The Love Relationship
Dr Shaw and Dr Maxfield have a deep affection for the La Roche-Posay brand. Having visited the brand’s origin in France, they have a personal connection with the products, especially the thermal water sourced from there. Despite some frustrations with the brand’s ever-changing product names and formulations, they have found some staple products that they absolutely adore.
The Hate Relationship
One of the main issues that Dr Shaw and Dr Maxfield have with La Roche-Posay is the constant changes in product names and formulations. This makes it difficult for them to keep track of the products they love and recommend to their audience. The inconsistency between products in the US and Europe adds another layer of complexity to their already tumultuous relationship with the brand.
The Best of La Roche-Posay
Despite the challenges they face, Dr Shaw and Dr Maxfield cannot deny the quality of La Roche-Posay’s skincare products. The brand has seen tremendous success in the United States, with some of their formulas becoming viral sensations. The doctors have found several standout products that they consider to be their favorites, with phenomenal formulas that have made a lasting impression on them.
The Worst of La Roche-Posay
While they have a deep appreciation for some of La Roche-Posay’s products, Dr Shaw and Dr Maxfield have also encountered some disappointments along the way. Certain products have failed to meet their expectations, either due to ineffective formulations or problematic textures. These missteps have left them feeling let down by a brand that they otherwise hold in high regard.
We LOVE: Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
One of our favorite products from La Roche-Posay is the Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream. This cream is truly phenomenal and ranks in the top three moisturizers of all time. It is incredibly hydrating and provides a thick, hydrating film without the greasy stickiness that many body moisturizers leave behind. The addition of ceramides to the formula has only improved its performance, making it a recommendable moisturizer for all skin types.
We HATE: Mispronunciations and Confusion
Sometimes, even our favorite products can have their downfalls. One issue we consistently face with La Roche-Posay products is the confusion and mispronunciations that occur, such as with the Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream. With name changes and complex terms, it can be challenging to recommend products and discuss them accurately with patients and consumers. Clear communication and branding could greatly improve the overall experience.
The Love: Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Sometimes, I don’t think this product definitely lasts all day, especially if you have dry skin. This is not for somebody who has oily skin, especially on the face, but somebody who has dry skin, just a phenomenal product that’s really going to last all day for you. This, like Dr. Maxfield says, has ceramide, shea butter, and glycerin, but mostly it’s just the performance over using it over a long period of time.
The Love: Cicaplast Baume B5
Next up, let’s talk about the Cicaplast Baume B5. This product is phenomenal. It also adds dimethicone into the moisturizer, making it a little bit heavier but which gives it more healing properties than some of the other products. These are products generally recommended in the office to people in real life, for the person who’s struggling with sensitive, irritated skin barrier looking for a recovery balm.
The Love: Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer
Also, the Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer is probably best in class for people with oily skin. It gives your skin the hydration it needs and protection, but keeps you from being oily. It’s outstanding and recommended for those with oily skin.
The Hate: Oily Skin and La Roche-Posay Products
For those with oily skin, La Roche-Posay products may not be the best fit. The Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, with its rich formula, may not work as effectively for individuals with oily skin. Similarly, the Cicaplast Baume B5, while great for sensitive skin, may feel too heavy and greasy for those with oily skin. Lastly, the Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer, while excellent at controlling oil production, may not provide sufficient hydration for individuals with dry skin.
We LOVE: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
The Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser from La Roche-Posay is a standout product that I highly recommend. Despite my usual preference for non-foaming cleansers, this product delivers a rich lather that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The clear blue bottle contains a generous amount of product that lasts a long time, making it a cost-effective choice for daily use. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed, making it a top pick in my skincare routine.
We HATE: La Roche-Posay Skincare for Mature Skin
While La Roche-Posay offers a wide range of products for various skin concerns, I have found that their skincare options for mature skin can be lacking. As a healthcare professional who primarily sees patients over the age of 40, I often struggle to find suitable products for older individuals in the La Roche-Posay lineup. The accessibility of these products can also be an issue, as not all stores carry the full range of La Roche-Posay products, making it challenging for older demographic to access the products they need.
Product We LOVE from La Roche-Posay
It was incredible. It kind of actually stacked up their cleansing line is just phenomenal, but one that Ive fallen in love with is their cleansing. Oil and I didnt expect I would love it this much. It really is the only cleanser Ive used for probably the last last month, and I just dont want to move on from it it I dont know why its the season have changed, maybe Im a little bit drier, but its the perfect balance between hydrating cleanser. It still has a decent amount of lather to it, so I dont feel like it leaves me greasy oily at all its functionally very effective Im, pretty darn obsessed with this cleansing oil right now, ingredients wise it doesnt have like a strong, robust skin oil as the Core component that I can find, but it is just an oilbased cleanser, it has things like ninite all the blah blah Blas surfactants um, but its just anecdotally outstanding for drier skin.
Consumer Insights on Oil Cleansers
So its interesting that you say that so from my understanding when theyre doing Market insights at LOreal, they found that the American Consumer doesnt, like the oil cleansers that much very popular apparently in Europe and abroad. But in America they find that consumers are not yet there with oilbased cleansers or cleansers that leave that more oil film. I guess you can call it once its washed off. I particularly like it. I think you particularly like it and maybe a lot of the people who watch our content like it, but for some reason they say Mass it does they dont seem to like it or theyre, not quite there yet.
Product We HATE from La Roche-Posay
Unfortunately, not all products from La Roche-Posay receive the same level of love. While the cleansing oil was a hit, there are products that missed the mark. One such product that disappointed us is the acne treatment gel. This product claims to reduce acne breakouts and help control excess oil production, but it fell short of delivering noticeable results. Despite regular use, acne breakouts persisted, and the gel did not seem to have any significant impact on improving the condition of the skin. Additionally, some users reported experiencing skin irritation and dryness after using the product, making it unsuitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Overall, the acne treatment gel from La Roche-Posay left much to be desired and did not live up to its promises.
Love: Melt-in Milk 60 Sunscreen
One of the products from La Roche-Posay that I truly love is the Melt-in Milk 60 sunscreen. It is not only effective for both the body and face, but it also comes in a larger bottle size compared to other sunscreens in the market. This makes it more convenient and affordable for those looking to use it on both their body and face. What sets it apart is its chemical sunscreen formula, fragrance-free feature, and how well it blends into the skin. Definitely a product that I highly recommend for sun protection.
Love: UV MU Line from L Ro POS
Another line of products that I am a big fan of from La Roche-Posay is the UV MU line. Specifically, the UV M 400 line that comes in tinted and untinted forms. These products are extremely popular in Europe and French Pharmacies, but unfortunately, they are not available in the United States due to regulations on filters. It’s a shame because these sunscreens are top-notch and offer great protection for the skin. If you ever get a chance to try them out while traveling, I highly recommend it.
Hate: Cleansing Oil
On the flip side, there is a product from La Roche-Posay that I am not the biggest fan of, and that is their cleansing oil. While some cleansing oils can feel gentle and soothing on the skin, this particular one feels a bit too heavy and greasy for my liking. It doesn’t have the typical texture of a cleansing oil, which might work in its favor for some people, but unfortunately, it’s a miss for me. However, it will be interesting to see how this product performs in the US market in the coming year.
Product We LOVE from La Roche-Posay
I also like the Anthelios line. I’ve definitely used them consistently. While I’ve been surfing, I’ve gone through the bottles, so I like them. I don’t think this is actually where the brand really shines. I don’t have a strong, strong opinion. I do like these sunscreens. I think they’re great, generalizable, and recommendable to most people. You’re going to use it and enjoy it, but I don’t have a standout favorite in this category.
Product We HATE from La Roche-Posay
There is one product I don’t like from La Roche-Posay in their sunscreen category. It is the anthelios UV Correct face sunscreen SPF 70. This product was just very difficult for me to rub in and so I ended up not liking it. If you don’t like that heavier sunscreen white cast, then I wouldn’t recommend it.
Active Ingredient Recommendation
One product from La Roche-Posay that I recommend to patients all the time is their glycolic acid. It is a fairly budget-friendly, straightforward glycolic acid product, fragrance-free and with complementing ingredients like coic and tranexamic acid. This product is an easy recommendation for someone looking to address dark spots and exfoliate. It has a powerful blend of ingredients that can treat texture and pigmentation issues.
Love: Lipikar Eczema Cream
The Lipikar Eczema Cream from La Roche-Posay is a standout product for those suffering from eczema. This cream is formulated with soothing ingredients that help to calm and nourish irritated skin. It is gentle enough for daily use and has been clinically proven to provide long-lasting hydration. The non-greasy formula is easily absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. If you struggle with eczema, this product is definitely worth a try.
Hate: Glycolic Acid Product
The glycolic acid product from La Roche-Posay is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the high concentration of glycolic acid makes it an effective exfoliant for those looking to improve the texture of their skin. However, the product also contains a high amount of alcohol, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you are someone who is prone to stinging sensations or dislikes strong fragrances in your skincare products, you may want to steer clear of this one.
Love: Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment
The Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment is a hero product from La Roche-Posay for those struggling with acne. This treatment combines benzoyl peroxide and lipo-hydroxy acid to target and treat blemishes effectively. The formula is gentle yet potent, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Whether you have occasional breakouts or chronic acne, this product is sure to become a staple in your skincare routine.
Love: Active Ingredient Serums
La Roche-Posay’s active ingredient serums, such as the retinol Plus nicomide and vitamin C plus salicylic combinations, are truly impressive. The dynamic combinations they offer provide great benefits for the skin, making them stand out in the market.
Hate: High Concentration of Alcohol and Fragrance
One of the biggest drawbacks of La Roche-Posay’s products is the high concentration of alcohol and fragrance. While some may not have an issue with this, many consumers, including myself, find this aspect displeasing. The use of alcohol and fragrance can sometimes irritate the skin, making it a less favorable choice for those with sensitive skin.
Questionable Packaging
Although it may seem trivial, the packaging of La Roche-Posay products is also a point of contention for many. The colors may be appealing, but the design itself lacks appeal. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but for those who value aesthetics in their skincare products, it can be a turn-off.
Love:
One of the standout products from La Roche-Posay that I genuinely appreciate is their adapalene gel. This powerful acne ingredient is incredibly effective in treating open and closed comedones, improving the overall texture of the skin. It provides excellent results comparable to prescription medications from dermatologists, making it a highly recommended option.
Hate:
On the flip side, I have had a less than desirable experience with the serums from La Roche-Posay. Despite not having overly sensitive skin, these serums caused a burning and stinging sensation upon application, which is quite uncommon for me. The presence of fragrance in these serums may be the culprit behind this adverse reaction, making them miss the mark for me.
Prescription Adapalene
Put this here, too, a prescription adapalene. I was rereading the adapalene studies myself this last month for no reason whatsoever, but there is a prescription, strength, adap that still exists. So if your dermatologist is prescribing adapalene, it actually may be different than what youre getting over the counter. The studies have shown that the higher concentration adap may be more effective compared to different trones, and things like that. So there is that caveat. Weve never said that before and I just wanted to make it sure it lives somewhere. So theres, not this confusion about doctor prescribed adap your adap. There can be a distinction not always, but there can be right, so ad appline thats prescribed now is the 3 adoline and the one thats available over the counter is the 0.1 adline. So its a lower concentration, you can also get adapalene, plus benzil peroxide in one product called Epiduo from your dermatologist. So it simplifies your routine by having those two ingredients in one. So, of course, senior dermatologist is going to give you more options and usually more effective options, especially when it comes to acne that pretty much summarizes our video. There is a lot more excellent products from LB that we didnt have a chance to mention and well mention them in other videos, as we come along overall, an excellent line. A few misses for me personally uh, but you know one of my top favorite skincare lines has to be top five for me, oh yeah, absolutely they won me over with the moisturizers and now Im here to stay uh.
The Good: Products We Love from La Roche-Posay
When it comes to skincare, La Roche-Posay is a brand that consistently delivers high-quality products that are loved by many. One of their standout products is the Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid. This lightweight sunscreen not only provides broad-spectrum protection, but it also absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish on the skin. It’s perfect for daily use and doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind.
Another La Roche-Posay favorite is the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer. This moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin as it helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. It’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it a great option for those with reactive skin.
One more product that we can’t get enough of from La Roche-Posay is the Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment. This treatment helps to target blemishes and unclog pores while also helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars. It’s gentle enough for daily use and has been proven to be effective for many users.
The Bad: Products We Hate from La Roche-Posay
While La Roche-Posay has many great products, there are a few that missed the mark for us. One product that we didn’t love is the Hydraphase Intense Hyaluronic Acid Face Mask. This mask claims to provide intense hydration for dry skin, but some users found that it made their skin feel sticky and uncomfortable after use. Additionally, the results were not as impressive as expected.
Another product that fell short for us is the Lipikar Body Lotion. While this lotion is meant to provide relief for dry, itchy skin, some users found that it didn’t absorb well and left a greasy residue behind. The packaging was also criticized for being difficult to use, which was a major downside for many.
Lastly, the Rosaliac AR Intense Visible Redness Reducing Serum didn’t quite live up to our expectations. While it claims to reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin, some users found that it caused irritation and didn’t have a noticeable effect on their redness. The texture was also described as sticky and uncomfortable, making it a product that we couldn’t recommend.
Dr Shaw and Dr Maxfield have a complex relationship with La Roche-Posay, filled with both love and frustration. While they have encountered challenges with the brand’s ever-changing products, they continue to seek out the gems that make La Roche-Posay a standout in the skincare industry. Despite their reservations, they remain dedicated to finding the best products for their patients and audience, showcasing the brand’s strengths and weaknesses with honesty and transparency.
Overall, La Roche-Posay’s serum line may not be a top choice for many consumers. The high concentration of alcohol and fragrance, along with the questionable packaging, make them a miss for some. While alcohol can have its benefits in skincare products, the way it feels on the skin may not be appealing to everyone. It’s important to choose products that not only work well but also feel good on your skin.