La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel Cream
Works for
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 7 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · ZINC GLUCONATEWorks 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).
Anti-agingSide benefit · Zinc pca, TocopherolWorks 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.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Diisopropyl sebacate, Diisopropyl adipate + 6 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, zinc pca.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone 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 sebacateSilica~4.4–5.4%
Alcohol denat.~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Ethylhexyl salicylate~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateEthylhexyl triazone~2.5–3.1%
- 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 triazoneBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~2.2–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).
More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineDiisopropyl adipate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Diisopropyl adipatePeg-8~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Dipropylene glycol~0.9–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolC12-22 alkyl acrylate/hydroxyethylacrylate copolymer~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~0.6–0.9%
- 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 GlycerinDrometrizole trisiloxane~0.75–1.1%
- 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 trisiloxaneAluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product's consistency
More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~0.6–0.9%
- 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 methoxydibenzoylmethaneMethoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.45–0.65%
- 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 TocopherolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateAcrylates copolymer~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency
More about Acrylates copolymerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerBixa orellana seed extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.45%
Maltodextrin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamatePentylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSilica silylate~0.25–0.45%
Sodium polyacrylate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateTerephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~0.3–0.5%
- 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 acidTriethanolamine~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateZinc pca~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
More about Zinc pcaParfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Diisopropyl sebacate, Silica, Alcohol denat., Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Diisopropyl adipate, Peg-8, Dipropylene glycol, C12-22 alkyl acrylate/hydroxyethylacrylate copolymer, Glycerin, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, Tocopherol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Acrylates copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Bixa orellana seed extract, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Maltodextrin, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Pentylene glycol, Silica silylate, Sodium polyacrylate, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Triethanolamine, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Zinc pca, Parfum
Compare prices
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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 XL SPF50+ Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel CreamYOUR PRODUCT | VichyCapital Soleil UV-Clear Mattifying Sun Protection SPF50+ with Salicylic Acid for Blemish-Prone Skin | LieracSun Protective Fluid Spf50 Face And Decollete Sunissime Lierac | L'Oréal ParisRevitalift Clinical SPF50+ Invisible Fluid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 40% | 40% | 38% |
| Price | — | $18.06 | $19.07 | $26.82 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 7 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 | Ascorbyl Glucoside |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+
Product summary
We believe that "La Roche-Posay - Anthelios XL SPF50+ Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel Cream" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. 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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: tinosorb s 2.20% - 2.60%, avobenzone 0.60% - 0.90%, uvinul a plus 0.55% - 0.85%, mexoryl xl 0.75% - 1.10%, octisalate 3.20% - 3.90%, uvinul t 2.50% - 3.10% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 0.30% - 0.50%.
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 11.45£ up to 25.88£ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 4
- 5
- 6
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