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

Because we believe that sunscreen is the most important product in any routine here at Skincare.com, we’re always eager to put new SPF products to the test. We recently received complimentary samples of a handful of La Roche-Posay’s top-rated sunscreens to review and could hardly wait to get started. Below, we’re sharing our review of each sunscreen, including their benefits, how to use them and more. (Note: La Roche-Posay is owned by Skincare.com’s parent company L’Oréal.)

The Importance of Sunscreen

Before getting into the reviews, we think it’s important to share the importance of wearing sunscreen each and every day (yes, even if you’re spending time indoors). Continuous unprotected exposure to UV rays is one of the leading causes of certain skin cancers and premature skin aging, i.e., wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration. While there’s no sunscreen out there that can block all UV rays, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher daily and reapplying often is a must.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In-Milk Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 100 Review

Recommended for: All skin types, especially sensitive 

SPF Level: 100

Why We Love It: We were expecting this sunscreen to be thick and gunky and definitely leave a white cast on skin, but it sheers out nicely and is totally wearable under makeup. More importantly, it offers the brand’s highest level of protection for those whose skin burns easily. It’s oxybenzone-free and has been formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology, an exclusive combo of UVA and UVB filters to provide broad-spectrum protection and an antioxidant complex to protect against free radical damage. Read our full review of the La Roche-Posay Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 here. 

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

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Face Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid Review

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 60

Why We Love It: If you’re picky about SPF on your face because formulas tend to feel too greasy or heavy and melt off everything else that’s on your face, you’ll love how lightweight and smooth this one feels on skin. It absorbs quickly and dries matte. And because it’s fragrance- and oil-free, it can work for most skin types including sensitive and oily. As for protection, it’s been formulated with the same Cell-Ox Shield technology mentioned above.

How to Use: Apply generously onto skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. The formula is water-resistant for up to 80 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 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Review 

Recommended for: All skin types

SPF Level: 60

Why We Love It: In a recent report released by Consumer Reports, 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 Milk was among the top-rated formulas reviewed, earning an 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 the face and body 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes if swimming or sweating and again at least every two hours. If you towel dry, reapply immediately.

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 Cell-Ox Shield XL filtering system to provide broad-spectrum protection, as well as the antioxidant complex to 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. We highly recommend it.

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

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 there’s no excuse when this formula is an option. 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. 

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.

Read More: 

We Tried All of the Dermablend Foundations — Here Are Our Thoughts

Why Your Oily Skin Is Getting Even Oiler 

Dermatologist Shereene Idriss Talks Skin, Sunscreen and Instagram