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La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin - 2 of 4La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin - 3 of 4La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin - 4 of 4
La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin - 1 of 4

La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin - 6.76 fl oz

26 Questions
$18.99 ($2.81/fluid ounce)

Size6.76 fl oz

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
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With Target Circle™ Card (restrictions apply)

At a glance

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.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Dye-Free, Contains Salicylic Acid, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Noncomedogenic, Hypoallergenic, Fluoride-Free, No Fragrance Added, Aluminum-Free
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Hydrating, Nourishing, Skin Texture Improvement, Deep Cleaning, Calming, Oil Control, Pore Cleansing, Makeup Removal, Damage Repair, Anti-Acne
Recommended Skin Type: Oily, Extra Sensitive, Normal, Acne-Prone, Very Dry, Combination, Sensitive
Features: Non-Drying, Safe to Use On Sensitive Skin, Non-Comedogenic, Dermatologist Tested, Dermatologist Recommended
TCIN: 16452472
UPC: 883140040231
Item Number (DPCI): 037-14-0377
Origin: Assem USA w/foreign/dom. parts
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 treatment

Uses

Use for the treatment of acne

Directions

Directions use twice daily wet face, then work product into a lather massage onto face avoiding the eyes rinse well

Inactive ingredients

inactive ingredients water, sodium laureth sulfate, decyl glucoside, glycerin, sodium chloride, coco-betaine, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, hexylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, zinc gluconate, tetrasodium edta polyquaternium-47, menthol, capryloyl salicylic acid, citric acid

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 7.04 inches length x 2.4 inches width x 1.73 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.53 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, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: Can you use this on your back?

submitted by Tucsongal - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi there, Tucsongal! Thank you for reaching out about our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser. This cleanser helps clear acne blemishes, featuring salicylic acid known for its effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores. We hope this is helpful!

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Hello, can this face wash be used as an all-in-one face wash that removes makeup as well as prevent acne-breakouts? Thank you!

submitted by Ella - 2 years ago
  • A: Hey Ella, Great question! The La Roche Posay Effaclar acne face cleanser does not have makeup removing qualities.We recommend to double cleanse with a cleansing oil or balm first, then follow up with this acne medicated cleanser to achieve best results! For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hello Ella! While our Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid is great for preventing breakouts, it works best on skin that's free of makeup. We recommend using a dedicated makeup remover first, then cleansing with Effaclar. This allows the cleanser to effectively target pores and prevent breakouts. You can find makeup removers tailored for different skin types, including acne-prone skin, within the La Roche-Posay range. This two-step approach will enhance your skincare routine.

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: hey can I use this and then put Tretinoin on after?

submitted by Nancy - 3 years ago
  • A: Hi there! Thank you for your interest in our products. Based on the information you provided we recommend you speak with a dermatologist to see which products are recommended for your specific skincare needs. If you have any other questions and or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us again!

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 3 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hey Nancy, No, it is considered best to completely avoid using any product containing salicylic acid with tretinoin. Unless specified by your doctor! For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 3 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: can i use this on oily acne skin?

submitted by me - 6 years ago
  • A: Hello there! Thank you for your interest in La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Face Cleanser. This cleanser face removes excess oil and impurities and is suitable for acne prone skin. We hope this information is helpful and we wish you great success with our products!

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi me! This product is recommended for normal and acne-prone skin types. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: I know it helps with breakouts but what kind of breakouts?

submitted by Mee - 6 years ago
  • A: Hi there! Thank you for reaching out about our Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. This cleanser removes excess oil and helps clear acne breakouts.

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi Mee! This product fights acne breakouts and also helps with blackhead removal. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: can we use this for normal skin?

submitted by Emily - 6 years ago
  • A: Hi Emily - Thank you for reaching out about Medicated Gel Face Cleanser. This cleanser is recommend for those with acne-prone or normal skin types. We hope you can give it a try soon!

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 6 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: HI Emily! Our La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Face Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin can be used on normal to oily, and acne prone skin. It does contain Salicylic Acid which helps to reduce excess oil. Hope this helps!

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 6 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: After using this product can I then use La Roche adapalene?

submitted by Gail H - 1 year ago
  • A: Hello Gail H! Thank you for your inquiry about incorporating La Roche-Posay Adapalene into your routine after using our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel. Our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel is formulated with salicylic acid to help target acne and gently exfoliate the skin. Adapalene, on the other hand, is a potent retinoid that works to regulate skin cell turnover and address blemishes. When combining powerful active ingredients like salicylic acid and adapalene, it's important to introduce them carefully to avoid potential irritation or dryness, especially if you have sensitive skin. We generally recommend starting slowly, perhaps by using the adapalene a few times a week and gradually increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it. It can also be beneficial to use these products at different times of the day (e.g., cleanser in the morning and adapalene at night), or on alternate evenings. Always pay close attention to how your skin responds, and if you experience excessive dryness, redness, or irritation, you may need to reduce the frequency of application or temporarily pause one of the products. For personalized advice, particularly if you have specific skin concerns or sensitivities, we always recommend consulting with a dermatologist, as they can provide the best guidance tailored to your individual skin needs.

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can I cleanse with this, apply moisturizer to damp skin, wait awhile and then apply differin?

submitted by Mms - 1 year ago
  • A: Hello Ms1124! While you can generally cleanse, moisturize, and then apply a retinoid, it's always best to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice on your specific skincare routine and product layering, especially when using medicated products. They can assess your skin's needs and recommend the best approach for you.

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Has anyone tried it for hormonal acne? If so did it help?

submitted by Estefani - 1 year ago
  • A: Hello Estefani. Thank you for your interest in La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser Medicated Gel Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin. This salicylic acid face wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove impurities without harsh scrub particles that may irritate skin. We recommend this product for the following skin concerns: redness, raised pimples whiteheads, clogged pores, oily skin, enlarged pores, shiny skin, uneven skin texture and sensitive skin. We hope this information has been helpful and that you can use our products with great success!

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Safe for pregnant women?

submitted by Jl - 2 years ago
  • A: Hello Jl! While every ingredient we use in our products is evaluated for safety, we do not specifically test our products on women who are pregnant or nursing. La Roche-Posay ensures there is a substantial information supporting the safety of our products when used as directed by consumers. However, as there could be certain ingredients that physicians may not recommend for use during pregnancy and nursing, we always recommend that you discuss this with your physician and follow their advice.

    submitted byLa Roche-Posay Product Expert - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Additional product information and recommendations

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Guests are saying

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is a popular choice among guests for its effectiveness in managing acne and oily skin. Many appreciate its lightweight gel texture, which lathers well and rinses off easily without leaving residue. The product contains 2% salicylic acid, known for its acne-fighting properties, and is fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, some guests have reported dryness and irritation, particularly around the eyes, so pairing it with a good moisturizer is recommended for best results.
    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 2132 reviews
    effectiveness: 4.36 out of 5
    quality: 4.33 out of 5
    value: 4.24 out of 5
    74% would recommend
    267 recommendations
    3 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 September, 2026Verified purchase

    Packaging is awful.

    This face wash is actually great. But this is the second bottle I had to purchase in a month and both bottles have had bad seals or the top somehow rips open. 2 bottles back to back thay have been totally wasted due to poor packaging. Im hesitant to buy a 3rd bottle now.
    1 reply from La Roche-Posay Product Expert team - 10 days ago
    Hello Kindra! Thank you for sharing your experience with our Effaclar Acne Face Cleanser, and we are so glad to hear that you love the formula itself. We sincerely apologize for the frustrating packaging issues you encountered with the seals on your recent bottles, as every product should always reach you in pristine condition. To ensure you receive authentic, factory-sealed products with optimal packaging integrity, we kindly recommend always purchasing our skincare directly through authorized retailers rather than third-party sellers. We truly appreciate your candid feedback and hope you give us another opportunity to provide the wonderful experience you deserve.
    Kindra
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 3 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    17 August, 2026Verified purchase

    Perfection

    By far the best face wash. Keeps my skin clear without over drying.
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    15 August, 2026Verified purchase

    its amzing

    it’s amazing
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    14 August, 2026Verified purchase

    Great

    Great product for oily skin
    Target Team Member
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    11 August, 2026Verified purchase

    Favorite cleanser, a must have

    Good cleanser for acne prone skin
    Targetfan
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Helps with my acne when I have huge spots and doesn’t leave my skin dry.
    Target Team Member
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    9 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    Works well for teenage boys acne.
    effectiveness: 4 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    8 August, 2026Verified purchase

    I actually love this stuff

    I’d give it 5 stars if the bottle didn’t burst around the top perimeter & leak out half my product. I had the big bottle too.. why don’t this come in a pump bottle? Anyway.. I love it though it definitely works, and it works almost overnight however it isn’t prevent breakouts nor clear dark marks. Maybe I should get another bottle because I’ve used one bottle daily for 3 weeks. I’m going to try Curology gentle face cleanser but this will be a repurchase for sure
    PiscesSun
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    2 August, 2026
    originally posted on laroche-posay.us

    Great

    I got this by chance during a vacation trip and really noticed how it reduced the breakouts, made my pores less visible, and even removed blackheads. Not a fan of the smell, but it is totally worth it.
    jangsks
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    22 July, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Keep body acne at bay

    This medicated acne wash by Laroche Posay is the only thing that helps keep my chest and back acne at Bay. I tend to break out at certain times of the month due to my cycle and this is the only product to help clear that up and keep it away. It sets up really nicely and doesn’t cause any dryness or irritation on my sensitive skin 
    EmilyM
    Did you find this review helpful?
    3 out of 5 stars
    9 July, 2026
    originally posted on laroche-posay.us

    Great, but the bottle is terrible

    Love the product but the bottle is terrible. It’s hard to open and then when you do it’s leaked into the top and you lose a bunch of the product. I thought it was just one bottle but it’s an issue with every bottle I’ve received. I have to buy a different bottle to put it in so I don’t lose the product.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 2 months ago
    Hello KFAgustin! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you love our Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Cleanser, but we are incredibly sorry to hear about the frustrating experience you’ve had with the bottle. Our goal is always to provide packaging that is as high-quality and user-friendly as the dermatological formulas inside them. Hearing that your bottle has been hard to open and leaking is certainly not the standard we strive for, and we completely understand how disappointing it is to lose product. We'd like to learn more so we can further assist. Please call us directly @1-800-560-1803 9am-7pm, ET and provide case#47337461 Please have the product with you when you call.
    KFAgustin
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    8 July, 2026Verified purchase

    My holy grail

    It works so fast, I have very bad acne-prone skin this helps so much keeping it under control and helps so much taking away pimples that’s already been on my face | I don’t really have a scent to it 10/10 performance 10/10 product
    Nessa
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    2 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    23 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Will not buy again

    Does nothing to my acne prone hormonal skin. It actually dries out my skin so bad. The smell is awful.
    1 reply from La Roche-Posay Product Expert team - 3 months ago
    Hi Turtsmomma. Thank you for reaching out to La Roche Posay. We are sorry to hear about the experience you had with the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. We would like to speak with you directly about it. Please give us a call at 800-560-1803, M- F, 9am - 5:30pm, ET and let us know you contacted us through a review. It would be helpful if you could have the product available when you call, as well as providing the agent with your username. Looking forward to speaking with you.
    Turtsmomma
    effectiveness: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    14 June, 2026
    originally posted on laroche-posay.us

    not for sensitive skin

    using product as directed made my face very irritated and dry. Do not recommend
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 3 months ago
    Hello jdaf! We are very sorry to hear about your experience with our Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash. We would like to speak to you directly about this. Please contact us at 800-560-1803 M-F 9:00 am – 7:00 pm ET for assistance and provide the reference #47011720. We look forward to speaking with you!
    jdaf
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    12 June, 2026Verified purchase

    Excellent Product!!

    Improved skin texture and control oil
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    6 June, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Best medicated cleanser for acne

    This medicated gel cleanser is exactly what I need to make the acne disappear! It doesn’t dry out my skin like other acne products do. This one gives me no irritation and can be used on sensitive skin. Highly recommend.
    EmilyM
    Did you find this review helpful?
    3 out of 5 stars
    18 May, 2026
    originally posted on laroche-posay.us

    Good product, BAD packaging

    I've been buying this for my teenage son for years. He likes it, so I keep buying it. But the packaging is horrible. I've had a couple that leaks almost half of it. When it happened the 1st time, I thought I bought a bad one. But when it happens again, and after I read some of the reviews here, I realize it's a packaging flaw. It is a shame, especially since it's not cheap, and half of it end up on the floor. Please consider changing the packaging to something leak proof.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 4 months ago
    Hi Txmom, We apologize for the frustration caused by the leaking packaging. At La Roche-Posay, we hold our packaging to the same high standards as our formulas. Your experience, along with the other reviews you mentioned, has been shared with our product team to prioritize a solution for more leak-proof packaging. We would like to speak with you directly about this. Please give us a call at: 1-800-560-1803 Monday - Friday 9am-7pm EST and give case #46595873. It would be helpful if you could have the product available when you call.
    Txmom
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    18 May, 2026

    (no review title)

    A good product I must say
    Dada
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    17 May, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Very gentle but effective

    I love this brand and all her products. After washing my face with this cleanser my skin feels smoother and softer. It sure does help with oily skin and acne
    GabiG
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    6 May, 2026
    originally posted on laroche-posay.us

    Not hypoallergenic: causes red rash on eyelids

    This product needs a -0 rating! Caused red rash, possibly eczema, daughter’s on eyelids and under eyes. This is not gentle, hypoallergenic or for someone who has sensitive skin. Highly do not recommend. Not worth the cost of this product plus two dermatologist appointments resulting from using this product. And to not go to school because of the appearance of her eyes. Thank La Roche-Posay for this horrible costly experience.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 5 months ago
    Hello! We are sorry to hear about the experience your daughter had with Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. We would like to speak with you directly about it. Please give us a call @1-800-560-1803 M-F 9am-7pm, ET for assistance and provide the case #46448018. Looking forward to speaking with you. It would be helpful if you could have the product available when you call.
    Dako
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

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