La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 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 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 1.2 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈9.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

 

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 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 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 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ 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: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With an SPF of 50, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 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 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
❗️ 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
60
9
6
5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Isododecane
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Triethylhexanoin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Talc
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.1
9.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.1 20
5.6
9.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 11.1 20
5.6
All occlusives
11.1
9.0
1.5
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
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %9
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %6
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %5
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.
Isododecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsododecaneAn emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %2.5
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.
Undecane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Undecane
Triethylhexanoin
Est. %1.5
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.
Isohexadecane
Est. %1.3
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.
Nylon-12
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Phenethyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl Benzoate
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
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.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
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.
Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %0.3
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.
Talc
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TalcA mineral powder used as a base material for powders, make-up, and pastes that absorbs sweat and oils very well. It is also often used in baby powders. Talc should never be applied to skin with a damaged lipid barrier (e.g. wounds and burns).
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 CrosspolymerA self-emulsifying surfactant, which means that it can help facilitate the formation of water-in-silicone emulsions. This results in lightweight formulas with a soft finish. It can also act as a film-former and thickener.
Aluminum Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum StearateA water-resistant thickener and common ingredient in makeup to help coat the colors used.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
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.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
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.
PEG-8 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Laurate
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.
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.
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
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.

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.
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.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
PEG-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9