La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

CleanserMid-rangeMorning or evening
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A foaming salicylic acid (2%) gel cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin. Effective at cutting oil and clearing pores, but the BHA-plus-foaming combination can be drying — best paired with a good moisturiser.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forOilinessAcneCongestion
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Sodium Laureth …
~3–10%Cocamidopropyl …
~2–6%Salicylic Acid
~1.5–4%Zinc PCA
~1–2%3 ingredients
≤ 1% each3 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Salicylic Acid
BHA / Beta Hydroxy Acid
Acid
An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore, dissolving the sebum and dead-cell plugs behind blackheads and congestion. Anti-inflammatory and especially suited to oily, acne-prone skin.
Full glossary entry →
Zinc PCA
Sebum-Regulating Mineral
Mineral
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Zinc PCA works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
Glycerin
Humectant
Solvent
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Glycerin works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Morning or evening
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser (66% active overlap). We found 6 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all cleanser dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
Related products

Similar on the shelf

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CeraVe
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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.