Why Professor Nicola Ralph Was Recommending La Roche-Posay Lipikar Years Before We Stocked It
La Roche-Posay Lipikar has been a consistent recommendation from Professor Nicola Ralph at the Institute of Dermatologists for very dry and eczema-prone skin since 2021 - years before it joined our product range. Formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to repair the skin barrier, it is licensed for use from birth and suitable for all ages.
Long before Lipikar sat on our own shelves, Professor Nicola Ralph was already sending patients looking for it. Back in 2021, asked what she reached for on very dry, eczema-prone skin, her answer was immediate: Lipikar. We now stock it as part of a selection of La Roche-Posay products.
Lipikar is built around ceramides and niacinamide to repair and maintain the skin barrier in very dry, eczema-prone, or reactive skin. It's licensed for use from birth, which is part of why it's remained a consistent recommendation for patients of every age, not a new discovery driven by any recent trend.
Why We Stock It
Professor Ralph was recommending Lipikar to patients years before we ever sold it, which made it an easy addition once we started building out the range. There's no gap between what gets said in a consultation and what's actually sitting on the shelf when someone goes looking for it afterwards.
"My go to product for dry skin, due to its ease of application and due to the fact it is licensed for use since birth, is La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ M Baume and Lipikar Syndet wash for bath or shower."
-- Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists (2021)
Why Has Professor Nicola Ralph Recommended Lipikar for Years?
In 2021, well before La Roche-Posay was part of our range, Professor Nicola Ralph was asked what she'd recommend for dry skin. Her answer: "My go to product for dry skin, due to its ease of application and due to the fact it is licensed for use since birth, is La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ M Baume and Lipikar Syndet wash for bath or shower." That's the same pairing, now updated as Lipikar Baume AP+Max and Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash, that sits on our shelves today.
Is Lipikar Suitable for Babies and Children?
Yes. Lipikar is licensed for use from birth, which is part of why it's a straightforward recommendation for very dry or eczema-prone skin at any age. Children generally need very little from a skincare routine: a gentle, barrier-supporting cleanser and moisturiser, plus a mineral sunscreen, are usually enough, and Lipikar's simple, well-tolerated formula fits that brief without introducing unnecessary ingredients.
What's the Difference Between Lipikar Baume and Lipikar Syndet?
Lipikar Baume AP+Max is a rich, leave-on balm formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and shea butter to replenish the skin barrier and relieve dryness and itching. Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash is its cleansing counterpart, a soap-free wash designed to clean without stripping the same barrier the balm is working to repair. Used together, they cover both steps of a barrier-focused routine for dry or eczema-prone skin.
One Important Note: Barrier Support Isn't a Substitute for Treatment
Lipikar is designed to support and repair the skin barrier, which makes it a useful addition for eczema-prone or reactive skin. It is not a treatment for eczema or atopic dermatitis itself. Anyone experiencing an active flare should continue following their dermatologist's or GP's specific treatment plan, using a barrier-focused product like this alongside it, not instead of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Roche-Posay Lipikar good for eczema?
Lipikar is formulated to support and repair the skin barrier in very dry, eczema-prone skin, which is why it's a longstanding recommendation for this skin condition. It supports barrier function but isn't a treatment for active eczema flares, which should be managed with your dermatologist's guidance.
Can babies use Lipikar?
Yes. Lipikar is licensed for use from birth, making it a suitable option for babies and children with dry or sensitive skin.
Should I use Lipikar Baume or Lipikar Syndet?
They serve different purposes. Syndet is the soap-free cleansing wash, and Baume is the leave-on balm applied afterwards. Most people managing dry, eczema-prone skin use both together.
Is La Roche-Posay considered a dermatologist-recommended brand?
Yes. It's a brand consultant dermatologists at the Institute of Dermatologists have recommended for years, including before it was part of our own product range, based on its ceramide and niacinamide-led formulas for barrier repair.
