I'm interested in finding my HG La Roche-Posay sunscreen for my face (I've only ever used the European formulations). This post is going to be a lil extensive, so bear with me
I've narrowed my search down to seven LRP sunscreens. I've tried two out of the seven, which are:
1. Anthelios XL Tinted Ultra Light Fluid (SPF50+, PPD 34) [http://www.laroche-p...GHT-p20783.aspx]
Filters: Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Avobenzone, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL, Uvinul T 150, Mexoryl SX
Review: Very cosmetically elegant, gorgeous tint that eliminates the white cast, but it makes me look terribly greasy. Ruled out.
2. Anthelios XL Dry Touch Gel-Cream Anti Shine (SPF50+, PPD 31) [http://www.laroche-p...INE-p20784.aspx]
Filters: Homosalate, Octisalate, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Mexoryl SX, Titanium Dioxide
Review: Goes on matte, but difficult to spread and leaves an insane white cast on my face. Ruled out.
The other four I now intend to try are:
3. Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid (SPF50+, PPD 42) [http://www.laroche-p...GHT-p20781.aspx]
Filters: Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Mexoryl XL, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, and Mexoryl SX
- This one is an all-chemical sunscreen, unlike the tinted version of the fluid which contains Titanium Dioxide. I am however curious as to why people keep saying this one leaves a white cast. Is it because there's corn starch in the ingredients list, or is there a particular chemical filter that leaves a white cast? What is corn starch doing in a sunscreen?
4. Anthelios XL Tinted Dry Touch Gel-Cream Anti Shine (SPF50+, PPD 22) [http://www.laroche-p...INE-p20786.aspx]
Filters: Homosalate, Octisalate, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Tinosorb M, Mexoryl SX
- 10 filters, holy cow. This appears to be the only Anthelios sunscreen that contains Tinosorb M. I'm curious as to why the PPD level is significantly lower than the rest when this sunscreen contains more filters. The untinted Dry Touch didn't work for me because of the white cast, but I loved the mattifying effect it had, so I think I'll like this one.
5. Anthelios XL Smooth Lotion (SPF50+, PPD 34) [http://www.laroche-p...ion-p20770.aspx]
Filters: Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX
- I've sampled this in stores and it has a very Biore Watery Essence-like texture, it sinks into my skin and goes on invisible without any white cast but I have no idea how it'll fare on my face and if it'll keep me matte. Can't see silica or perlite in the ingredients list so I doubt this will stay matte on my face.
6. Anthelios Aquagel (SPF30, PPD 17) [http://www.laroche-p...-30-p12115.aspx]
Filters: Mexoryl XL, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Uvinul T 150, Ensulizole, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl SX
- This is a niche product that only appears to be available in the Nordic market. The SPF and PPD ratings are quite unsatisfactory compared to rest of the Anthelios range, but it appears to be highly cosmetically elegant and silica and perlite are high up on the ingredients list, so I'm pretty sure it'll also have a mattifying effect. Can't wait to try this one.
7. Anthelios Invisible Face Mist (SPF50, PPD 30) [http://www.laroche-p...GHT-p20787.aspx]
Filters: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Mexoryl XL, Uvinul T 150
- I don't intend to use this mist/spray as my main protection, but rather as a means to re-apply my sunscreen every two hours.
I'm particularly interested in trying number 6 because the Aquagel appears to be the closest thing La Roche-Posay has to Biore's Watery Essence, but I'm not happy about the relatively low PPD rating. If I were to use 6, I'd probably use it in tandem with 7 and spray a layer of the face mist afterwards in order to boost my protection against UVA rays, although I'm not sure if that'd work... anyone wants to chime in?