Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ Versus La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Matte Fluid Anti-Shine SPF 30
This chemical sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~98% of UVB at SPF 50.
This hybrid sunscreen covers the full UV range and blocks ~97% of UVB at SPF 30.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Triethanolamine
BufferingBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Triethanolamine, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Talc
Abrasive
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
UV Absorber
Nylon-12
Isododecane
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Perlite
Absorbent
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
AstringentDisodium EDTA
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDodecene
MaskingDrometrizole
UV AbsorberTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Methicone
Emollient
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Poloxamer 407
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Triethanolamine
BufferingZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Water, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Octocrylene, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Diisopropyl Sebacate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Nylon-12, Isododecane, Silica, Perlite, Propylene Glycol, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dodecene, Drometrizole, Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Maltodextrin, Methicone, PEG-8 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 407, Propylene Carbonate, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Zinc Gluconate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is better known as bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S and is one of the best broad-spectrum UV filters in modern sunscreen.
It works by absorbing UV light across a whole range (280-400 nm) with peaks around 310 nm (UVB) and 340-345 nm (UVA). This means it covers UVB plus the deeper UVA wavelengths that drive photoaging and pigmentation.
Another pro?
It's exceptionally photostable, barely degrades in sunlight, and acts as a "bodyguard" for less stable filters.
That's why you'll see it paired with avobenzone or octinoxate; this team up ensures they keep working through sun exposure.
Safety reviews have been reassuring across the board. This ingredient shows low absorption through the skin, rarely irritates, and lab studies found it doesn't act like a hormone in the body (a concern that's been raised about some older sunscreen filters).
On maximum concentrations:
In 2026, the US F.D.A finally added it as an OTC sunscreen ingredient at concentrations up to 6% for adults / children 6 months and older
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneIsononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoatePhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
