A Breakthrough Technology in Sun Protection
Mexoryl is the first sun filter to be approved by the FDA in 18 years. It is available in the United States as Mexoryl SX in the Anthelios SX formula from La Roche-Posay. But what is Mexoryl and is it as great as everyone makes it seem? This lens is designed to answer some of those questions.
What is Mexoryl?
Mexoryl is the trade name for the chemical ecamsule. The two commonly used forms are Mexoryl SX (which is water soluble) and Mexoryl XL (which is oil soluble). The patents for both are held by L'Oréal. Mexoryl is just one of 120 molecules that have been developed over the last 40 years by L'Oréal Research and Development.
The ecamsule molecule was first patented by L'Oréal in 1982. It was approved in the EU in 1991. The first sunscreens based on ecamsule appeared in Europe, Canada, and other parts of the world in 1993. It was approved by the FDA in the US only recently.
The ecamsule molecule was first patented by L'Oréal in 1982. It was approved in the EU in 1991. The first sunscreens based on ecamsule appeared in Europe, Canada, and other parts of the world in 1993. It was approved by the FDA in the US only recently.
The FDA and Mexoryl
L'Oréal first submitted Mexoryl to the FDA for approval in June 2001. So what took so long?
The FDA has never released any official statements as to why the approval process was so long delayed. Many have speculated as to the reasons, but the most common theory is simply that it was a safety issue.
L'Oréal has proudly proclaimed Mexoryl to be the best product of its kind, and for the FDA to rush approval only to have to have products pulled at a later date would be disastrous.
The FDA has never released any official statements as to why the approval process was so long delayed. Many have speculated as to the reasons, but the most common theory is simply that it was a safety issue.
L'Oréal has proudly proclaimed Mexoryl to be the best product of its kind, and for the FDA to rush approval only to have to have products pulled at a later date would be disastrous.
The FDA Approval Statement
The following statement was released by the FDA on July 24, 2006.
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Anthelios SX, a sunscreen from L'Oreal to be sold over-the-counter (OTC) for the prevention of sunburn and for protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. It has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.
"'Sunscreens are an important part of total sun protection strategy as consumers arm themselves against the harmful sun rays,' said Steven Galson, M.D., Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 'While this product provides protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, FDA continues to recommend that in addition to using a sunscreen, consumers protect themselves from sun exposure by limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing.'
"Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens.
"The safety and efficacy data for Anthelios SX included information from 28 studies in over 2500 patients, ranging in age from 6 months to over 65 years old. In addition, the contribution of each of the active ingredients to sun protection was studied. Side effects reported during clinical studies were infrequent and non-serious. The most common side effects in patients were acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, abnormal redness, itching, skin discomfort and sunburn.
"The product will be distributed by LaRoche-Posay."
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Anthelios SX, a sunscreen from L'Oreal to be sold over-the-counter (OTC) for the prevention of sunburn and for protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. It has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.
"'Sunscreens are an important part of total sun protection strategy as consumers arm themselves against the harmful sun rays,' said Steven Galson, M.D., Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 'While this product provides protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, FDA continues to recommend that in addition to using a sunscreen, consumers protect themselves from sun exposure by limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing.'
"Anthelios SX is a sunscreen product that contains a combination of three active ingredients. One of the ingredients is a new molecular entity (NME), ecamsule. Ecamsule has not been marketed in the United States, but has been marketed in Europe and Canada as Mexoryl SX since 1993. The other two active ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene, are generally recognized as safe and effective under the current OTC monograph for sunscreens.
"The safety and efficacy data for Anthelios SX included information from 28 studies in over 2500 patients, ranging in age from 6 months to over 65 years old. In addition, the contribution of each of the active ingredients to sun protection was studied. Side effects reported during clinical studies were infrequent and non-serious. The most common side effects in patients were acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, abnormal redness, itching, skin discomfort and sunburn.
"The product will be distributed by LaRoche-Posay."
Anthelios and Ombrelle
Anthelios and Ombrelle are the most popular product lines that contain Mexoryl. The Anthelios line is produced by La Roche-Posay, while Ombrelle is produced by L'Oréal in Canada.
Both products are available in various formats. The Anthelios collection is very extensive. The goal of both lines is to provide effective sun protection, no matter what your lifestyle.
Both products are available in various formats. The Anthelios collection is very extensive. The goal of both lines is to provide effective sun protection, no matter what your lifestyle.
Anthelios with Mexoryl
At this time, Anthelios with Mexoryl is only available in US stores in one format: Anthelios SX SPF 15. It is marketed as a daily moisturizing cream with sunscreen. The cream is non-greasy, fragrance-free, and is gentle on sensitive skin. It provides 24 hour hydration, but this should not be mistaken for 24 hour sun protection.In Canada, Anthelios is available in several formats.
For facial protection, there is Anthelios SPF 30 Crème. It contains both Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL.
For full body sun protections La Roche-Posay currently offers:
Anthelios L SPF 60: This format is not as common now that Anthelios XL is available. It offers UVA protection with Mexoryl XL, but does not contain Mexoryl SX.
Anthelios XL SPF 60+: The latest format of Anthelios contains both Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX and offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Anthelios Stick: This is a targeted protection stick of Anthelios XL. It has a sun protection factor of 60 and protects against UVA and UVB rays. It is for use on sun sensitive areas like the eye contour, scars, the nose, and ears.
Anthelios Lait SPF 45: A non-greasy, non-oily, water resistant sunscreen, Anthelios Lait is ideal for sports. It is a gel containing both Mexory XL and Mexoryl SX.
These and other Anthelios products have been available in Canada for several years. Outside of North America La Roche-Posay offers variations of the Anthelios line. Many of the products are essentially the same, but the SPF ratings have been changed due to local regulations.
Ombrelle with Mexoryl
Ombrelle is the #1 recommended sun protection by dermatologists and pharmacists in Canada. Ombrelle products are developed with co-operation from Canadian dermatologists, and are officially recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association. Ombrelle has been available since 1990.The Ombrelle line was one of the first to include Parsol 1978, which filters both UVA and UVB rays.
The addition of Mexoryl XL and/or Mexoryl SX has simply made Ombrelle even more effective.
Ombrelle is available in three products lines:
Regular
Kids
Sport
The Regular line is broken up into Body (lotion, spray, or cream), Face (cream or stick), and Lip (balm) formats, and offers from SPF 15 to 60. The Kids line is available as a lotion from SPF 30 to 45 with a sensitive skin option in SPF 30. The waterproof and sweatproof Sport line is available as a lotion, gel or spray from SPF 15 to 45. All forms of Ombrelle are fragrance and colorant free.
Sun Protection Factor
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is determined by comparing the amount of time it would take a person wearing sunscreen to get sunburned compared to the time it would take that same person to get burned without sunscreen.
If it takes 12 minutes for John to get sunburned without sunscreen then, in theory, he should be able to spend 120 minutes in the sun without getting burned if he wears a sunscreen that is SPF 10.
Sharon has fair skin and can get sunburned within 5 minutes, so she wears SPF 30 and can last about 150 minutes without getting burned.
Other factors like activity, amount of sunscreen applied, and frequency of application do effect the time you can spend in the sun without being burned.
If possible, you should try to avoid being in direct sunlight from 11am until 4pm. That is when UV rays from the sun are strongest and you are most likely to get burned. When you are outside, try to stay in the shade. Wear sunglasses and protective clothing, and apply a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF rating to any exposed skin.
The best sunscreens protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburns, while UVA rays cause more long term effects such as premature skin aging.
Keep in mind that SPF ratings do not measure protection from UVA rays.
For the best protection, you should apply your sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposure and again 15 to 30 minutes after exposure has begun. After that, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours for those indulging in mild activity. If you are swimming or very active and sweating, you will need to reapply more frequently. Even water resistant sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming.
If it takes 12 minutes for John to get sunburned without sunscreen then, in theory, he should be able to spend 120 minutes in the sun without getting burned if he wears a sunscreen that is SPF 10.
Sharon has fair skin and can get sunburned within 5 minutes, so she wears SPF 30 and can last about 150 minutes without getting burned.
Other factors like activity, amount of sunscreen applied, and frequency of application do effect the time you can spend in the sun without being burned.
If possible, you should try to avoid being in direct sunlight from 11am until 4pm. That is when UV rays from the sun are strongest and you are most likely to get burned. When you are outside, try to stay in the shade. Wear sunglasses and protective clothing, and apply a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF rating to any exposed skin.
The best sunscreens protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburns, while UVA rays cause more long term effects such as premature skin aging.
Keep in mind that SPF ratings do not measure protection from UVA rays.
For the best protection, you should apply your sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before exposure and again 15 to 30 minutes after exposure has begun. After that, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours for those indulging in mild activity. If you are swimming or very active and sweating, you will need to reapply more frequently. Even water resistant sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming.
Ultraviolet Rays and Mexoryl
Ultraviolet rays are radioactive rays from the sun. While UVC rays do not penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, both UVA and UVB rays do reach us.UVB rays cause sunburns, but UVA rays are linked to premature aging of the skin and to skin cancer. Up to 95% of the UV rays that reach our skin are UVA rays.
UVA rays are not stopped by cloudy skies or by windows and glass like UVB rays can be. UVA rays are also present year-round whereas UVB rays are less persistent in the winter.
Mexoryl is designed specifically for protection against short UVA rays. It has high photostability - meaning it does not degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight - allowing to protect better, for longer periods of time.
So why is Mexoryl better than other UVA filters that claim to be photostable? Compared to Parsol 1978, another popular UVA filter, the difference is clear. Parsol 1978 needs to be used in conjunction with other ingredients to maintain its photostability. On its own, Parsol 1978 breaks down quickly, rendering it useless as a UVA filter.
Mexoryl maintains its photostability without the help of other ingredients, allowing it to carry on absorbing the energy of UVA rays.
Buying Products with Mexoryl
Visit WestCoastSkin.com today and choose from a broad selection of products containing Mexoryl.Use the coupon code squid10 to save 10% on your order. There is no minimum purchase. Limit one use per customer.
Orders can be placed online at WestCoastSkin.com or by calling 1-800-501-6432.
Sources Used in this Lens
Mexoryl on the Internet (RSS)
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