Review: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30

After I had an unfortunate experience with an entirely different sunscreen last year, I was on the hunt for an inexpensive sunscreen that would provide real protection without causing an adverse reaction. My skin was experiencing increased sensitivity at the time, so that made using a sensitive skin-friendly formula mandatory. I realized I never truly gave La Roche-Posay a chance, so I decided to explore their assortment of sunscreen options. I landed on Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and was not disappointed. Shortly thereafter, La Roche Posay’s products – including this sunscreen – blew up up all over social media. It’s not without good reason. While I’ve only tried a handful of their products so far, I’ve had great results with most of them.

In this post, I will address all features and key ingredients of this sunscreen. By now, I’m sure we all know sunscreen is the best way to prevent skin cancer, visible signs of aging (including hyperpigmentation and wrinkles), and burning, so I will spare you all the lecture, and perhaps talk about that in another post.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is an organic, or “chemical,” sunscreen. This product was formulated for sensitive skin, but if your skin is known to react to chemical sunscreen, opt for a mineral sunscreen instead. I do have sensitive skin, but it generally fares well with chemical sunscreen.

Ingredients

ACTIVE

AVOBENZONE 3% (SUNSCREEN) • HOMOSALATE 5% (SUNSCREEN) • OCTISALATE 5% (SUNSCREEN) • OCTOCRYLENE 7% (SUNSCREEN)

INACTIVE

WATER (LA ROCHE-POSAY PREBIOTIC THERMAL WATER) • GLYCERIN • SILICA • DIMETHICONE • NIACINAMIDE • PEG-100 STEARATE • GLYCERYL STEARATE • STEARIC ACID • STEARYL ALCOHOL • ALLANTOIN • CERAMIDE NP • DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • MYRISTIC ACID • MYRISTYL ALCOHOL • PALMITIC ACID • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • DISODIUM EDTA • CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • CITRIC ACID • XANTHAN GUM • T-BUTYL ALCOHOL • CETYL ALCOHOL • TOCOPHEROL

LaRoche-Posay.us

Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene: Sunscreen filters that do not leave a white cast. These filters prevent skin cancer. They do not cause cancer.

La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water: Provides nutrients that benefit the skin’s microbiome with healthy bacteria. Aids with restoring skin barrier function.

Ceramides: Prevents irritation while repairing damaged skin.

Allantoin: Calms sensitivity and reduces redness.

Niacinamide: Capable of reducing erythema, making it perfect for daytime and outdoor usage.

Usage

As with any sunscreen, 1/4th teaspoon is needed to ensure adequate sun protection. To measure this out without the use of an actual teaspoon, I use the three finger method that was made popular by Jude Chao – that is, dispensing the sunscreen down the length of three of my fingers. I do this every 2 hours (when possible) to remain protected, as one application is not enough for all day protection. (All-day sunscreen has not yet been invented.)

Results

This sunscreen feels like your average moisturizer. Since it is a chemical sunscreen, it leaves no detectable white cast and is easy to blend. It does not have that greasy texture that everyone hates, but it does leave behind a dewy finish, so it is ideal for dry skin, or anyone that wants to look like they’re glowing. If you are planning to use this in a situation where you are sweating, then this may not be the one for you. It is oil-free; those that are breakout-prone should not be intimidated by this formula. As far as sun protection goes, it was affective as long as I remembered to reapply. I would absolutely purchase this again.

Further Reading

Kind of Stephen: “Physical” vs. “chemical” sunscreens and other sunscreen myths

Kind of Stephen: Should you avoid sunscreens with Avobenzone?