La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Bottom Line

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo is a great option for those with mild to moderate acne who want fast results. The formula contains both benzoyl peroxide (5.5 percent) and lipo hydroxy acid (0.4 percent) for a double whammy effect against acne. It's not recommended for anyone with a sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or aspirin. Although the Effaclar Duo is praised highly by experts, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 (*Est. $6 for 1 oz.) is reviewed more often by reviewers and earns higher overall ratings.

Performance

Speedy results. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo receives praise from experts and users alike for clearing up acne quickly. Paula Begoun, skin-care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," says the formula contains an effective amount of benzoyl peroxide and a good anti-irritant to help combat redness from blemishes. But she points out that the company's claims about lipo hydroxy acid (LHA) are unsubstantiated. Begoun says there is no evidence that it is effective for exfoliation or reducing acne. On a positive note, she says the pricey formula should help to clear breakouts without drying out the skin.

Editors at Allure magazine, on the other hand, praise the formula for its dual-action properties. They claim that the benzoyl peroxide "zaps zits" and reduces inflammation and irritation while LHA "unplugs pores" and improves skin texture and tone. Editors say Effaclar Duo "calms the angriest of pimples in three days, and without excessive dryness or irritation."

Users at MakeupAlley.com agree for the most part. Many are impressed with the fast results, saying they started to see results after just one day. One says, "Within three weeks my skin was pretty much flawless." Another says, "I kid you not, my cystic acne started clearing up in 3 days!" While there are quite a few that are not pleased with the product, most of the negative comments came from people who experienced a bad reaction to the benzoyl peroxide. A few say the formula can be a bit drying.

Feel and Smell

Pleasantly scent-less. Effaclar Duo has a lotion-like texture that is easy to apply, according to reviewers. One user at MakeupAlley.com says, "It's nice and silky in texture, not heavy or thick ...." Furthermore, editors at Allure magazine point out that the formula is fragrance-free and doesn't have the medicinal scent that is common in acne treatments.