La Roche Posay is in the process of introducing 3 new Anthelios products in the US – Anthelios 60 Ultra-light Sunscreen Fluid, Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Lotion and Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk. While at first glance these seem like exciting additions to the sunscreen market, you’ll be interested to learn that these new sunscreens aren’t all that they appear to be.
Anthelios 60 Ultralight Sunscreen Fluid Does Not Contain Mexoryl
This new product is recommended for all skin types and contains ‘Cell-Ox Shield’ – what La Roche Posay describes as a combination of high efficacy sun filters and antioxidants to protect skin at the cellular level. Exactly what is Cell-Ox shield? La Roche Posay’s website doesn’t give any further explanation, but they do list the key ingredients contained in this new product, a combination of 5 different sunscreens.
• Avobenzone 3% (sunscreen)
• Homosalate 15% (suncreen)
• Octisalate 5% (sunscreen)
• Octocrylene 5% (sunscreen)
• Oxybenzone 6% (sunscreen)
What’s more interesting than what Anthelios 60 Ultralight Sunscreen Fluid contains, is what it doesn’t contain. Missing from this ingredient list are their patented sun filtering agents Mexoryl SX or Mexoryl XL, which are synonymous with the Anthelios brand. If you know much about the Mexoryl molecules then you know that they are amongst the most effective at blocking UVA rays. In addition, they are photostable and studies have shown that they do not generate free radicals.
Why No Mexoryl?
While avobenzone and octocrylene are found in Anthelios sunscreens, oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3), octisalate and homosalate are not. Oxybenzone in particular, has been linked to hormone disruption, allergies and cell damage. And, the Environmental Working Group gives it a definite thumbs down for the previous reasons, including the fact that it generates free radicals.
This new Anthelios product bears no resemblance to any Anthelios sunscreen, yet it is marketed as one. If you didn’t know better, you’d think you were paying for Mexoryl. Whether or not the intent is to confuse consumers, the introduction of these products most certainly will.
If You Still Want Anthelios…
La Roche Posay does manufacture Anthelios XL SPF 60 sunscreens with its patented and highly effective Mexoryl sun filtering system. Read labels carefully as things aren’t always what they seem. Visit our online store at PhaMix.com for a full range of Mexoryl sunscreens. Alternatively, choose an effective all natural broad spectrum physical blocking sunscreen like Keys Solar Rx.
