Beauty
They’re a drugstore classic.
There is no reason to sleep on drugstore beauty. The aisles of your nearest Target, CVS, Duane Reade — whatever yours may be — are stacked with quality skin care that does the glow up without the hefty price tag. And dermatologists are particularly obsessed with La Roche-Posay skin care products.
The longtime drugstore staple, which was originally sold exclusively in French pharmacies, has been moisturizing and protecting people’s complexions since 1975 with sensitive skin-friendly formulas. Its enduring appeal is because, well, the products really work — skin experts recommend La Roche-Posay all the time. “The brand is cosmetically elegant, feels lightweight, and [it’s at] an acceptable price point,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. “Their formulations are simple, yet well-devised,” adds Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez, M.D.
While the brand has the typical essentials like face creams and makeup removers, Gonzalez points to its vast array of targeted treatments for more specific skin concerns — think acne, anti-aging, and sun protection (she says they even have “some of the best sunscreens on the market”).
Whether you’re a newbie to the line or need to re-up your beauty cabinet, these are the 10 best La Roche-Posay skin care products, as picked by derms.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
1
The Go-To Moisturizer
Both Nazarian and Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with MCDS Dermatology, love the Toleriane moisturizer as a staple skin care product. “It’s oil-free, great for sensitive skin, and improves the skin lipid barrier with prebiotic water, ceramides, and vitamin B,” says Nazarian. Also key? It contains multitasking niacinamide, says Garshick, a vitamin that soothes and supports your skin barrier.
2
The SPF Pick
La Roche-Posay has highly-praised sunscreens, including Nazarian’s pick for a body SPF. “This is so lightweight and it’s great for covering your whole body without feeling heavy, greasy, or sticky,” she tells Bustle. In fact, she says it “feels like water when you apply it,” so you’ll actually want to reapply.
3
The Portable Cleanser
These towelettes are your best bet for a makeshift cleanser or mid-day refresh, and they’re a fave of Dr. Smita Ramanadham, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and skin care expert. “This is a great on-the-go cleansing wipe,” she tells Bustle. “I throw these in my bag if I need a quick clean but am not able to fully wash my face.” And, BTW, this is especially important to do if you have acne-prone skin and want to prevent breakouts, she adds.
4
The Face Exfoliant
Ramanadham is a fan of this La Roche-Posay formula for sloughing off buildup. “This is a great exfoliating scrub that’s gentle and non-irritating,” she says, noting it’s a good option for removing dead skin cells if you’re a devoted retinol user.
5
The Oily Skin Pick
For oily and acneic skin, Ramanadham is a fan of this moisturizer. “It creates a beautiful matte finish and also works well as a primer under makeup,” she says. It contains glycerin for moisture and even has salicylic acid to keep pimples away as you keep your skin hydrated.
6
The Tinted Sunscreen
An easy way to whittle down your skin and makeup routine is by using a tinted SPF in lieu of a moisturizer and foundation. “This well-regarded lightweight sunscreen offers tinted mineral protection while still being easy to rub in,” says Garshick. “For those who don’t wear makeup, the tint provides a nice natural coverage, but it’s also easy to apply makeup on top.” Besides sun protection, your skin also reaps the protective benefits of antioxidants within the formula.
7
The Multitasking Skin Soother
You can use this balm for practically anything. Garshick loves it for treating dry, irritated skin, cracked hands, and post-procedure healing (and even to help with diaper rash in babies). “It really helps soothe and calm the skin, and hydrates while simultaneously providing a protective barrier,” she says. That’s because the star ingredient is cica, an anti-inflammatory MVP.
8
The Hydrating Essential
You don’t have to splurge on a good hyaluronic acid serum — both Garshick and Gonzalez swear by La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 formula. “It combines hyaluronic acid, madecassoside [an antioxidant], and vitamin B5 together to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth while also plumping,” says Garshick. And it’s great for all skin types, adds Gonzalez.
9
The Skin Refresher
The quickest (and most luxe-feeling) way to refresh your face? With a spritz of this Thermal Spring Water mist, a fave of Gonzalez’. “This can be used for soothing irritated, sensitive, or damaged skin, and has a high concentration of selenium that provides antioxidant protection,” she explains. You can even use it on eczema, she says.
10
The Makeup Remover
Every mascara aficionado knows that removing the stuff off your lashes can be a struggle. But Gonzalez swears this makeup remover does the trick. “It’s made specifically for the area of sensitive skin surrounding the eyes,” she says. You don’t have to do any scrubbing — just a few swipes and your makeup (and dirt and pore-clogging debris) will dissolve away.
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