La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

This post will be reviewing the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

If you have not heard about the most popular European sunscreen, then you have definitely been living under a rock. Like I mentioned in my last post, when it comes to formulating sunscreens with very high protection, Australian and European sunscreens are top tier. This is because the Australian government and the EU have approved certain filters that the FDA in the US has yet to. This gives these countries enough leeway to formulate various types of sunscreens without being restricted.

La Roche Posay is a popular French Pharmacy brand established in 1975. They’re currently under the parent company L’Oreal. They work with dermatologists to formulate highly effective products with the best active ingredients. One will argue that for a drugstore or pharmacy brand, their products are a bit pricey. But personally, I’m not complaining. I live in England and I can always get the cheapest deals from online French pharmacies. Plus so far, none of the La Roche Posay products I have used – especially their body care products – have disappointed me. So, their affordability is definitely relative.

If you have heard so much about the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ and you’re still contemplating giving it a try, then this post is for you.

First Impressions of the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

According to La Roche Posay,

Ultra-resistant formula specifically developed for sensitive skin.

A very high protection, broad-spectrum (PPD 46, SPF 50+) comfortable fluid formula that is ultra water, sweat, and sand resistant. This non-greasy cream does not leave white marks and does not migrate.

Very high, broad, photostable UVA/UVB/Infrared protection. Optimal SPF 50+ protection reinforced against UVA rays (PPD 46, stricter than the European recommendation) thanks to patented filtering system Mexoplex® combined with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

I think this is the first time I’ve seen a brand back up their sunscreen claims with enough details. Even before all the recent sunscreen controversy, La Roche Posay has been very transparent about its sunscreens. The only thing left now is for them to show us the results of their tests. Lol.

Sunscreen Features & Claims

• UV Filters: Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Avobenzone (all chemical filters)
• 4**** UVA & UVB protection
• Very high protection with SPF 50+ & PPD 46.
• Ultra-light fluid formula with Vitamin E and Glycerin.
• NOT Alcohol-free
• Fragrance-free depending on where you buy it.
• Non-sticky, non-greasy but dries down to a slightly dewy finish.
• Works for all skin types.

Texture & Consistency

One of the best things about this sunscreen is its ultra-light fluid consistency. Some might consider it too watery. Personally, it is the runniest sunscreen I have used so far so much that it is difficult to do the 2-3 figure rule with it. So, I just go in with a generous quantity on my palm.

Other than that, this is the perfect Summer sunscreen, It’s non-greasy, super lightweight, portable and most importantly, very easy to reapply without a mirror.

Availability & Price

Okay, so when it comes to the pricing of La Roche Posay sunscreens, I’m not a huge fan. Seeing that you can get the same quantity in a Japanese sunscreen for half the price. At 50ml, it retails for about £18/$25. When you think about it, it is quite expensive. This is why I saved this sunscreen for the Summer alone. Yes, I’ve had it since Winter and I didn’t use it till now. There’s really no point in wasting an expensive high protection sunscreen in any other season asides from the Summer.

Thankfully, it is usually on sale. So, if this is your holy grail sunscreen, make sure you always stock up when there is a sale.

Review of the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid

While this is not my staple sunscreen, I’ve been using it more frequently this Summer. This is because unfortunately, I don’t find it hydrating enough for my dry dehydrated skin. So far, I have tried the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence as well as the Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+. I mentioned earlier that I prefer my sunscreens to be hydrating and/or moisturizing. This is because I’m layering fewer products now that it is Summer and I want my sunscreen to be heavyweight. As such, I’m gravitating towards Japanese Essence sunscreens that are hydrating and moisturizing.

Performance

As I mentioned earlier in the post, this is the perfect Summer sunscreen. It provides very high protection, doesn’t sting the eyes, is non-greasy and non-sticky, is more or less fragrance-free. I mean, what else do you want? It ticks all the right boxes. Plus, I’ve not really heard anyone getting burned while using this sunscreen. It’s mostly just good vibes all along except for the very tiny size of the bottle.

While I try out new sunscreens, this will take its rightful place in my handbag where it will be used for reappliation when I’m outdorrs during the day. The great thing about fluid sunscreens is how fast and easy they are to apply and absorb even without a mirror. So, you no longer have any excuse not to reapply this Summer.

Did I also mention that it dries down completely which makes it perfect to wear under makeup? See? There’s such a thing as the perfect sunscreen.

In Conclusion,

I’ll be using a lot more of the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid this Summer. It has more or less become a Summer staple for me. If you have oily or combination skin and prefer something very lightweight, I suggest you check it out.