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Sensitive, acne-prone skin is something I can definitely relate to. Sure, my T-zone gets a bit oily at times, but not enough to call my skin truly combination, which makes finding a moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores a bit tricky.
Over the years, I’ve tried and tested many moisturizers for my skin, but nothing has come close to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer – it’s become a reliable staple in my routine.
My first impression
Honestly, I was pretty hesitant to try a La Roche-Posay moisturizer. It gets a lot of mixed reviews, and I kept wondering — is it really worth the splurge? I have super sensitive skin, so I’m extra cautious with what I put on my face.
Some of these high-end brands ride hard on the hype, and half the time, you’re just paying for the name. I do have experience with their Cicaplast Baume B5, and I have to say, that stuff is genuinely great for my skin barrier.
But when it came to trying their moisturizer, I kept thinking, what if it’s basically the same as a drugstore cream? I didn’t want to drop that kind of money unless it actually did something different for which I had to try it. Besides, it’s meant to nourish the skin.
The irony is that sometimes the more nourishing a cream formula is, the more likely it is to be comedogenic. And once something clogs my pores? It’s a short trip to breakout city. I’ve tried moisturizers that were gentle and kind to my skin barrier, but they either didn’t hydrate enough or ended up triggering spots.
In the end, I totally caved — too many glowing reviews, and I just couldn’t resist the skincare hype.
And it’s fragrance-free, which is huge if you’ve got sensitive skin like mine.
It’s also packed with all the right stuff: niacinamide for brightening, ceramides to support the skin barrier, and glycerin to keep things hydrated. That combination is basically a hydration dream team. Plus, La Roche-Posay has a pretty solid reputation.
But if I’m being honest? A big part of it was just the FOMO. Everyone was raving about this moisturizer, and as someone who gets way too excited about beauty creams, I had to see what the fuss was about.
Texture and application
I’ll be honest, the texture is just right. It’s not too thick, not too lightweight, and it has this soft, lightweight cream feel that glides on so easily. As soon as I apply it, I get that nice hit of hydration without any stickiness or heaviness.
It sinks in quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy finish, and the best part is that you really don’t need a lot. A small amount spreads effortlessly over my face and neck, which makes it feel like it’ll actually last. I use it as the final step in my skincare routine, and it really does lock everything in without overwhelming my skin.
As A Moisturizer for Makeup
I’ve found that it works really well as a moisturizing base for makeup, creating a smooth, even finish. It doesn’t pill either. The key is to give it a little time to fully absorb before applying makeup. If you’re experiencing pilling when using it under makeup, try switching to a different foundation, as it often comes down to a formula mismatch.
However, it does cause the makeup to fade a little after some time. This happens because the cream is rich, so over time it can slowly soften and break down the makeup pigments.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist approved for sensitive skin
- Spreads easily
- Layers well under make-up and spf
Cons
- Dry skin needs a little too much to apply
- Its on the pricier side
My Results and How I Use It
Speaking of results, after using it for over a month now, I can honestly say my skin feels more hydrated overall. I still get the occasional dry, rough patches, but that’s usually my retinoids doing their thing.
On those nights, I go in with a generous amount of this moisturizer (sometimes even two layers) and by morning, my skin feels so much calmer and noticeably more supple.
One trick I love: when my skin needs extra TLC, I skip my usual serums and focus purely on hydration. I start with a hydrating toner on damp skin, layer an essence, and finish with a generous layer of this moisturizer.
With breakouts, I avoid applying moisturizer directly on active pimples. Instead, I use a pimple patch first, then go ahead with the rest of my skincare. And no, it hasn’t been clogging my pores at all. Sure, I still get the occasional breakout but this cream isn’t the culprit. You know when your moisturizer is the one causing clogged pores, and this just isn’t doing that. So that’s a big check in its favor.
Why I Love It
La Roche-Posay Toleriane is honestly a great pick if you’ve got sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s dermatologist-approved and has been keeping my skin hydrated without causing irritation or clogged pores.
While it’s technically suitable for all skin types, I’d say if you have super oily skin, you might want to be a bit cautious as it could feel a little heavy and potentially trigger breakouts.
Even though it’s labeled non-comedogenic, I do think it leans a bit occlusive, which is great for locking in moisture but maybe not ideal for oilier skin types. If that’s you, I’d suggest checking out their Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer instead — it’s oil-free and designed with oily skin in mind.
It’s definitely on the pricier side, but honestly? The results make it worth every penny. And the good news is — a little really goes a long way. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I still have more than half the tube left. It’s earned a permanent spot on my skincare shelf, and it’s officially one of my top favorites.
That said, with all the mixed reviews out there, I know it won’t work for everyone. Skincare is so personal, what works wonders for one person might not for another. So as always, listen to your skin.
I really wish they offered a sample size so more people could try it before committing to a full tube, but sadly, they don’t. Still, if this sounds like your vibe, it’s definitely worth a shot.
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