Anthelios Sunscreens: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

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Anthelios sunscreens are a top seller at PhaMix and for good reason – they work! What you may not know, however, is that not all Anthelios sunscreens are created the same.

Anthelios sunscreens marketed in Canada and Europe contain highly effective UVA/UVB blockers Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL. Some of the newer formulations also contain Tinosorb S, a highly effective blocker of UVA and some UVB rays. When combined with titanium dioxide, avobenzone and octocrylene, you really do get the ultimate in sun protection. These new formulations are not available in the USA – so take care to read ingredient labels when purchasing Anthelios sunscreens manufactured for the US market.

While the FDA has approved Mexoryl SX for use in sunscreens, it has not yet approved Mexoryl XL and Tinosorb S so they are not found in Anthelios sunscreens marketed in the USA. What you will find instead are sunscreens that contain Cell-Ox Shield. Cell-Ox Shield is NOT the same as Mexoryl SX/XL or Tinosorb S. It is a combination of 5 older filtering agents including avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryene and oxybenzone. Some of these ingredients have been associated with allergic skin reactions, hormone disruption and may be photo unstable, causing them to break down upon exposure to sunlight.

If you are looking for Anthelios sunscreens that offer the latest technology in sun protection, shop for them at PhaMix.  View the full range here.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. sarita patil

    may i know the percentage of Tinosorb S used in the marketed formulations of sunscreens.
    awaiting for your positive and kind reply…

    Thanks and regards ,
    Sarita Patil

    1. Sharmani

      Hello Sarita, Thank you for asking about Tinosorb S. It is a stabilizing ingredient and chemical UVA filter included in some of the Anthelios products (such as Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme SPF 50+) which are formulated for the European market. Because it is formulated for sale in Europe, the manufacturer is not required to reveal percentages of ingredients. However, we do know that the safety requirements in Europe are among the strictest in the world, and for this reason we are not disturbed by the lack of disclosure. However, you could try contacting La Roche Posay directly or googling around skin care forums to see if anyone has been any more successful in getting them to reveal their percentages. Good luck! Sharmani

  2. JT

    Sunscreens in the US recommend that they bet be applied 15 mns before exposure. The Anthlios with Mexoryl XL suggest right before exposure. Could you confirm it would still work if applied just before heading out? Also does it work if it were to be applied 2 hours before exposure? Thank you.

    1. Sharmani

      Hello JT,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Chemical sunscreens, like Anthelios with Mexoryl, need some time to interact with the skin’s surface before reaching maximum effectiveness. These sun filters work by absorbing the UVA/UVB rays and releasing them as harmless heat. However, even if you’ve missed the 15-30 minute window, chemical sunscreens are still going to work to protect you from the moment you’ve applied them.

      Applying sunscreen 2 hours before sun exposure is fine. Although we would love a sunscreen that lasts all day, the truth is that UV rays eventually break down the stability and effectiveness of sun filters. Therefore, once exposed to the sun, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.

      Best,

      Sharmani

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