According to the company Anthelios 40 has been formulated with the sunscreen ingredient Mexoryl SX and has the highest photostable UVA and UVB protection of any product on the market that incorporates this ingredient.
Mexoryl has been marketed as a breakthrough ingredient, providing protection that is said to be far more comprehensive than commonly used filters such as Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide or Parsol 1789.
The ingredient has been licensed for use in Europe since 1993, where it is generically known as ecarnsule.
It has been incorporated into a number of leading sunscreen products there, but was only licensed by the US FDA in July 2006.
Mexoryl is said to be particularly beneficial at providing enhanced protection against short UVA waves, however, what is unique about the Anthelios 40 formulation is the fact that it combines 5 percent Titanium Dioxide with 2 percent Avobenzone to provide enhanced broad spectrum protection.
The Avobenzone has been formulated in combination with Octocrylene, which is said to provide comprehensive protection against UVB waves and long UVA waves, which, in combination with the Mexoryl provides one of the most comprehensive UVA and UVB protection systems available, the company claims.
La Roche-Posay says that it has tested its new sunscreen on individuals with the photosensitive skin disorder Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE), showing it to have outstanding protection and safety.
Other photosensitive skin disorders include conditions such as Photoallergic Eruption, Phototoxicity, Solar Uticaria and related conditions bought on by autoimmune deficiency and are said to effect around 17 percent of the US population.
The company says it believes that this sort of statistic is probably understated as many people with related conditions are either misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed because individuals do not seek treatment.
Anthelios 40 is being launched in major drug store chains throughout the United States and will retail at $29.50.