PRODUCT REVIEW

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Xl Ultra Cream SPF50+

Works for:

based on ingredients and %

Sun protection
Anti-aging
Evens skin tone
Anti-oxidation
Moisturizing

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%Glycerin 3.8% - 4.7%

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Cheaper alternatives

Garnier - Ambre Solaire Sensitive Sun Cream SPF50+

Price: $4.75

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Bioderma - Photoderm Max Cream SPF50+

Price: $13.07

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Product summary

We assess that "La Roche-Posay - Anthelios Xl Ultra Cream SPF50+" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. 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).

Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.

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 3.40% - 4.10%, avobenzone 1.00% - 1.30%, mexoryl xl 1.40% - 1.70%, octisalate 2.20% - 2.60%, uvinul t 2.00% - 2.50% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 0.25% - 0.50%.

Irritation risk

This sunscreen contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this product 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.

What can the product work for?

Sun protection

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.

terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 0.25% - 0.5%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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

butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 1% - 1.3%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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.

bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine 3.4% - 4.1%

Irritation risk:

UVA I protection: UVA II protection: UVB protection: Photo stable: Ingredient type Organic

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.

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Protect and nourish your skin with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Hydrating Cream SPF 50+ , a lightweight but effective facial sunscreen for dry and sensitive skin.

Source: Lookfantastic

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.

tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Insufficient!

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

Evens skin tone

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

What does the product description say?

Anthelios Xl Ultra Cream SPF50+

Source: From product name

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, caprylyl glycol.

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).

glycerin 3.8% - 4.7%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

diisopropyl sebacate 6.4% - 7.8%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish

isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate 0.25% - 0.5%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

Anti-oxidation

This product contains antioxidants (scutellaria baicalensis extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

scutellaria baicalensis extract 0.2% - 0.35%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: MEDIUM

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare typically too low. Can be used for its fragrant properties

scutellaria baicalensis root extract 0.15% - 0.3%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Effectiveness: LOW

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Concentration: Insufficient!

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

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Can it cause trouble?

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Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

tocopherol 0.25% - 0.45%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Anti-oxidation, Moisturizing, Anti-aging, Anti-inflammatory

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

glycerin 3.8% - 4.7%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

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Potential irritants

alcohol denat. 2.4% - 2.9%

Irritation risk:

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

scutellaria baicalensis extract 0.2% - 0.35%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Anti-oxidation

Comodogenic ingredients

We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product

All ingredients

water 45% - 55%

Irritation risk:

Plain old water

diisopropyl sebacate 6.4% - 7.8%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish

glycerin 3.8% - 4.7%

Irritation risk:

Works for: Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

Ingredient list view

Water, Diisopropyl sebacate, Glycerin, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Alcohol denat., Propanediol, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexyl triazone, C12-22 alkyl acrylate/hydroxyethylacrylate copolymer, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Silica, Tocopherol, Isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, Acrylates copolymer, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Scutellaria baicalensis extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, T-butyl alcohol, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Triethanolamine, Xanthan gum, Unknown

	La Roche-Posay - Anthelios Xl Ultra Cream SPF50+	Garnier - Ambre Solaire Sensitive Sun Cream SPF50+	Bioderma - Photoderm Max Cream SPF50+	Childs Farm - SPF 50+ Sun Cream	Comfort Zone - Water Soul Eco Sun Cream SPF50	Eucerin - Sensitive Protect Face Sun Cream SPF50+	SkinCeuticals - Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50	Polaar - Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ Without Perfume	HYGGEE - Real Sun Cream	Vichy - Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+ Invisible Sun Cream with Niacinamide	Ambre Solaire - Kids Sensitive Sand Resistant Sun Cream SPF50+
Price
WIMJ similarity score		36%	35%	34%	34%	34%	33%	33%	33%	32%	32%
SPF	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50	SPF 50
Key ingredients	bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +6 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +4 more Other: homosalate octocrylene +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine ethylhexyl triazone +1 more Other: caprylic/capric triglyceride diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +9 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane glycerin +1 more Other: panthenol diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate +3 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine ethylhexyl triazone +1 more Other: arginine diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +1 more Other: dimethicone glycyrrhetinic acid +2 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +4 more Other: homosalate methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol +4 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane ethylhexyl triazone +2 more Other: panthenol cocos nucifera fruit extract +2 more	Common: ethylhexyl triazone glycerin +2 more Other: niacinamide adenosine +6 more	Common: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane drometrizole trisiloxane +5 more Other: niacinamide caprylic/capric triglyceride +1 more	Common: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane +4 more Other: diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate homosalate +3 more
Irritancy	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY LOW	IRRITANCY MEDIUM	IRRITANCY LOW
Potential Irritants	scutellaria baicalensis root extract Has skin benefit? scutellaria baicalensis extract Has skin benefit? +14 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? +16 more	caprylic/capric triglyceride Has skin benefit? sodium lauroyl glutamate Has skin benefit? +9 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? disodium edta Has skin benefit? +11 more	coco-glucoside Has skin benefit? propylene glycol Has skin benefit? +13 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? ethylhexylglycerin Has skin benefit? +8 more	t-butyl alcohol Has skin benefit? myristic acid Has skin benefit? +16 more	citric acid Has skin benefit? tocopheryl acetate Has skin benefit? +11 more	melia azadirachta leaf extract Has skin benefit? eclipta prostrata extract Has skin benefit? +18 more	parfum Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +11 more	alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? potassium sorbate Has skin benefit? +16 more
All ingredients	water Has skin benefit? diisopropyl sebacate Has skin benefit? +25 more	water Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +28 more	water Has skin benefit? diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate Has skin benefit? +34 more	water Has skin benefit? octocrylene Has skin benefit? +23 more	water Has skin benefit? coco-caprylate Has skin benefit? +36 more	water Has skin benefit? homosalate Has skin benefit? +21 more	water Has skin benefit? silica Has skin benefit? +38 more	water Has skin benefit? isohexadecane Has skin benefit? +32 more	water Has skin benefit? dibutyl adipate Has skin benefit? +38 more	water Has skin benefit? alcohol denat. Has skin benefit? +25 more	water Has skin benefit? glycerin Has skin benefit? +30 more

PRODUCT REVIEW

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Xl Ultra Cream SPF50+

Works for:

Can it cause trouble?

Key actives

Cheaper alternatives

Product summary

Sunscreen filters

Irritation risk

What can the product work for?

Works for

Sun protection

Anti-aging

What does the product description say?

Evens skin tone

Moisturizing

What does the product description say?

Anti-oxidation

Honesty check

How honest is this product?

Buy now

Can it cause trouble?

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

User reviews (0)

Similar products & dupes

Ingredients & concentrations

All ingredients

Key Actives

Potential irritants

Comodogenic ingredients

All ingredients

Ingredient list view

Sources