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La Roche-Posay HYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER
La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay HYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER

SPF 20Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium·4 UV filters
See all ingredients 100% recommend: 1 review In 1 routines
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 20 · 4 UV filters · Broad spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 20Broad spectrumChemical filtersNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

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
Octocrylene
Mexoryl Xl
Avobenzone
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable 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~3.3–4.1%
Mexoryl XlDrometrizole TrisiloxaneUVBUVA2 Photo-stable Mexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yet~1.2–1.4%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. 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.~2.2–2.6%
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic AcidUVA1 Photo-stable 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~1.6–2%
~ 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.
Moisturizing
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Hydrolyzed linseed extract + 10 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“HYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER”
From product name

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.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester

Hydrolyzed linseed extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
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~6.1–7.5%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.2–3.9%
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterHeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.6–1.9%
Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriolKey activeEffect: HighA sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritating~0.95–1.15%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.3–0.55%
Diisopropyl sebacateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~2.1–2.5%
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~4.5–5.5%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.35–0.65%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.55–0.85%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Serine + 1 more
Moderate evidence

This product contains acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, serine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).

Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.4%
SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.3–0.55%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.6–1.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriolA sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritatingHigh~0.95–1.15%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
OctocryleneA 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" sunscreenMedium~3.3–4.1%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. 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.Medium~2.2–2.6%est.
Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acidEcamsule, 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 photostableMedium~1.6–2%est.
Drometrizole trisiloxaneMexoryl XL. A UV filter. Effective in the UVB and UVA range. It is stable. Unfortunately, not approved in the US yetMedium~1.2–1.4%est.
Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.6–1.9%est.
Propylene glycol stearate—2/5~0.45–0.7%est.
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Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
CheaperHigher efficacy · 95/10054% match
$19.49
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User reviews

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dimethicone~6.1–7.5%
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
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.5–5.5%
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
Glycerin~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
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

More about Glycerin
Octocrylene~3.3–4.1%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 Octocrylene
Diisopropyl sebacate~2.1–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Diisopropyl sebacate
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2.2–2.6%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 methoxydibenzoylmethane
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.6–1.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid~1.6–2%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 acid
Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol~0.95–1.15%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar-derived compound that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to stimulate synthesis of skin's own moisturizing factors, but solid research is lacking. It could be irritating

More about Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol
Drometrizole trisiloxane~1.2–1.4%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

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 trisiloxane
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate
Triethanolamine~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Propylene glycol stearate~0.45–0.7%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing
More about Propylene glycol stearate
Stearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Stearic acid~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Dimethiconol arginine~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Dimethiconol arginine
Pca
Not recognized
Serine~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Palmitic acid~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Hydrolyzed linseed extract~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed linseed extract
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.2–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Acrylates copolymer~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
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 copolymer
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Parfum~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Diisopropyl sebacate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, Drometrizole trisiloxane, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Triethanolamine, Propylene glycol stearate, Stearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Dimethiconol arginine, Unknown, Serine, Palmitic acid, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Disodium edta, Hydrolyzed linseed extract, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Xanthan gum, Acrylates copolymer, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Parfum

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La Roche Posay Canada
≈ $29.94
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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-PosayHYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZERYOUR PRODUCTNo7Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
Match—54%
Price$30.01$19.49−$10.52
Shared key ingredients—6 of 11
Key difference—Ascorbyl Glucoside
Irritancy Medium Medium
SPFSPF 20SPF 30
Drying alcohol— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

"La Roche-Posay - HYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER" "is a broad spectrum sunscreen meaning that it protects both from UVB rays (" burning "- they cause sunburn) and UVA rays (" aging "- they don't cause sunburn but lead to premature aging and pigmentation issues). However, this moisturizer does not offer enough sun protection. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.

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. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: avobenzone 2.20% - 2.60%, mexoryl xl 1.20% - 1.40%, octocrylene 3.30% - 4.10% and terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid 1.60% - 2.00%.

Irritation risk

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

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
  • As for the white cast, it did not leave a noticeable white residue for the reviewer.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
  • As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, the reviewer reported that it does not sting eyes.
Our users describe the finish of this sunscreen as dewy and In terms of the smell, our users report that light fragrance.

Price

The product retails for 42.00CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    A Compensating Skin Care Complex Containing Pro-xylane in Menopausal Women: Results from a Multicentre, Evaluator-blinded, Randomized Studyingentaconnect.com
  5. 5
    Synthesis of Pro-XylaneTM: A new biologically active C-glycoside in aqueous mediasciencedirect.com
  6. 6
    First case of contact dermatitis caused by hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol used in an anti-ageing creamsemanticscholar.org
La Roche-Posay HYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER
La Roche-PosayHYDRAPHASE INTENSE UV SPF 20 MOISTURIZER
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