If you have dry, sensitive skin, you’ve likely been told to try moisturizers by CeraVe and Cetaphil, or even Bag Balm and Egyptian Magic. But have you tried La Roche Posay moisturizers? Recommended by tens of thousands of dermatologists across the globe, La Roche Posay has become known for delivering highly effective skincare solutions that target a variety of skin concerns, even allergy-prone, ultra-sensitive skin.
But here’s the problem: the La Roche Posay moisturizer collection is quite extensive with dozens of different products, which can make deciding which moisturizer is best for you a bit challenging.
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | La Roche Posay Moisturizer |
To help you out, we’ll review the 10 best La Roche Posay moisturizers below. We’ll cover the formulation details, including the key ingredients in La Roche Posay moisturizers and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare.
And to get a better idea of how well these moisturizers perform, we’ll share some La Roche Posay reviews from real customers.
What Are The Top 10 Best La Roche Posay Moisturizers?
After evaluating dozens of products, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 best La Roche Posay moisturizers. Here’s the details you need to know:
La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer
When you have dry, sensitive skin, it can be pretty tough to find a good moisturizer that doesn’t react with your skin. With this skin type, it’s best to use a fragrance-free moisturizer that combines humectants, emollients, and barrier-replenishing ingredients — and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer.
Moisture-magnet glycerin is combined with plenty of emollients in this formula to hydrate and soften skin. And the ceramides in this formula help to strengthen the skin barrier.
Plus, the formula also contains one of our favorite skincare ingredients: niacinamide. According to a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, niacinamide is known to repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkling. See why we love this ingredient?
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer is great for dry, sensitive skin based on the combination of humectants, emollients, and barrier-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide.
La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF
This oil-free facial moisturizer has almost the same formula as the product we described above, although this product provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.
The active sunscreen ingredients in La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. All of these ingredients are classified as chemical sunscreen agents, which protect the skin by first absorbing UV light, then transforming that light energy into some other form of energy, such as heat.
While chemical sunscreen ingredients won’t leave a white cast, we don’t recommend these types of sunscreens due to research that has shown they absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. It’s still unclear if these chemicals are linked to health conditions, but it’s known that they do enter the body. In our opinion, mineral sunscreens are a safer choice.
Bottom Line: This La Roche Posay moisturizer with SPF is ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin, but we typically recommend using physical/mineral sunscreens since they don’t enter the body.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream
This comforting face cream can be used by all skin types, but it’s ideal for those with allergy-prone, ultra sensitive skin.
Neurosensine, also known as acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, is the hero ingredient in this formula, helping to instantly soothe skin. It’s a dipeptide that works by signalling the skin nerve cells to release met-enkephalin (a relaxing, pain-relieving messenger molecule).
Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream also includes emollients like squalane and shea butter, as well as the silicone dimethicone. Dimethicone gives the cream a silky texture while also functioning as a skin protectant to help reduce water loss.
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturizing Cream features the skin-soothing peptide Neurosensine, making it ideal for those with allergy-prone, ultra sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream
Whether you’re starting to notice signs of aging or you want to prevent them, a retinol cream is a must-have product in your skincare routine. This La Roche Posay retinol cream combines pure retinol with plenty of emollients for a moisturizing face cream that tackles many signs of aging.
After being absorbed by the skin, retinol is converted to its active form, retinoic acid. Retinoic acid works deep within the skin where it boosts collagen synthesis, increases elasticity, repairs connective tissue, and increases cell turnover. The end result is smoother, healthier skin with fewer lines and wrinkles and a more even skin tone.
The only problem we see with this moisturizer is the inclusion of a synthetic fragrance blend, which could lead to skin sensitivity reactions.
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Retinol Cream helps to address multiple signs of aging with pure retinol, but keep in mind that the formula includes fragrance.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
La Roche Posay Tinted Sunscreen is a true multi-tasker; it acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup — all in one product!
While this moisturizer can be used by all skin types, those with oily skin will especially enjoy the oil-absorbing properties of silica. This ingredient also provides a silky feel and soft focus effect.
We love that the formula includes the mineral sunscreen titanium dioxide, which provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection. And you don’t have to worry about a white cast since the formula is tinted with iron oxides.
However, based on the reviews we read, some customers noticed the tint looked orange after application. For example, one review says, “I love it, but if you’re fair to light complexion, it’s so orange. Like oompa loompa orange. I wish it came in another tint color.”
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Tinted Sunscreen is a 100% mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection while also functioning as a moisturizer and primer, but the universal tint may not be suitable for all skin tones.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Moisturizer
This fragrance-free La Roche Posay moisturizer is meant to be used at night, promising to give you smooth, soft, and comfortable skin in the morning. It has a lightweight texture that helps skin instantly feel soft and dewy without leaving any greasy residue.
We noticed that the formula includes many of the same key ingredients as other La Roche Posay moisturizers, such as glycerin, squalane, shea butter, niacinamide, and dimethicone.
There’s also skin-soothing Neurosensine, which makes this moisturizer great for anyone with allergy-prone, ultra-sensitive skin.
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Moisturizer combines humectants, emollients, and skin-soothing Neurosensine to create a formula that’s ideal for anyone with allergy-prone, ultra-sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluide Oil Free Moisturizer
When you have sensitive skin, the fewer the ingredients the better, and that’s the case with this La Roche Posay moisturizer.
The formula contains just 10 ingredients, including one emollient (coconut-derived caprylic/capric triglyceride), a few humectants, and multi-tasking niacinamide.
And, like all La Roche Posay skincare products, this moisturizer includes the brand’s Thermal Spring Water. We’ll give you all the details on this unique water in the Key Ingredients section below.
While the minimal ingredient list for this moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive skin, it’s probably not going to feel moisturizing enough if you have dry skin since there’s only one emollient in the formula.
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluide Oil Free Moisturizer is a simple moisturizer with only 10 ingredients, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin, but likely not moisturizing enough if you have dry skin.
La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Cream
If you’ve noticed sun spots and uneven skin tone develop over the years, La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Cream could be a good option for you.
The formula includes ascorbic acid, also known as pure vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that protects skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, and even reduce lines and wrinkles by stimulating new collagen production.
There’s also hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin. And madecassoside, an ingredient derived from the Centella Asiatica plant, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The only downside with this La Roche Posay moisturizer is the inclusion of a synthetic fragrance blend.
Bottom Line: La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Cream includes ascorbic acid to protect, brighten, and firm skin.
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Shea butter is one of the rich emollients in this fragrance-free body cream that helps to instantly soften skin, while dimethicone gives it a silky texture that glides across skin easily. You’ll also reap the moisturizing and barrier-replenishing benefits of niacinamide.
A unique ingredient in the formula is “Aqua Posae Filiformis”, one of the brand’s patented ingredients that’s cultivated in the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. According to the brand, this ingredient helps alleviate extra-dry skin by rebalancing the skin microbiome and helping repair the skin barrier.
Another plus: this La Roche Posay moisturizer is accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it an excellent option to alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
Bottom Line: A fragrance-free body cream with shea butter, dimethicone, niacinamide, and Aqua Posae Filiformis, which help to strengthen the skin barrier to alleviate dry skin.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 For Dry Skin Irritations
The “B5” in the name of this La Roche Posay moisturizer comes from the inclusion of panthenol in this formula. Also known as provitamin B5, panthenol is a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the upper layers of skin.
The formula also includes 1% dimethicone as an active ingredient. Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used as a skin protectant to help reduce water loss, thereby protecting chapped, cracked, and chafed skin.
While this moisturizer can be used by all skin types, the hydrating and protecting ingredients in the formula make it a good option for conditions like cracked skin, chafed skin, diaper rash, sensitive skin, or any dry skin irritation on the face and body.
Bottom Line: A face and body moisturizer that alleviates dry, irritated skin thanks to panthenol and dimethicone.
Related: Best Face Moisturizers
Which La Roche Posay Moisturizer is Best?
While the best La Roche Posay moisturizer will depend on your skin type and concerns, we believe that the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer is one of the best formulations by the brand. It’s fragrance-free and includes humectants, emollients, and barrier-replenishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. Plus, you can purchase the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF if you want sun protection.
What Are The Key Ingredients in La Roche Posay Moisturizers?
Did you know that one of the key ingredients used inside La Roche Posay skincare dates back to the 14th century? We’re talking about La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, a unique mineral-rich water at the heart of the brand.
Originating from the N°1 thermal dermatology center in Europe, La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water has scientifically demonstrated soothing and protective properties.
It’s rich in selenium and oligo elements, and the water also has natural prebiotic properties.
Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fiber compound that provide indirect benefits by enhancing the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms that make up the skin’s microbiome.
The microbiome is a population of many types of bacteria (over 10,000 different species) that are both good and bad. When there’s more bad bacteria than good, skin conditions like acne, sensitive skin, and bumpy, uneven skin texture can develop.
Thus, keeping the microbiome balanced is critical in maintaining healthy skin, and La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water can help maintain this balance.
The rest of the ingredients in La Roche Posay moisturizers are pretty common ingredients, including:
- Antioxidants (i.e. vitamins C and E)
- Emollients (i.e. shea butter, squalane, hydrogenated polyisobutene, etc.)
- Humectants (i.e. glycerin, panthenol, etc.)
- Silicones (i.e. dimethicone)
The brand combines these standard ingredients with a few unique ingredients, such as skin-soothing Neurosensine, anti-inflammatory madecassoside, and the brand’s patented “Aqua Posae Filiformis” to support the microbiome.
Even though most La Roche Posay moisturizers are formulated for those with sensitive skin, keep in mind that some products contain fragrance, which has the potential to cause skin sensitivity reactions.
How Much Do La Roche Posay Moisturizers Cost?
La Roche Posay moisturizers are pretty affordable, with the prices being comparable to higher end drugstore brands such as Olay and CeraVe. For example, the La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer costs $19.99 USD for 2.5 fl oz, while the La Roche Posay Tinted Sunscreen costs $33.50 USD for 1.7 fl oz.
Where to Buy La Roche Posay Moisturizers?
La Roche Posay moisturizers are sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party online retailers, such as Dermstore.com, Amazon.com, Ulta.com, and more.
You can also find this brand in drug stores such as Walgreens and CVS, as well as beauty supply stores like Ulta. The brand has a store locator on their website so that you can find La Roche Posay skin care products near you.
What is The La Roche Posay Return Policy?
The La Roche Posay return policy states, “If for some reason you’re not happy with your order, you can return it in its original packaging with a receipt within 30 days and receive a full refund. Simply complete the Return Form attached to the bottom of your invoice with the information requested. Pack the item(s) to be returned, along with the Return Form, in the original package if possible. Orders are limited to 1 complimentary return label per order. We cannot process exchanges at this time.”
Is La Roche Posay Cruelty Free?
No, La Roche Posay is not cruelty free because La Roche Posay skin care products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law.
Is La Roche Posay Vegan?
La Roche Posay may offer some vegan products, but this is not a 100% vegan brand.
La Roche Posay Moisturizer Reviews
La Roche Posay Moisturizer reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. One of the brand’s most popular moisturizers, La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF, has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars after more than 600 customer reviews.
The positive reviews for the La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF mention how it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy or sticky residue; only soft, smooth skin.
For example, one review says, “I have never liked wearing sunscreen on my face because it either made me feel greasy or made me break out. But I love this stuff! I put it on every day and it soaks into my skin like my other moisturizers. I’ll definitely keep this in my daily routine.”
And another 5-star review says, “La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer is an amazing product. It keeps my skin silky smooth and soft.I love the consistency. It’s not too greasy or sticky.”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer with SPF from customers who found that the formula made their skin too oily.
For example, one review says, “Said it’s oil free, but it makes my skin crazily oily. Literally does nothing but makes my skin more oily than ever. I hated it so much that I have to write a review for it.”
And a similar review says, “I didn’t like this moisturizer at all. It was very greasy. Left my face oily. Felt heavy. Felt like a thick sunscreen, not a daily moisturizer.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that La Roche Posay moisturizers are formulated well, especially for those that are made specifically for sensitive skin.
Pros
- La Roche Posay moisturizers contain evidence-based ingredients (humectants, emollients, silicones, retinol, vitamin C, etc.)
- Many positive La Roche Posay reviews
- Affordable
Cons
- Some La Roche Posay moisturizers contain fragrance
- La Roche Posay is not cruelty free
What Are Some Alternatives to La Mer Products?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.
References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2):22–41
JAMA. 2019;321(21):2082-2091.
