La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
Review #1
I have combination, sensitive skin that reacts to just about everything, so I’m careful with cleansers. This one from La Roche-Posay has been the easiest switch I’ve made in years. The gel turns into a soft, fine foam that actually lifts oil and city grime without leaving my face tight or shiny. It’s fragrance-free and soap-free, and I appreciate that I can massage it over my eyelids to break down sunscreen without any stinging.
Use-case wise, it shines in a few situations:
- Morning: it cuts through my T-zone oil but keeps my cheeks comfortable. Makeup sits better afterward and I don’t get the midday slick.
- After workouts: two quick passes remove sweat and SPF without upsetting my skin barrier; I don’t get those post-gym mini breakouts anymore.
- Retinoid nights: on days I use tretinoin, this is gentle enough that I don’t over-strip and can still layer
moisturizer without any burn.
The niacinamide and ceramides combo really helps my skin look calmer and more even over time—less redness around my nose and fewer clogged pores on my chin. It rinses clean with no residue, even in my hard-water apartment, and one bottle has lasted me almost three months using a small pump morning and night.
Minor gripe: the pump dispenses a bit more than I need; a half-pump is perfect, so I wish it had better dosage control or a travel lock. Still, this is now my dependable, everyday cleanser.
Review #2
As a guy with oily/combination skin and a temperamental jawline, I wanted something that truly de-greases without nuking my face. This hits that sweet spot. The foam is light, not fluffy, and it rinses fast—great for quick mornings before work.
What I like:
- Actually cuts surface oil and clears the “film” from sunscreen in one wash
- No scent, no tingle, no tightness (rare in oil-control products)
- Doesn’t flare up my shaving irritation; I can shave after cleansing and my skin feels calm
- Safe around the eyes, so I don’t need a second product to remove SPF there
- Consistent results: fewer clogged pores along my nose and less shine by lunch
Routine:
AM after the gym, PM to take off city grit and SPF. If I wore heavy SPF at the beach, I’ll do a quick first rinse and then a second gentle lather—still doesn’t dry me out.
Results after ~6 weeks: fewer surprise breakouts, smoother texture on my forehead, and my
Only nitpick: it won’t budge waterproof mascara on my partner (I tried). For hardcore makeup days, pair it with micellar water first. For daily cleansing, it’s excellent.
Review #3
As a guy with oily/combination skin and a temperamental jawline, I wanted something that truly de-greases without nuking my face. This hits that sweet spot. The foam is light, not fluffy, and it rinses fast—great for quick mornings before work.
What I like:
- Actually cuts surface oil and clears the “film” from sunscreen in one wash
- No scent, no tingle, no tightness (rare in oil-control products)
- Doesn’t flare up my shaving irritation; I can shave after cleansing and my skin feels calm
- Safe around the eyes, so I don’t need a second product to remove SPF there
- Consistent results: fewer clogged pores along my nose and less shine by lunch
Routine:
AM after the gym, PM to take off city grit and SPF. If I wore heavy SPF at the beach, I’ll do a quick first rinse and then a second gentle lather—still doesn’t dry me out.
Results after ~6 weeks: fewer surprise breakouts, smoother texture on my forehead, and my
Only nitpick: it won’t budge waterproof mascara on my partner (I tried). For hardcore makeup days, pair it with micellar water first. For daily cleansing, it’s excellent.
