Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated September 8, 2026
1.5% salicylic acid serum reduces acne, redness, and pore size; can sting and dry skin.
What the community says
A 1.5% salicylic acid serum often used by acne-prone and oily-combination skin types for pore reduction and active breakouts. Redditors report initial stinging and dryness; starting slowly builds tolerance. Studies found salicylic acid clears acne about as well as tretinoin with fewer side effects.
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 acne and pore clearing
- Also contains glycolic acid, supporting surface discoloration treatment
- Effective as spot treatment and for consistent skin clearing
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Salicylic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually helped clear acne, though results were sometimes mixed and a few studies only showed it matched other treatments
- 30 studies back this, including large reviews
- It often worked about as well as tretinoin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid, Jessner's solution, and some light treatments
- Some studies found it worked better when used with other treatments than when those treatments were used alone
- Side effects were usually milder than with some comparison treatments, with less dryness and fewer side effects overall
Glycolic Acid
Strong evidence for acne- It usually improved acne, and some studies found it cleared acne better than a placebo
- 22 studies back this, including several large reviews
- It often worked about as well as other acne treatments, though some peels worked better
- Some studies found stronger results when glycolic acid was used with other ingredients
- The most common side effects were peeling and mild skin irritation, though some studies reported few side effects
What Reddit says
The why
Salicylic acid serum targets small bumps and texture on face and body with spot treatment use.
“My friend recommend La Roche-Posay Effaclar serum and, so far, it’s been a game changer.”
10 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 19 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
“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
“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
