As a skincare editor who’s tested my share of sunscreens in my decades covering beauty, Origins and La Roche-Posay continually have my endorsement for providing reliable UV protection. However, they […]
As a skincare editor who’s tested my share of sunscreens in my decades covering beauty, Origins and La Roche-Posay continually have my endorsement for providing reliable UV protection. However, they take slightly different approaches that may make one a better fit depending on your sun protection priorities and skin type.
Active Ingredients & Primary Features
The star ingredients in Origins’ A Perfect World SPF 40 mineral sunscreen are non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, known for providing broad spectrum protection without the use of chemical filters. It also contains white tea for an added antioxidant boost along with lotus flower which aims to smooth skin texture over time. Origins abstains from potential irritants like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
La Roche-Posay focuses exclusively on high-quality protection utilizing a stabilized combination of chemical UVA/UVB filters in its Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid to protect and preserve skin health down to the cellular level. Thermal spring water offers a boost of antioxidants as well. As expected with La Roche-Posay, the formula is allergy-tested on sensitive skin.
So Origins offers physical protection wrapped in a botanical-based self-care experience while La Roche-Posay provides state of the art chemical filtration balanced for even the most sensitive, reactive complexions. Both feel great on skin.
Texture & How They Feel Upon Application
As a mineral option, Origins does leave a subtle white cast that takes a few minutes to fully blend in across skin tones deeper than fair. It has a signature lush, creamy texture true to the brand. La Roche-Posay provides an invisible application and velvety matte finish without grease or white residue. For me, La Roche-Posay doubles beautifully as a moisturizing makeup primer.
Best Suited Skin Types
While suitable for most, Origins’ mineral formula is ideal for those with very sensitive or reactive skin given the lack of potentially irritating chemical filters. The exquisite fluid texture of La Roche-Posay makes it perfect for normal to oily/combination skin vulnerable to white casts from mineral options. Both work for a range of skin tones when blended properly.
What Users & Editors Report
Editors and users widely praise Origins’ sunscreen for providing clean, vegan protection that feels more like a lush moisturizer than industrial sunscreen upon application. Some do initially struggle with the subtle learning curve of blending in mineral formulas. Devoted fans call La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen a near-perfect fluid formula that adds glow without grease or breakouts.
Cost Comparison
At $2.30 per ml, the Origins formula costs nearly twice as much as La Roche-Posay’s very elegant sun protection at $1.20 per ml. But users agree both are worthy splurges providing exemplary protection.
In review – those seeking mineral protection enrobed in a sensory botanical experience should indulge in Origins vitamin-infused formula. And La Roche-Posay makes chemical filters an exquisite experience perfect for even finicky complexions. Both keep your skin health and radiance brilliantly covered!