La Roche-Posay has been a mainstay in my skincare routine since middle school. It’s hard to find a brand that’s as easily accessible, dermatologist-backed, and appropriate for sensitive skin as La Roche-Posay. While the hero products range from bestselling face washes to gentle yet effective acne spot treatments, my favorites lie in the brand’s facial moisturizers. I tested (and loved) the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer (the OG) and the newer Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer to determine the key distinctions and which is best for different skin types.

Rich in ceramides, niacinamide, and the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water, each moisturizer supports skin barrier function and provides hydration, but the similarities end there. Both have entirely different finishes and uses, so keep reading for everything there is to know about the dermatologist-loved moisturizers that deserve a place in your routine.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$25 at Amazon

$26

$12 at Ulta$26 at Target

This oil-free daily face moisturizer is a great option for dry, sensitive skin. Thanks to glycerin and niacinamide, it deeply hydrates, repairs, and soothes skin, while ceramides support a healthy, resilient skin barrier. Plus, the brand’s signature thermal water helps balance the skin microbiome. It imparts a glowy, slightly dewy finish, adding suppleness and bounce to dry skin. Because I have oily skin, I like to reserve this one for my nighttime routine when no one can see me. (I don’t care about looking like a glazed donut when asleep.)

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer

$25 at Amazon$26 at Ulta$25 at Dermstore

The matte iteration is a lightweight, gel-cream moisturizer that provides all-day hydration without any shine, making it perfect for oily and combination skin types. It works similarly to repair (or maintain) skin barrier function while minimizing the appearance of pores and improving skin texture. Unlike many mattifying products, it controls excess oils without drying out the skin, which is perfect for people (like me) who hate the feeling of skin tightness. Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin, it instantly calms and soothes redness, dryness, or irritation—something I especially appreciate as someone with rosacea.

How They Compare

Ingredients

Both: Contain La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide to support skin barrier function and provide hydration.

Matte: Includes oil-absorbing powders for a shine-free finish and a lightweight feel. 

Texture, Finish, & Skin Type Suitability

Original: It has a rich, creamy texture that deeply hydrates the skin. Once applied, it imparts a dewy, glass-skin-like finish, making it ideal for normal and dry skin types. Although I have oily skin, I like to wear this at night (so no one sees me looking super shiny) or sparingly during the daytime in the winter when my skin is dehydrated and chapped.

Matte: Has a gel-cream consistency that feels lighter and more breathable, especially for oily skin. The matte finish offsets shine and smooths the appearance of enlarged pores and skin texture. Because of its oil-controlling properties and smoothing effect, it’s best suited for those with combination and oily skin types or those prone to acne and skin texture.

Both: Both wear beautifully on bare skin or underneath SPF and makeup.

Final Thoughts

I ultimately prefer the Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer because its matte finish and lightweight consistency are better suited for my oily, acne-prone skin type. You can’t go wrong with the Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer, though, especially if you have dry skin.