Skincare for Mature Skin

From our forties onwards, and especially around the menopause, many people notice their skin feels drier, less firm and slower to bounce back. Products labelled for mature skin tend to put comfort and hydration first, with richer textures, oils and balms, ceramides and squalane, alongside gentle retinoids, peptides and vitamin C to help skin look smoother and more even.

This collection gathers around 80 products formulated or labelled for mature skin, including moisturisers from Augustinus Bader, CLARINS Super Restorative, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen, Dermalogica, Lancôme, L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect and Weleda; vitamin C and retinol serums from Vibriance, HANYWIL and IMAGE Skincare; eye creams from Clinique and PRIME PROMETICS; fragile-skin moisturisers from Dermend and Vigority; and gentle persimmon body soaps. Prices vary widely, with most between about £27 and £119. Make-up, sunscreens, supplements and hormone or wild yam creams are not included.

When adding a retinoid or a high-strength vitamin C, start slowly a few nights a week and keep the rest of the routine simple and moisturising. Thin or delicate skin benefits from gentle handling, so pat products in rather than rubbing.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as mature skin?

There is no fixed age, but the term is usually used for skin from the late forties onwards, when lower oil production and hormonal changes around the menopause can leave skin drier and less firm.

Which ingredients suit mature skin?

Hydrators and lipids such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane and plant oils for comfort, plus retinol or retinal, peptides and vitamin C for smoother, more even-looking skin. Introduce one active at a time.

Can I use retinol on mature skin?

Yes, many people do. Start with a gentle formula two or three nights a week, apply a moisturiser over it and wear sun protection during the day.

What are persimmon soaps for?

Japanese-style persimmon soaps contain persimmon extract and are traditionally used as deodorising body washes. They are included because they are designed for gentle everyday cleansing of mature skin.