Photoderm MAX Fluid SPF 100 is a thinner, more lotion-like version of Bioderma’s Photoderm MAX Cream SPF 100. Other than being better for normal to combination skin, the same review applies (Bioderma’s sunscreens are very repetitive).

The higher SPF rating here doesn’t get you better protection, just longer protection. You still need to reapply every couple hours if you’re in direct sun and after swimming, perspiring, or toweling off. See More Info to learn of the greater risk of irritation presented by sunscreens with ultra-high SPF ratings.

Otherwise, this fragrance-free sunscreen, which can be used on the face or body, provides broad-spectrum protection and reliable UVA screening (critical for anti-aging benefits) from avobenzone (listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) and two types of Tinosorb (listed as methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol and bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine). Tinosorb is a UVA-protecting sunscreen ingredient approved for use throughout Europe, but not yet in the United States—although why it’s not approved in the United States is a good question, as it’s been safely used for years in many other parts of the world. Technically, Bioderma shouldn’t sell it in the United States, but, in this case, flying under the radar isn’t a bad thing for your skin.

This is easy to apply and leaves a light finish, but you don’t get much else beyond the sun protection. Although the formula contains antioxidants, they’re listed after the skin irritant denatured alcohol, so their benefit for skin is likely negligible. We doubt the amount of alcohol is high enough to be cause for concern, but it could increase the sensitizing potential of the sunscreen ingredients.