The best sunscreens for mature skin, according to a 40+ beauty editor who’s tried them all

French pharmacy favourite, La Roche-Posay is a brand I constantly recommend to everyone and has long been a go-to for sensitive, reactive skin. I’ve used their original Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF for years, so I had high hopes for this new hybrid formula. And it didn’t disappoint. This one feels different from the original. Less runny, more like a lightweight moisturiser – in fact, it bills itself as an SPF and moisturiser in one. The texture is silky and smooth (no tackiness), and it sinks in quickly without leaving a white cast, I can imagine even on paler skin. But what I really love is the skin-caring extras. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, and niacinamide – a go-to for calming redness and tackling uneven tone. It genuinely feels like skincare, not just sun protection. I will say, if you’ve got dry skin, you might still want to layer a moisturiser underneath. It plays nicely with other products, doesn’t pill, and makes a great base for makeup. My only tiny gripe? The packaging. It’s a bit chunkier than the original SPF fluid and not quite as travel-friendly. But honestly, the formula more than makes up for it. It’s now firmly part of my morning routine – and yes, I’ve already repurchased.

It’s packed with vitamins C, D, E, F, and B - a bit of an alphabet soup, but in a good way. These help brighten, support skin barrier function, and fight off the free radicals we’re daily bombarded with. For mature skin, that’s a huge plus. For brightness, it’s the vitamin C that really does the heavy lifting. It’s a potent antioxidant known for helping fade sun spots and pigmentation, while also giving skin a fresher, more even tone over time. Combine that with vitamin B to support cell turnover, and vitamin E to calm and protect the skin barrier, and you’ve got a pretty skin-savvy SPF that works beyond surface-level protection.

The texture is a clear, weightless gel that feels more like a serum than a traditional sunscreen. No white cast, no pilling, but it did feel like there was a slight film over my skin. It glides on easily and once settled, it leaves my skin looking fresh. I’ve tested this on bare skin, over moisturiser and under foundation – it played well in all scenarios. I wore it under makeup, on bare skin, during hot dog walks and long desk days - it held up across the board. I didn’t need to blot (rare for an SPF 50), and it didn’t cling to dry patches, which is a win if your skin’s feeling a little more temperamental these days. And because it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it’s a solid option for sensitive or breakout-prone skin, too.

It glides on easily and blends beautifully with fingers - no sponge or brush needed. I tested the shade “24,” and it delivered a soft, even wash of colour that blurred minor redness and gave my skin a healthy, subtle glow. Think weekend makeup, rather than full-coverage foundation. As for protection, this SPF uses non-nano zinc oxide to deliver broad-spectrum SPF 50. That’s particularly important for mature skin, where UVA rays can accelerate collagen breakdown and worsen hyperpigmentation. I appreciated knowing I was getting solid mineral protection without the typical chalky white cast. What I loved most, though, was how comfortable it felt. No pilling, no stinging around the eyes, and no clogged pores after a few days of wear. The fragrance-free formula also gets points for being suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types, which is especially valuable as skin becomes more delicate with age. The formula includes plant-based emollients and hydrators like glycerin and meadowfoam seed oil, helping to lock in moisture and give skin a smoother, plumper appearance—both welcome additions if you’re dealing with fine lines or a lack of radiance.

I have a beauty crush on Kate Somerville’s products, and as someone who gravitates towards anything that has the word ‘illuminating’ in it, I had high hopes. First of all, this felt more like a luxe serum than a sunscreen, and after a good rubbing in, it did give my complexion a wash of promised radiance. This is particularly flattering if your complexion looks a little flat or tired (hi me!). However, I did find it a touch too greasy when first applied, and it took a few minutes to settle before I could follow with my makeup. Maybe I used too much - but is that ever a bad thing when it comes to sunscreen? Anyway, it’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re in a rush, prefer a matte base, or have very oily skin - keep scrolling for your recommendation. The formula itself is enriched with glycerin, a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin, helping to plump and hydrate. There’s also a blend of antioxidants which helps neutralise free radical damage from pollution and blue light, something I’m increasingly aware of as I spend more time glued to multiple screens.

As someone with combination skin that’s still prone to the odd breakout (yes, even in my 40s), I’m always on the hunt for a high-factor SPF that protects without clogging. The brilliant thing is that this is a water-based formula, so the texture is impressively lightweight and fluid, with no thick, chalky residue. It sinks in quickly and dries down to a satin-matte finish, which makes it a solid choice for oilier skin types or anyone who struggles with midday shine. It layered well under makeup, too, which isn’t always a given with high-factor sunscreens. The real USP, though, is its skincare-led ingredients list. You’ve got salicylic acid and niacinamide, two gold-standard actives for keeping pores clear and calming inflammation. I found this particularly useful during those hormonal flare-ups when I usually worry that SPF will make things worse. In fact, after a week of consistent use, my skin looked smoother, less congested, and happily breakout-free. That said, this formula might feel a touch too mattifying for those with dry or mature skin types as it’s designed to control oil, so don’t expect dewy glow. But if you’re battling breakouts and still want proper protection (SPF50+ and UVA protection according to EU standards), it’s a great, no-fuss daily option for acne-prone or combination skin.