La Roche Posay is a firm French Pharmacy favourite – well know for effective products at an affordable price, I am happy to say that their sun care follows the same philosophy.
The Anthelious XL molecule is their patented compound which filters UVA (go into the dermis, are not painful but cause significant damage) and UVB rays (stimulate the skin causing tanning and with extended exposure, long term damage) the difference here is that La Roche Posay have incorporated this technology into lighter textures then other sun care.
The formula is non comodenginic – which lots of sun protections formulas claim to be but with repeated use of gloopy formulas, pores can get blocked leading to spots. The Anthelious XL range has been developed for photo sensitive skins, which are the most fragile skin types. The clinical studies around this patented formula were carried out on people rather then in a test tube so on paper, this formula looks like a winner.
In addition, (perhaps because this is a French brand?), they have added thermal water to the formulations. Thermal water contains selenium which helps to protect the skin against free radicals.
Anthelious XL Ultra Light Fluid
Ultralight Fluid suitable for sun intolerant and sensitive skin and has an of SPF 50+ . It is a white fluid that does not leave a blue/white opaque cast on the skin (hurrah) and is suitable for the face as well as the body. It has a very light fragrance that goes after a few minutes and it does not leave the skin greasy as some sun care products do. The fifty millilitre size has square packaging with the dropper on one side which is ergonomically friendly. It needs to be reapplied every couple of hours so the size is great for your handbag and the dropper means that you can get the amount that you need as the liquid is very very fluid so it would be easy to use too much.
Anthelios XL Nutritvie Oil
Yes, an oil that give sun protection – seems like an oxymoron but it is true. The technology in it is the same as for the ultra light fluid It can be used on the face and the body but I have only tried it on the body. This is a mineral oil based product so I use my skin nourishing body products before applying this. Great for all over protection and brilliant for if you are driving. It has spf 50+ so the highest level of protection. The oil has a very light textrue – it is a dry oil but in a pump dispenser.