Top-Notch Sunscreens for Mature Skin: Defensive and Rejuvenating Solutions Simultaneously
Skin care is essential, and sunscreen is non-negotiable, regardless of your age, skin type, or season - yes, even if you're indoors. As you age, the best sunscreens for mature skin do more than just protect from the sun. They nourish and soften signs of aging like fine lines, sun spots, and laxity.
We celebrate aging, but we also believe in investing in your skin care. Choose heavy-hitting ingredients that do more than just hydrate. So, let's dive into some formulas that work wonders with mature skin without accentuating any unwanted issues.
Here are some top sunscreens for dry skin:
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - Lightweight and silky, this mineral-based facial sunscreen is adored by Allure editors and dermatologists for its niacinamide content, which brightens and moisturizes, while hyaluronic acid plumps skin and fills in fine lines. Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, helps with skin tightening and pore-unclogging, making it suitable for people with acne-prone or oily skin too. It's fragrance-free, a bonus for sensitive skin.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 - Defending against hyperpigmentation, dullness, and sun spots, this chemical-based sunscreen is a multitasker. With brightening niacinamide and 1% tranexamic acid, it not only defends against premature aging but also improves skin tone. Its silky formula absorbs quickly, making reapplication a breeze.
Best Tinted: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen - In search of a sunscreen with a touch of coverage? Isdin's tinted sunscreen is a solid pick. Rich in photolyase enzymes, it improves DNA damage after UV light exposure. It features firming peptides and antioxidants to protect against future sun damage while visibly improving hyperpigmentation and fine lines. The sheer tint doesn't qualify as a skin tint but gives your complexion a subtle boost of radiance.
Best Chemical-Based Sunscreen: Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen - This chemical sunscreen is bouncy, offering a dose of vitamin C for brightness and softness. It's infused with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture while providing broad-spectrum SPF protection.
Best Mineral-Based Sunscreen: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40 - This mineral sunscreen boasts a moisturizing formula with a subtle peach tint that negates white cast. Packed with antioxidants, Lipochroman, and ectoin, it protects your skin from free radicals and external stressors, helping delay the signs of aging. A blend of four powerful botanicals – frankincense, gotu kola, white birch bark, and knotweed – soothe stressed, sensitive skin.
Best for Barrier Repair: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30 - This hydrating sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer, featuring glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides to restore your skin's natural protective barrier. It blends seamlessly into all skin tones, providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.
Choose the best sunscreen for your needs and enjoy protected, radiant skin!
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Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Why it's worth it:
Allure editors can't get enough of this Best of Beauty-winning sunscreen. Dermatologist James Y. Wang, based in Los Angeles, also praises it for its lightweight and silky texture. Its star ingredient, niacinamide, brightens, moisturizes, while hyaluronic acid plumps skin and fills fine lines. Though it's ultra-hydrating, its matte finish, oil-free formulation, and inclusion of lactic acid – a gentler alpha-hydroxy acid – make it suitable for people with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin too.
Editor's tip:
Pair this SPF with retinoids for stunning results. The niacinamide in this formula helps reduce redness and keeps your skin looking smooth, even, and irritation-free.
More to know:
- A mineral-based facial sunscreen
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate (7.5%), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
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Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
Why it's worth it:
Sun defense takes on dark spots, dullness, and hyperpigmentation with brightening niacinamide and 1% tranexamic acid in this silky, chemical-based formula. Diving deep, it protects against premature aging while visibly improving skin tone, making it a fantastic choice if uneven skin tone is a top concern.
Tester feedback from Allure's creative director Amber Venerable:
"I loved the consistency and how lightweight yet moisturized my skin felt after using it. You do have to ensure it's completely blended on darker skin tones, but it does seep in once you fully rub it in." – Amber Venerable, Creative Director
More to know:
- A sunscreen offering chemical protection
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7.2%), tranexamic acid, niacinamide, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
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Best Tinted: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Why it's worth it:
If you desire a sunscreen that offers moderate coverage, Isdin's tinted sunscreen could be your perfect match. Rich in photolyase enzymes, it improves DNA damage after UV light exposure. It contains firming peptides and antioxidants to protect against future sun damage while visibly improving hyperpigmentation and fine lines. The sheer tint won't qualify as a full-on skin tint but offers a subtle boost of radiance, making it an excellent option for those who want to maintain a natural appearance.
Tester feedback from Allure's contributing editor Deanna Pai:
"I love that this SPF offers not only sun protection but also active ingredients to improve uneven skin tone—very beneficial for darker skin tones like mine. Plus, it has an excellent=[unpleasant] smell and feel to it." – Deanna Pai, Allure contributing editor
More to know:
- A mineral-based tinted sunscreen
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10.7%), peptides, plankton extract, photolyase enzymes
- Fragrance-free: yes
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Best Chemical-Based Sunscreen: Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen
Why it's worth it:
The playful, bouncy formula behind Shiseido's Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen delivers a double dose of vitamin C and broad-spectrum sun protection. The brightening power of this hero antioxidant promotes smoothness and softening the look of pores, while hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture. The water-gel formula means the combined benefits of a water-based sunscreen and an oil phase create a non-greasy, easily absorbed final product.
Tester feedback from Allure's senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor:
"I was immediately drawn to this sunscreen because of its citrus scent and the refreshing feel it had on my skin. As the label reads, it contains vitamin C and licorice, which is perfect for tackling my hyperpigmentation concerns while moisturizing my skin. I noticed that the gel melted down into an extremely slippery liquid. I let it sit for a few minutes, and my skin felt velvety soft with an ever-so-subtle slickness. My complexion looked diffused—like I had a soft, blurring filter on my skin—and glowy when the sun hit it." – Jesa Marie Calaor, Senior Editor
More to know:
- A chemical sunscreen
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (2.3%), homosalate (10.0%), octisalate (5.0%), octocrylene (5.0%)
- Fragrance-free: no
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Best Mineral-Based Sunscreen: Dr. Loretta Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40
Why it's worth it:
If dryness, flaking, and dehydration-induced creasing are holding you back, apply Dr. Loretta's Universal Glow Daily Defense SPF 40. This ultra-moisturizing formula has a subtle peach tint that negates white cast, making it perfect for dry skin. The brand's proprietary antioxidants, Lipochroman, and ectoin protect your skin from free radical damage and external stressors, which can lead to accelerated signs of aging. A blend of four powerful botanicals – frankincense, gotu kola, white birch bark, and knotweed – calm stressed, sensitive skin.
Tester feedback from Allure's shopping director Shanna Shipin:
"I love this mineral sunscreen because it doesn't feel greasy on my skin but still manages to leave it looking smooth with a glowy finish. Plus, I appreciate that it has antioxidants earth-derived antioxidants to promote skin health and help arrest signs of aging." - Shanna Shipin, Shopping Director
More to know:
- A mineral sunscreen
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17%), lipochroman, ectoin, coconut oil, jojoba oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
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Best for Barrier Repair: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
Why it's worth it:
Prepare to quench your thirsty skin with La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30. This moisturizing sunscreen is one of Dr. Wang's favorite drugstore formulations, thanks to hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides that repair your skin's natural protective barrier. Its lightweight, lotion-like texture blends seamlessly into all skin tones and provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Most importantly, it saves you an extra skincare step in the morning. As Dr. Marisa Garshick (MD) previously told Allure, "This is easy to apply and combines SPF with moisturizing ingredients and ceramides to help restore the skin's natural protective barrier."
Tester feedback from Allure's former beauty editor Kathleen Suico:
"I had already mentally prepared myself to spend 10 minutes working it into my skin, which is what usually happens with creams like this. To my surprise, however, within a few minutes, the cream absorbed perfectly into my skin without any residue or white cast. More amazingly, it dried down to a satin finish, and combined with my foundation, my makeup applied flawlessly with a smooth finish, making it look natural and glowy." – Kathleen Suico, former beauty editor
More to know:
- A chemical sunscreen
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7%), ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
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Frequently Asked Questions | Meet the Experts | How we test and review products | Our staff and testers
Top Sunscreens for Oily Skin | Top Sunscreens for Combination Skin | Top Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin | Top Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin | Best Sunscreen for Men
How does sunscreen benefit mature skin?
On top of preventing issues like skin cancer and sunburn, mature skin benefits from sunscreen in several ways. It minimizes the appearance of concerns like fine lines, sun spots, and decreased skin laxity. Unprotected sun exposure drastically accelerates the appearance of aging skin, while not protecting your skin with sunscreen daily only sends the aging process into hyperdrive.
What ingredients should I look for in sunscreen for mature skin?
The usual golden ingredient of maturing skin-care routines is retinol, but sunscreens usually don't contain that ingredient (mainly due to the misconception that retinol can increase skin photosensitivity, but that's actually a myth). Instead, look for a sunscreen formulated with antioxidants such as vitamin C, known for its brightening, and skin-revitalizing properties. Studies have also shown that when vitamin C is used topically, it can help stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another antioxidant, niacinamide, helps reduce redness and inflammation, making it great for sensitive skin.
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Meet the Experts | How we test and review products | Our staff and testers | Frequently Asked Questions | More about Dry Skin Sunscreen
- James Y. Wang, MD - Board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Marisa Garshick, MD - Board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey
- Margarita Lolis, MD - Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Y. Claire Chang, MD - Board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD - Board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Ashley McGuinness, MD - Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO
- Joshua Zeichner, MD - Board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
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Frequently Asked Questions | Meet the Experts | How we test and review products | Our staff and testers | More about Dry Skin Sunscreen
When we review a product, our editors take every angle into consideration in an effort to best serve you. We carefully evaluate ingredients, scrutinize claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. Additionally, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
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Frequently Asked Questions | Meet the Experts | How we test and review products | Our staff and testers | More about Dry Skin Sunscreen
Our team comprises passionate and knowledgeable experts whose primary goal is to help guide you through the vast world of beauty and skincare. From researching and writing reviews, profiles, and trend pieces to testing and trialing products, they remain enthusiastic about bringing you the very best, most accurate, and helpful information to help you make informed choices.
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Frequently Asked Questions | Meet the Experts | How we test and review products | Our staff and testers | More about Dry Skin Sunscreen
When searching for the best sunscreen for dry skin, it's essential to seek formulations that not only provide excellent broad-spectrum sun protection but also address specific skincare concerns. Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera can help lock in moisture, reducing the risk of dehydration and helping your skin maintain a plump, smooth, and youthful appearance. Always ensure that the sunscreen you choose does not contain any harsh chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol, which could further dry out your skin and exacerbate your dryness issues. Remember to reapply generously and regularly for optimal sun protection.
Return to Top Top Sunscreens for Oily Skin Top Sunscreens for Combination Skin Top Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin Top Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin Best Sunscreen for Men
- Sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy skin as one ages, especially for mature skin, as the best sunscreens provide more than just sun protection – they nourish and soften signs of aging.
- The Best Overall sunscreen, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, is a lightweight, silky, and mineral-based facial sunscreen that benefits from its niacinamide content, which brightens and moisturizes the skin, while hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and fills in fine lines.
- For those concerned with hyperpigmentation, SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is a chemical-based sunscreen that defends against hyperpigmentation, dullness, and sun spots with a combination of brightening niacinamide and 1% tranexamic acid.
