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Age Defence

Age Defence

Complete protection against accelerated skin ageing in a beautifully formulated, deeply nourishing single step morning routine. 
  • Clinically Proven: Protects against collagen degradation and inflammation.
  • Supports Natural Recovery: Aids the skin's natural biological repair mechanisms.
  • Protects Your Progress: Stops the daily damage that undoes your repair work, allowing your treatments to truly deliver.
  • Invisible Finish: Lightweight, all-day hydration that layers perfectly with makeup.
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Age Defence

£92.00 GBP

KEY BENEFITS

Preserves Collagen & Firmness

Clinically proven to defend against UV-induced collagen degradation, maintaining your skin's natural bounce and preventing future loss of elasticity.[1]

Supports Cellular Recovery

The unique combination of two DNA repair enzymes support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, to prevent visible damage and ageing.[2]

Non-Absorbing UV-Protection

Powerful SPF 50 PA++++ protection against the damaging effects of UVA (ageing) & UVB (burning). The encapsulation technology ensures the filters don't pass the skin barrier for improved feel, increased performance, and less irritation.[3]

Shields Against Pollution

Protects the skin from the ageing effects of daily environmental damage, and pollution.[4]

Invisible, All Day Hydration

Deeply nourishing, all day hydration that absorbs instantly with a velvet-matte feel. A completely weightless formula that layers perfectly under makeup without pilling.[5]
View Citations
[1] In skin exposed to solar-simulated UV radiation, Age Defence significantly reduced MMP1 expression, a key enzyme involved in collagen breakdown, compared to untreated UV-exposed controls. [2] Emanuele, E., Spencer, J. M., & Braun, M. (2014). Topical Application of Preparations Containing DNA Repair Enzymes Prevents Ultraviolet-Induced Telomere Shortening and c-FOS Proto-Oncogene Hyperexpression in Human Skin: An Experimental Pilot Study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD), 13(3), 304-309. [3] Proven in independent clinical and laboratory testing, including in-vivo SPF 50 and PA++++ validation , structural analysis confirming a 1-micron capsule size that prevents skin absorption , and a 52-subject dermatological patch test demonstrating no adverse reactions. [4] Supported by peer-reviewed clinical research demonstrating that topical application of Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) provides significant antioxidant defence against oxidative stress and environmental skin aging. (Reference: Tasić-Kostov et al., 'Old Plant, New Possibilities: Wild Bilberry in Topical Skin Preparation,' PubMed Central, PMC8002374). [5] Proven in an independent clincial study to provide 24 hour hydration

Simulation of H&E histology staining of aged skin. MMP-1 enzymes act like pacman eating collagen.

What Causes Collagen to Breakdown?

Every time the skin is exposed to daylight and environmental stress, it triggers the overproduction of an enzyme called MMP-1 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-1). Think of MMP-1 as a biological wrecking ball; its primary function is to actively break down and dismantle collagen, the vital structural protein that gives the skin its firmness and bounce.

As we mature, the natural ability to replenish this lost collagen slows down. Mitigating the daily spike of MMP-1 enzymes is essential to stopping this degradation before it begins. By suppressing these enzymes, the skin's existing collagen network is protected, helping to maintain its natural elasticity and structural health over the long term.

How DNA Repair Enzymes Work

In nature, specific enzymes help cells respond to environmental stress. Certain enzymes have been extensively studied for their role in DNA repair, including photolyase—part of the foundational research recognised by the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Photolyase uses light energy to support the reversal of UV-induced damage. While not naturally present in human skin, it has been researched extensively in skincare for its ability to complement the skin’s own repair processes.

Similarly, endonuclease enzymes are involved in recognising and helping remove damaged DNA components, supporting the skin’s natural recovery mechanisms following UV damage.

Image showing the structure of our UV filter encapsulation

What is Encapsulation?

Encapsulation is an advanced formulation technology used to surround active ingredients within protective microscopic structures. Depending on how the system is engineered, encapsulation can either help keep an ingredient stable on the skin’s surface or protect it until it is released in a controlled way.

The Non-Absorbing UV Shield
The Non-Absorbing UV Shield Our broad-spectrum UV filters are encapsulated within a highly sophisticated water-oil-water (W/O/W) system. This ensures the filters remain entirely on the skin’s surface, preventing them from passing the skin barrier. The result is uncompromising, high-performance sun protection that eliminates the risk of systemic absorption, without the heavy, congesting feel of a traditional sunscreen. Furthermore, these microscopic spheres are negatively charged. Rather than clumping together (a common issue in standard formulas known as flocculation), they naturally repel one another. This electrostatic action forms a flawless, uniform grid of invisible protection across your skin.

Furthermore, these microscopic spheres are negatively charged. Rather than clumping together (a common issue in standard formulas known as flocculation), they naturally repel one another. This electrostatic action forms a flawless, uniform grid of invisible protection across your skin.

The pH-Triggered Enzymes
While our UV filters are engineered to stay on the surface, our DNA repair enzymes are designed for deeper structural support. We utilise a specialised lipid encapsulation to protect these delicate enzymes as they travel through the upper layers of the epidermis. Once they reach the precise cellular depth required, your skin’s natural pH levels trigger the breakdown of the capsule, releasing the active enzymes exactly where they are needed to support biological recovery.

What is Oxidative Stress?

Urban pollution and UV exposure constantly bombard the skin with free radicals—highly unstable molecules missing an electron. To stabilise themselves, they aggressively steal electrons from healthy skin cells. This destructive process, known as oxidative stress, depletes vital lipids, weakens the skin barrier, and triggers the invisible inflammation that causes a dull, exhausted complexion.

To combat this, the cellular ecosystem relies on antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a protective biological shield, generously donating their own electrons to neutralise free radicals before they can steal from healthy cells. This daily mitigation is crucial for stopping environmental damage in its tracks and preserving a vibrant, calm, and highly functioning skin barrier.

As Featured In

PURE SCIENCE. PROVEN RESULTS

Proven Results

Rigorously tested across all three dimensions of our Cell-to-Surface™ standard

Tested at the Cell

BIOLOGICAL EFFICACY

3.7x Reduction in Collagen Damage
3.8x Reduction in Inflammation
2x Reduction in Zombie Cells

In skin exposed to solar-simulated UV radiation, Age Defence reduced the expression of key biomarkers associated with collagen degradation (MMP1), inflammation (PTGES), and cellular senescence (P21), compared to untreated UV-exposed controls.

Measured on the Surface

CLINICAL STUDY

24hr All Day Hydration
SPF50 | PA++++
Perceived in the Mirror

Consumer Validated

91% Said their skin was nourished
88% Noticed a healthy glow

Our Standard

Cell-to-Surface™

We believe our testing should match the ambition of the formula. 

For our products designed to drive profound, lasting changes to your skin health, we test the final formulation across three distinct dimensions before it ever reaches your routine:

  • After

    Tested at the Cell

    Biological Validation

    We measure deep beneath the surface to ensure the formula actively supports your skin’s long-term structural health.

  • After

    Measured on the Surface

    Clinical Proof

    We use advanced scientific instruments in independent trials to objectively track and quantify visible improvements.

  • After

    Perceived in the Mirror

    Consumer Validation

    Science only matters if you can see the difference. We use independent user panels to confirm our deep cellular research translates into real-world, visible confidence.

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FORMULATION SCIENCE

A Note from Dr. Clare Kiely

"As a dermatologist specialising in skin cancer, I see the cumulative effects of UV exposure and environmental damage every day in my clinic. I always tell my patients that the single most powerful tool for maintaining skin health is consistent daily protection, starting with sunscreen.

However, I also understand the reality: many people dislike wearing traditional high-SPF products. They can feel heavy, congesting, and disrupt makeup. If a product isn’t a pleasure to use, it won’t be used consistently and inconsistent protection leaves the skin vulnerable.

Age Defence was created to bridge the gap between rigorous dermatological science and elegant skincare. My goal was to develop a formula that delivers high-level, broad-spectrum UV protection while feeling like a lightweight, luxurious day cream.

By combining advanced encapsulated filters with ingredients inspired by DNA repair mechanisms, this formula helps defend against daily environmental damage while supporting the skin’s natural recovery processes. It acts as an invisible shield against future damage, designed to protect your progress without compromising your routine.

INGREDIENTS

By precisely pairing encapsulated, non-absorbing UV filters with targeted DNA repair enzymes and pollution-neutralising antioxidants, we have created a daily formula where surface protection and deep environmental defence actively work in tandem.

Protect

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene encaplsulated in oil water oil lipids

Advanced Encapsulated UV Filters: High performance UV-filters that are encapsulated to ensure they provide all the benefits of chemical sunscreen filters without absorption. This makes them sensitive skin friendly and non-greasy.

Antioxidant Complex: A unique combination of bilberry extract and raspberry seed oil shield against pollution and environmental stressors that lead to dullness.

Renew

Micrococcus Lysate, Plankton Extract

Phytoshield DNA Repair: Photolyase and Endoneuclease act as a biological 'search and support' team that aids the skin's natural recovery from UV exposure.

Restore

Squalane, Lecithin, Maleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Barrier-Identical Lipids & Humectants: A synergy of Squalane, Lecithin, and Glycerin that mimics the skin’s natural composition to deeply hydrate, restore suppleness, and lock in moisture all day.

View full INCI

Aqua, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Squalane, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Maleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters, Plankton Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol

HOW TO USE

How to apply Age Defence

How to Apply Your Age Defence

For best results, we recommend the multi-dot technique to ensure even, full coverage across the face and neck.

How to apply:

  • Dispense 3–4 pumps of Age Defence
  • Dot the product evenly across your face and neck (forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and neck)
  • Gently smooth into the skin until fully absorbed

When to use:

  • Apply every morning as the final step in your skincare routine
  • Always apply to clean skin
  • Designed to protect and hydrate throughout the day with SPF 50

FAQs

Does it pair well with Night Repair Therapy?

Absolutely! Night Repair Therapy and Age Defence are our hardworking duo that keeps your skin in a state of protection and repair day or night.

Does it work well under makeup?

Yes, it sits beautifully under makeup offering all-day hydration. Can be worn alone or under makeup.

Can I use another antioxidant alongside Age Defence?

If you want to, you can use a separate antioxidant product before applying the day cream. However, it’s been designed to offer antioxidant protection as your one-step daytime cream.

What is flocculation?

When you apply sunscreen, many experience flocculation issues (probably without realising it). This means that, despite your best efforts, your application isn’t always even and can clump together. Using encapsulated technology means the sunscreen applies like a protective film over the skin, reducing any gaps and forming a better UVA and UVB protection layer.

Why have you chosen a mildly scented formulation?

The base ingredients, especially the repair enzymes have a distinctive smell. We added a very small amount of fragrance to boost the experience of using this daily.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Our day cream has been shown in independent clinical testing to be suitable for sensitive skin. Our encapsulated filter technology means the sunscreen filters themselves are not in contact with the skin making it suitable for those who are sometimes sensitised by sunscreen filters. 

The formulation is mildly fragranced so if you are concerned about any specific allergies or irritation we recommend trialing a small amount first.

Will the DNA repair enzymes get rid of all my sun damage?

As much as we’d love to say yes, unfortunately not all of it. DNA Repair Enzymes can’t erase all past DNA repair, but it can mitigate some DNA damage, helping to  correct UV-induced errors before they cause permanent cellular changes. In turn, this also helps reduce the risk of precancerous skin changes.

Is Age Defence a sunscreen?

Age Defence is a day cream that contains broad spectrum sunscreen filters meaning you can wear it as a sunscreen. We just recommend applying a 2 finger length amount to ensure adequate protection and it’s important to reapply throughout the day.

Does Age Defence provide blue light protection?

Blue light (HEVL, 400–500 nm) is part of the visible light spectrum and cannot be effectively blocked by transparent skincare formulations. Only products containing visible light–reflective ingredients, such as iron oxides, provide real HEVL protection. This means true blue light protection requires ingredients that physically reflect visible light.

Antioxidants can help mitigate the damage caused by blue light. Age Defence contains carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin E to help mitigate oxidative stress caused by blue light and support the skin’s natural defence and repair mechanisms This means our formulation helps skin recover from blue light exposure, but it does not block blue light itself.

That’s why we’ve chosen not to make a “blue light protection” claim, even though we could have.

Does Age Defence protect against infrared (IR) radiation?

Infrared (IR) radiation (especially IR-A) penetrates deeper into the skin than UV or blue light, contributing to heat stress, oxidative damage and accelerated skin ageing.

Infrared radiation cannot be blocked by traditional sunscreen filters, physical or chemical. There are currently no approved cosmetic ingredients that reflect or absorb infrared light in the way sunscreen filters protect against UV. Skincare products support the skin’s resilience to infrared-induced stress through actives. Age Defence contains a powerful antioxidant complex including: tocopherol (vitamin E), carotenoids, polyphenols and DNA repair enzymes. These ingredients don’t block IR but help defend against oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial damage that IR exposure can trigger.


We’ve chosen not to make the “infrared protection” claim because no skincare product can truly block infrared.

DNA repair enzymes

Nobel Prize Inspired Science

Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, which can damage cellular DNA.

In 2015, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for discoveries explaining how cells repair this damage. This research included repair mechanisms, including photoreactivation (a light-driven process involving the enzyme photolyase) and nucleotide excision repair.

In human skin, DNA damage is primarily repaired through nucleotide excision repair, as photolyase is not naturally present.

Modern skincare technologies are inspired by these biological systems, aiming to support the skin’s natural recovery processes. Research continues to evolve and these innovations remain an exciting area of skin science.

HOW THE ENZYMES WORK

Photolyase (The Daylight Defender): A brilliant light-activated enzyme. It actually uses the energy from daylight to help support the skin's natural biological mechanisms against UV-induced stress.

Endonuclease (The Deep Support): Works in tandem to help the skin's ecosystem identify and recover from the invisible, microscopic environmental damage that standard SPFs leave behind.

DEEP RESULTS TAKE TIME TO BUILD

What to Expect

1 Week

THE DAILY EXPERIENCE

Immediate, weightless hydration. The velvet-matte formula absorbs instantly with zero white cast, creating a flawless, non-greasy base for makeup.

1 Month

The Calmed barrier

As the formula mitigates daily invisible inflammation, your skin barrier becomes more resilient. You will notice a more comfortable, settled complexion with less environmental redness.

3 Months

Protected Progress

Because Age Defence actively defends your collagen from daily degradation, your nighttime treatments can finally work without interruption. Your skin retains its natural bounce and vitality.

6 Months

Long-term resilience

The true reward of prevention. Your skin’s biological environment remains structurally supported, healthy, and consistently protected against accelerated environmental ageing year-round.