The New Sunscreen That’s Been Formulated to Help Protect You From the Most Harmful UV Rays
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
In Partnership With La Roche-Posay
I’ve spoken many times about how the iconic La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen is firmly in my high-rotation SPF wardrobe. Yes, of course I have a sunscreen wardrobe.
It’s the one I reach for most because it’s fast-absorbing, layers beautifully under makeup and most importantly, doesn't leave a white cast on my olive complexion.
The compact packaging is another win making it the perfect handbag staple or the sunscreen you never want to be without on travel.
Now, the brand has launched a new iteration of this cult favourite and its biggest innovation in 20 years thanks to a new powerful UV ray protecting filter...
Says the brand caption:
“Our new filter to help protect against the most harmful UV rays while providing an invisible finish and zero white cast.”Formulated with the UV filter MEXORYL 400*"
So, what’s changed and, is it worth adding to your routine?
Given that sunscreen should be a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, finding the best formula for your skin is key.
What works brilliantly for one person may not for another, which is why we turned to the experts to break down exactly what you need to know about this latest La Roche-Posay sunscreen release.
That expert is La Roche Posay’s Head of Medical Relations, Rachel McAdam. Rachel has all our questions and all you need to know answered below.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Ultra Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
What is the difference between the original Anthelios sunscreen and Anthelios UVMune 400?
Rachel: While both formulations offer SPF50+ broad-spectrum protection and elegant invisible textures, the new Anthelios UVmune400 includes a new filter called Mexoryl 400* (*Methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate). This is our breakthrough filter that protects against the most harmful UV rays.
What Is Mexoryl 400? Can you break it down for us and what makes this technology a standout in UV defence?
Rachel: Mexoryl 400 is a sophisticated molecule. Its official ingredient name is Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate. It has been developed by scientists to have a precise absorption in the UVA range of 380-400. What makes this significant is that it remains invisible.
For anyone with reactive or sensitive skin, how does Anthelios UVMune 400 perform? Is it irritating on the skin? Or would this be a good SPF for sensitive skins?
Rachel: This formulation is fragrance free and developed for sensitive skin.
Why is it important to use sunscreen every day, even when it’s not sunny?
Rachel: UV rays are a significant part of the sun's energy that reaches the earth. UV rays can't be seen or instantly felt and we know that overexposure can be harmful to the skin, contributing to skin cancer, premature ageing, pigmentation, reactions and more. The majority of UV that reaches us is UVA (320-400nm) which can pass through clouds, glass and around all day long all year long. This is why it is important to keep that in mind and protect the skin all year round.
What step should sunscreen be applied in a skin care regimen? What about make-up?
Rachel: Ideally sunscreen should be applied after any serums and lightweight moisturisers have settled into the skin. Make-up goes on after the sunscreen, but best to wait several minutes for the sunscreen to dry and form the invisible film it needs to optimise protection before rubbing in makeup.
So in summary: Cleanse, Serum, Moisturiser...wait....SUNSCREEN...wait...makeup.
Does Anthelios UVMune 400 leave a white cast?
Rachel: No, it Is formulated to be completely invisible once applied.
My First Impressions of the La Roche-Posay UVMUNE 400 SPF 50+
The consistency leans a little more fluid than the original La Roche-Posay Anthelios, so you’ll want to move quickly from dispensing to application - it can get a touch runny (and messy) if you linger.
That said, once on the skin, it absorbs quickly and beautifully.
It leaves behind a fresh finish and also layers effortlessly under makeup and can confirm there’s no tacky or chalky residue.
It still sits beautifully on my skin, with comfortable, invisible protection that works as hard as it looks good.
More importantly, knowing it’s formulated with a powerful filter designed to deliver strong protection against the most harmful rays feels genuinely reassuring. Living in Australia, where melanoma rates are among the highest in the world, that extra level of defence isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential.
Key Benefits of La Roche Posay UVMUNE 400 sunscreen:
- Lightweight daily facial sunscreen
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- Invisible finish, no white cast
- Non-greasy texture
- Non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores
- Non-eye-stinging formula
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
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