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La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 review

Isn’t La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50+ for kids? Why are you using it, Gio?

Why not? Sunscreen is sunscreen. If it’s good enough for kids, it’s good enough for adults. Plus, I was curious to see if sunscreen for kids is really gentler.

Turns out, not that much. Here’s what I mean:

What’s In La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50?

UV FILTERS TO PROTECT SKIN FROM THE SUN

You’d think that a sunscreen for kids used only mineral filters like zinc oxide. Wrong. La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 went down the synthetic route. Here’s what UV filters it’s using:

  • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: A.k.a. Avobenzone, an UVA filter that’s very unstable (ie stops working quickly when exposed to light) and is absorbed by the body. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid.
  • Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone: Suitable for water-resistant formulas, this very stable UV filter protects you from all UVB rays and some UVA rays.
  • Drometrizole Trisiloxane: A.k.a. Mexoryl XL. It protects from both UVA and UVB rays, but has an oily texture that’s not always oily skin-friendly.
  • Ethylhexyl Salicylate: A weak UVB filter. If it were used alone, it wouldn’t even be able to protect that well from UVB rays!
  • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine: A.k.a Tinosorb S, it offers excellent protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Titanium Dioxide: A white, gentle mineral that protects you from all UVB and some UVA rays.

I’m on the fence about Avobenzone. It’s one of the most effective UVA filters, but I’m not sure I’d use it on very young children. For my adult skin, it’s totally fine.

The rest of the UV synthetic UV filters belong to a new generation that’s gentler and more suitable for sensitive skin. Good choice!

Related: Is Avobenzone In Sunscreens Safe?

ALCOHOL TO THIN THE TEXTURE

I know what you’re thinking… Alcohol? In a sunscreen for kids? Really?

Alcohol has a reputation (not totally undeserved) for being drying and irritating. So, why add it to La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50?

Alcohol is the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to thin the texture. Without it, this sunscreen would leave a greasy, oily mess all over your skin.

As for the side effects, you can always prevent them by using this sunscreen together with a moisturiser or hydrating serum.

Related: Is Alcohol In Skincare Good Or Bad?

Is your sunscreen up to the job? Download your FREE “Sunscreen Audit” cheat sheet to find out if your sunscreen is both safe AND effective:

Texture

A thickish white cream that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue behind. 

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free.

How To Use It

It’s the last step of your skincare routine. Apply a generous amount in the AM and reapply as needed during the day.

Performance & Personal Opinion

Despite the alcohol, La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 isn’t that thin. Certainly nothing like those runny Asian sunscreens that are so popular at the moment (and they have alcohol, too!).

On my dry patches, it absorbs instantly. On my oilier t-zone, it takes a few minutes to sink in and leaves my skin shiny for a while. I fix this with a mattifying powder.

The texture may not be as aesthetically pleasant as I thought it’d be, but I can’t fault its protection. I’ve used this in the height of summer when even London was in the middle of a heat-wave for weeks. Temperatures were over 30+ (in the shade).

I spent entire days outside and, with regular reapplication, didn’t get any sunburns. Sure, my skin still darkened a little (hey, even SPF 100 still lets 1% of UV rays through) but overall, I’m pleased with its performance.

I also know it helped me keep wrinkles and dark spots at bay for that little bit longer. But those are results you see a few years down the road, not in a month or two.

Related: Does SPF 100 Provides The Best Sun Protection Or Just A False Sense Of Security?

la roche posay anthelios dermo-kids lotion spf 50+

Who Is This For?

It’s most suitable for dry skin.

Who Is This NOT For?

May be a bit too thick for oily, acne-prone skin.

Packaging

A white and orange tube with a cute image of children. It’s practical to use, too.

Does La Roche Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50 Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
Exceptionally high protection sun cream for children’s sensitive skin. The formulation isn’t different from that of many adults’ sunscreens.
Specifically formulated for children’s delicate skin and is suitable for skin that is prone to sensitivity, sun-intolerance or prickly-heat. It contains alcohol and some UV filters that may irritate sensitive skin.
Exceptionally high broad, photostable UVA/UVB & Infrared protection. True.

Price & Availability

£14.00 at Boots and Escentuals

Do You Need It?

It’s a good sunscreen, if you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. But it’s no different from adults’ sunscreens.

Dupes & Alternatives

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, C12-15 Alkul Benzonate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, BIS-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Alcohol Denat., Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ammonium Polyacrylicdimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Palmatic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.