La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French dermocosmetics brand founded in 1975 and named after the town of La Roche-Posay in western France, which has been a center for dermatological thermal spring treatments since the 14th century. The brand was acquired by L'Oréal in 1989 and sits within L'Oréal's Active Cosmetics division alongside CeraVe and Vichy. La Roche-Posay is one of the most dermatologist-recommended skincare brands in Europe and increasingly popular in the United States. Their sunscreens and moisturizers feature proprietary technologies but also contain chemical UV filters, preservatives like phenoxyethanol, and various synthetic ingredients. The brand's strong dermatological heritage and European pharmaceutical positioning lend it significant credibility with consumers.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns La Roche-Posay?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
L'Oreal(OR.PA)
Parent Industry
Beauty & Cosmetics
Parent Revenue
Approximately $42 billion (2024)
Acquired
1989
Also Makes
L'Oreal acquired La Roche-Posay in 1989. The brand sits within L'Oreal's Active Cosmetics division alongside CeraVe and Vichy.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is beauty & cosmetics. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60
La Roche-Posay
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Organic Lip Balm
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF 30
La Roche-Posay
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Organic Lip Balm
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
La Roche-Posay
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Organic Lip Balm
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50
La Roche-Posay
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Organic Lip Balm
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
La Roche-Posay
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in La Roche-Posay Products
We found 8 different ingredients of concern across La Roche-Posay's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Oxybenzone
A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics. It absorbs UVA and UVB radiation but is a known endocrine disruptor, coral reef toxin, and one of the most frequently detected chemicals in human blood and urine.
Homosalate
A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. Used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor that breaks down into more toxic byproducts under UV exposure.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers. PEGs themselves are relatively low-toxicity, but they are frequently contaminated with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane.
Avobenzone
One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection. However, it is photounstable, breaking down rapidly under UV light and losing effectiveness within 30 minutes unless stabilized by other chemicals.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics. While considered safe at low concentrations, it is a skin irritant at higher levels and enhances absorption of other ingredients — including harmful ones.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens. At regulated concentrations (up to 1%), it is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause irritation and are toxic to infants.
