The best sunscreens for mature skin, reviewed by a 40+ beauty editor who’s tried almost all of them

RRP: £34 | Texture: Cream

French pharmacy favourite La Roche-Posay is a brand I consistently 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 newer hybrid formula. And it didn’t disappoint. This one feels different from the original. Less runny, more like a lightweight moisturiser. In fact, it's billed as both an SPF and moisturiser in one. The texture is silky and smooth (no tackiness) and it sank in quickly without leaving any white cast on my skin.

But what I really love are the skin-caring extras. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, as well as niacinamide – a go-to for calming redness and tackling uneven tone. It genuinely feels like skincare, not just sun protection. I will point out that, if you’ve got dry skin, you might still want to layer on 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 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.

RRP: £42 | Texture: Gel

This Murad number is 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 bombarded with daily. For maturer skin, that’s a huge plus. Vitamin C that really does the heavy lifting for brightening here, 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, then vitamin E to calm and protect the skin barrier, and you’ve got a pretty skin-savvy SPF that works beyond surface-level.

The texture is a clear, weightless gel that feels more like a serum than traditional sunscreen. No white cast or pilling, but it did feel like there was a slight film over my skin. It glides on easily and, once settled, leaves my skin looking fresh. I’ve tested it on bare skin, over moisturiser and under foundation, and it played well in all scenarios. Whether during hot dog walks or 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, a win if your skin’s feeling a little more temperamental in midlife. And because it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it’s a solid option for sensitive or breakout-prone skin, too.

RRP: £34 | Texure: Tinted cream

MERIT's The Uniform 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 some minor redness and gave my skin a healthy, subtle glow. Think weekend makeup, rather than full-coverage foundation. As for protection, here a 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 to wear. No pilling, no stinging around the eyes and no clogged pores after a few days of wear. This 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 has plant-based emollients and hydrators like glycerin and meadowfoam seed oil, helping to lock in moisture and give skin a smoother, plumper appearance, which are both welcome additions if you’re dealing with fine lines or a lack of radiance.

RRP: £39 | Texture: Serum

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 is enriched with glycerin, a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin, helping to plump and hydrate. Meanwhile a blend of antioxidants helps neutralise free radical damage from pollution and blue light.

RRP: £23 | Texture: Serum

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 Vichy sunscreen is a water-based formula, so the texture is impressively lightweight and fluid, with no thick or 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 often battles with midday shine. It layered well under makeup, too – not 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 helping to keep pores clear and calming inflammation. I found this particularly useful during 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. All this said, this one would probably feel a touch too mattifying for those with dry or mature skin types; it’s designed to control oil, so don’t expect a dewy glow. But if you’re battling breakouts and still want proper protection (SPF 50+ and UVA protection), it’s a great, no-fuss daily option for spot-prone or combination skin.