I am not a big fan of La Roche Posay but the sunscreens are excellent and different from what you find in the EU market. Finding the best sunscreen for your skin type is a challenge. I am an advocate of high sunscreen protection. The less UVB and UVA our skin received the better, especially on the face. Two features that I love with La Roche Posay are they disclose the UVA protection and the UV filters combination is not the « standard » one.
The Anthelios KA+ is a new cream sunscreen. It is SPF50+ with amazing UVA protection of 36. I guess that KA stands for Kératose Actinique in French (or actinic keratosis in English). Actinic Keratosis is pre-cancerous lesions that put you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Do not forget to check my post on the Anthelios Ultra cream SPF50+ here.
The filters
Octyl salicylate (UVB), Titanium dioxide (UVB, UVAII), Tinosorb S (UVB, UVAII, UVAI), Avobenzone (UVAI), Uvinul T150 (UVB), Octocrylene (UVB), Mexoryl XL (UVB, UVAII, UVAI) and Mexoryl SX (UVAII, UVAI).
Similar to Anthelios Ultra cream SPF50+ this is an amazing combination of filters. The KA+ is a hybrid sunscreen because it uses organic and mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide) hence the white cast.
It has 6 filters for UVB and 5 filters for UVA! Mind-blowing.
The rest of the formula
An interesting feature is that it has glycerin at the third place. I like that because it is very hydrating. Most sunscreens lack humectants.
The first emollient is C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. It is a common emollient to solubilize the UV filters and it is not too greasy. The rest of the emollients are the UV filters mainly.
This sunscreen has two excellent actives niacinamide and panthenol both support the skin barrier. I don’t know their concentrations.
I love that there is no perfume, no plant extract and other potential skin irritants. Still, it has alcohol so be aware of it.
Notorious allergen
None unless you are allergic to octocrylene.
The texture and finish
This is a creamy texture that turns into a lotion. It is not thick nor too liquid and spreads pretty easily on the skin. Considering the protection and the number of filters I am impressed. There are two downsides of this formula it has a significant white cast and clings on facial hair. The finish is normal to slightly dewy and you can wear makeup on top. As for the Ultra cream SPF50+, it is not the best makeup base but it works. It wise to powder it.
My thoughts
I am very impressed by this formula and the level of safety. Considering the SPF and the UVA protection the texture and the finish are excellent. This sunscreen is excellent when you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. I love the fact that it is an excellent substitute for a moisturizer because of the glycerin. If the white cast put you off try the Ultra cream that is transparent. You need 5 pumps to cover the face.
Watch my video to know more.
Thank you for your time.
Cyrille
