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 - A 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
FAQs:
Q. What are the key benefits of the Cerave Foaming Cleanser for acne-prone skin?
A. The Cerave Foaming Cleanser is fragrance-free and enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. These ingredients help maintain the skin's natural barrier, moisturize, and reduce redness, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Q. How does the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser target acne?
A. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce acne by removing dead skin cells and sebum.
Q. Are there any drawbacks to using the Cerave Foaming Cleanser?
A. Yes, the Cerave Foaming Cleanser contains methylparaben and propylparaben, which are preservatives that some people prefer to avoid. Additionally, it's non-medicated and may not be the best choice for very oily skin types.
Q. What might be a concern when using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser?
A. The inclusion of menthol in its formula can potentially irritate sensitive skin types despite its cooling effect.
Q. Why might someone choose the MDacne Hydrating Cleanser over the other options?
A. The MDacne Hydrating Cleanser is a medicated option with 0.5% salicylic acid, enriched with plant extracts and treatment boosters like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile extract. It's formulated to treat acne, reduce redness, and support sensitive skin without parabens, alcohol, or silicone.
Q. How often should the Cerave Foaming Cleanser be used for best results?
A. It's recommended to use the Cerave Foaming Cleanser once daily, gently cleansing and patting the skin dry before application.
Q. What is the recommended usage for the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser to effectively combat acne?
A. For optimal results, cleanse with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleanser twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Q. Can the MDacne Hydrating Cleanser be used on its own for acne treatment?
A. While the MDacne Hydrating Cleanser can be effective on its own, it is best used in combination with MDacne's customized treatment cream and active moisturizer for a comprehensive acne treatment plan.
Q. Where can these acne cleansers be purchased?
A. All three cleansers are available through various retailers. The Cerave and La Roche-Posay cleansers can be found at local drugstores and online platforms, while the MDacne Hydrating Cleanser is available on MDacne's website and Amazon for convenience.
*The data is based on public sources and can change without notice. Please confirm with the manufacturer's website before making any purchase decision.
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