La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion Review

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion
0.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.
✅ Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

  

Key Benefits of La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

☀️☀️☀️ Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

❗️For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With an SPF of 50, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion delivers very high sun protection, perfect for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude settings, and beach vacations, and suitable for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion worth noting.
 
If you use La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen - Gentle Lotion as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
15
5
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
p-Anisic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
p-Anisic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %15
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Isohexadecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl EtherA fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateA synthetic emollient emulsifier that helps oil and water phases to mix.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethylhexanoinAn occlusive and emollient ester of glycerin and a fatty acid. It is easily spreadable and does not leave a sticky after-feel.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum HydroxideA white mineral powder, also known as alumina, that is derived from aluminum metal. It is frequently used as an abrasive in exfoliating products and as a thickener. Aluminum oxide is also a great opacifier.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Aluminum Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum StearateA water-resistant thickener and common ingredient in makeup to help coat the colors used.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

p-Anisic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
p-Anisic AcidA simple phenolic acid with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that is used as a preservative. It has a faint, sweet aroma and can be found in anise, fennel, and cocoa seeds.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidA derivative of salicylic acid, with bigger and more lipid-soluble molecules. This makes it more powerful and safer than salicylic acid. It is used as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cassia Alata Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of the candle bush that contains powerful antifungal phytochemicals called anthraquinones. It is aimed at problematic and acne-prone skin.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.