Is Anthelios XL Safe? Ingredient Analysis
La Roche-Posay
This page reviews Anthelios XL by La Roche-Posay as a sunscreen. Its current score is 30/100, suggesting that it has several flagged ingredients and may not suit cautious buyers.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Polyethylene.
30 / 100
Why score is 30
The composition includes titanium dioxide (nano) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, which are effective UV filters but raise concerns about synthetic additives and potential skin irritation.
Main concern
Contains titanium dioxide in nano form, which raises concerns about skin penetration and potential toxicity.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains titanium dioxide, a physical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection.
- Includes shea butter and cocoa seed butter, which can help moisturize and nourish the skin.
Concerns
- Contains titanium dioxide in nano form, which raises concerns about skin penetration and potential toxicity.
- Includes synthetic ingredients like isopropyl palmitate and polyethylene, which may cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Who should avoid this product?
You may want to be cautious with this product if you are:
- users trying to avoid silicones
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this sunscreen and why it matters.
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Is Ricinus Communis Oil safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Ricinus Communis Oil is used here as base. Ricinus communis oil is a natural oil used for its moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
Role in formula: base
Original: RICINUS COMMUNS OIL/CASTOR SEED OIL
-
Is Isopropyl Palmitate safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Isopropyl Palmitate is used here as emulsifier. Isopropyl palmitate is a synthetic ester that acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend ingredients but may cause irritation for some skin types.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
-
Is Polyethylene safe in this sunscreen?
Bad
Polyethylene is used here as polymer. Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer used for texture but raises concerns about environmental impact and potential skin irritation.
Role in formula: polymer
Original: POLYETHYLENE
-
Is Octocrylene safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Octocrylene is used here as uv_filter. Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter that stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Role in formula: UV_filter
Original: OCTOCRYLENE
-
Is Isodecane safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Isodecane is used here as solvent. Isodecane is a synthetic solvent that provides a lightweight feel but may not be suitable for all skin types.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: ISOHEXADECANE
-
Is Titanium Dioxide safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Titanium Dioxide is used here as uv_filter. Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter effective for sun protection but in nano form raises concerns about skin absorption.
Role in formula: UV_filter
Original: TITANIUM DIOXIDE [NANO]/TITANIUM DIOXIDE
-
Is Ozokerite safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Ozokerite is used here as thickener. Ozokerite is a natural wax used as a thickener, providing texture but may cause sensitivity in some users.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: OZOKERITE
-
Is Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane is used here as uv_filter. Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane is a chemical UV filter that absorbs UVA rays but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Role in formula: UV_filter
Original: BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
Read the full ingredient profile for Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
-
Is Drometrizole Trisiloxane safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Drometrizole Trisiloxane is used here as uv_filter. Drometrizole trisiloxane is a chemical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection but may cause irritation in some individuals.
Role in formula: UV_filter
Original: DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE
Read the full ingredient profile for Drometrizole Trisiloxane
-
Is Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter is used here as base. Theobroma cacao seed butter is a natural fat that moisturizes and nourishes the skin, enhancing the product's hydrating properties.
Role in formula: base
Original: THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTER/COCOA SEED BUTTER
Read the full ingredient profile for Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
-
Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is used here as base. Butyrospermum parkii butter is a natural butter known for its moisturizing and soothing properties, beneficial for dry skin.
Role in formula: base
Original: BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER/SHEA BUTTER
Read the full ingredient profile for Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
-
Is Aqua safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Aqua is used here as solvent. Aqua serves as a solvent, helping to dissolve other ingredients and hydrate the skin, contributing to the product's overall effectiveness.
Role in formula: solvent
Original: AQUA/WATER
-
Is Dimethicone safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Dimethicone is used here as conditioning_agent. Dimethicone is a silicone that provides a smooth application and helps to lock in moisture but may cause buildup on the skin.
Role in formula: conditioning_agent
Original: DIMETHICONE
-
Is Glycine Soja Oil safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Glycine Soja Oil is used here as base. Glycine soja oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids, providing nourishment and hydration to the skin without clogging pores.
Role in formula: base
Original: GLYCINE SOJA OIL/SOYBEAN OIL
-
Is Silica safe in this sunscreen?
Medium
Silica is used here as thickener. Silica is a mineral used as a thickener and absorbent, helping to improve texture but may cause dryness for some users.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: SILICA
-
Is Tocopherol safe in this sunscreen?
Good
Tocopherol is used here as antioxidant. Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress and improve overall skin health.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: TOCOPHEROL
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4273098
More from this brand: La Roche-Posay products in Zerotox
Similar products: sunscreen in Zerotox database
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