Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 15, 2026
1.5% salicylic acid targets acne and pores; Reddit agrees, studies support acne clearing.
What the community says
This leave-on blend pairs 1.5% salicylic acid with glycolic acid for bumps, blackheads, and surface discoloration. Redditors use it two or three nights weekly, while studies support acne improvement; frequent stinging makes it a poor fit for reactive skin.
What this means for you
Backed by 6 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 1 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- 1.5% salicylic acid for bumps, blackheads, and pores
- Glycolic acid pairing for surface-level discoloration
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Anti-Aging
Strong evidence
Glycolic Acid: 17 studies tested it on its own. See all 22 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found glycolic acid helped with signs of aging
- It often improved fine lines, roughness, and overall skin texture
- Some studies found it also helped discoloration and age spots look better
- It often worked about as well as other anti-aging treatments, though not always better
- The most common side effects were stinging, burning, and irritation
Acne
Some evidence
Salicylic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 34 studies
On Reddit: Little facial bumps get spot-treated, while bigger inflamed breakouts get a separate treatment. 9 mentions
Both ingredients for acne
Salicylic Acid Some evidence
- Most studies found salicylic acid helped clear acne
- It often reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It usually worked about as well as other common acne treatments
- Used with other acne treatments, it sometimes cleared acne better than those treatments alone
- Side effect results were very uncertain in one large review
Glycolic Acid Some evidence
13 studies tested it on its own. See all 22 studies
- Most of these studies found it helped clear acne
- It often reduced blackheads and whiteheads, and some studies also found fewer red, sore spots
- It cleared acne more than a placebo in some studies
- It worked about as well as some other acne peels and creams in several studies
- The most common side effects were peeling and other early skin irritation
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Glycolic Acid: 16 studies tested it on its own. See all 25 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found glycolic acid helped fade dark spots or patches
- It often worked better when used with other treatments than those treatments alone
- Some studies found it improved melasma and post-acne dark marks while also improving skin texture
- The most common side effects were irritation, discomfort, and short-lived skin reactions, with rare lasting light spots
Texture/Pores
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Glycolic Acid: 4 studies tested it on its own. See all 5 studies
On Reddit: Little-bump spot treatment is its standout use, with commenters applying it directly to bumps across the face. 4 mentions
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 21 mentions across 6 threads
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum on Reddit, in one place — 6 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction and 1 more, summarized.
“My friend recommend La Roche-Posay Effaclar serum and, so far, it’s been a game changer.”
Positive
“I’ve been using it on my face for a couple of months now and my skin hasn’t been this consistently clear since taking the birth control.”
Positive
“I’ve started applying it to my chest and arms and they’re looking great now too.”
Positive
“The salicylic acid I use is from La Roche Posay (the effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment serum).”
Mentioned
“the particular serum I just mentioned is not only salicylic acid but also glycolic acid.”
Mentioned
“This combo by itself can be good for surface level discoloration as well as active acne but not actual, ‘3D’ acne scars.”
Mentioned
“PM: hadalabo lotion, la roche posay effaclar serum or tret 0.05% (2x a week), purito moisturiser”
Positive
“Current routine:”
Positive
“Type: oily-combo skin, acne-prone”
Positive
“I went and I bought the La Roche Posay Effaclar serum.”
Cautionary
“So far I’ve used it twice in three days and it STINGS everytime.”
Cautionary
“This stinging sounds like your skin is adjusting to the active ingredient. Try using it just once a week to start”
Cautionary
“Additionally: La Roche-Posay Effaclar 1.5% Salicylic Acid Serum AND La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid”
Positive
“Serum - I got these because I saw someone saying it reduced their pore size in 2 months.”
Positive
“But nothing seems to be working for my pores specifically.”
Positive
“i bought the Effaclar serum to try and fight that a bit (I use it 2x a week)”
Positive
“I have a bit of black heads on my nose and around it with visible pores so i bought the Effaclar serum”
Positive
“but not when i use Effaclar”
Positive
