The La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 range has been super hyped up because it contains a brand new sunscreen ingredient: Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE), or Mexoryl 400. It’s currently exclusive to L’Oreal, and was developed in conjunction with BASF.
+I’ve mentioned in passing that I don’t think it’s as much of a game changing “must have” for everyone that some people have made it out to be – here are my longer, more fleshed-out thoughts. There’s also a video version of the scientific part (with slightly less detail).
+
Technological aspects
+I think it’s super cool to have a new filter – this is likely to be one of the last ones we’ll have for a while, due to animal testing bans (ingredient developments take a long time, so the animal safety studies for these were done over a decade ago). I’m really impressed by the innovation behind it.
+UV absorbance efficiency
+MCE has a really high absorption for its weight (i.e. you get more protection per %, although this varies with the formula). It’s even higher than avobenzone, which I’ve said before is pretty hectic.
+This is roughly how the UV absorbance spectrum of MCE looks on the same scale as some other UV filters:
+
Wavelengths covered
+You can also see MCE’s main selling point in this diagram – its peak is in the longer UVA1 region, between 370-400 nm. Other filters don’t cover this region as well.
+Not much visible absorbance
+I’m also really impressed by how the absorbance plummets close to the visible region (from 400 nm upwards/rightwards). This means you get minimal visibility on skin, as long as it’s dissolved properly in the formula.
+The UVMune 400 sunscreens with MCE do look a bit yellower than their older MCE-free versions, which could be because of the MCE absorbing some violet light. But it’s probably not a big problem unless your skin is very pale and cool-toned.
+Clinical evidence
+I’m also really impressed by the clinical trials on MCE – it seems like they’re trying put it through its paces properly.
+I was especially impressed by this recent study from Flament and coworkers. SPF 50 sunscreen with and without MCE were compared, with 2 hours of daily sun exposure for 8 weeks on the face and arms.
+Here’s what the absorption spectra of the two sunscreens tested looked like:
+
The fact they measured any difference when the two absorbance spectra aren’t wildly different was pretty cool! (Note: UV protection is based on the area under the curve, so for 370-400 nm, it looks like roughly an additional 1/3 protection overall, from about an extra 1/8 at 370 nm, to 2-3 times more at 400 nm.)
+But in my opinion, the clinical trial results are unlikely to translate into hugely noticeable differences for most people:
+The benefits mostly seem to be in fading pigmented spots, in more pigment-prone skin types. All the studies I’ve come across used Phototype III and IV skin, except for that newest Flament study which had some type II “European” subjects from Brazil.
+These clinical trials were run largely by L’Oreal employees. This is expected for a proprietary ingredient, and I don’t think it’s a huge red flag for research misconduct or anything like that, but it’s worth keeping in mind that these expensive, large clinical studies are designed to showcase the most likely benefits, based on their previous research (including non-clinical data).
+There is some longer wavelength UVA1 coverage already, with products on the market:
+-
+
- Avobenzone does cover some of this range, as seen in the UV filter and sunscreen formula UV absorbance spectra above. +
- Iron oxides (not shown in the spectra) in tinted products do cover UV and visible wavelengths (albeit relatively weakly, and likely this varies a lot between products – we really need a visible light protection standard!) +
- Of course, shade, UV protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and window tints protect against a broad range of wavelengths. +
The research on how longer UVA1 wavelengths impact skin is a bit sparse, but we do know how the wavelengths on either side impact skin (shorter wavelength UVA1 and blue/violet light):
+
Overall, to me, it seems like the people who would benefit most from filling in the long UVA1 “gap” – more melanocompetent skin types who want to fade pigment – are probably using a lot of other longer UVA1 protection methods already, along with pigment-fading products, and very likely not getting 2 hours of direct sun a day. So I wouldn’t expect the differences with this extra UVA1 protection to be very noticeable for most people, in a real life situation.
+But I do think it fills a few important niches:
+-
+
- The biggest benefit is for people who aren’t using many other UVA1 protection options, like people who work outdoors, and don’t want to wear tinted products or broad brimmed hats +
- It’s also more beneficial for parts of your skin where some of the other methods don’t work as well – for example, hats and sunglasses don’t protect the lower face very well if you’re getting a lot of sun +
- Plus if your skin is very responsive to these longer wavelengths, you might benefit from the higher protection from these sunscreens, layered with everything else. +
Related post: Do Hats and Umbrellas Protect Well From the Sun?
+But whether it’s a “must have” is very subjective, especially since they’re pretty pricey to get if you’re outside Europe. There are also some cosmetic downsides compared to previous Anthelios formulas, which could sway the risk/benefit balance for you, and might result in lower application – I’m assuming they were necessary compromises to incorporate the MCE. There are very mixed opinions on how acceptable these are.
+UVMune 400 sunscreen reviews
+I’ve tried 5 UVMune 400 products so far:
+-
+
- Invisible Fluid Fragrance-Free +
- Tinted Fluid +
- Oil Control Gel-Cream +
- Hydrating Cream Fragrance-Free +
- Hydrating Cream Tinted +
Interestingly, all of the formulas claim water resistance, which I haven’t seen before on older Anthelios products. This could be because I’m used to the Australian versions, which have no water resistance claims – I’m guessing they either didn’t meet the stricter Australian water resistance standard, or it wasn’t worth the extra testing (Australia requires minimum 2 hours water resistance, and the SPF after immersion needs to exceed the labelled SPF).
+The Invisible Fluids and Hydrating Creams (purchased in Europe) are all SPF 50+, broad spectrum (EU) and 80 min water resistant (EU). The Oil Control Gel-Cream (sample from Singapore) is SPF 50+, broad spectrum, PA++++ and has “proven resistance to water”.
+Invisible Fluid
+
I had high hopes for the UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid, since that’s the type of formula that’s suited me best from La Roche-Posay in the past. Unfortunately, there were a few sensory aspects that really felt like a step down from previous Fluids.
+First off, MCE seems to have a noticeable smell that’s consistent across both fragrance-free products I’ve tried. It’s a sort of musty solvent smell that seems familiar, but I can’t quite place it (very annoying – as an organic chemist I’m used to being able to match functional groups to smells!). It comes and goes the whole time I’m wearing it. It isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it does make it a less pleasant experience, and I can imagine it could really bother some people.
+I also wasn’t fond of the texture. It’s very runny, like water. The older Fluid formulas have been fluid, but much more user-friendly – with this, I can only dispense a third of the total amount on the back of my hand at a time, and I have to pay attention to not accidentally have it drip off (it did drip onto the floor a few times). For someone as absent-minded as me, it’s definitely not a safe sunscreen to apply in a rush.
+
This also seems to have more alcohol than previous formulas. I don’t go out of my way to avoid alcohol in products, and this didn’t feel drying on my skin, but it did sting a bit during application. After drying, the finish felt much tackier than I expected, and was a bit shiny.
+Overall, it’s still a perfectly acceptable sunscreen compared to everything else – but disappointing compared to previous Anthelios fluids. I’d imagine it’s better suited to someone with less oily skin.
+Hydrating Cream
+I bought the Hydrating Cream on the off-chance it would work better than the Invisible Fluid. Anthelios Hydrating Cream formulas have always been too emollient for me, so after trying the Invisible Fluid, I knew this would be worse on my oily skin. But it is a lot easier to use!
+Oil Control Gel-Cream
+The UVMune 400 Oil Control Gel-Cream was launched a bit later, along with an Oil Control Fluid which I haven’t tried yet. My friend and fellow sciencey skincare content creator Hannah English brought this back for me from a La Roche-Posay event in Singapore.
+
I’ve generally enjoyed other Anthelios Oil Control products, and this formula is my favourite from the UVMune 400 range so far. The texture is a thick-ish, non-greasy cream, which was a relief after the stress of the fluid.
+
The finish is more matte than satin, but it stays that level of satin for a while. Like other Anthelios Oil Control products, it contains mattifying aerated silica microparticles to help absorb excess oil.
+
+
I’ve only tried the fragranced version. While the floral scent is stronger than I usually prefer (I’d say it’s medium strength), it does complement the musty “fragrance-free” smell quite well.
+This did sting my face a bit during application and drydown – again, I’m guessing it’s the alcohol.
+Tinted Fluid and Hydrating Cream
+The Tinted Fluid and Tinted Hydrating Cream were an impulse buy, and I regret it. If a European sunscreen only has one tint, it’s always awful on me (my skin is usually NC20 – warm and light-medium).
+
The Tinted Fluid actually had me hopeful at first. Foolish, foolish Michelle. You never learn.
+
As it dried, it sent me straight to Oompa Loompa land. It doesn’t look the worst from the front, I’m just a tad overcooked:
+
But the jawline is… conspicuous, and didn’t blend out.
+
The tinted Hydrating Cream was kind of promising, in that it was quite yellow-toned. Most European tinted sunscreens are more on the pink side.
+
Again, it darkened as it dried and, well…
+
These are too pigmented to really get away with unless your skin is a pretty good colour match, though they might be more forgiving if your skin is too dark rather than too light.
+I think the target audience for these are sunbathing Europeans in the middle of summer – I can’t imagine there’s a huge proportion of Europeans with this skin tone naturally (these were largely sold out in Rome towards the end of summer, I ended up buying them online).
+Have you tried these sunscreens? What did you think?
+References
+Marionnet C, de Dormael R, Marat X, et al. Sunscreens with the New MCE Filter Cover the Whole UV Spectrum: Improved UVA1 Photoprotection In Vitro and in a Randomized Controlled Trial. JID Innov. 2021;2(1):100070. doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100070
+Flament F, Mercurio DG, Muller B, et al. The impact of methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) UVA1 filter on pigmentary and ageing signs: An outdoor prospective 8-week randomized, intra-individual comparative study in two populations of different genetic background. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2024;38(1):214-222. doi:10.1111/jdv.19486
+The Oil Control Gel-Cream was my friend’s PR sample. This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to click through and purchase any product, you’ll be supporting Lab Muffin financially (at no extra cost to you), thank you! For more information, see Disclosure Policy.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
I used both invisible and oil control fluid:
++My skin is combo/oily , acne prone + seb derm
+Oil control is amazing and its satin/matt finish, dry touch
+REALLY RESISTANT (i sweat a lot and that fluid still was on my skin)
+And compared to invisible THIS ISNT SO YELLOW
+When invisible is oily mess which didnt suits me and makes breakouts in my case and makes my skin yellow 💀
Both thankfully didnt irritates my eyes
+U didn’t try the oil control version of the fluid one does it have the same ppd protection
++-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Hoping to get my hands on it soon!
+I used the UVmune 400 line consistently for over a year. My complexion is very fair and cool toned with freckles. I noticed that when I was using this line constantly it was the only time my freckles had almost vanished. However I really couldn’t handle how yellow/orange they made my face look, my face didn’t match the rest of me, and as someone who doesn’t tan I didn’t feel like I looked like myself. I switched to other sunscreens and my freckles/pigmentation are back.
+As an American, the invisible fluid is truly like nothing else i’ve ever owned. The easiest sunscreen i’ve ever applied, disappears in seconds when I usually spend minutes rubbing and rubbing. I can barely feel it once applied, nor tell, when usually I have streaks of unrubbed in sunscreen. This is truly my holy grail sunscreen, checking all the boxes, and it has genuinely made me the palest I have ever been in my life and I love it! Only downside is it is really runny and does have a tendency to drip off your hand.
+Thanks for the post! I’m in Europe so it’s great to get some content about products that are easily available to me.
++Did you find that the UVMune 400 Oil Control Gel-Cream pilled? It would have been my preference in terms of texture and finish, but I read that it pilled in other reviews so I ended up buying the invisible fluid and I don’t love it.
+Looking forward to reading your opinion on the oil control fluid!
I’ve been using the UVMune 400 Oil control gel cream since it launched here in Europe last year and have been consistently happy with it in all aspects except one: everyone in my family has found that all UVMune 400 products (each one uses a different version) tend to stain white clothing, so no one in my family now uses this on their neck. The stains won’t even go away with bleach, but thankfully are not too pronounced. I’d personally put up with most scents if it meant it didn’t stain clothes anymore.
++The tinted versions are always too dark for my (very) light skin, so I can’t comment on those.
Thank you for the detailed review Michelle 😊
++Apart from the anti-pigmentation benefits, L’oreal claims that this uva range (380-400 nm) makes up for the 30% of the total uva range that goes really deep into the skin leading to collagen/elastin breakdown and skin aging. Does that make sense for you?
+Appreciate your content and thank you in advance for your answer!
P.S.: L’oreal launched in Europe a daily SPF 50 moisturizing cream (in their Bright Reveal range containing the new Mexoryl 400 combined with 2% niacinamide). It’s a thick cream but somehow mattifying and lightweight. For me, it has much better sensor characteristics than the whole Anthelios Uvmune range.
+Where did you get the first graph showing many spectral peaks with Avobenzone and MCE labeled? I checked your referenced but didn’t see it. I’d love to know what the other colored curves represent (assuming these are other UV filters). Thank you!
++-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Sorry I’ve used this diagram so many times since I first made it, I keep forgetting to add the reference! I traced them from this paper: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Available-sunscreen-actives-for-UV-filter-identification-and-regulatory-status-see_fig2_42768818
+PLZ can we use one finger of the invisible fluid LRP sunscreen and other finger of the tinted one MIX A LITTLE THAN APPLY TO FACE
++both from the same brand and line and finsh it will not miss up the protection right? its the only way that make the sunscreen less dark on my face
I have really sensitive eyes. For years I tried all kind of different waterproof face sunscreens for sensitive skin/eyes. Unfortunately when on vacation due to wind and salt water exposure even the most gentle facial sunscreens would end up in my eyes over the curse of the day. Once my eyes were stinging nothing helped to soothe it not even washing them out and I ended up with burning and watering eyes for the rest of the day. As a result the next day I would leave a huge gap to my eyes which ended each time with a sunburn near my eyes on the parts of the skin that my sunglasses didn’t cover. That’s how every summer vacation went for years.
+When I first got my hands on a previous version of the Anthelios Invisible Fluid UVMune 400, which claimed to not sting your eyes, I was immediately turned of by the strong scent of alcohol. I still ended up trying it and to my surprise this is the only waterproof sunscreen I ever tried that did not sting my eyes. Although I can feel the alcohol on my sensitive skin while applying it, once it is dryed down it won’t bother me. I‘m so glad I found this sunscreen a few years ago. I can finally enjoy my vacation and dive and swim in the ocean without having burning eyes for the rest of the day. This sunscreen drastically improved the quality of my vacations and for that it is definitely worth it to put up with the quite high amount of alcohol in that sunscreen.
+You’re right about the target audience of the tinted… my BF is southern Ukrainian, likely Fitz III. Tans the traditionally desired “perfect golden tan” with incredibly even pigmentation and stays fairly tan even in winter in the southwest USA. The tinted version is a perfect match for him. Can’t see it on his skin at all – it’s like he’s wearing nothing. He has drier skin so it doesn’t even look that shiny either. Meanwhile on my Fitz II skin, I look like I’m trying to imitate a certain US president and no matter how much I apply, I can’t get an even tint distribution, it’s always streaky. No prob on him somehow.
+i’ve been using the UV mune 400 but instead of oil control i use the hydrating one, as i have very dehydrated skin. i really liked it for a while but when i switched to niche beauty lab invisible fluid i noticed how much i could “feel” the uv mune on my skin all day! definitely more on the heavy side. now trying out the fluid and really not liking it: as you say, it’s way too runny plus feel stingy when applying and leaves mu skin feeling even drier :/
+This stuff is too liquid, too sticky and it has ruined some shirts with a yellow stain. I’m not competent to measure its efficacity per sunblock but in practical terms it does not earn a re-purchase and it has cost me more in permanently stained clothing by far than any other sun product I have tried.
+As a POC, I appreciate the efforts you put into writing this. Made me purchase and use the product, thank you very much!
+question is Mexoryl 400 a safe chemical for use? lot of people say its not absorbed into skin , but idk all chemicals sunscreens are absorbed
+My HG. Stockpiled like 300$ worth during my Euro trip.
+Get the cream/gel version. No “too liquidy/runny” issue.
+Doesn’t sting my eyes! All the other brands I’ve tried does (except for pure physical ones, but then have to deal with whitecast and hard to wash off).
+Water resistant from my sweat (I’d still reapply after a few hours though).
+Only issue is the green/yellow staining of clothes. I’ve switched to more of a cream/beige outfit. Or double wash the clothes that was stained.
+My husband is from Brazil, with German/Polish background. He has extremely sensitive skin, prone to redness and acne and has mostly dry skin. He also was using retinol products from the dermatologist to clear up larger spots that would get inflamed.
++No suncare products here in Canada worked for him.
+Too white, too shiny, too oily, too sticky, too thick, irritating, smelly, stung his eyes and everything else that he didn’t want.
July 2024 we were in Brazil and I began researching the sunscreens available there as Many products are imported from the EU. I bought him the LRP UVMune 400 oil control liquid from the pharmacy down the street and he nearly cried with joy. It was almost exactly what he wanted (the slight smell and the tiniest feeling of something on his skin was nothing compared to everything else he had tried) and he was super impressed by the new UVA filter.
++We bought every box in stock at 3 locations, going home with about 7 of them.
+It’s been 9 months and he is on his last two. He applies it multiple times a day (keeps one at home and one at work)
+It won’t last until our next trip south and we were shocked when looking at ordering it online. $50 Canadian for 50ml not including shipping costs!
+In Brazil it sells for under $25 Canadian, which is in my opinion expensive for sunscreen but still, $50!!! No way!
He’s going to try the Asian ones I bought for myself and make do until July when we go home for the summer.
+I just started using the Skin 1004 Centella sun serum and it feels and smells like nothing. I’m completely obsessed and it only costed me $14 Canadian for 50ml
+