Mexoryl sunscreens for maximum protection

Mexoryl sunscreen

Even though I’m a fan of physical sunscreens, I’m now keen to try out the chemical sunscreens under Vichy Capital Soleil and La Roche-Posay Anthelios because these feature Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX which are said to be the most potent photostable anti-aging sun filters for UVA and UVB rays. 

Here is a summary of information I have uncovered regarding these two potent sunscreen chemicals:

Offers complete protection against both UVB and UVA rays
It should be noted that most sunscreens available right now offer only partial protection because they only protect against UVB rays.  But Mexoryl, which was developed by scientists at L’Oreal, is said to be virtually impervious to sun exposure because it is the only chemical that can block UVA rays which are responsible for our wrinkles, sun damage and certain skin cancers.  In fact, it has been reported that when both Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX molecules are combined, they provide complete protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

Provides optimum protection all day long
Mexoryl is photostable and this means you can wear it all day long without the need to reapply and yet receive long lasting, effective protection as it does not degrade in sunlight. 

Works well with mineral makeup formula
The two Mexoryl molecules are able to work synergistically with each other and with other sunscreen filters including avobenzone (Parsol 1789), titanium oxide and zinc oxide to provide full spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.  So unlike what I’ve discussed in my earlier entry regarding the incompatibility of non-micronized mineral makeup with an avobenzone containing chemical sunscreen, you should be able to wear Mexoryl chemical sunscreen with your mineral makeup, unless the formula comes with avobenzone as well.

Poses no health risks
Studies have shown that  less than 0.1% of a Mexoryl application is absorbed by the body and this minimal absorption means that it is very safe to use.   In addition, Mexoryl SX is water soluble, which means any that is absorbed is likely to be rinsed out quickly.  Moreover, Mexoryl formulated sunscreens have passed various safety tests and have been approved for usage in Europe for over a decade now.

Provides water resistance
Mexoryl XL is oil soluble and formulations containing Mexoryl XL are well suited for outdoor active usage on extended periods.  Mexoryl SX on the other hand is water soluble and is recommended for daily wear.

Choices of Mexoryl sunscreens
Besides Vichy Capital Soleil and La Roche-Posay Anthelios, I understand that other sunscreens with Mexoryl include Lancome Sunblock UV Expert 20 with Mexoryl, Loreal Revitalift UV with Mexoryl SX and Kiehl’s UV Protective Suncare Sunscreen Cream For Face & Body. 

I’ll probably like to try one or two of these for outdoor application first and see how they perform.  If I like them enough, I may then start to use them on a more frequent basis.  And hopefully, I’ll be able to post up some positive reviews too.

Update:
Please read my post Is Zinc Oxide The Best Sunscreen Ingredient? for a comparison between Zinc Oxide and Mexoryl.

Comments

  1. Alex says:

    Just wanted to add one more to the list! Ombrelle Face Cream SPF 60 also contains Mexoryl XL.

  2. Connie says:

    So if I used MMU with a Mexoryl sunscreen containing Avobenzone, the Avobenzone will be degraded? Or the Mexoryl stabilized it? Pls advice! Thanks! =)

    Connie: The problem with Avobenzone as I understand is only if you use with non-micronized MMU. Otherwise, the other MMU formulations do not cause problems.

Leave a Reply