La Roche-Posay Anthelios Pocket Sun Cream SPF50+
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 6 UV filtersBroad spectrum
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.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Tocopherol, Zinc gluconateWorks 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · Zinc gluconateWorks well
“Perfect for sensitive skin prone to sun intolerance and sun allergies, the ultra-light, non-greasy fluid delivers a veil of invisible protection; it shields skin from harmful UV rays known to cause sun-induced pigment spots and premature ageing.”
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).
MoisturizingSide benefit · Diisopropyl sebacate, Glycerin + 10 moreWorks
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, isododecane.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Alcohol denat.Medium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Diisopropyl sebacate~6.4–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateAlcohol denat.~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Glycerin~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinDimethicone~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeIsohexadecane~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 IsohexadecaneButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneOctocrylene~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneSilica~1.5–1.8%
Drometrizole trisiloxane~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet
More about Drometrizole trisiloxaneIsononyl isononanoate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateZea mays starch~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Zea mays starchC12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 benzoateStyrene/acrylates copolymer~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerEthylhexyl triazone~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazonePeg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearateBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Unfortunately, not approved by FDA (US) yet.
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineIsododecane~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecanePhenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIsopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinateTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Ecamsule, Mexoryl SX. A UV filter. Is effective mostly against the UVA rays. It is legally marketed in the US with the FDA approval since 2006, even though the ingredient is not on the official FDA list of the approved sunscreen active ingredients. It is photostable
More about Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidSilica silylate~0.3–0.55%
Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together. It might be irritating for some people
More about Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methiconePeg-8 laurate~0.3–0.5%
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTriethanolamine~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineDisteardimonium hectorite~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that is used to thicken the product consistency
More about Disteardimonium hectoriteTocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolDisodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Dodecene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Propylene carbonate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture
More about Propylene carbonatePoloxamer 407~0.2–0.35%
Zinc gluconate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
More about Zinc gluconatePerlite~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of volcanic glass. Absorbs moisture and can temporarily mattify the skin
More about PerliteIngredient list view
Water, Diisopropyl sebacate, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Silica, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Isononyl isononanoate, Zea mays starch, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Ethylhexyl triazone, Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Silica silylate, Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone, Peg-8 laurate, Caprylyl glycol, Triethanolamine, Disteardimonium hectorite, Tocopherol, Disodium edta, Dodecene, Propylene carbonate, Poloxamer 407, Zinc gluconate, Perlite
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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.
| La Roche-PosayAnthelios Pocket Sun Cream SPF50+YOUR PRODUCT | GarnierAmbre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream Lotion SPF50+ | LieracSun Protective Fluid Spf50 Face And Decollete Sunissime Lierac | CeraVeInvisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 42% | 41% | 41% |
| Price | — | $6.69 | $19.07 | $18.73 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 10 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Uvinul A Plus | Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: RoC Skincare Soleil-Protect High Tolerance Comfort Fluid SPF50+Vichy Capital Soleil Fresh Protective Milk SPF50+
Product summary
We assess that "La Roche-Posay - Anthelios Pocket Sun Cream SPF50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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 is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 0.60% - 0.85%, avobenzone 2.20% - 2.70%, mexoryl xl 1.50% - 1.80%, uvinul t 0.60% - 0.95%, octocrylene 2.00% - 2.50% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 0.50% - 0.75%.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. 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.
Price
The product retails from 7.50£ up to 10.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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