La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash 4% Benzoyl Peroxide | 200 mL

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash is a medicated rinse-off cleanser containing 4% benzoyl peroxide as its active acne-treatment ingredient. The formula also includes 0.1% lipo-hydroxy acid, commonly known as LHA, to provide gentle surface micro-exfoliation and help visibly improve uneven skin texture.

This 200 mL or 6.76 fl oz cleanser is designed for acne-prone and oily skin affected by red raised pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, clogged pores, enlarged-looking pores, excess shine, and uneven texture. It cleans the affected area while helping clear existing acne blemishes and prevent the formation of new breakouts.

How the Dual-Action Formula Works

4% Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the active over-the-counter acne medication in this cleanser. It helps reduce acne-associated bacteria on the skin and supports the clearing of inflammatory blemishes. It can also cause dryness, redness, peeling, burning, or itching, particularly when first introduced or combined with other irritating acne treatments.

0.1% Lipo-Hydroxy Acid: LHA, listed as capryloyl salicylic acid, is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid with skin-surface exfoliating properties. It helps remove accumulated surface cells and visibly renew uneven texture. LHA is an inactive skin-care ingredient in this product; benzoyl peroxide 4% is the labeled active acne medication.

Niacinamide: The formula contains niacinamide as a supporting skin-care ingredient. It can help maintain the skin barrier and improve the overall feel of the formulation, but it is not the active acne drug in this cleanser.

Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate: These humectant ingredients help attract water to the skin. Their presence does not eliminate the possibility of dryness from benzoyl peroxide, so a compatible non-comedogenic moisturizer may still be helpful.

Key Features of Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash

Product Specifications

Complete Ingredient Information

Active ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide 4%.

Inactive ingredients: Water, glycerin, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, xanthan gum, potassium hydroxide, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, capryloyl salicylic acid, propanediol, diethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, carbomer, benzoic acid, pentylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, glycolic acid, tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, and citric acid.

Ingredient lists can be updated. Check the physical package before use, particularly if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to a cosmetic or medication ingredient.

Directions for Use

1. Wet the face and affected skin with water.
2. Apply approximately a dime-sized amount to damp skin.
3. Gently massage over the entire affected area, avoiding the eye area.
4. Rinse thoroughly and gently pat the skin dry.

The Drug Facts directions permit use every morning and evening. Because excessive dryness can occur, begin with one application daily. If needed and well tolerated, use can gradually be increased to twice daily or as directed by a doctor.

If bothersome dryness or peeling develops, reduce application to once daily or every other day. Apply a suitable non-comedogenic moisturizer after cleansing. Use sunscreen and limit unnecessary sun exposure while using the product.

How to Introduce It into a Skin-Care Routine

When beginning benzoyl peroxide, keep the remainder of the routine simple. Use a compatible moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Introducing several exfoliating acids, scrubs, retinoids, or other acne medications simultaneously can make it difficult to identify the cause of irritation.

Using another topical acne medication at the same time increases the likelihood of dryness and irritation. If irritation occurs, use only one topical acne medication at a time unless a dermatologist has designed a combined routine.

Warnings and Safety Information

For external use only. Do not use this product if you have very sensitive skin or a known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide.

Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, nostril edges, broken skin, and severely irritated areas. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Do not apply immediately after aggressive exfoliation, waxing, shaving irritation, or a procedure that has compromised the skin barrier.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness, burning, itching, peeling, dryness, and possibly swelling. Reduce the frequency if mild irritation occurs. Stop using the cleanser and consult a doctor if irritation becomes severe.

Rare but potentially serious allergic reactions have been reported with over-the-counter acne products. First-time users may test a small amount on one or two small affected areas for three days. Stop use and obtain emergency medical care for throat tightness, breathing difficulty, faintness, hives, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and apply sunscreen. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels, pillowcases, clothing, and other dyed fabrics. Rinse the skin and hands thoroughly and use white or bleach-resistant fabrics when practical.

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, obtain medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding or when treating a child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an ordinary cosmetic cleanser? What is the difference between benzoyl peroxide and LHA? How often should the face wash be used? How long should it remain on the face? Can it be used on sensitive skin? Can it be combined with adapalene or retinol? Does the product bleach towels and clothing? Is the cleanser fragrance-free and oil-free? Is this the recalled Effaclar Duo acne treatment? When should a dermatologist be consulted?