In the quest for new natural agents of photoprotection, we evaluated the photoprotective and antioxidant activity of B. antioquensis leaf extracts as well as its phenolic composition. The methanolic extract treated with activated carbon showed the highest absorption coefficients for UVA‐UVB radiation, as well as an antioxidant capacity comparable to butylated hydroxy toluene. Furthermore, the formulation containing this extract showed suitable sensorial and photostable characteristics for topical use, and significant values of UVAPF, critical wavelength (λc), UVA/UVB ratio and sun protection factor (5.3, 378 nm, 0.78 and 9.1 ± 0.1, respectively). In addition, three glycoside derivatives of quercetin, a kaempferol glycoside and a derivative of caffeic acid were the main polyphenolic compounds identified. These results demonstrate the potential of B. antioquensis extracts to be used as active components of novel, natural sunscreens. Baccharis antioquensis is an endemic plant of Colombia, which can be found in altitudes between 2500 and 3000 m.a.s.l. The essential oil of this species has been studied, as well as the antibacterial activity of its extracts. Nevertheless, information about its polyphenolic composition and antioxidative and photoprotective activity is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Baccharis antioquensis as a source of natural photoprotective compounds.