La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Summary
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 scores 30/100 -- often recommended by dermatologists, but the formula tells a different story. Four chemical UV filters stacked: Avobenzone 3% + Homosalate 10.7% + Octisalate 5% + Octocrylene 10%. The homosalate at 10.7% is significantly above the EU's 7.34% maximum (capped in 2022 due to endocrine-disruption concerns). The Cell Ox Shield XL antioxidant blend (vitamin E, neurosensine) is a genuine plus, and there's no oxybenzone or octinoxate. But the score has to reflect that the bulk of the SPF comes from chemical filters that penetrate skin (FDA confirmed all four are absorbed into bloodstream at detectable levels) -- this is not in the same clean-mineral category as the CeraVe Mineral Face above. Owned by L'Oréal.
At a glance
Key ingredients 10
AvobenzoneNeutral
Chemical UVA filter -- the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum chemical UVA blocker. Photo-unstable; requires stabilizers. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone/octinoxate.
See more about Avobenzone →Homosalate (10.7%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter present above the EU 7.34% maximum (capped in 2022 due to endocrine-disruption concerns). Detected in blood/breast milk per FDA absorption studies.
See more about Homosalate (10.7%) →OctisalateBad
Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.
See more about Octisalate →OctocryleneBad
Chemical UV filter. Degrades into benzophenone (a Prop 65 carcinogen) over time. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.
See more about Octocrylene →Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Good
Natural antioxidant. Helps stabilize avobenzone and protect skin from free radicals.
See more about Tocopherol (Vitamin E) →Cell Ox Shield XL Antioxidant ComplexGood
Proprietary antioxidant blend (vitamin E + neurosensine) -- documented benefit on top of UV protection.
See more about Cell Ox Shield XL Antioxidant Complex →GlycerinGood
Humectant that pulls water into the skin. Safe, well-tolerated, and effective at very low cost.
See more about Glycerin →Butyloctyl SalicylateBad
Synthetic SPF booster from the salicylate family. Solvent for chemical filters.
See more about Butyloctyl Salicylate →DimethiconeBad
Silicone polymer. Non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment.
See more about Dimethicone →PhenoxyethanolNeutral
Synthetic preservative restricted to 1% in the EU. Considered acceptable in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics; some sensitivity reports.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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