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While dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 and above every day—to everyone—the best sunscreen for mature skin goes a step beyond shielding the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Leaving no trace of white cast is mere table stakes for the modern class of expert-approved sunscreens, which also nurture aging skin with everything from radiance-boosting vitamins to DNA-repair enzymes and botanicals that hydrate and plump. But above all, the best sunscreen for any type of skin will be one that’s a treat to apply, which is why Vogue’s top formulas offer both sensorial delight as well serious sun protection.
Vogue’s Favorite Sunscreen for Mature Skin:
- Best for Dullness: Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $42
- Best for Existing Sun Damage: ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, $46
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50, $17
- Best Tinted: Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF50+, $124
- Best for Refining Pores: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme, $34
“It's important to choose a sunscreen that feels comfortable and works seamlessly with your skin type,” notes esthetician, skincare formulator, and brand founder Emme Diane. “If it’s pleasant to wear, you’ll be far more likely to apply it consistently every morning—and consistency is what ultimately protects your skin.” To help you find an SPF that applies like a dream, be it chemical, mineral, non-toxic, or tinted formula, we turned to the pros for their expert and science-back recommendations.
Ahead, find the sunscreens dermatologists heartily suggest to mature patients—and wear themselves. From top brands like Supergoop!, SkinCeuticals, and Augustinus Bader, these formulas will help the skin glow from within. Sun safely!
In this article:
- 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?
- Meet the Experts
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Why We Love It: Skinceuticals’s fluid SPF 50 has translucent color spheres that boost the skin’s radiance while providing sheer coverage. Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas, calls the formula “tinted and elegant,” adding that “it blends well without settling into fine lines, making it ideal for mature complexions.” With 100% physical sun filters, the formula is also enriched with artemia salina, an aquatic-plankton extract that elevates skin’s resistance to sun damage and heat-induced stress.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 5%, titanium dioxide 6%)
- Key Ingredients: Artemia salina, translucent color spheres
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Fluid
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader’s TFC 8—a proprietary blend of anti-aging ingredients designed to support skin repair—is so beloved that fans of the brand wish it were in every product they use. (That’s why one such fan, Victoria Beckham, infused it into her brand’s coveted concealer pen, with help from Dr. Bader himself.) As such, the brand’s first SPF, which melds TFC 8 with physical sun filters, was met with excitement from industry insiders and Vogue editors when it launched this spring. I, for one, couldn’t wait to get my hands on the chicly packaged product, and it’s since become a staple in my morning routine. It also has a permanent place on my window side desk, so I can remember to reapply it every couple of hours. With the texture of a silky lotion—not dissimilar from the brand’s iconic The Rich Cream—the sunscreen wears more like luxurious skincare than a traditional mineral SPF. It’s moisturizing, fast-absorbing, and can double as a makeup base. Plus, its broad-spectrum SPF 50 makes it a serious defender against UVA and UVB rays. “When it comes to sunscreens for mature skin, formulas like Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 are particularly exciting,” Dr. Collins says. “Mature skin tends to be more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and visible signs of aging like fine lines and uneven tone. This sunscreen stands out because it offers high broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide, which is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 13.2%, titanium dioxide 9.1%)
- Key Ingredients: TFC 8, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, pomegranate flower, perilla leaf, kakadu plum complex, raspberry seed oil, burti oil
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight, creamy lotion
- Size: 1 fl oz
Alastin Skincare Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Designed to boost skin’s radiance while protecting it from sun damage, “This tinted mineral block is packed with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants, making it a lightweight SPF that protects against UV, blue, and infrared light,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Jeanette M. Black, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the Hamptons, has also seen the formula persuade her clients to apply (and reapply) their SPF on the daily. “It’s water-resistant for 40 minutes, fragrance-free, and has a glowing tint that a lot of my patients really like,” she says. “The product is lightweight and great for everyday use.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 3.4%)
- Key Ingredients: Phytoene, phytofluene, ectoin
- SPF Level: 36
- Texture: Lightweight, cushiony lotion
- Size: 3.2 oz
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,” Dr. Collins says. 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
Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF
- Why We Love It: Packed with ceramides, fatty acids, and prebiotics, Supergoop!’s lightweight oil was designed to lock in moisture while supporting the skin barrier. Thanks to an infusion of bakuchiol—a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol—the fast-absorbing salve smooths fine lines and wrinkles while harnessing zinc oxide to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays. And if you’re craving a streamlined morning routine, this should be added to your bathroom cabinet, stat. “This is a two-in-one product that’s perfect for someone looking to combine anti-aging with sun protection in a single step,” Dr. Collins notes.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 16.5%)
- Key Ingredients: English oak bark extract, olive esters, glycerin, L-carnosine, 1% bakuchiol
- SPF Level: 40
- Texture: Lightweight oil
- Size: 1 fl oz
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50
- Why We Love It: Neutrogena’s SPF 50, non-comedogenic formula has impressed Tia Paul, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach, California—and she says that its price point is just an added bonus. “This is an excellent budget-friendly option which is also incredibly lightweight and hydrating,” she says. “Mature skin loves the hyaluronic acid boost in this formulation!” What’s more, the sunscreen is water-resistant for 80 minutes. And for those hesitant to try a chemical sunscreen, Diane offers her perspective. Since physical sunscreens can be wiped away by sweat and friction from clothing, “a chemical sunscreen, formulated with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone, can provide longer-lasting protection,” she says. “What’s worse: an unexpected sunburn when you don’t get adequate or long-lasting coverage, or avoiding chemical sunscreens, no matter the cost?”
- Chemical or Physical: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Gel lotion
- Size: 3.0 fl oz
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: “This is a great option for someone with mature or dry skin who also wants a non-toxic formula with zinc oxide,” says Dr. Paul. “The squalane makes it ultra hydrating and smooth.” The formula also contains ectoin, a molecule that binds moisture to the skin for a plumpier, bouncier complexion and less trans-epidermal water loss. Butterfly ginger extract, another key ingredient, is an additional moisturizing molecule that keeps dehydration at bay. Reef-safe and fragrance-free, the sunscreen has a hidden superpower as a makeup primer: It can help foundation and other products grip the skin and prolong their wear.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 17.68%)
- Key Ingredients: Ectoin, plant-derived squalane, butterfly ginger extract
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Lightweight lotion
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF50+
Rationale
- Why We Love It: “This is a product I use every day,” says Ellen Gendler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It’s a 24% zinc oxide solution and the most beautiful tinted SPF formulation I've ever seen.” With the texture of a silky serum, the SPF 50 sunscreen tends to mature skin with high-tech ingredients. It’s infused with “zinc fusion technology,” a proprietary system that calms redness and supports the skin barrier while offering solar protection. Additionally, it’s made with 3D Shield Technology, which uses ceramic microspheres to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 24%)
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Fusion Technology, melanin, iron oxides, 3D shield technology
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Serum
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème
- Why We Love It: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, MDSolarSciences’s velvety formula sinks into the skin with a matte finish. Enhanced with pomegranate and cranberry extracts for antioxidant protection, the tinted SPF is a go-to for Dr. Mraz. “This is one of my favorites for combining UV protection with tinted coverage that doubles as makeup to blur imperfections,” she says. “The formulation also includes skincare superheroes and antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (titanium dioxide 2%, zinc oxide 17%)
- Key Ingredients: Pomegranate and cranberry extracts, green tea, vitamin C
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Velvety lotion
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
SkinBetter SunBetterTone Smart SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
- Why We Love It: “This has a creamy, tone-adapting color that looks great on skin of any age,” says Dr. Black. “Many of my patients find that this product has replaced the need to wear primers and foundations.” It also wears well at the gym, tennis court, or pool. Because the formula is water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes, Dr. Black frequently recommends it to her more active patients. Beyond UV protection, the SPF 75 formula also shields the skin from pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (titanium dioxide 3.5%, zinc oxide 10.0%)
- Key Ingredients: Bisabolol, niacinamide, olive leaf extract, plankton extract, ginger root extract
- SPF Level: 75
- Texture: Lotion
- 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 Dr. Black. “This means that sunscreen itself should be more hydrating or be easily layered on top of a moisturizing cream.” (For instance, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50 contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin.) Dr. Black adds that any sunscreen should have an SPF 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection.
Diane gives extra points to sunscreens such as Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF and Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen 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+++, is better in terms of sun protection,” she says.
Finally, a formula that’s fragrance-free is always a plus for mature skin. “In general, I recommend patients to 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, Diane 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 Diane herself, she oftentimes wears a mineral sunscreen on her face and a chemical sunscreen on her body, particularly if she’s spending time outside.
Meet the Experts
- Jeanette M. Black, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologic surgeon serving patients at UnionDerm’s Hamptons and Central Park offices.
- Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Emme Diane is an esthetician, skincare formulator, and the founder of Emme Diane skincare.
- Ellen Gendler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of DMRResearch and Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut.
- Justine H. Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Beauty Center in West Hills, California.
- Tia Paul, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Balanced Skin Dermatology in Newport Beach, California.
