{"id":605355147570,"title":"La Roche Posay Review: Effective or Waste of Money?","created_at":"2023-04-30T23:55:16-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"La Roche Posay Review: Effective or Waste of Money?\",\n \"keywords\": \"la roche posay, la roche posay review, la roche posay reviews, la roche posay sunscreen, la roche posay cleanser, la roche-posay, la roche-posay sunscreen, la roche posay tinted sunscreen, la roche-posay cleanser, la roche posay anthelios, la roche posay anthelios 50, la roche posay sunscreen tinted, is la roche posay good\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in two of the most popular La Roche-Posay products (sunscreen and cleanser) based on medical studies to give our take on whether they're likely to be effective for improving skin or if they're a waste of money.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/la-roche-posay-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Beth Lertzman\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/beth-lertzman\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/beth-lertzman-md-856619118\/\",\n \"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/beth-lertzman-517042\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"skincare, collagen, cosmetics, surgery, wrinkles, ingredients, formulation, clinical trials, clinical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of Delaware\",\n \"Drexel University College of Medicine\",\n \"University of Rochester\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n },\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/La_Roche-Posay_Thumbnail.png?v=1682923570\",\n\"width\": \"3388\",\n\"height\": \"3388\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31596227\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32335182\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9457827\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ogee-makeup-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7691901\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6181353\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24284257\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19146601\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/tatcha-dewy-skin-cream-review\",\n\"https:\/\/taylorkinglaw.com\/class-action-mass-torts\/benzene\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20939751\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/La-Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Mineral-Tinted-Sunscreen-SPF50-for-Face-1-7-fl-oz-50ml\/30855287?fulfillmentIntent=Shipping\u0026from=searchResults\",\n\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/La-Roche-Posay-Pigmentclar-Brightening-Deep-Cleanser-4-2-oz\/108183339?fulfillmentIntent=Shipping\u0026from=searchResults\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"titanium dioxide\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"physical sunscreen\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"talc\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"asbestos\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"LHA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"fragrance\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"benzene\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Taylor King Law\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Vanita Rattan\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Amazon\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Dr Dray\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-04-30\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/La_Roche-Posay_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1682913223\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eL\u003c\/span\u003ea Roche-Posay is a skincare brand that claims to be “recommended by 90,000+ dermatologists worldwide.” The brand describes their product line as “life-changing dermatology,” and sells at a premium price point. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut do the most popular products sold by La Roche-Posay contain ingredients shown in medical studies to improve skin quality, or are these just marketing claims? Do they contain any questionable additive ingredients? What retailer sells La Roche-Posay for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of La Roche-Posay products?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of the most popular La Roche Posay products (Mineral Tinted Sunscreen and Brightening Deep Cleanser) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the products are likely to be effective, or if they’re a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also provide a cost breakdown documenting which retailer sells La Roche-Posay for the best price, and feature real, unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLa Roche-Posay Sunscreen Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/La_Roche-Posay_Sunscreen_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1682913252\" alt=\"La Roche-Posay sunscreen ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are a number of research-backed ingredients in this formulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTitanium dioxide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is the only active ingredient, which makes this product a “physical” sunscreen. This is safer in our opinion than “chemical” sunscreens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31596227\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Cosmetic Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e reports that titanium dioxide is highly effective at blocking damaging UV rays, and is not absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically, making it an ideal non-toxic sunscreen ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIron oxides\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e are included as an inactive ingredient, but these compounds can also help provide sun protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2021 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32335182\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e on tinted sunscreen ingredients concludes that iron oxides can help “to provide protection against visible light.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCassia alata\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e leaf extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9457827\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMolecules\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal to be a potent natural anti-microbial, suggesting it may help prevent skin irritation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTocopherol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, otherwise known as vitamin E, is clinically shown to help protect skin against UV damage as we referenced in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/ogee-makeup-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOgee Makeup reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article on another cosmetics brand that uses this ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile there are clearly effective ingredients in this formulation, there are also a few ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePhenoxyethanol\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is a synthetic preservative shown in a 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32387382\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to be toxic to human cells, and this sunscreen contains another synthetic preservative called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ebenzoic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTalc\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e was shown to be contaminated with toxic asbestos in 10% of cosmetic products surveyed in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7691901\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eresearch report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEnvironmental Health Insights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall we consider Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen likely to be effective for protecting skin from the sun, and while we don’t currently recommend it due to the inactive ingredients highlighted above, we consider it to be a much safer formulation than the majority of sunscreens we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOur top sunscreen pick is \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=3414\"\u003eYOUARESUNSHINE\u003c\/a\u003e from ClearStem. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt's an SPF 50+ physical sunscreen entirely free of questionable additives, and may even have anti-aging effects. This sunscreen contains \u003cstrong\u003egreen tea extract\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6930595\/\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/a\u003e to moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInterested consumers can check out YOUARESUNSHINE \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=159\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=3414\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBefore analyzing the ingredients in La Roche-Posay’s cleanser, we’ll feature some real, unsponsored user reviews of the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUnsponsored La Roche-Posay User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Flossie Smith tested whether or not La Roche-Posay could clear up her skin in two weeks. She used several of the brand’s products:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l54HxZdfDkg\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named Maria Luiza had a worse experience with the brand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@mariabe1313\/video\/7190019214890159406\" data-video-id=\"7190019214890159406\" style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"@mariabe1313\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@mariabe1313?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e@mariabe1313\u003c\/a\u003e Don’t be stupid like I was and PLEASE pay attention when ur buying it. \u003ca title=\"tips\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/tips?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#tips\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"skincaretips\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/skincaretips?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#skincaretips\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"larocheposay\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/larocheposay?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#larocheposay\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"selfcare\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/selfcare?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e#selfcare\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca target=\"_blank\" title=\"♬ love galore x see u again - Tasha\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/love-galore-x-see-u-again-6827691863072410374?refer=embed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e♬ love galore x see u again - Tasha\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLa Roche-Posay Cleanser Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/La_Roche-Posay_Cleanser_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1682913289\" alt=\"La Roche-Posay cleanser ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGlycerin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can improve skin moisture content by up to 15% according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18498456\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePalmitic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin when applied topically according to a 2018 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6181353\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLauric acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is derived from coconut or palm kernel, and has natural anti-bacterial effects according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24284257\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Dermatological Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. This suggests that it may reduce acne on skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCapryloyl salicylic acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, also known as LHA, may have anti-aging effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2008 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19146601\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ethis ingredient caused significant reduction of wrinkles in 41% of participants after 12 weeks of treatment.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile there are a number of research-backed ingredients in this formulation, there is one inactive ingredient that health-conscious consumers may wish to avoid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFragrance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is clinically shown to have toxic effects in humans and in the environment, as we referenced in our article reviewing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/tatcha-dewy-skin-cream-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTatcha Dewy Skin Cream\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, another cosmetic product containing this ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall we consider La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser likely effective for cleansing the skin, and potentially effective for reducing acne and reducing wrinkles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, we don’t currently recommend this product due to the inclusion of fragrance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes La Roche-Posay Cause Cancer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBenzene is a carcinogen that can be found in sunscreen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAccording to a law firm called \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/taylorkinglaw.com\/class-action-mass-torts\/benzene\/\"\u003eTaylor King Law\u003c\/a\u003e, many different cosmetics brands were found to contain benzene, and La Roche-Posay was one of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20939751\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e published in the \u003cem\u003eCritical Reviews in Toxicology\u003c\/em\u003e journal concludes that \u003cstrong\u003ethe chemical may increase risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma\u003c\/strong\u003e, although specifies that airborne benzene is the main risk factor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePresumably a sunscreen would expose users to risks from topical absorption rather than airborne inhalation, unless it was a spray product.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe above-linked report from the law firm does not specify which La Roche-Posay sunscreen product was found to be contaminated with benzene.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs La Roche-Posay Effective on Darker Skin?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA doctor and YouTube creator named Vanita Rattan reviewed some of La Roche Posay’s formulations to share her thoughts on whether or not they’re likely to be effective for those with darker skin tones:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MsB6qC-WpZA\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Buy La Roche-Posay for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLa Roche-Posay products are available at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown for the two products reviewed in this article at the time of publishing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLa Roche-Posay Sunscreen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $37.99 (plus shipping)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$38.99 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/42dNNuW\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $34.99 (free shipping, third-party seller with few reviews, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/La-Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Mineral-Tinted-Sunscreen-SPF50-for-Face-1-7-fl-oz-50ml\/30855287?fulfillmentIntent=Shipping\u0026amp;from=searchResults\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLa Roche-Posay Cleanser\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $26.99 (plus shipping)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazon: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e$26.99 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/41S3W9J\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink to official Amazon listing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: $26.83 (free shipping, third-party seller, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/La-Roche-Posay-Pigmentclar-Brightening-Deep-Cleanser-4-2-oz\/108183339?fulfillmentIntent=Shipping\u0026amp;from=searchResults\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe recommend avoiding third-party sellers and buying directly from the brand, because purchasing from unverified third-party sellers may increase the risk of counterfeit product. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Amazon listings are published by La Roche-Posay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDermatologist Ranks La Roche-Posay Products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA dermatologist and popular YouTube influencer \"Dr Dray\" ranks her top La Roche-Posay products based on their formulation and effects:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wdcJK8cyp3U\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Research-Backed Skincare Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Skincare_Products_Image_Optimized.png?v=1664754145\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend skincare products if they contain clinically-proven ingredients and are free of harmful additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnnie Mak Vitamin C Serum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e is our top serum pick. It contains \u003cb\u003ehyaluronic acid\u003c\/b\u003e which was described as a \u003cb\u003e\"skin-rejuvenating biomedicine\"\u003c\/b\u003e in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30287361\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging. Topical vitamin C is also\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11896774\/\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"http:\/\/track.revoffers.com\/aff_c?offer_id=155\u0026amp;aff_id=7240\u0026amp;url_id=2077\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ebakuchiol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eas an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24471735\/\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/a\u003e as \"clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the above-linked trial, topical bakuchiol reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced photodamage (damage from UV rays). There are no questionable additive ingredients in this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can purchase Hydraglow at the secure checkout below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.katalys-iframe-container {\n position: relative;\n width: auto;\n height: 100%;\n max-height: 420px;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container::after {\n display: inline-block;\n content: \"\";\n padding-bottom: 58.82%;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container iframe {\n position: absolute;\n width: 100%;\n height: 100%;\n }\n @media (max-width: 660px) {\n .katalys-iframe-container {\n width: 300px;\n height: 600px;\n max-height: 600px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n }\n .katalys-iframe-container::after {\n padding-bottom: 0%;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"katalys-iframe-container\" style=\"margin-bottom: 25px;\"\u003e\u003ciframe allow=\"payment\" src=\"https:\/\/1o.io\/checkouts\/ffccd0c3-b4bc-4d88-aea3-38e8de7f1296\/#placementId=la-roche-posay-review\/placementId2=HydraGlow\/placementId3=inline\" style=\"margin: auto; border: none; width: 100%; height: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof Collagen Powder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecollagen\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e supplementation was shown in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30681787\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJournal of Drugs in Dermatology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eto improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The only ingredient in Bulletproof collagen is collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/c\/3271428\/1278011\/9221\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the official brand's website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll three products recommended here are entirely free of harmful additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros and Cons of La Roche-Posay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of La Roche-Posay as a brand in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePros:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBeautiful packaging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMany research-backed active ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSunscreen contains the safest active ingredient\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCleanser should clean skin and may have anti-aging effect\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePriced lower than similar luxury brands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunscreen contains talc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunscreen contains synthetic preservatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleanser contains fragrance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand website charges for shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome online customer reviews describe products as too harsh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLa Roche-Posay makes highly potent formulations that justify the price from an efficacy perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe brand’s sunscreen and cleanser both contain a number of research-backed active ingredients, and we believe both products are likely to be effective for the brand’s stated skin claims.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, we don’t currently recommend either product due to the inclusion of questionable additive ingredients like fragrance and synthetic preservatives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA report cited by a law firm alleges that La Roche-Posay sunscreen contains a toxic chemical, although the specific product is not named, and we can't locate any active lawsuits in regard to this claim.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider La Roche-Posay to be slightly better than the average skincare brand we've reviewed on Illuminate Health. Its formulations are slightly better than average, and while relatively expensive, the brand is priced cheaper than most luxury skincare brands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor consumers intent on purchasing La Roche-Posay products, Amazon appears to have slightly better prices than the brand's website when factoring in shipping cost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart has the best prices for the two products we analyzed, but both were listed by a third-party seller and we recommend buying from brands directly to ensure consumer safety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-04-30T23:56:45-04:00","updated_at":"2023-06-02T10:31:00-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in two of the most popular La Roche-Posay products (sunscreen and cleanser) based on medical studies to give our take on whether they're likely to be effective for improving skin or if they're a waste of money.","template_suffix":"","handle":"la-roche-posay-review","tags":"_related:skincare"}

La Roche Posay Review: Effective or Waste of Money?

La Roche Posay Review: Effective or Waste of Money?


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La Roche-Posay is a skincare brand that claims to be “recommended by 90,000+ dermatologists worldwide.” The brand describes their product line as “life-changing dermatology,” and sells at a premium price point. 

But do the most popular products sold by La Roche-Posay contain ingredients shown in medical studies to improve skin quality, or are these just marketing claims? Do they contain any questionable additive ingredients? What retailer sells La Roche-Posay for the best price? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of La Roche-Posay products?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we analyze the ingredients in two of the most popular La Roche Posay products (Mineral Tinted Sunscreen and Brightening Deep Cleanser) based on medical studies to give our take on whether the products are likely to be effective, or if they’re a waste of money.

We’ll also provide a cost breakdown documenting which retailer sells La Roche-Posay for the best price, and feature real, unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Review

La Roche-Posay sunscreen ingredients

The ingredients in La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen are shown above.

There are a number of research-backed ingredients in this formulation.

Titanium dioxide is the only active ingredient, which makes this product a “physical” sunscreen. This is safer in our opinion than “chemical” sunscreens.

A medical review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science reports that titanium dioxide is highly effective at blocking damaging UV rays, and is not absorbed into the bloodstream when applied topically, making it an ideal non-toxic sunscreen ingredient.

Iron oxides are included as an inactive ingredient, but these compounds can also help provide sun protection.

A 2021 medical review on tinted sunscreen ingredients concludes that iron oxides can help “to provide protection against visible light.”

Cassia alata leaf extract was shown in a medical review published in the Molecules journal to be a potent natural anti-microbial, suggesting it may help prevent skin irritation.

Tocopherol, otherwise known as vitamin E, is clinically shown to help protect skin against UV damage as we referenced in our Ogee Makeup reviews article on another cosmetics brand that uses this ingredient.

While there are clearly effective ingredients in this formulation, there are also a few ingredients that may be questionable from a health perspective.

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative shown in a 2020 clinical trial to be toxic to human cells, and this sunscreen contains another synthetic preservative called benzoic acid.

Talc was shown to be contaminated with toxic asbestos in 10% of cosmetic products surveyed in a research report published in the Environmental Health Insights journal.

Overall we consider Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen likely to be effective for protecting skin from the sun, and while we don’t currently recommend it due to the inactive ingredients highlighted above, we consider it to be a much safer formulation than the majority of sunscreens we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health.

Our top sunscreen pick is YOUARESUNSHINE from ClearStem. 

It's an SPF 50+ physical sunscreen entirely free of questionable additives, and may even have anti-aging effects. This sunscreen contains green tea extract, which is clinically shown to moisturize the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Interested consumers can check out YOUARESUNSHINE at this link to the product page on the brand's official website.

Before analyzing the ingredients in La Roche-Posay’s cleanser, we’ll feature some real, unsponsored user reviews of the brand.

Unsponsored La Roche-Posay User Reviews

A YouTube creator named Flossie Smith tested whether or not La Roche-Posay could clear up her skin in two weeks. She used several of the brand’s products:

A TikTok creator named Maria Luiza had a worse experience with the brand:

@mariabe1313 Don’t be stupid like I was and PLEASE pay attention when ur buying it. #tips #skincaretips #larocheposay #selfcare ♬ love galore x see u again - Tasha

La Roche-Posay Cleanser Review

La Roche-Posay cleanser ingredients

The ingredients in La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser are shown above.

Glycerin can improve skin moisture content by up to 15% according to a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Palmitic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin when applied topically according to a 2018 clinical trial.

Lauric acid is derived from coconut or palm kernel, and has natural anti-bacterial effects according to a clinical trial published in the Journal of Dermatological Science. This suggests that it may reduce acne on skin.

Capryloyl salicylic acid, also known as LHA, may have anti-aging effects.

A 2008 clinical trial found that this ingredient caused significant reduction of wrinkles in 41% of participants after 12 weeks of treatment.

While there are a number of research-backed ingredients in this formulation, there is one inactive ingredient that health-conscious consumers may wish to avoid.

Fragrance is clinically shown to have toxic effects in humans and in the environment, as we referenced in our article reviewing Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, another cosmetic product containing this ingredient.

Overall we consider La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Deep Cleanser likely effective for cleansing the skin, and potentially effective for reducing acne and reducing wrinkles.

However, we don’t currently recommend this product due to the inclusion of fragrance.

Does La Roche-Posay Cause Cancer?

Benzene is a carcinogen that can be found in sunscreen.

According to a law firm called Taylor King Law, many different cosmetics brands were found to contain benzene, and La Roche-Posay was one of them.

A medical review published in the Critical Reviews in Toxicology journal concludes that the chemical may increase risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, although specifies that airborne benzene is the main risk factor.

Presumably a sunscreen would expose users to risks from topical absorption rather than airborne inhalation, unless it was a spray product.

The above-linked report from the law firm does not specify which La Roche-Posay sunscreen product was found to be contaminated with benzene.

Is La Roche-Posay Effective on Darker Skin?

A doctor and YouTube creator named Vanita Rattan reviewed some of La Roche Posay’s formulations to share her thoughts on whether or not they’re likely to be effective for those with darker skin tones:

Where to Buy La Roche-Posay for the Best Price

La Roche-Posay products are available at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown for the two products reviewed in this article at the time of publishing:

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen

Brand website: $37.99 (plus shipping)

Amazon: $38.99 (free shippinglink to official Amazon listing)

Walmart: $34.99 (free shipping, third-party seller with few reviews, link)

La Roche-Posay Cleanser

Brand website: $26.99 (plus shipping)

Amazon: $26.99 (free shippinglink to official Amazon listing)

Walmart: $26.83 (free shipping, third-party seller, link)

We recommend avoiding third-party sellers and buying directly from the brand, because purchasing from unverified third-party sellers may increase the risk of counterfeit product. 

The Amazon listings are published by La Roche-Posay.

Dermatologist Ranks La Roche-Posay Products

A dermatologist and popular YouTube influencer "Dr Dray" ranks her top La Roche-Posay products based on their formulation and effects:

Our Research-Backed Skincare Picks

We recommend skincare products if they contain clinically-proven ingredients and are free of harmful additives.

Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum is our top serum pick. It contains hyaluronic acid which was described as a "skin-rejuvenating biomedicine" in a medical review due to its ability to reduce wrinkles and signs of facial aging. Topical vitamin C is also clinically shown to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles.

Interested consumers can check out Annie Mak Vitamin C Serum at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

Hydraglow is our top moisturizer pick. It features bakuchiol as an active ingredient which was described in a 2014 clinical trial as "clinically proven to have anti-aging effects."

In the above-linked trial, topical bakuchiol reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced photodamage (damage from UV rays). There are no questionable additive ingredients in this product.

Interested consumers can purchase Hydraglow at the secure checkout below:

The only oral supplement we recommend for skin quality improvement is Bulletproof Collagen Powder.

Oral collagen supplementation was shown in a medical review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to improve visible signs of skin aging as well as improve skin elasticity and skin hydration. The only ingredient in Bulletproof collagen is collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed animals.

Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof Collagen Powder at this link to the product page on the official brand's website.

All three products recommended here are entirely free of harmful additives.

Pros and Cons of La Roche-Posay

Here are the pros and cons of La Roche-Posay as a brand in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Beautiful packaging
  • Many research-backed active ingredients
  • Sunscreen contains the safest active ingredient
  • Cleanser should clean skin and may have anti-aging effect
  • Priced lower than similar luxury brands

Cons:

  • Sunscreen contains talc
  • Sunscreen contains synthetic preservatives
  • Cleanser contains fragrance
  • Brand website charges for shipping
  • Some online customer reviews describe products as too harsh
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Conclusion

La Roche-Posay makes highly potent formulations that justify the price from an efficacy perspective.

The brand’s sunscreen and cleanser both contain a number of research-backed active ingredients, and we believe both products are likely to be effective for the brand’s stated skin claims.

However, we don’t currently recommend either product due to the inclusion of questionable additive ingredients like fragrance and synthetic preservatives.

A report cited by a law firm alleges that La Roche-Posay sunscreen contains a toxic chemical, although the specific product is not named, and we can't locate any active lawsuits in regard to this claim.

Overall, we consider La Roche-Posay to be slightly better than the average skincare brand we've reviewed on Illuminate Health. Its formulations are slightly better than average, and while relatively expensive, the brand is priced cheaper than most luxury skincare brands.

For consumers intent on purchasing La Roche-Posay products, Amazon appears to have slightly better prices than the brand's website when factoring in shipping cost.

Walmart has the best prices for the two products we analyzed, but both were listed by a third-party seller and we recommend buying from brands directly to ensure consumer safety.




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