La Roche-Posay and CeraVe: Their Best Sunscreens

Sun protection should be an essential part of any skincare routine, and both La Roche-Posay and CeraVe offer products that are designed with this in mind. In this article, we will discuss and compare the features and benefits of La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range and CeraVe's SPF-rated moisturising lotion.

La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range of sun protection products is vast. The range includes a whole host of products, including sunscreen sticks, body lotions, kids' sunscreen sprays, tinted creams and more. The range is ideal for use on sensitive skin that suffers in the sun.

The CeraVe product that we are going to be discussing is the Facial Moisturising Lotion, a lightweight, SPF25 moisturiser intended for everyday use and suitable for normal to dry skin.

In this guide:

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios range

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios sun protection range is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Every product is at least SPF30 rated, with many being SPF50+. They offer broad, photostable protection from UVA, UVB and infrared rays to look after even the most sensitive skin. The handy sunscreen stick, for example, is ideal for use on over-exposed delicate areas of skin, such as the nose, ears and moles.

The Pigmentation SPF50+ treatment is an innovative tinted cream which evens the skin tone, provides a natural-looking tint to complexions which are prone to hyperpigmentation in the sun and protects from sun-induced melanin. The Anti-Shine SPF50+ gel-cream contains La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water to soothe the skin and the anti-sweat molecule Airlicium to absorb water. It has a dry-touch texture and is also water resistant

La Roche-Posay Anti-Shine SPF50+

The range also includes two Ultra Comfort Creams. The Ultra Comfort Cream SPF30 is a highly absorbed, untinted solution suited to all skin types, including men as it feels light on the skin and is transparent. The Ultra Comfort Tinted BB Cream SPF50+ is a lightly-tinted moisturiser with excellent consistency ideal for very dry and sensitive skin.

Each product has been tested in numerous clinical studies on individuals who experience sun intolerances, especially those that are caused by UVA rays. All Anthelios products have a high Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) factor, providing market-leading protection against UVA rays.

The formula of Anthelios features La-Roche Posay's Intellimer technology, which works to form an even layer of protection for the natural skin barrier. This gives users the benefit of fuller, more complete protection and a finish that isn't as greasy as some alternative sunscreens. All the Anthelios products are smooth, lightweight, non-sticky and water-resistant.

Anthelios products should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied generously every two hours during prolonged exposure. The products should also be reapplied after swimming, perspiring or towelling dry.

The CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion

CeraVe Moisturising Facial Lotion

CeraVe Moisturising Facial Lotion was developed with dermatologists as part of a wider daily skincare range. It has a lightweight, gel-cream texture and gentle consistency, meaning it spreads easily and dries with a clear finish. It is suitable for almost every skin type, including oily skin.

This lotion contains hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar that helps trap moisture in the skin, and a special formula of three essential ceramides for maintaining the protective skin barrier. For people with dry skin, this should provide instant hydration while also encouraging the skin to retain its natural moisture.

With MVE Delivery Technology, the CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion gives a controlled release of nourishing ingredients for 24-hour hydration. It is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't irritate sensitive skin or clog pores. The broad-spectrum SPF25 rating offers protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays, while the gentle formula hydrates the skin.

The lotion should be applied liberally to the face and neck in the mornings and works best when used in conjunction with a CeraVe cleanser.

Comparison

While both the Anthelios range and the CeraVe lotion offer protection against sun exposure, the Anthelios range offers much higher SPF ratings. Unlike the CeraVe moisturising SPF lotion, the Anthelios product range is enriched with both Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX to provide great protection against UVA, UVB and infrared rays.

Both are ideal for use on sensitive or dehydrated skin. The CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion is a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that is designed to lock in skin hydration and intended for everyday use as part of a regular skincare routine. The La-Roche Posay Anthelios range is hypoallergenic and should be applied before and during direct sun exposure to protect delicate skin.

The Anthelios product range is vast and contains something for every application, including products designed for children and those with extreme skin sensitivities. The standalone CeraVe moisturiser, however, is intended for use as a morning treatment which provides some protection against the harmful rays that may be encountered daily.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Roche-Posay natural?

The La Roche-Posay range uses pure thermal spring water that is more than 1,700 years old. The water is protected from any and all types of pollution once it has reached the surface, where it is then used for spa therapy.

Does La Roche-Posay clog pores?

All La Roche-Posay products are designed to be gentle on the skin, and this includes preventing the clogging of pores. The formula of all La Roche-Posay products is non-comedogenic and fully allergy-tested.

Is CeraVe good for acne?

CeraVe offers a variety of products that are ideal for acne-prone skin. Their product range is dermatologist-approved and will help promote clear skin without drying out or clogging pores.

Is CeraVe good for wrinkles?

CeraVe offers a selection of anti-ageing products that will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This includes a skin renewing night cream, Vitamin C serum and more.