Did you apply sunscreen this morning? We hope so, as sunscreen is the skin’s first line of defense against sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. But, think about it, what about eye sunscreen? Did you apply enough protection around your eyes?
Recent studies have shown that 14% of people tend to miss the eyelids when applying sunscreen, while 20.9% miss them when applying moisturizers with SPF. And that’s without counting all the people who deliberately avoid applying sunscreen around the eyes, because they’re afraid the product will burn their eyes. (We know the pain of sunscreen on sensitive eyes, we know it well, and it’s the worst.)
It’s important to keep the eye contour protected, though. Because the skin around the eyes is so thin, it is extremely vulnerable to sun damage; statistics suggest that about 5 to 10% of all skin cancers occur on the eyelid region.
This may sound disheartening, but it can also motivate us to rethink our approach to eye sunscreen. If you’ve been avoiding your eye contour area when applying sunscreen, we have some options for you. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite eye creams with SPF, designed specifically for sensitive eyes.
Our Favorite Eye Creams with SPF
The easiest way to start protecting your eye contour area right now is to use a targeted eye sunscreen, or an eye cream with SPF. These are high-tolerance formulas specially designed for application around the eye area; in short, they combine the benefits of an eye cream with those of a sunscreen.
For the purpose of this list, we’re only including eye creams (or eye sunscreens) with SPF20 and above–we love a high SPF! However, you can find plenty of options with SPF15 and under in the shop.
SkinCeuticals Protect Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30
The ultra-popular all-mineral eye sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Protect Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30
We’re starting with a textbook example of what an eye sunscreen could look like: the popular SkinCeuticals Protect Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF30. This is an eye sunscreen with 100% mineral filters and a light tint that illuminates the undereye area.
Now, keep in mind that the light tint in this product only exists so that the product will go on your skin looking “beige” instead of white; if you’re looking for an undereye sunscreen with higher coverage, keep scrolling, we’ve got options for you too.
Dermacol Cover Xtreme Corrector SPF30
The full coverage concealer with SPF30
Dermacol Cover Xtreme Corrector SPF30
If you’re looking for that gold-tier hybrid, Czech brand Dermacol offers a full coverage formula with SPF30: the Dermacol Cover Xtreme Corrector SPF30. The formula is suitable for sensitive as well as acne prone skin, concealing and protecting all skin types!
Presenting a practical sponge, this concealer is ideal for an easy application. Keep in mind, though, that it offers great coverage, and it should look better when applied along with other complexion makeup produts, like a foundation or a BB cream.
Covermark Eliminate Concealer Plus SPF50+ 3
The concealer-sunscreen for your undereyes
Covermark Eliminate Concealer Plus SPF50+ 3
This may not be officially an eye sunscreen, but you’ll see in a minute why it’s here! For fans of make-up, look to the versatile Covermark Eliminate Concealer Plus SPF50+, an anti-dark circle concealer that shields the eye area with SPF50+.
Designed for those who want to conceal signs of aging and fatigue, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and eye bags, this concealer provides a flattering soft-focus effect that suits all skin types.
Erborian BB Eye Touche Parfaite Smoothing Eye Cream SPF20
The antioxidant-rich eye sunscreen with adaptable coverage
Erborian BB Eye Touche Parfaite Smoothing Eye Cream SPF20
The luxe Erborian BB Eye Touche Parfaite Smoothing Eye Cream SPF20 is another eye cream that hydrates, perfects, and protects the eye contour area, all the while providing SPF20.
The formula contains natural antioxidants to help prevent signs of aging, and yeast extract to minimize dark circles and eye puffiness. As for coverage, this BB cream features a universal shade that adapts naturally to most skin tones.
Erborian CC Crème High Definition Radiance Eye Cream SPF20
The 3-in-1 tinted sunscreen for your eye contour
Erborian CC Crème High Definition Radiance Eye Cream SPF20 Clair
Our second eye cream from Erborian to make this list brings an added anti-aging benefit. As one of the brand’s many multitasking CC creams, this 3-in-1 product moisturizes the eye contour, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps conceal dark circles and eye puffiness through the action of a depuffing anti-fatigue peptide.
Contrary to the previous eye sunscreen from Erborian, this one is available in two shades, light and golden, to match your skin tone and coverage preference.
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift Eye SPF15
The anti-fatigue, anti-aging eye sunscreen
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift Eye SPF15
If you’re looking for an eye sunscreen in a light cream texture, look to the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift Eye SPF15. As expected from science-first skincare brand Eucerin, this eye cream is chock-full of effective ingredients: hyaluronic acid and glycine saponin work together to replenish hydration, minimize the apperance of wrinkles and improve firmness.
Of course, it’s also equipped with SPF15 to protect your skin against the damaging effects of the sun. If anti-aging is your priority, this is a great option!
Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral Eye Cream SPF50
The ultralight mineral eye sunscreen
Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral Eye Cream SPF50
The final entry in this list feels light as a feather, but packs a real punch when it comes to sun protection. With SPF50, Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes is a 100% mineral and fragrance-free sunscreen designed specifically for sensitive eyes. (No stinging or burning here!)
There’s more to the formula than just sun protection, though. As hydrolyzed proteins and biomimetic peptides tighten the eye area to help minimize any puffiness or sagging, the slightly tinted formula provides a brightening effect, for a wide-awake look.
Now that you’ve seen a few options of eye sunscreens, you’ve probably got a pretty good idea of what to look for in your eye sunscreen. Now, want to make sure you’re as protected as can be? Then make sure to always wear sunglasses. Your skin and eyes will thank you!
