As a skincare editor who takes sun protection seriously, two of my most reached-for sunscreen brands are Japanese skincare giant Biore and French pharmacy leader La Roche-Posay. While both offer […]
As a skincare editor who takes sun protection seriously, two of my most reached-for sunscreen brands are Japanese skincare giant Biore and French pharmacy leader La Roche-Posay. While both offer high levels of UVA/UVB protection, they take different approaches when it comes to ingredients, texture and added skin care benefits.
Ingredients
The first major difference is that Biore relies on chemical filters like Octinoxate and Tinosorb along with alcohol for fast absorption. Meanwhile, La Roche-Posay features a combo of chemical filters along with antioxidants and soothing thermal spring water. For those sensitive to chemicals or drying alcohols, La Roche-Posay may be the safer bet though Biore offers reliable broad spectrum protection as well.
Effectiveness
Both Biore and La Roche-Posay provide water and sweat-resistant protection that blocks over 90% of burning UVB rays and deeper penetrating UVA rays, meeting skincare experts’ recommendations. La Roche-Posay does offer very high UVA protection with its patented Mexoryl filters, making it the leader in anti-aging shielding for the skin. But even without the next-gen filters, Biore still effectively guards against daily sun damage.
Texture
One of Biore’s biggest selling points is the refreshing, fast-absorbing aqua-rich texture that feels weightless on skin, making it suitable for layering under makeup. La Roche-Posay has more of an elegant cream-gel finish that moisturizes while protecting thanks to emollients and humectants. For a barely-there feel, Biore can’t be beat but La Roche-Posay offers added nourishment.
Skin Type Suitability
While alcohol can be drying for some, Biore Aqua Rich formulas cater well to oily, acne-prone skin since they resist shine without clogging pores. La Roche-Posay formulas like Anthelios are great for dry and mature skin since they provide hydration and antioxidant protection against aging along with SPF.
Reviews
Both sunscreen brands receive outstanding reviews for their innovative protection that also wears beautifully under makeup. Biore is a favorite for its light texture that acts as the perfect makeup primer. La Roche-Posay wins praise for its ability to hydrate skin while shielding it from sun damage that leads to fine lines and dark spots.
Price
Being a drugstore brand, Biore sunscreens ring in at very wallet-friendly prices. La Roche-Posay costs a bit more given its premium formulations packed with antioxidants and botanical extracts. But the added skin care benefits can make the splurge worthwhile for anti-aging purposes beyond just UV protection.
In the end, Biore takes the lead when it comes to wearability and refreshingly lightweight textures suitable for breakout-prone complexions. For nurturing protection that shields from present and future skin damage, La Roche-Posay can’t be beaten but does come at a higher cost. No matter which you choose, wearing SPF is the number one habit for youthful, healthy skin so let these sunscreen innovators make it easy to do so daily!