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.
Lierac Sunissime Eye Contour Protector SPF50
The stick sunscreen for your undereyes
Lierac Sunissime Eye Contour Protector SPF50
If you’re looking for that gold-tier SPF50, French brand Lierac offers an 100% mineral eye sunscreen with SPF50: the Lierac Sunissime Eye Contour Protector SPF50. The formula contains hyaluronic acid for extra hydrating and anti-aging benefits.
Presented in a practical, stick-like format, this sunscreen is ideal for reapplication throughout the day. Keep in mind, though, that it’s also got a slight tint (to mask the white color of the mineral filters).
Vichy Dermablend SOS Cover Stick Concealer 16h
The full coverage concealer with SPF25
Vichy Dermablend SOS Cover Stick Concealer 16h
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 Vichy Dermablend SOS Cover Stick Concealer 16h that shields the eye area with SPF25. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this full-coverage concealer is safe to use even after surgery. It contributes to minimizing signs of irritation and redness, keeping up the concealing work for up to 16 hours. The formula, with beeswax and allantoin, keeps the eye contour comfortable and hydrated.
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.
ISDIN Ureadin Eye Contour Gel-Cream SPF20
The anti-fatigue, anti-aging eye sunscreen
ISDIN Ureadin Eye Contour Gel-Cream SPF20
If you’re looking for an eye sunscreen in a gel texture, look to the ISDIN Ureadin Eye Contour Gel-Cream SPF20. As expected from science-first skincare brand ISDIN, this eye cream is chock-full of effective ingredients: hyaluronic acid to hydrate, HMC to reduce dark circles and eye bags, and Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E to tackle signs of aging.
Of course, it’s also equipped with SPF20 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!
