Protect your mature skin from harmful rays with the best anti-ageing sunscreen

Anti-ageing sun creams will protect your skin whilst helping to maintain a youthful glow.

best anti-ageing sunscreen

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

One of the best things you can do for your skin to slow down the natural ageing process is to stay safe in the sun and protect it from harmful rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun's harsh rays can cause premature ageing, as well as damage to your skin. The best anti-ageing sunscreen will not only protect your skin from the sun but will leave it feeling moisturised and hydrated. Supporting your skin's natural healing process by using sunscreen for mature skin will lead to it having a more youthful and refreshed look and feel.

Best anti-ageing sunscreen at a glance:

With so many sunscreens on the market, you may wonder what makes an anti-ageing sunscreen different. These creams have been advanced to restore our skin's natural properties, using beneficial ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and many more. Even before your skin begins to show signs of ageing, it is a good idea to use these creams as they will help to keep your skin looking radiant for longer.

Unfortunately, the skin's ageing process can never be stopped completely. However, sun cream goes a long way to help slow it down. The most significant influence of ageing is UV damage from sunlight and lifestyle elements such as your diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress and air pollution - all contribute to premature ageing. The good news is that we have scoured the internet to find the very best anti-ageing creams that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine.

Best anti-ageing sunscreen

Best ant-ageing sunscreen overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct, 50mlLa Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is renowned for quality skincare products and the Anthelios Age Correct Sunscreen is no exception to that. This lightweight non-greasy sunscreen combines high broad-spectrum UVA and UVB factor 50 protection with an anti-ageing formula to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant while protecting it from sun damage. It’s enriched with niacinamide to target pigmentation and brighten uneven tones, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, including fine lines.

Users love the way this sunscreen feels on the skin, with many describing it as silky. There are some that found it sightly pilled when worn under heavier makeup but whether you’re lounging by the poolside on your holiday or heading out and about at home, this La Roche-Posay sunscreen will
have your skin feeling fabulous.

Pros

  • High broad-spectrum UVA and UVB factor 50 protection to keep your skins shielded against sun damage
  • Enriched with niacinamide to target pigmentation and brighten uneven tones
  • Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, including fine lines

Cons

  • Some reviewers found that this sunscreen pilled slightly when worn under heavier makeup
IngredientsALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • AQUA / WATER • BENZYL ALCOHOL • BENZYL BENZOATE • BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE • C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE • CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • DIMETHICONE • DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE • ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE • GLYCERIN • GLYCERYL STEARATE • HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID • NIACINAMIDE • OCTOCRYLENE • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE • PEG-100 STEARATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • PHENYLETHYL RESORCINOL • POLOXAMER 338 • POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE • SILICA • STEARYL ALCOHOL • TEREPHTHALYLIDENE DICAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID • TOCOPHEROL • TRIETHANOLAMINE • TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE • VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER • XANTHAN GUM

Best anti-ageing sunscreen for oily skin

If you're prone to oily skin, the Avène Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Face Sun Cream is a great option thanks to its non-greasy, dry-touch formula. As well as offering high factor 50 sun protection, it has anti-ageing properties including Ascofilline that helps to promote collagen production to keep skin firm and plump, as well as Pre-Tocopheryl, an antioxidant that works to protect against free radicals and environmental stressors that speed up ageing. I also love that it includes Avène's signature thermal spring water that'll help to soothe and soften the skin which is perfect for sensitive, mature skin.

The feedback for the Avène Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Face Sun Cream is glowing, with many loving its dry-touch finish which has been called a "lifesaver" for oily or combination skin. Some found that it left a white cast around the skin so you'll want to make sure you really rub it in to ensure it's absorbed completely into the skin.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types but particuarly good for oily and combination skintypes as it has a non-greasy, dry-touch formula
  • Protects again free radicals and environmental stressors that speed up ageing as well as the sun
  • Contains Avène's signature thermal spring water that'll soothe and soften the skin

Cons

  • Make sure to rub it in - some reviewers found it left them with a white cast around their face
Ingredients:Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Silica, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Mica, Decyl Glucoside, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzoic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), (Ci 77491), (Ci 77499), Oxothiazolidine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Tribehenin, Xanthan Gum.

Best anti-ageing sunscreen for sensitive skin

Delivering high, long-lasting UVA and UVB protection with just one application, the Ultrasun SPF 30 Anti-Ageing Very Sensitive Facial Sun Cream means you can go about your day in the sunshine without worrying about reapplying constantly. It includes Ectoin which is a natural ingredient proven to prevent UVA-induced premature ageing by shielding skin cells from damage and GSP-T, a powerful antioxidant complex that protects the skin from oxidative and environmental stress. The lightweight, gentle formula absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or greasy residue and as it’s specifically designed for sensitive skin, it means no irritation, just smooth, hydrated skin.

Users of this Ultrasun Sun Cream love its fast-absorbing formula and how it leaves their skin feeling soft and protected without clogging their pores. While they also appreciate how long-lasting it is, some wished it had a higher SPF option for extra peace of mind while out in the sunshine as it’s SPF30 protection rather than 50.

Pros

  • Protection is long-lasting so you don't need to worry about reapplying throughout the day
  • Includes Ectoin which is a natural ingredient proven to prevent UVA-induced premature ageing to skin
  • Formulated for sensitive skin so it's gentle and shouldn't cause irritation

Cons

  • As this cream is SPF30, some wished a SPF50 option was available for extra protection/peace of mind
Ingredients: Aqua, <br>Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, <br>Pentylene Glycol, <br>Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], <br>Titanium Dioxide, <br>Ethylhexyl Salicylate, <br>Glycerin, <br>Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, <br>C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, <br>Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, <br>Acrylates Copolymer, <br>Ethylhexyl Triazone, <br>Silica, <br>C8-22 Alkyl Acrylates/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer, <br>Squalane, <br>Ectoin, <br>Cocoglycerides, <br>Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, <br>Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, <br>Decyl Glucoside, <br>Propyl Alcohol, <br>Cetyl Alcohol, <br>Sodium Hydroxide, <br>Alcohol, <br>Cetyl Phosphate, <br>Xanthan Gum, <br>Propylene Glycol, <br>Lecithin, <br>Tocopheryl Acetate, <br>Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, <br>Tocopherol, <br>Diisopropyl Adipate, <br>Ubiquinone<br>

TESTED

Best anti-ageing sunscreen to wear with makeup

Transformulas Flawless PhotoGlow SPF 30+Transformulas/Amazon

Transformulas Flawless PhotoGlow SPF30 has anti-ageing and environmental preservation properties and will leave you feeling and looking more youthful. This lightweight cream will have your skin glowing as it hydrates and nourishes the skin. As well as leaving a luminous and flawless finish, it'll help shield your skin from harmful UV rays with SPF30 protection included.

Many, including me, were initially sceptical about its bold claims, but within just two weeks of use, I was absolutely blown away. My skin looked smoother and healthier, and I received so many compliments! I also found that it sits nicely under makeup and I found my foundation applied seamlessly over it, making it a dream for daily wear. However, while I had no issues, some customers have reported frustrations with the pump dispenser, finding it tricky to use at times. But overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with users loving the radiant, youthful glow it provides.

Pros

  • Protects your skin against environmental damage, including UV rays
  • Leaves your skin with a noticable glow as it hydrates and nourishes the skin
  • I found that it sat nicely under makeup and is great for daily wear

Cons

  • Some people found issues when using the pump (I did not)
Ingredients Aqua, Squalane, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycereth-26, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-37, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150 Distearate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Chlorella Vulgaris (Algae) Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phospholipids, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Zinc Pca, Ascorbic Acid, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool

Best lightweight anti-ageing sunscreen

ELEMIS Daily Defence Shield SPF30ELEMIS

Looking for a sunscreen that is as light as a feather and silky smooth? The Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF could be perfect. It provides broad UVA and UVB protection while also shielding your skin from environmental pollution and high-energy visible light. It’s packed with nourishing coconut and jojoba oils which just melt on the skin to leave it hydrated and supple without feeling greasy. It also works perfectly as a lightweight base for underneath makeup for a smoother application.

The consistency of this cream is something that is praised in the reviews. Customers say it feels light on the skin and absorbs easily too. While this isn’t a scented product, it does have a slight fragrance of coconut due to the oils added which may not be to your taste if you’re after a non-scented sunscreen but many think the smell isn’t too overpowering and is quite pleasant.

Pros

  • Packed with nourishing coconut and jojoba oils for hydrated and supple skin
  • A great lightweight base for underneath makeup as it helps make the application smoother 
  • Shields your skin from pollution, high energy lights and UVA and UVB rays

Cons

  • While a non scented product, it does have a slight coconut fragrance due to the oils added to the formula which may not be for everyone
Ingredients:Ingredients : Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylcellulose, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Argania Spinosa Leaf Extract, Carnosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol.<br>

TESTED

Best organic anti-ageing sunscreen

Deliciously scented, hydrating and packed with skin-loving plant extracts, there’s a lot to love about the Cha Vohtz Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser. It offers SPF30 protection, working to keep mature skin fresh, firm and protected against sun damage while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It’s lightweight and, best of all, doesn’t leave a greasy or shiny finish. As a vegan formula with certified organic ingredients, it’s ideal for those who prefer natural, cruelty-free skincare.

I personally loved how light and refreshing this SPF moisturiser felt on my skin. It smells amazing, hydrates without feeling heavy and works beautifully under makeup – although I did find that I needed to wait around 30 minutes before applying my makeup to give it time to be fully absorbed. It’s worth it though for skin that feels hydrated without the heavy feeling that other sunscreens and moisturisers can have.

Pros

  • Vegan formula with certified organic ingredients so a good option for those seeking natural, cruelty-free skincare
  • Lightweight and doesn't leave a greasy or shiny finish
  • Protects against sun damage while reducing the apperance of fine lines

Cons

  • I found that I did need to leave around 30 minutes before applying my makeup to ensure it was fully absorbed into my skin
Ingredients Aqua, Coco-Caprylate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Oenothera Biennis Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice Powder*, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract*, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract*, Squalane, Aroma [Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini Oil*, Pelargonium Graveolens Leaf Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil], Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Hydroxystearic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Citronellol*, Farnesol*. *Made With Certified Organic Ingredients

Best anti-pollution anti-ageing sunscreen

Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution SPF 50Clarins

For an SPF that does more than protect from the sun, Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF 50 not only offers high UV protection but also has added anti-ageing and pollution-fighting benefits. This multi-protection moisturising sunscreen shields against five types of pollutants, including atmospheric and indoor pollution, photo pollution, blue light and even pollen – making it a great choice for those who live in cities. Formulated with organic mango leaf extract, it’ll help boost your skin’s natural defences while hydrating and caring for the skin.

It has a lightweight, watery texture so customers appreciate that it’s not sticky and sits nicely under makeup without pilling. The only thing with the slightly more watery texture is that it was a bit too runny for some. However, customers do agree that it’s great for keeping skin smooth and soft.

Pros

  • Great for city life as it protects against five different types of pollution
  • Formulated with organic mango leaf extract that'll boost your skin's natural defences while keeping it hydrated
  • Customers appreciate the lightweight, non-sticky formula as it sits nicely under makeup without pilling

Cons

  • Slightly watery texture may not be for some - with some customers finding it too runny for their liking
Ingredients AQUA/WATER/EAU. DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE. HOMOSALATE. ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE. DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE. ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE. POLYGLYCERYL-6 STEARATE. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. TITANIUM DIOXIDE [NANO]. POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE. 1,2-HEXANEDIOL. CELLULOSE. TALC. TRIACONTANYL PVP. GLYCERIN. CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE. PARFUM/FRAGRANCE. GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE. POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6. SILICA. SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE. POLYGLYCERYL-6 BEHENATE. ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN. TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. C30-45 OLEFIN. DISODIUM EDTA. TOCOPHEROL. DIMETHICONE. MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) LEAF EXTRACT. MARRUBIUM VULGARE EXTRACT. KALANCHOE PINNATA LEAF EXTRACT. T-BUTYL ALCOHOL. PHENETHYL ALCOHOL. TIN OXIDE. CITRIC ACID. FURCELLARIA LUMBRICALIS EXTRACT. SODIUM BENZOATE. POTASSIUM SORBATE. LAPSANA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT. MARIS SAL/SEA SALT/SEL MARIN [S3682A]

Best anti ageing sunscreen: FAQs

How to protect your skin in the summer

Looking after your skin in hot weather is a great way to ensure the health of your skin. As we have previously mentioned, SPF is key to keeping your skin looking youthful. We spoke to Skincare Expert and Facialist, Cecilia Ross to find out her top tips for looking after your skin this summer. 
Smother with SPF
"Use a high-quality SPF on your face, neck, arms and hands daily, ensuring you are regularly re-apply throughout the day every two hours."
Add antioxidants
"Antioxidants such as vitamin C are ideal to add into your morning or evening routine. They fight free radical damage including UV rays and pollution, protecting the skin."
Hydration with hyaluronic
"I’d recommend adding a moisturising hyaluronic-based gel or serum. It will provide your skin with the moisture it needs without using anything too heavy that could clog the pores."
Keep it light 
"When you’re moving from air-conditioned offices, this can be very drying for the skin. So, I’d recommend layering up with light skincare and make-up products."

What makes an anti-ageing sunscreen?

Anti-ageing sun cream products contain ingredients that protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Most commonly, these products contain zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a fantastic mineral which helps to aid the production of collagen and elastin - in simple terms, these are the proteins that make your skin look line-free and youthful.
That being said, certain sunscreens may also include additional anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, retinol (Vitamin A), hyaluronic acid, or collagen-boosting compounds. These ingredients can help support the skin's natural processes and promote a youthful appearance.
We'd also recommend looking out for antioxidants, like vitamins C and E. These can help to protect the skin from free radicals generated by UV exposure, which can contribute to skin ageing.
Read the specifications tab for a full breakdown of all the ingredients in the sunscreens selected in this article.

How do you apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied anywhere that is exposed to the sun. It is important to apply sun cream to your face, neck and hair (if it is thinning). Sun cream should be reapplied liberally every two hours. If in doubt, always check the manufacturer's guidelines.

This article contains expert advice from Skincare expert and Facialist, Cecilia Ross. Cecilia has worked in the aesthetics industry for over a decade and prides herself on knowing what treatments and products really work when it comes to keeping your skin looking and feeling great.

Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that makes her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.

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