Sponsored
La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin
$13.99
In Stock
Eligible for registries and wish lists
At a glance
Sponsored
About this item
Highlights
- Face wash with 2% Salicylic Acid acne medication
- Clinically tested to help reduce excess surface oil by up to 47% and clear breakouts, clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads
- Exclusive micro-exfoliating Lipo Hydroxy Acid targets oily areas and removes dirt and debris
- Dermatologist tested, Allergy tested, Suitable for Sensitive Skin
- Oil-Free, Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free
Description
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid is a medicated face cleanser developed with dermatologists, targets excess oil, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads for clearer skin. It contains 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Medication to fight acne breakouts and Lipo Hydroxy Acid to remove debris and dirt from the skin's surface without harsh scrub particles that may irritate skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and allergy-tested, this face wash is gentle enough for daily use on oily skin types.
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (2%): fights acne breakouts clear and refine the appearance of pores
Lipo Hydroxy Acid: exfoliates and removes impurities
How to Use:
Cleanse twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Wet face and apply a quarter-sized amount to fingertips.
Gently massage onto the face in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.
Follow with Effaclar Mat Moisturizer.
Brand Story: Recommended by 100,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers unique daily skincare developed using a strict formulation charter and stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid (2%): fights acne breakouts clear and refine the appearance of pores
Lipo Hydroxy Acid: exfoliates and removes impurities
How to Use:
Cleanse twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Wet face and apply a quarter-sized amount to fingertips.
Gently massage onto the face in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.
Follow with Effaclar Mat Moisturizer.
Brand Story: Recommended by 100,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay offers unique daily skincare developed using a strict formulation charter and stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Paraben-Free, Noncomedogenic, Contains Salicylic Acid, Made Without Parabens
Product Warning: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Hydrating, Anti-Acne, Moisturizing, Damage Repair, Deep Cleaning, Oil Control
Recommended Skin Type: Mature, Combination, Extra Sensitive, Oily, Normal, Sensitive, Acne-Prone, Very Dry, Dry
Features: Dermatologist Tested, Dermatologist Recommended
TCIN: 89222443
UPC: 3606000605909
Item Number (DPCI): 037-14-0275
Origin: Imported
Healthcare Disclaimer:
Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. On occasion, manufacturers may improve or change their product formulas and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our Web or Mobile sites and that you review the product's label or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific product concerns or questions. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, please contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Active ingredients
salicylic acid' '2.0%
Purpose
Acne treatmentUses
Use for the treatment of acneDirections
Directions use twice daily wet face, then work product into a lather massage onto face avoiding the eyes rinse wellInactive ingredients
inactive ingredients water, sodium laureth sulfate, decyl glucoside, glycerin, sodium chloride, coco-betaine, sodium hydroxide, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, citric acid, hexylene glycol, peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, zinc gluconate, tetrasodium edta, polyquaternium-47, menthol, capryloyl salicylic acid sodium benzoate' '
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 5.86 inches length x 2.44 inches width x 1.65 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.26 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Frequently also added
$11.24($2.68/fluid ounce)
reg $14.99 Sale
4.8 out of 5 stars with 1656 ratings
Guests also viewed
$8.99 - $19.99
Buy 3, get 1 free on select beauty minis on select items
4.7 out of 5 stars with 6638 ratings
$8.99 - $19.99
Buy 3, get 1 free on select beauty minis on select items
4.6 out of 5 stars with 4601 ratings
Highly rated
$11.49 - $25.99
Buy 3, get 1 free on select beauty minis on select items
4.5 out of 5 stars with 4441 ratings
Discover more options
$11.89 - $17.29
Lower price on select items
4.6 out of 5 stars with 2683 ratings
$37.98($1.40/fluid ounce)
Value Bundle
4.7 out of 5 stars with 1677 ratings
$12.99($1.62/fluid ounce)
4.6 out of 5 stars with 289 ratings
$26.99($3.99/fluid ounce)
4.5 out of 5 stars with 515 ratings
Related Categories
Guests are saying
This face wash has garnered positive feedback for its effectiveness in managing acne and leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. Guests appreciate its gentle formula, which is suitable for daily use without stripping moisture. The unscented nature is a highlight for those with sensitive skin, and many have noted visible improvements in skin clarity and texture over time. However, some guests have mentioned dryness as a concern, suggesting the need for a good moisturizer post-use.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars with 1983 reviews
effectiveness: 4.33 out of 5
quality: 4.33 out of 5
value: 4.29 out of 5
75% would recommend
244 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 October, 2025Verified purchase
(no review title)
I have super sensitive skin and it loves this stuff! It’s an unscented thick clear gel that lathers up nicely. The salicylic acid helped clear my acne up. It’s gentle enough where I’m able to use it twice a day without drying out my skin.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 October, 2025Verified purchase
Amazing!
Best face wash ever! Cleared my face so fast! Love love love
1 out of 5 stars
18 October, 2025Verified purchase
HUGE price increase
WOW! I’ve purchased this product for about 8 years now. jumping from $14.99 to $18.99 is CRAZY
1 reply from La Roche-Posay Product Expert team - 8 days ago
Hello J! Thank you so much for sharing your long-standing loyalty to our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser – it's truly wonderful to hear you've been a valued customer for eight years! We understand that price changes can be surprising, and we genuinely appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We continuously strive to ensure our products deliver the highest quality and efficacy, formulating with carefully selected ingredients and undergoing rigorous testing. We value your commitment to our brand, and your feedback is incredibly important as we continue to provide effective skincare solutions.
5 out of 5 stars
23 September, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

“I like this La Roche-Posay soap because it clea
The La Roche-Posay facial cleansing soap is gentle yet effective for acne-prone skin. It helps remove excess oil and impurities without overly drying the skin. Its formula usually includes soothing and purifying ingredients that reduce breakouts and keep the skin cleaner and fresher. It is a good option for daily use, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it cleans deeply without being harsh.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
17 September, 2025Verified purchase
Great product, bad container.
Works great, but you're better off putting in a separate container. I bought two different size bottles and both of them spilt.
5 out of 5 stars
11 September, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

A year later and I still love how this face wash l
I’ve been using this face wash for over a year now, and it’s become a staple in my routine. It consistently leaves my skin feeling clean, refreshed, and soft without stripping away moisture. Over time, I’ve noticed my skin looks clearer, smoother, and healthier overall. I love that it’s gentle enough for daily use but still effective at keeping my skin balanced. Theres no fragrance which is a plus for my sensitive skin and a little goes a long way, which makes it last a long time. After trying different products in the past, this is the one I keep coming back to, it really works.
5 out of 5 stars
1 September, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Perfect for acne prone oily skin
Cleared up my skin after only 4 days of using! Worth every penny, doesn’t have a smell which I appreciate, and it pairs well with the other acne focused products in this line up. 10/10
5 out of 5 stars
1 September, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Good product
Not bad it doesn’t deep clean as I would like but great face wash for acne prone skin. I like it when I chose to do a gentler product for washing my face
5 out of 5 stars
31 August, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

An effective acne cleanser that leaves the skin fr
I tried the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash and I loved it because from the first uses I felt my skin cleaner and less oily; it helps control acne outbreaks without drying out too much. Its texture is light, foams well and rinses easily. I like that it doesn't have a strong fragrance, which makes it more pleasant to use on a daily basis, and the packaging is practical and safe. Although its price is a little higher than other cleaners, it is really worth it for its effectiveness and quality ingredients.
4 out of 5 stars
30 August, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Great for preventing breakouts, but leaves skin fe
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash really works to keep my breakouts under control and leaves my skin feeling deeply cleansed. It has strong ingredients that help prevent new pimples from forming, and I’ve noticed clearer skin after consistent use. The downside is that it dries out my face quite a bit, making my skin look tight and less hydrated than I’d like. I think it’s best suited for oily or acne-prone skin types, but if you have normal to dry skin, you’ll definitely want to follow up with a good moisturizer. It is affordable and comparable to higher end cleansers. Overall, it’s an effective acne cleanser, but not the best for hydration.
5 out of 5 stars
22 August, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Minty fresh, great ingredients, dermatologist reco
I have to start my night and morning off by using this minty fresh medicated gel on my face to kill bacteria - it keeps me from getting acne bumps as well as it wakes me up! Packaging is great. Its not to expensive, for the ingredients in it and quality, its top notch. My dermatologist recommended to me, now this is a part of my daily skin care regime/routine. 10/10 recommend to any teenagers or just anyone who suffers from acne break outs and pimples.
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
20 August, 2025Verified purchase
Getting expensive
It’s going up from 14.99 to 18.99 that’s insane
1 reply from La Roche-Posay Product Expert team - 2 months ago
Hello Malak! We understand your concern regarding the price adjustment for our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. At La Roche-Posay, we are committed to providing high-quality, dermatologist-tested products that deliver effective results for sensitive and acne-prone skin. We continuously strive to ensure our formulations meet the highest standards of efficacy and tolerance. Price adjustments, when they occur, are typically a result of various factors, including the cost of ingredients, manufacturing processes, and distribution, all while maintaining the quality and innovation you expect from our brand. We value your loyalty and are dedicated to continuing to offer effective skincare solutions. Thank you for being a part of the La Roche-Posay community.
2 out of 5 stars
11 August, 2025
originally posted on laroche-posay.us
Package Sucks
The packaging is terrible! I bought this product in hopes of aiding my face acne. I took it in the shower because I thought it would be easier and accidentally dropped it. For the ENTIRE thing to fall apart in my shower making it extremely slippery.
1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 3 months ago
Hello there! We are truly sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with the packaging of the Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash. We understand how disappointing and inconvenient it must have been for the product to break apart in your shower, especially when you were looking forward to using it to address your acne concerns. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us, and we are concerned to learn that the incident led to a slippery shower environment. We continuously strive for the highest standards in both our formulations and our packaging, and we genuinely regret that this particular instance fell short of your expectations and our own. Please know that we take your feedback seriously, as it helps us to constantly evaluate and improve our product design. We truly value your trust in La Roche-Posay, and we are committed to providing you with effective and well-designed solutions.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
1 August, 2025Verified purchase
Not good for sensative skin
Super drying, be so careful. I had flakes all over my skin and used as directed.
1 reply from La Roche-Posay Product Expert team - 3 months ago
Hi Tori. Thank you for reaching out to La Roche Posay. We are sorry to hear about the experience you had with the Effaclar Acne Medicated Gel Face Cleanser. We would like to speak with you directly about it. Please give us a call at 800-560-1803, M - F, 9am - 5:30 pm, ET for assistance and provide the case #42224938. Please have the product with you when you call. Looking forward to hearing from you!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
17 July, 2025Verified purchase
Acne Face Cleanser
This product does work!!!
5 out of 5 stars
11 July, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Leaves acne prone, oily skin feeling clean and hea
I have oily, acne prone skin, but this facewash leaves my face feeling extremely clean. There is not a harsh fragrance. The sleek packaging and amount of product is worth the price.
4 out of 5 stars
4 July, 2025Verified purchase
Made my skin too dry
I think this product is effective, but it was a little too strong for my skin and it made my skin dry while it was breaking out. I also don’t like the face wash runs out of the bottle while opening and closing it. The packaging could be a little better.
5 out of 5 stars
30 June, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

great
moisturizing & perfect for a cleanser. It’s gentle enough to use daily & it manages to help my inflamed skin without drying it out. Highly recommend!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
29 June, 2025Verified purchase
In awe
I’m genuinely in awe of this product. I’m in my mid-twenties and still struggling with acne, but after using this twice daily and letting it sit for one minute, my skin has improved dramatically. Recently, I had a large pimple on my cheekbone. I used the wash that night and again the next morning, and within 2–3 days, it was gone. I highly recommend this to anyone dealing with acne. Just note, it can be a bit drying, so follow up with a moisturizer!
5 out of 5 stars
25 June, 2025
originally posted on laroche-posay.us
Love it!
I’ve been using this product for years and absolutely LOVE it!! My skin is finally clear, soft, and healthy!!!