We Review La Roche-Posay's Top-Rated Sunscreens

The Importance of Sunscreen

Before getting into our La Roche-Posay sunscreen reviews, we think it’s important to share the importance of wearing sunscreen…each and every day! Did you know that continuous  unprotected exposure to UV rays is one of the leading causes of sunburn, certain skin cancers and premature skin aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration? Your best bet at protecting your skin against these negative side effects is—yup, you guessed it!—broad spectrum sunscreen. While there’s no sunscreen out there that can block all UV rays, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher daily—even when it’s cloudy!—and reapplying often is a must for everyone hoping to look younger for longer and keep their skin protected. Got it? (Psst—Need a little refresher on why you need to wear SPF year-round? Read this.)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Body Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid Review

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 45

Why We Love It: You may not forget to apply SPF onto your face before heading out the door, but are you applying it onto exposed areas of skin on your body as well? We sure hope so! This SPF formula for body—with Cell-OX Shield technology—boasts a combination of UVA and UVB filters to provide broad-spectrum protection, as well as a powerful antioxidant complex to help neutralize free radicals caused by harmful UV rays. When using this La Roche-Posay sunscreen I found that the uber-lightweight formula immediately soaked into my skin upon application and soon felt like I wasn’t wearing anything at all—a real plus for those of us who hate the sticky feeling often associated with wearing sunscreen! What’s more, it dried matte, meaning none of that notorious greasy sunscreen residue was left behind. Bonus points that it’s non-comedogenic (because breakouts are never cool). 

How to Use: Shake well. Apply generously onto skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. The formula is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, at which point you should reapply if you’re swimming or sweating. If not, reapply no later than two hours after your previous coating. If you towel dry, reapply immediately.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Body Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, $36.99

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Face Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid Review

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 45

Why We Love It: Similar to Anthelios 45 Body, Anthelios 45 Face has been formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology, an exclusive combo of UVA and UVB filters to provide broad-spectrum protection, and that very same antioxidant complex to help protect against free radical damage. A little background: I’m very picky about SPF on my face. When formulas feel too greasy or heavy, it seems to melt off everything else that’s on my face, whether it be makeup or moisturizer. Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive when trying this La Roche-Posay SPF. However, I’m happy to report that this formula was neither heavy nor greasy. Dare I say it actually felt nice on my skin! It absorbed quickly and dried matte, leaving me with a clear—and protected!—canvas to go about my day. And since it’s fragrance- and oil-free, it can work for most skin types including sensitive and oily.

How to Use: Shake well. Apply generously onto skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. The formula is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, at which point you should reapply if you’re swimming or sweating. If not, reapply no later than two hours after your previous coating. If you towel dry, reapply immediately. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Face Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, $29.99

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Review 

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 60

Why We Love It: As we stated above, in a recent report released by another consumer review magazine, a number of sunscreens were evaluated based on how well they actually protect against harmful UV rays. The report shared that nearly half of the formulas tested offered nothing more than just basic hydration. (Scary, huh?) That is with one big stand out:  La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 60 Body Milk was among the top-rated formulas reviewed, earning a very, very impressive perfect score—for the second year in a row! It’s formulated with the multi-patented Cell-Ox Shield XL filtering system which provides an optimized combo of UVA/UVB filters for broad-spectrum protection. As if you needed more reasons to give it a try, the formula feels incredibly smooth and light on the skin. No wonder it has received such high praise!

How to Use: Apply generously onto face and body skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes if swimming or sweating, and at least every two hours. If you towel dry, reapply immediately.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, $35.99

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen Review

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 30

Why We Love It: This formula features the same Cell-Ox Shield XL filtering system as the prior ones to provide broad-spectrum protection, as well as the antioxidant complex to help protect skin from free radicals. What makes it unique is that it transforms into a water-like lotion upon skin contact. The refreshing texture provides an immediate cooling effect on the skin. If you’re looking for a weightless sunscreen, look no further. I highly recommend it.

How to Use: Apply generously onto face and body skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes if swimming or sweating, and at least every two hours. If you towel dry, reapply immediately.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen, $35.99

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry-Touch Sunscreen Review 

Recommended for: Oily skin

SPF Level: 60

Why We Love It: A common excuse heard around our offices for avoiding sunscreen is the fear of a breakout ensuing, but it’s not a very practical one. Sunscreen is a must for everyone to help protect against certain skin cancers and premature skin aging. At the same time, daily breakouts are a real pain. If this is your predicament, don’t fret. This sunscreen won’t cause breakouts or weigh down acne-prone skin. The non-comedogenic, oil-free formula includes a unique oil-absorbing complex, with perlite and silica providing anti-shine properties to help absorb excess oil and keep skin matte—even in the heat and humidity. What’s your excuse now?

How to Use: To use, apply a generous amount onto your face 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply 80 minutes after swimming and/or sweating, or at least every two hours. If you towel dry, reapply immediately.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry-Touch Sunscreen, $19.99