If you’ve been looking for effective skincare for acne-prone skin, you’ve probably noticed two drugstore brands that come up time and again: La Roche Posay and CeraVe. While there are some differences between their product offerings, both brands have excellent options for acne-prone skin.
At Acne Club, we often recommend products from both brands, but we have our favorites in each category. So, for us, the question is less about “Which brand is better for acne-prone skin?” and more about “What are the best products from each brand for acne-prone skin?”
La Roche-Posay vs CeraVe
While CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are both dermatologist favorites, both made by L’Oreal, both widely available in drugstores and online, and both creating reliable products at reasonable price points, there are a few differences between them:
La Roche-Posay has been a popular dermatologist-recommended skincare brand in France since it was founded in 1975, with products based on mineral-rich thermal spring water. Now available on U.S. shelves, you can find many effective products in their acne-focused Effaclar line and also gentle options in their Toleriane line for sensitive skin.
CeraVe is a U.S. brand that was developed with dermatologists in 2005 to support the skin barrier. The name is based on ceramides, lipids that promote a healthy skin barrier, which are a key ingredient in their products. CeraVe’s budget-friendly products are known for being gentle and safe for sensitive skin types.
Best Products from La Roche-Posay and CeraVe
Now, let’s get to the product breakdown. While each brand has good options in each category, the following are our top picks for anyone with acne-prone skin. Mix and match to create your ideal acne skincare routine!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser with Ceramides and Niacinamide
The Hydrating Gentle Cleanser from La Roche-Posay's Toleriane line is carefully designed to be pH-balanced and safe for sensitive skin. With its proprietary Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, as well as niacinamide, ceramide-3, and glycerin, it cleanses dirt and makeup without stripping moisture from your skin or damaging your skin barrier. This gentle formula also comes in refill bags so you can save a little money while also reducing plastic use!
- Cleanses without stripping
- Available in refill bags
- Contains niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramide-3
- Niacinamide can be irritiating for some skin types
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Niacinamide, and Ceramides
CeraVe is known for their effective yet gentle skincare products and their 4% benzoyl peroxide cleanser is a great example of this. It starts as a creamy texture but transforms into a foam that can cleanse oil and impurities on your skin while benzoyl peroxide goes to work against bacteria deep in your pores. The addition of niacinamide calms skin while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and ceramides restore and maintain your moisture barrier.
- Balanced strength
- Niacinamide to calm
- Ceramides for skin barrier
- Niacinamide can be irritating for some skin types
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, and Oil Absorbing Clay
The Acne Control Cleanser from CeraVe is a gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which can exfoliate dead skin cells and penetrate the oil in pores. It also contains oil-absorbing hectorite clay, which, together with the salicylic acid can clear blackheads, unclog and improve the appearance of pores, and prevent future breakouts. Niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin help to strengthen and support the skin barrier.
- Great value for larger size
- Clay to absorb excess oil
- Ceramides to support skin barrier
- May be too drying for some skin types
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Treatment
From La Roche-Posay's Effaclar line, which is designed for acne-prone skin, comes their adapalene 0.1% treatment gel. Adapalene is a prescription-strength retinoid available over the counter in the U.S. in 0.1% strength. It works by increasing cell turnover to help prevent acne and can be used to treat blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, pimples, and even KP bumps on the arms. La Roche-Posay's version comes in an effective fragrance-free gel that you apply in a thin layer to your face or body once a day.
- Maximum over-the-counter strength
- Non-greasy gel-like texture
- HSA and FSA eligible
- Expensive
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Lightweight Protective Moisturizer with Niacinamide
The Toleriane Sensitive Fluide is an oil-free moisturizer from La Roche-Posay's sensitive skin line. What makes it unique is its limited number of ingredients, which can help you avoid irritation if you have sensitive skin. Made with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, niacinamide, and glycerin, it can hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours and also helps to support your moisture barrier. It is lightweight and moisturizing with a mattifying texture, making it a great option if you have skin that is both sensitive and acne-prone.
- Lightweight with mattifying texture
- Thermal water, niacinamide, and glycerin to hydrate and soothe
- Expensive
- Niacinamide can be irritating for some skin types
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60
The Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is a fan favorite for a fast-absorbing, very lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish. If you usually hate the feeling of sunscreen on your face, this might be a good one for you to try. This chemical sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin and also includes antioxidant protection to prevent sun damage. It contains alcohol to help it absorb quickly and is water-resistant for 80 minutes, making it a particularly good option for sweaty summer weather.
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Antioxidant protection
- Alcohol may be irritating for some skin types
