La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Versus SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50
Updated on October 21, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both sunscreens. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Undecane
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientNylon-12
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Phenethyl Benzoate
Emollient
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive
Tridecane
Perfuming
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTalc
Abrasive
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Magnesium Sulfate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCassia Alata Leaf Extract
AstringentMaltodextrin
AbsorbentBenzoic Acid
Masking
PEG-9
HumectantTitanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 5%, Undecane, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Methicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Tridecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Talc, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-8 Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Benzoic Acid, PEG-9
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Dimethicone
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialTalc
Abrasive
Dicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil
Abrasive
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica Silylate
Emollient2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol
Skin ConditioningAlumina
Abrasive
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIron Oxides
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Talc, Dicaprylyl Ether, Triethylhexanoin, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Stearate, PEG-8 Laurate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica Silylate, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Iron Oxides, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Titanium dioxide is known for its UVA and UVB protection properties. It is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. Titanium Dioxide is a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens reflect light and prevent it from reaching your skin.
Protecting your skin against UV radiation can prevent the signs of aging. Sun damage is associated with fine-lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Titanium dioxide can help prevent premature aging.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light. Our skin is not able to absorb Titanium dioxide, even nanoparticles.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products to add or change color.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideTriethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
As a solvent, Triethylhexanoin helps dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
It is also an emollient and helps condition the skin.
Learn more about TriethylhexanoinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneWe don't have a description for Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer yet.
Dicaprylyl Ether is created from caprylic acid. It is a texture-enhancer and emollient.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Ether is non-comedogenic. It helps soften and smooth the skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, helping to hydrate the skin.
Dicaprylyl Ether gives a non-greasy feel and better spreadability to products.
Learn more about Dicaprylyl EtherTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcAluminum Stearate is the aluminum salt of the fatty acid, stearic acid. It is used to stabilize formulas, add thickness, and as a colorant.
Like other large lipophilic molecules, this ingredient has low dermal absorption.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly.
For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Aluminum StearateAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaPolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPEG-8 Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient Ratings
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When to use
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen 35 ingredients
SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 22 ingredients
