La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 75 Reddit threads · Updated October 8, 2026
0.5% salicylic acid spot treatment for pimples; can dry out skin. The catch: can sting, dry out, and flatten a barrier fast. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Cheaper Alternative2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores · $6.70 · 29.6 ml vs $19.97 for the original
Best for Acne2% salicylic acid in an easy swipe pad
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
One minus
Pills under makeup and sunscreen
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“Every night apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Morning spot treatment that actually gets used for pimples
- Price
- $19.97 · 40 ml · $0.50/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.23/ml (original $0.50/ml)
The why
A 2% leave-on BHA serum for oily, clog-prone skin and stubborn blackheads. Redditors use it as a maintenance exfoliant, and studies back the acne-clearing angle. Dry skin and irritated barriers usually hate it.
One minus
Can sting, dry out, and wreck a weak barrier
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“You will need salicylic acid to clean out those pores.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Acne
Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
Stridex·Acne Spot Treatment
See alternatives2% salicylic acid in an easy swipe pad
The why
A no-rinse 2% salicylic acid pad that Redditors keep using for blackheads, clogged pores, KP, and random breakouts. Studies back the acne angle, but the community also treats it as a harsh, drying swipe, especially on already irritated skin.
One minus
Can feel harsh and stripping fast
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“For the face stuff maybe add a gentle BHA like stridex pads couple times a week - they're pretty cheap and help with blackheads and comedones.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#4
Best for Texture / Pores
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $1.42/ml (original $0.50/ml)
The why
A leave-on azelaic acid booster with salicylic acid, licorice root, allantoin, and bisabolol. Redditors use it for redness, acne, and post-acne marks; studies back azelaic acid for acne, but the extra exfoliant makes sensitive or reactive skin yelp.
One minus
Salicylic acid makes reactive skin complain
Both recommended for Hyperpigmentation.
Other alternatives worth a look
10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts · 159 mentions
Combination SkinDry Skin
10% sulfur spot treatment with real bite · 45 mentions
Sensitive SkinRedness / Irritation
Rosacea and redness workhorse · 35 mentions
Dry SkinCream Texture
10% azelaic acid at a skin-friendly leave-on strength · 27 mentions
LightweightHyperpigmentation
Stops picking and touching dead in its tracks · 60 mentions
Sensitive SkinGluten-Free
Browse more
Reddit's best acne spot treatments by concern or skin type
Looking for a different product?