La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser ingredients, decoded
This is a rinse-off gel cleanser built around surfactants, including sodium laureth sulfate and coco-betaine. Zinc PCA, pH-adjusting ingredients and fragrance are also listed.
Image: Ulta
Full ingredient list · 14 items
01Aqua/Water/Eau
02Sodium Laureth Sulfate
03Peg-8
04Coco-Betaine
05Hexylene Glycol
06Sodium Chloride
07Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
08Zinc Pca
09Sodium Hydroxide
10Citric Acid
11Sodium Benzoate
12Phenoxyethanol
13Caprylyl Glycol
14Parfum/Fragrance
As published on a retailer listing, checked October 14, 2026. Formulas change by batch and region, so check your pack.
01 · Key ingredients
Sodium Laureth Sulfatecleansing surfactant
well-supported
It is near the top of the list and helps lift oil and soil during cleansing. Surfactants can feel drying or irritating for some people, especially with frequent use.
Coco-Betainecleansing surfactant
well-supported
This surfactant helps the formula cleanse and foam. It appears after PEG-8 in the list.
Peg-8humectant and solvent
limited evidence
PEG-8 can help attract water and dissolve ingredients. It is listed near the top, after sodium laureth sulfate.
Zinc Pcaskin-conditioning agent
limited evidence
Zinc PCA is included in the middle portion of the list. It is used in skincare for its potential role in oil-control formulas, but the ingredient list alone cannot show how much is present or what effect to expect.
Citric AcidpH adjuster
well-supported
Citric acid can help adjust a formula's pH. It appears after sodium hydroxide in the list.
Parfum/Fragrancefragrance
limited evidence
Fragrance is near the end of the list and contributes scent. It can be a source of irritation or sensitivity for some people.
02 · Who it may suit
People looking for a rinse-off foaming cleanser.
Those who tolerate sulfate-based surfactants and fragrance.
People who prefer a cleanser with zinc PCA in the ingredient list.
03 · What to watch for
Sodium laureth sulfate may feel drying or irritating for some people.
The formula contains fragrance, which may not suit fragrance-sensitive skin.
Coco-betaine can also be a source of sensitivity for some people.
Questions people ask
Does this cleanser contain fragrance?
Yes. Parfum/Fragrance is listed near the end of the ingredient list.
Does it contain sulfates?
Yes. Sodium laureth sulfate is listed second.
What does zinc PCA do in this formula?
It is included as a skin-conditioning ingredient and is used in some oil-control skincare formulas. The list does not reveal its concentration or establish a specific result.
Have it on your shelf?
Snap your own label and Receipt will decode it, or check it against your routine.