Helioplex vs. Mexoryl??

[ddieringer]

I have been using La Roche Posay sunblocks because of the Mexoryl ingredient that is not FDA approved in the US. Since Neutrogena came out with the sunblock (Dry Touch SPF 55) with Helioplex (which I've heard is a competitor to Mexoryl), I am wondering which ingredient you think is most effective in sun damage and wrinkle prevention. The Neutrogena is much cheaper, but The LRP has such a great reputation for optimal protection. Thanks for any input you're willing to share!

[George]

Hi,

This one is easy for me - Helioplex. Here's why...

Helioplex uses Avobenzone and Oxybenzone for protection against UVA and UVB, respectively. Both of these substances are proven to be effective. Especially in the case of avobenzone - the effectiveness has been substantiated by independant labs, the FDA, and has been scrutinized by peer review. We know this works.

Mexoryl, on the other hand, is not so cut and dry. Most of the info we have is made available by L'Oreal internal research - hardly independant and peer reviewed. What's more, L'Oreal is the Mexoryl patent holder. While I think the substance is promising based off of anecdotal evidence, I won't trust my health to just that.

Until the FDA fully scrutinizes mexoryl, my money is on Helioplex.

Incidentally - Zinc Oxide is still the number one protector - you just have to accept the white coating. :)

[sdxl]

The Mexoryls used in L'Oréal's sunscreens are not some untested ingredients! The FDA is just very slow approving new UV absorbers. For example avobenzone was approved in Europe in 1978. It took the FDA 19 years to approve it.

L'Oréal was the first company that stabilized avobenzone. Helioplex is basically stabilized avobenzone. Most of the L'Oréal sunscreen have that along with one or two Mexoryls. Most of them also have Tinosorb S and other UV absorbers increasing their UVA protective properties even more. Making them far more protective than any US sunscreen.

[orangehrzn]

I know that oxybenzone is photo unstable.

[George]

That may be true re: the FDA, but there is a reason for it. The protocol is quite strict with regards to independant testing and peer review. It takes so long specifically because of extensive testing.

I would love to see some of the gov't waste and red-tape be cut in favor of making various approvals faster - it shouldn't take so long.

That being said, it's all we have to go on. For example, non-regulated supplements can be extremely low quality in some cases - even when europeans claim to have had great results for decades.

Unless someone can provide an independant, substantiated (duplicate test results), peer reviewed case...it just doesn't seem prudent to accept something until it is shown, in the manner stated above, to be safe and effective (in that order).

Interesting topic...

[sdxl]

FYI the FDA did approve a Mexoryl SX formula. Many people have used other UV absorbers that are not FDA approved without any or little side effects for many years.

L'Oréal is not just some cosmetic company. It owns part of Galderma and probably has more patents on sun protection than any company in the world. They would be cutting themselves in the fingers if their UV absorbers didn't work.

Comparing a UV absorber to a low quality supplement doesn't make sense, since the newer UV absorbers are proprietary and only come from one manufacturer.

I wouldn't trust the FDA. After all they did approve a lot of drugs they later pulled off the market.

[diboraha]

Can anyone find the right link for the FDA Stevia Act from September 18 1995? I almost plough the whole internet and couldn't find the right link or URL with the exact FDA Act.The information must be original.
Could it be that this Act is non existent?

[Jane84]

Helioplex provides better UVA protection so if you use your sunscreen because of UVA protection this is the best choice for you.