La Roche-Posay's Powerful Dual Action Acne Treatment Tamed My Breakouts

We put the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Breakouts and blackheads are never fun, but they are something we all experience from time to time, if not on a frequent basis. While a pimple rearing its ugly head right before an important event can really throw a wrench in one's plans, there’s good news. We tested out La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment to see if it would help clear breakouts and blackheads any faster and became quite impressed with the overall results.

About My Skin: I breakout occasionally and get blackheads

I have sensitive combination skin and while breakouts aren’t something I experience every day, I do get them along with blackheads. I tend to get blackheads along my nose and chin area, and pimples around my chin, and sometimes on my forehead due to changes in my hormones or when I am stressed out. I do wear makeup on a daily basis and sometimes react to certain products or break out from them. I have a regimented skincare routine, and when I breakout I will normally use products that contain salicylic acid to help relieve the inflammation.

How To Apply: Spot treatment is best

Applying this treatment cream is pretty straightforward when you notice a breakout or area with blackheads, apply a thin later of this cream 1-3 times per day to the infected area. Make sure your skin is clean first before applying, and if you tend to be more sensitive, try using it 1-2 times per day and see how you react. If redness or irritation occurs, you might want to use it every few days, or discontinue use altogether. As always, it’s best practice to consult your dermatologist before using this product as it contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

The Results: My pimple disappeared overnight

While I am never excited to get a breakout, I will admit to you that I was excited to see one pop up on my chin while testing this product, so I could really put it to good use on a new pimple. I applied the cream to the breakout at night before bed after I had done my skincare routine and in the morning, the size and inflammation of the pimple were greatly reduced. I was thrilled to see how well it worked in such a short period of time. I then continued to apply the cream (3 more days) to the breakout until it was barely there anymore. I also get blackheads on my nose and wanted to test the cream out there to see if it would do anything. I applied a thin layer around my nose area and the next day noticed that there were a few whiteheads that had come to the surface of my nose area. So my overall experience with using this product was that it greatly reduced a new breakout, and purged my skin to cause impurities to come to the surface more quickly.

The Value: Good news, it’s affordable

For the 1.35 oz. cream at $31, the amount of product you need to use versus the amount you get makes La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment highly affordable in the long run.

Similar Products: There are choices

Eve Lom Dynaspot Blemish Corrector ($34): Formulated with natural ingredients and salicylic acid, this spot treatment for breakouts helps relieve inflammation. Apply a dab to any blemish and let it dry, if you’re using in the morning it’s safe to follow up with makeup after.
Paula’s Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide ($18): Treat mild to moderate acne with this skin-clearing treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide helps clear breakouts without overly drying skin out.
PCA Skin Acne Cream ($36): A gentle spot clearing acne treatment that helps to minimize the look of current breakouts while preventing new ones from surfacing.