La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Mineral Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

Name: La Roche-Posay - Mineral Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
Brand: La Roche-Posay

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyLow·3 UV filters

See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection

SPF 50 · 3 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersWater-resistant

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Butyloctyl Salicylate

Titanium Dioxide

Zinc Oxide

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~1.3–1.6%

Titanium Dioxide Mineral UVBUVA2 Photo-stable Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin6%

Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant5%

~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Tocopherol

Works well

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.45%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · No ingredient credited for this claim

Works well

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Isododecane, Dimethicone + 11 more

Works

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, isododecane.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~6.6–8.1%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~6–7.4%

C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~4.7–5.7%

UndecaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skin~3.6–4.4%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.7–3.3%

Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~2.6–3.2%

Caprylyl methiconeEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin~1.6–2%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~0.95–1.15%

Dicaprylyl ether· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients~0.95–1.15%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.55–0.8%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.5–0.75%

Propylene carbonateEffect: LowIs used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture~0.3–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

13 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 13 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

UndecaneHelps create a non-greasy finish on the skinMedium~3.6–4.4%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.7–3.3%est.

Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~1.3–1.6%est.

Phenethyl benzoateUsed as a fragranceMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

TridecaneHelps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skinMedium~0.8–1.15%est.

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymerHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.95%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.65–0.95%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Peg-8 laurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Cassia alata leaf extractMight have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Titanium dioxide6%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Zinc oxide5%

UV filterKey active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Dimethicone~6–7.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Isododecane~6.6–8.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.7–5.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate

Undecane~3.6–4.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps create a non-greasy finish on the skin

More about Undecane

Triethylhexanoin~2.7–3.3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Isohexadecane~2.6–3.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane

Nylon-12~2.1–2.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Caprylyl methicone~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin

More about Caprylyl methicone

Butyloctyl salicylate~1.3–1.6%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate

Phenethyl benzoate~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance

More about Phenethyl benzoate

Styrene/acrylates copolymer~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters

More about Styrene/acrylates copolymer

Silica~1.2–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Tridecane~0.8–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps create a dry, non-greasy finish of the skin

More about Tridecane

Dicaprylyl carbonate~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Dicaprylyl ether~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients

More about Dicaprylyl ether

Talc~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Absorbs oil and moisture helping to create a dryer product finish

More about Talc

Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer

Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.65–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Phenoxyethanol~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Magnesium sulfate~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate

Propylene glycol~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Peg-8 laurate~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-8 laurate

Disteardimonium hectorite~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency

More about Disteardimonium hectorite

Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate

Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Propylene carbonate~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate

Cassia alata leaf extract~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cassia alata leaf extract

Maltodextrin~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Benzoic acid~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Peg-9~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Peg-9

Ingredient list view

Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Undecane, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Caprylyl methicone, Butyloctyl salicylate, Phenethyl benzoate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Silica, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Dicaprylyl ether, Talc, Dimethicone/peg-10/15 crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium sulfate, Propylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Peg-8 laurate, Disteardimonium hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Propylene carbonate, Cassia alata leaf extract, Maltodextrin, Benzoic acid, Peg-9

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/9 06:23 GMT

$39.97

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Walgreens501.7 fl oz

$41.99

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	La Roche-PosayMineral Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen for Face SPF 50YOUR PRODUCT	SkinCeuticalsSheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50	SKINSheer Mineral UV Defense	Heliocare360 Pediatric Mineral SPF 50+
Match	—	49%	45%	42%
Price	$41.99	$36.00−$5.99	$36.00−$5.99	$26.76−$15.23
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 6	5 of 6	5 of 6
Key difference	—	Artemia Extract	Artemia Extract	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "La Roche-Posay Anthelios - Mineral Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen for Face SPF 50" can offer reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

This sunscreen should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day. This product prevents early signs of aging by protecting against sun damage (all broad spectrum sunscreens do that).

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. The organic filters in the product are: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

This sunscreen contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.