons:

  • Best used in combination with MDacne customized treatment cream and active moisturizer

How to use:

Cleanse 2x daily, morning and evening

Cost:

$24.95 / 3x 2oz tubes

Full ingredients:

Salicylic Acid 0.5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Aqua (Deionized Water), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Oleamide MEA Sulfosuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycol Stearate, Glycolic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch-hazel). Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Perfume (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

Shop:

Cerave foaming cleanser
MDacne hydrating cleanser (Trio)
MDacne hydrating cleanser (Amazon)
La Roche-Posay effaclar cleanser

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