Very few brands have a cult following of beauty editors quite like French skincare brand La Roche-Posay. Besides the fact that the products are affordable and readily available, the reason that La Roche-Posay is such a hit amongst us beauty eds is actually down to what I like to call its antidote status. Let me explain. Right now, it seems like every time I click onto Instagram there is a new product that skinfluencers can’t get enough of. From glow-boosting serums to spot-blitzing masks, the power of a skincare product that goes viral knows no bounds. While trying to keep up with the ever-changing world of skincare can be totally exhausting for the average shopper, for us beauty editors, it can wreak havoc on our skin.
You don’t need me to tell you that chopping and changing your skincare line-up every time a new It product hits the shelves is terrible for your skin. Not just because our skin likes routine, but also because all skin is different, and what is deemed a miracle product by one skinfluencer could be disastrous for your complexion. And no one knows this peril better than a beauty editor. You see, while we beauty editors like to think we know better than to fall for every buzzy product that comes our way, in reality, we’re ruining our skin every single day by testing and trialling them all—it’s part and parcel of the job. In order to know what products are good and which ones aren’t, we’ve got to be prepared to face the music when our skin acts up.
This is where our stash of antidotes comes in. Every beauty ed has a small handful of products to act as antidotes any time our skin reacts to a product it doesn’t like. Made up of trustworthy, effective products guaranteed to get the skin back to its spot-free, glowy ways, the antidote stash is there to be called upon during skin emergencies. The products have to be fuss-free, basic and, most importantly, fast acting. The most common brand amongst such stashes is, without a doubt, La Roche-Posay. Whether skin is oily, acne prone, sensitive, or dry, every single beauty editor I know relies on at least one La Roche-Posay product for healthy, glowy skin.
So why is it so great? Well, that’s just it. It’s as though the formulators at La Roche-Posay just have a certain je ne sais quoi that means every product they touch actually works. The products are gentle but hardworking and lightweight but seriously effective, and they don’t break the bank. Sure, they don’t have Instagram-worthy packaging and TikTok-ready textures, but what they do have is a fan base chock-full of experts who really know what skin needs. According to editors and dermatologists, these are the best La Roche-Posay products that beauty experts love.
This little tube contains an impressive concoction of salicylic acid, niacinamide and glycerin to banish blackheads and spots. In fact, it’s probably one of the most universally loved products out there.
If you have spot-prone skin, this gentle cleansing cream should be your first port of call. Basically every dermatologist I have ever seen has something great to say about this stuff.
Hate the feeling of SPF on your skin? I challenge you to give this lightweight, second-skin formula a go and not be seriously impressed.
If you suffer with redness and sensitivity, this face mist will become your best friend in no time. Just a few spritzes instantly soothe and take down most signs of visible inflammation. I can’t be without a bottle.
I have it on good authority (a beauty editor bestie who is a real retinol aficionado) that this retinol serum is the perfect formula for beginners. As someone with sensitive skin, I can confirm that it’s a great option for those who want a bit of extra glow come morning without any serious side effects.
While the previously mentioned Effaclar cleanser is a good starting point for those with blemish-prone, oily skin, this foaming gel is a great next step. It works harder and is slightly more drying—but in all of the right ways.
Finding a really great hyaluronic acid serum can be tough. In their nature, they tend to have a sticky, tacky finish that feels uncomfortable on the skin. This formula, however, sits wonderfully under thicker skincare and makeup, leaving skin looking plumped and radiant.
If you have rosacea or are prone to redness, listen up. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane range is the best of the best. This wash will help rid skin of the day’s dirt without disrupting its natural balance, meaning you don’t have to worry about cleanser-induced flare-ups.
As someone with impossibly dry, troublesome lips, trust me when I say there is no single lip balm better than this. If this little tube can’t better the situation, then, sadly, I can’t help you anymore.
Ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin that is prone to inflammation, this super-hydrating moisturiser gives skin everything it needs to function at its best.
The thing that La Roche-Posay gets so right is its ability to come out with products that tackle an issue without causing another one. This serum is really effective at dealing with oil, breakouts and blemishes without drying the skin out in the process.
I’m yet to meet an eye cream denier who doesn’t have a soft spot for this formula. Whether you suffer with irritation, milia, or congestion around the eyes, this lightweight, depuffing lotion just manages to brighten up the under-eye area without a hint of trouble.
Out of the entire Toleriane range, I must say that this stuff is the hero. Most beauty eds have a bottle of this somewhere in their stash for when things take a bad turn. In a matter of minutes, it calms irritation, takes down redness and relieves tightness.
I can’t imagine going on holiday without a can of this easy-to-apply SPF. Just mist directly onto skin for comfortable sun protection—it’s the perfect product for midday top-ups.
It’s not just facial skincare that La Roche-Posay does really well. This heavy-duty body cream is an absolute hit amongst those who suffer with severe dryness, itchiness and inflammation. Next up, Dermatologists and Celebrities Swear By This Affordable Skincare Brand.
