La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum vs Foxtale 0.15% Beginner-friendly Retinol Night Serum

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum

Foxtale

0.15% Beginner-friendly Retinol Night Serum

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for smoothing and brightening.

A serum built around Retinoid and Niacinamide, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

20 ingredients

33 ingredients

Brand price

USD 44.99 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 599.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from France

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free, Silicone-free, Pore-clogger-free, Oil-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Key Ingredients

AHA2
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Chemical sunscreen1
Organic UV filters that absorb UV and release it as heat.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Sunscreen1
Any ingredient acting as a UV filter.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20

Benefits

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Propanediol
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair12
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Behenyl Alcohol, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

Concerns

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance

May Trigger Acne1
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis7
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitoyl Glycine, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Olivate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris1
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Garcinia Indica Seed Butter

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

Water
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Propanediol (in both products)
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Niacinamide (in both products)
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Viscosity Controlling
0 / —
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)
Buffering
0 / —
PPG-26-BUTETH-26
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
1 / 0
- Silicones
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Cetearyl Olivate
Emollient
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
1 / 0
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- Possibly animal-derived
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Propanediol (in both products)
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →