La Roche-PosayCream
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar H Iso-Biome
CreamNovember 8, 2026
At a glance
A light moisturiser for oily, acne-prone skin that has become dry or irritated from acne treatments such as adapalene or benzoyl peroxide.
Best for
- Skin dried by acne treatments
- Oily, acne-prone skin
- Sensitive acne-prone skin
Key ingredients
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide (vitamin B3) | In studies, niacinamide helps the skin barrier (the outer layer) hold water. It also calms inflammation and can lower oil. |
| Panthenol (vitamin B5) | It hydrates and helps repair dry skin, together with squalane and niacinamide. |
| Procerad | It helps reduce spots without drying the skin. |
| Bixa orellana seed extract | It helps reduce oil and the build-up of dead skin that blocks pores, with a matte finish. |
| Aqua Posae Filiformis | It a prebiotic that helps balance the skin's natural bacteria and strengthen the skin barrier. |
What it does
- Acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and adapalene often dry and irritate the skin. A moisturiser can ease this dryness and irritation.
- Dry, irritated skin is a common reason people stop their acne treatment. Keeping skin comfortable helps you stay on it.
- It is non-comedogenic (made not to block pores), so it is unlikely to cause acne.
- The brand says it was tested under dermatological control alongside an adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel and alongside isotretinoin.
- The brand reports fewer spots and less tightness in its own study of 54 women with sensitive skin.
How to use
- Use it in the morning and in the evening on clean skin, as the brand directs.
- Apply it right after washing your face. This helps trap water in your skin.
- Keep using your acne gel once a day as directed. This cream eases the dryness; it does not replace the treatment.
- If your skin still stings, use the acne gel every other evening until your skin settles, then go back to every evening.
- In the morning, add a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before going out. Retinoids such as adapalene make skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Skip scrubs, toners and astringents while you use acne treatments. They can dry your skin and make acne look worse.
- Use the tube within 12 months of opening it.
Possible side effects
- It contains fragrance (parfum). In people allergic to fragrance, it can cause an itchy, red, scaly rash that may burn or sting.
- If you get a rash, or redness or stinging gets worse, stop and ask a pharmacist or doctor.
Who should avoid it / precautions
- You are allergic to fragrance, or to any ingredient on the full list. People with a fragrance allergy are advised to avoid products with any fragrance.
- You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and use an adapalene gel (alone or with benzoyl peroxide). Stop the gel and ask a doctor about acne treatment.
- You are breastfeeding: check with a doctor before using an adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel. Never put the gel on the chest or nipples.
- You have eczema, cuts or sunburn: keep the acne gel off these areas, because retinoids can make eczema worse.
Learn more
Sources
- 1.La Roche-Posay: Effaclar H Iso-Biome — laroche-posay-me.com, accessed 2026-11-08
- 2.American Academy of Dermatology: Moisturizer, why you may need it if you have acne — aad.org, accessed 2026-11-08
- 3.American Academy of Dermatology: 10 skin care habits that can help clear acne — aad.org, accessed 2026-11-08
- 4.Lynde CW et al. Moisturizers and ceramide-containing moisturizers may offer concomitant therapy with benefits. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2014 — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, accessed 2026-11-08
- 5.DermNet: Nicotinamide — dermnetnz.org, accessed 2026-11-08
- 6.DermNet: Topical retinoids — dermnetnz.org, accessed 2026-11-08
- 7.DermNet: Fragrance allergy — dermnetnz.org, accessed 2026-11-08
Educational information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting a new product, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using prescription treatment. Tutiba is not paid by any brand.