Mexoryl XL: Comedogenic Rating & Ingredient Analysis
Mexoryl XL, chemically drometrizole trisiloxane, is the oil-soluble companion to the water-soluble Mexoryl SX, and together they form the Mexoryl system used in L'Oreal's sun-care lines. Unlike its sibling, Mexoryl XL absorbs across both UVA and UVB, making it a broad-spectrum filter on its own, and it is highly photostable. It is approved in the EU and other regions but has not been cleared by the US FDA, so it is not found in American sunscreens. Combining the two Mexoryl filters lets formulators cover the whole UV spectrum with strong stability.
Quick facts
- Comedogenic rating
- our estimate — not measured
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Effective pH
- —
- Typical strength
- EU ≤15%
- Pregnancy
- Considered safe
- Suits skin types
- oilydrycombinationsensitivenormalacne-pronemature
Where this number comes from
No one has published a comedogenic rating for this ingredient. Fulton's 1989 table tested about 250 raw materials and this was not among them, and we found no later study measuring it. The figure shown is our own reasoning from the ingredient's chemistry and how it is used — treat it as an estimate, not a measurement.
Fulton read his own scale as 0-1 not significant, 2-3 borderline, 4-5 positive. The assay is the rabbit ear at 10% dilution, which the paper itself calls extremely sensitive and not fully predictive of human skin. Ratings describe the raw ingredient; concentration and formulation change real-world behaviour.
Caution profile
The four published fields on this page, on one 0–5 scale. Further from the centre means more care is needed — never that the ingredient is worse.
Derived, not measured: pore-clogging is the published comedogenic rating; irritation maps low/moderate/high to 1/3/5; pregnancy maps safe/caution/avoid to 0/3/5; skin-type limits is how many of the seven skin types this entry does NOT list. Every input is printed in words in the quick-facts card above.
Show the numbers
| Metric | 0–5 | Published field |
|---|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | 0 | 0/5 |
| Irritation | 1 | Low |
| Skin-type limits | 0 | 7/7 |
| Pregnancy | 0 | Considered safe |
Working pH and typical strength
Where this ingredient is formulated to sit, and at what concentration.
Both bars come from the fields above: the pH window and the typical strength range published for this ingredient. The tinted column is healthy skin's surface pH (about 4.7–5.75).
Show the numbers
| Metric | 0–5 |
|---|---|
| Typical strength | EU ≤15% |
What is it?
Mexoryl XL is an organic filter containing a siloxane group that makes it oil-soluble, with two absorption peaks spanning UVB and UVA. Because it is broad-spectrum and photostable, it can protect on its own while also helping stabilize partner filters like avobenzone. Its oil solubility complements the water-soluble Mexoryl SX, so the pair can be distributed through both phases of an emulsion for even, robust coverage. It is used at up to 15% in the EU and is valued for building elegant, high-protection sunscreens with a comfortable feel suited to daily wear.
Benefits
Broad-spectrum on its own
Mexoryl XL absorbs both UVA and UVB, so a single filter contributes balanced protection against burning and aging wavelengths.
Highly photostable
It resists degradation in sunlight and can help stabilize partners such as avobenzone, keeping protection dependable through the day.
Complements Mexoryl SX
Being oil-soluble, it pairs with the water-soluble mexoryl-sx so formulators can protect through both phases of an emulsion for even coverage.
Elegant and gentle
It builds comfortable, high-protection textures with a low irritation profile, layering well over antioxidant serums with vitamin-e.
How to use
Mexoryl XL is used inside finished sunscreens, mainly from L'Oreal-owned brands sold outside the US; apply as your daily broad-spectrum SPF and reapply every two hours in sun. Because it is broad-spectrum and photostable, formulas built around the Mexoryl system tend to hold protection well and feel elegant. It works alongside Mexoryl SX and avobenzone and layers cleanly under makeup and over vitamin-c serums. US shoppers will need to buy internationally to access products containing it.
Side effects
Mexoryl XL is well tolerated, with low rates of irritation and contact allergy. Its good photostability means fewer breakdown products, and it is not linked to the systemic-absorption concerns raised for oxybenzone. Keep it out of the eyes: like any sunscreen it can sting if sweat carries it there. The EU's safety assessment backs Mexoryl XL up to the 15% ceiling it is authorised at.
Who should avoid it
No group specifically needs to avoid Mexoryl XL; it is gentle and generally considered acceptable in pregnancy. People in the US cannot buy it domestically because of FDA status. Anyone with a rare allergy should switch to a mineral sunscreen with zinc-oxide or titanium-dioxide.
Pairs well with
Frequently asked questions
How is Mexoryl XL different from Mexoryl SX?
Mexoryl XL is oil-soluble and broad-spectrum, covering UVA and UVB, while Mexoryl SX is water-soluble and focuses on short UVA. They are used together for full coverage.
Is Mexoryl XL available in the US?
No. It is approved in the EU and other regions but has not been cleared by the FDA, so it does not appear in sunscreens sold in the United States.
Is Mexoryl XL photostable?
Yes. It resists breakdown in sunlight and can help stabilize other filters like avobenzone, contributing to reliable all-day protection.
Is Mexoryl XL good for sensitive skin?
Yes. It has a low irritation profile and is used in dermatologist-recommended lines, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Sources & further reading
Medical disclaimer
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