There may be nothing new under the sun, but the same can’t be said of the best sunscreens for mature skin. Dermatologists often quip that the best SPF is the one you’ll actually use, and these days, I have several formulas that feel like a treat, rather than a chalky chore, to apply. For instance, La Mer’s SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid is my TSA-friendly standby for travel; or, on days that I crave a little tint, I dab on Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. As my SPF collection grows, so has my skin’s resilience and overall glow—yes, even at 45.
Vogue’s Favorite Sunscreens for Mature Skin:
“SPF for mature skin has evolved over the last several years, shifting from purely ‘protective’ formulas to multifunctional products that serve as skincare,” Sandra Oska, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains. Instead of merely offering sun protection, Oska says that modern formulas target common signs of aging—including dryness, uneven tone, and dullness—with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and peptides.
The best sunscreens for mature skin also wear better than formulas of the past, particularly in the mineral category. “It’s out with the old chalkiness of mineral sunscreens, and in with the new, with much more elegant formulations,” Oska notes. Oska has also noticed a rise in the popularity of tinted sunscreen—particularly relevant for those dealing with melasma and hyperpigmentation—and ripples of K-beauty influence throughout the SPF category.
According to Oska, Korean sunscreens have reshaped consumer expectations for sunscreen textures, and lightweight, layerable, and hydrating formulas like Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen consistently top shoppers’ wish lists. (It certainly tops mine, particularly on days when I want to layer on makeup.)
With mature shoppers spoiled for choice, which formulas truly deserve a spot in your cart (not to mention, your beach bag)? Ahead, Vogue editors and dermatologists share the sunscreens they most recommend for aging skin. Sun safely!
In This Story:
- What’s the best sunscreen for aging skin?
- What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Mature Skin
- Are chemical or mineral sunscreens best for mature skin?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best Chemical: La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid
La Mer
The Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Lightweight Lotion
- Why We Love It: La Mer’s mineral sunscreen is infused with Miracle Broth, the brand’s signature blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals designed to support skin-cell renewal. “This is a great option for mature skin because it has a lightweight, skincare-forward texture,” Oska says. “One of the main concerns I hear from patients with mature skin is that sunscreen can emphasize fine lines, and this formula helps avoid that with its hydrating and smoothing finish.” She adds that the inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients—including kukui seed oil—helps defend the skin against environmental stressors that contribute to visible aging. Rayva Khanna, MD, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center, says: “This is particularly well suited for mature skin types that need both sun protection and lasting hydration. The chemical sunscreen formula pairs broad-spectrum UV protection with humectants like sodium hyaluronate and other nourishing emollients that help counteract the dryness and dullness often associated with aging skin.”
- Editor’s Experience: “I’d categorize this as a pure sensorial delight. It has a light, fresh scent and a milky, silky texture. And though it comes out of the tube in the palest shade of mint green, it vanishes into my skin in less than a second. It feels velvety and hydrating while it’s on, and forms a smooth base for makeup. Even better, it gives my skin a subtle glow that makes me feel confident going makeup-free.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
- Chemical or Physical: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 2.7%, oxybenzone 3%)
- Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth, kukui seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Ultralight, milky fluid
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Best Tinted: Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Dr. Few
Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Why We Love It: With a universal tint designed to even out any skin tone, Dr. Few’s mineral formula hydrates and blurs. Made with nourishing oils and non-nano zinc oxide, “This is particularly beneficial for mature skin because it provides mineral-based UV protection while also improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation or melasma,” Oska says. Plus, she adds: “Mature skin benefits from sunscreens that are also hydrating, and this sunscreen does that while still being lightweight on the skin.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This feels more like a luxury foundation than a typical mineral sunscreen. It has a cushiony, hydrating feel and just enough tint to even out my skin tone. When I wear it, I can skip (actual) foundation and feel covered for the day—in more ways than one.” —J.B.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 25%)
- Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, bisabolol
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Size: 1 fl oz
Best K-Beauty: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen SPF 45
Round Lab
Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock SPF 45
- Why We Love It: A popular pick amid the sea of K-Beauty formulas. Roundlab’s hydrating pick is a favorite of Vogue editors. “Despite being a chemical formula, the texture reads as a silky, more mid-weight lotion—but that’s not to say this feels heavy on skin,” beauty shopping writer Conçetta Ciarlo previously said. “When I reach for this, I often skip moisturizer altogether because it’s so hydrating on its own.” Dermatologists also sign off on the smooth, moisturizing texture of the formula, which is infused with birch tree sap to hydrate and support the skin barrier. Oska notes that as skin matures, maintaining hydration and barrier support becomes increasingly important—particularly on areas like the neck, chest, and hands that are frequently exposed to UV damage.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is the sunscreen that makes reapplication a breeze. I actually want to reach for it throughout the day because it gives my skin a quick, palpable dose of moisture—and it layers well over makeup.” —J.B.
- Chemical or Physical: Chemical (homosalate)
- Key Ingredients: Birch sap, hyaluronic acid, glyceryl glucoside, niacinamide
- SPF Level: 45
- Texture: Lightweight lotion-essence
- Size: 1.69 fl oz
Best Sun Milk: G.W.S. All-Over Sun Milk Body & Face SPF 50
Good Weather Skin
All-Over Sun Milk SPF 50
- Why We Love It: “G.W.S. All-Over Sun Milk Body & Face SPF 50 stands out for mature skin because of its lightweight, fluid texture that absorbs easily without feeling greasy or sticky,” Oska says. Made with squalane, sea buckthorn oil, and glycerin, this formula provides hydration and antioxidant support, and its texture is also a boon. “A sun milk texture can feel more wearable for patients who prefer skincare-leaning formulas instead of thick or occlusive sunscreens,” she says, adding that the G.W.S. formula leaves a dewy, healthy finish. “This sunscreen is best for someone looking for an easy-to-apply, cosmetically elegant SPF that works well for everyday reapplication,” she says.
- Editor’s Experience: “Now that warm and sunny most days, I often take my laptop outside and work from my yard. (Freelancer’s perk.) For those al fresco days, this is the formula I reach for: I love that it’s designed for face and body, so it’s a one-stop shop for my face, arms, chest, and legs on those days when I’m getting a lot of sun exposure. I also love the texture: It’s super lightweight, but still has the cushiony, hydrating feel of a proper lotion.” —J.B.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (20.5% zinc oxide)
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, sea buckthorn oil, glycerin
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight sun milk
- Size: 4 fl oz
Best Mineral: ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Isdin
Photo Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
- Why We Love It: “Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this mineral sunscreen is packed with DNA repair enzymes that support skin health in aging skin,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery. With the inclusion of patented DNA Repairsomes, the sunscreen can help repair existing sun damage while guarding against future oxidative stress with antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C. The 100 percent mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to shield the skin from UV rays, and its SPF level is 50, which more than meets dermatologists’ recommendations to wear an SPF 30 or above every day. Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, is also a fan. “This is a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy,” he says. “The formula absorbs easily and quickly into the skin, without a white cast—which can be a challenge with mineral sunscreens, especially on darker skin tones.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 11%)
- Key Ingredients: DNA Repairsomes, vitamin E, vitamin C
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Milky fluid
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Everything You Need to Know
What’s the best sunscreen for aging skin?
Because mature skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity, Dr. Collins recommends seeking out a formula that not only provides broad-spectrum sun protection but nourishes the skin with hydrating and reparative ingredients. The sunscreens on this list, from dermatologist-approved brands such as Augustinus Bader, Alastin, and SkinCeuticals, check every box.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Mature Skin
“Skin can lose its ability to maintain moisture as we age, and mature skin often needs more hydrating skin-care products,” says Jeanette M. Black, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologic surgeon. “This means that sunscreen itself should be more hydrating or be easily layered on top of a moisturizing cream.” (For instance, Roundlab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock contains hyaluronic acid and the glycerin derivative glyceryl glucoside.) Dr. Black adds that any sunscreen should have an SPF 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection.
Emme Diane Burg, an esthetician, skincare formulator, and the founder of Emme Diane Skincare, gives extra points to sunscreens that feature a PA+ to PA+++ on the label. “PA+++ is a grading system that focuses on UVA testing,” she says. “If you notice PA+ on your label, the product offers some protection against UVA rays, which are the ‘aging’ rays that cause damage and cancer. As the symbols increase, so does the level of UVA protection. So in this instance, the higher ratings, such as PA+++, are better in terms of sun protection,” she says.
Finally, a formula that’s fragrance-free, such as G.W.S. All-Over Sun Milk, is always a plus for mature skin. “In general, I recommend patients avoid sunscreens and other products with fragrances or other unnecessary ingredients that could potentially cause irritation,” Dr. Black says. And for patients of any age who are more active and might be exercising or swimming, she always recommends a water-resistant sunscreen.
Are chemical or mineral sunscreens best for mature skin?
“Mineral sunscreens are the safest and the only type of sunscreen that I recommend for not only safety concerns, but also their ability to block both UVA and UVB rays for broad-spectrum protection,” says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Beauty Center in West Hills, California. Dr. Black adds: “Mature skin can mean that the skin is more sensitive, and for patients who might have potential sensitivities to the ingredients in chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreen might be preferred.”
However, Burg argues that chemical sunscreens can do more good than harm for mature skin. “Many people assume that mineral or physical sunscreens are inherently ‘non-toxic,’ while chemical sunscreens are ‘toxic’,” she says. “However, the reality is more nuanced. In certain situations—such as extended sun exposure or harsher outdoor conditions—a chemical sunscreen may offer more reliable protection. Physical sunscreens can be easily compromised if the protective barrier is inadvertently wiped away, for instance by sweat, friction from clothing, or even the straps of a backpack.” In short, she says, choosing between a chemical and mineral sunscreen should involve case-by-case analysis. For Burg herself, she oftentimes wears a mineral sunscreen on her face and a chemical sunscreen on her body, particularly if she’s spending time outside.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity makeup artists—to learn about the industry’s standout products (and they ones they’d actually use and recommend). We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site. When it comes to SPF testing, we consider texture, ease of application, ingredients, finish, and wear time all key components of our review. Read more about our testing methodology here.
