Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) and Mexoryl XL Sunscreens
What makes them so special?

Mexoryl SX (also called ecamsule) and Mexoryl XL are highly effective chemical sun filters widely used in sunscreens throughout Europe and Canada. Available commercially in the popular Anthelios line by La Roche Posay and Ombrelle by L’Oreal, Mexoryl sunscreens are often combined with other sun filters to deliver effective broad range UVA and UVB sun protection. Because of the synergy of the Mexoryl molecule with other sun filters, it is possible to formulate very high SPF formulations, such as those offered in Anthelios XL SPF 60 or Ombrelle SPF 60 sun cream .

Protection from UVA and UVB rays

The UVB range of sunlight is is 280 to 320 nanometers, and the UVA range is 320 to 400. Mexoryl (ecamsule) sunscreens protect against UV wavelenghts in the 290-400 nanometer range. Since Mexoryl doesn’t cover the entire UV spectrum, it is usually combined with other active sunscreen agents such as titanium dioxide, avobenzone (stabilized with octocrylene) to ensure broad-spectrum UV protection.

Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL are photostable

Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL are photostable UVA absorbers, meaning that they don’t degrade in sunlight. This is in contrast to the widely used UVA absorber avobenzone that is not photostable and must be combined with stabilizers to prevent significant degradation in light. Photostability is important because if a product is not stable when exposed to sunlight it decreases the efficacy of the product and reapplication is a must even when not exposed to water or during heavy exercise. This could be particularly inconvenient in a product developed as sunscreen moisturizer designed for daily use to protect sensitive facial areas. Studies have shown that Mexoryl sunscreens maintain the majority of their sun filtering capability even 24 hours after initial application.

UVA rays and their effect

The sunscreen rating system currently used in Canada and the US only evaluate UVB protection – this is a product’s sun protection factor or SPF. However, we now know that UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin where they are responsible for more serious long term consequences such as wrinkles, photoaging and even some skin cancers.  In Europe there are several different rating systems, the most common being PPD. It’s feasible to expect that a similar type of rating system will become available in North America.

Mexoryl sunscreens safety

Studies have demonstrated Mexoryl in sunscreens to have little to no absorption through the skin therefore it is very safe. In addition to Anthelios and Ombrelle, Mexoryl can be found in Hydraphase UV SPF 30, a rehydrating moisturizer that offers a full day of protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Which Mexoryl sunscreen is right for you? 

Because we offer a wide range of Mexoryl based sunscreens it may be confusing deciding which to choose. The chart below should provide assistance. And if you're still confused email - we'll be happy to help. 

Anthelios product	Features	Best for?
Anthelios XL Cream SPF 60 High Protection Order Now	Fragrance free Water resistant Non-comedogenic Smooth, non-greasy texture for face and body Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX and other sunscreen filters	Extreme exposure to sun  Sun sensitive skin such as those with fair skin or rosacea Protection for healing scars Individuals at risk of hyperpigmentation (melasma, oral contraceptives)  Face and body Active lifestyles
Hydraphase UV SPF 30 Year round daily protection Order Now	Similar to Anthelios SX but with higher SPF protection (SPF 30 vs SPF 15) Contains Sodium Hyaluronate for targeted moisturization of dry areas Contains Mexoryl SX and titanium dioxide	Daily Moisturizer with UVA/UVB protection SPF 30  Normal to dry skin or skin with dehydrated areas Well tolerated by almost all skin types (may not be suitable for oily skin)
Anthelios Lait SPF 45 High Protection Order Now	Light texture,  non-greasy effect Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-greasy effect Water and perspirations resistant formula	Fair skin  Sensitive skin types Acne prone skin types  Oily/combination skin types
Anthelios Spray SPF 30 High Protection Order Now	Light texture, with convenient spray application Mexoryl SX and other sunscreen filters Fragrance-free Water resistant Non-greasy effect Non-comedogenic	Children  Men  Oily/combination skin types  Face and Body
Anthelios S SPF 30 High Resistance Protection Order Now	High resistance to perspiration and water Long-term protection	All skin types, especially among children and active people Face and body
Antherpos SPF 50 Lips and fragile areas Order Now	High, targeted SPF protection  Water resistant Prevents sun induced cold sores	For lips, fragile areas  Extreme weather conditions
Anthelios Dermo-pediatrics Spray SPF 40 Children & Sensitive Skin Order Now	Gentle formulation Water and sweat resistant Formulated for sensitive skin Convenient spray bottle	Children Sensitive skin Active conditions
Anthelios W SPF 40 Gel Face & Body Order Now	Fluid, lightweight cream  No greasy residue or stickyness. Perspiration resistant Fragrance-free.	Most skin types (alcohol content may make unsuitable for very dry skin) Active sports
Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ (previously known as SPF 60 in EU) Face Order Now	Best selling lightweight fluid Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection Fragrance-free Water resistant. Performance proven in 20 clinical tests conducted by world renowned photo dermatological experts. Ultra UVA protection efficiently protects skin cell DNA from damage caused by UV rays.	Combination to oily skin
Anthelios XL Creme Fondant SPF 50+ (previously known as SPF 60 in EU) Face Order Now	Ultra protection UVA with a unique filtering system of Mexoryl® SX and Mexoryl® XL (patented sunscreens) Ultra-comfortable melt-in texture Easy to apply Water resistant	Sun reactive skin Extreme sunshine intensity Normal to dry skin.
Anthelios XL Stick SPF 60 Very High Protection for Sun-Sensitive Areas Order Now	Resistant to water and perspiration  Convenient small size makes it easy to keep in pocket or purse	Targeted areas: eye contour, scars, nose, ears, post-surgery areas

Still confused?

If you still can't decide which product is right for you, then call us. Our friendly and experienced staff is very knowledgeable about Anthelios and all the other products that we carry and will be able to recommend products that suit your needs.