Eye Sunscreen | 9 Must-Have Types of SPF for Your Eyes
As the days get longer and summer draws closer, protecting your eyes from bright sunlight is essential.
We've been there: Slathering your body in heaps of broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from those harmful rays!
And towards the end, you reach for the delicate skin of your eyes and stop to think: Is that safe?
Well, no more! Because, fortunately, there are some fantastic eye sunscreens available to help keep you safe in the sun.
In this blog post, you'll discover the 9 top-rated eye sunscreens that will help you beat the summer rays and stay protected all summer long.
What Is Eye Sunscreen?
Eye sunscreen is a must-have in your skincare routine if you want to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
Not only does it protect the skin from premature aging, but it also reduces the risk of eye damage and skin cancer.
It is gentle enough not to cause irritation or stinging, and it won't migrate to your eyes, causing discomfort or blurry vision.
When it comes to applying sun protection, we often forget one of the most delicate areas of our face: the skin around our eyes.
As this area is prone to fine lines and wrinkles, it's crucial to protect it from harmful UV rays.
How Do You Use It?
Applying eye sunscreen is simple and easy, just like regular sunscreen, but it's specifically formulated for the eye area.
To apply eye sunscreen, start by using a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or makeup.
Then, take a small amount of sunscreen on your ring finger and gently dab it around the eye area.
Be sure to avoid getting any sunscreen in your eyes as it can cause irritation. Remember to reapply every few hours, especially if you're out in the sun for an extended period.
How to Make the Most Out of this Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best eye sunscreen for your needs!
With all the advancements skincare has been in the recent years, one of the bests is just the variety that in comes in. Not only is SPF in everyday skincare products but also in makeup. With a few these picks below, you can now enhance your skincare health while introducing a little bit of color into your routine!
All-In-One: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
Why We Are Passionate About It
Renewal Therapy SPF 35 is a specially formulated eye cream that helps to immediately brighten and correct dark circles, reduce puffiness, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the delicate eye area against photoaging with 100% SPF 35 mineral sunscreen.
And because it has been ophthalmologist reviewed and deemed safe for contacts and sensitive eyes, you can be sure that your skin is being taken care of without any unwanted side effects.
If you're looking for a sunscreen gentle enough for your delicate eyes with the added bonus of powerful anti-aging effects, check out Colorscience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Total eye complex.
This product is made vegan, non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free.
Plant-Derived Day & Night: Coola Organic Day SPF 30 & Night Eye Cream Duo
Why We Are Passionate About It
Coola's Day SPF 30 & Night Eye Cream Duo is a powerful product built for 24/7 protection. This duo of natural products delivers effective yet gentle ingredients tailored to your skin’s needs—no matter the time of day.
The Day Cream is packed with Vitamin C to help reduce the look of dark circles and fine lines, while the Night Cream features Resveratrol that helps revive and restore stress.
Each cream also features a 70%-plus organic Full Spectrum 360° Complex which helps mitigate free of radical damage from blue light, pollution, and fatigue. This duo of creams is a must-have for skincare enthusiasts looking to give their eyes maximum protection while ensuring they look their best 24/7.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include vitamin C, bluescreen digital de-stress technology, and Resveratrol.
This product is made 70%+ Organic, Vegan, and Cruelty-free.
Mineral Sunscreen: Supergroup! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream
Why We Are Passionate About It
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream is a luxurious yet lightweight eye cream specially formulated with best-in-class ingredients, such as South African resurrection plant and wild butterfly ginger flower extract to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and illuminate the under-eye area.
It’s also packed with SPF 40 to protect against damaging UVA & UVB rays and blue light from your phone, computer, or tablet; perfect for all-day protection.
This fast-absorbing eye cream works to reduce puffiness and smooth the skin around your eyes while hydrating it and smoothing skin tone. With continued use, you’ll see a visible improvement in the elasticity of your skin as well as reduced signs of aging.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include South African resurrection plant, Wild Butterfly Ginger flower, and a probiotic pomegranate blend.
This product is made vegan and cruelty-free.
Plumping & Hydrating: Eucirin Hyaluron Filler SPF 15
Why We Are Passionate About It
Eucirin Hyaluron Filler SPF 15 is the perfect option for skincare enthusiasts looking to reduce wrinkles, plump up fine lines, and protect their skin from the sun.
Made with dermatologist-proven ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin saponin, this innovative product will instantly have an effect on your skin: hyaluronic acid immediately helps to restore volume for a visibly younger appearance and a smoother texture, while glycerin saponin stimulates the dermal layer of skin to provide long-term anti-aging effects.
Because SPF 15 is included in this formula, you can enjoy broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays – all while enjoying lightweight and non-greasy hydration.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include hyaluronic acid, and glycine saponin.
Specialized For Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Face Moisturize is a gentle yet effective formula that helps fight visible signs of aging—including deep wrinkles—while hydrating your skin all day long for a refreshed, revitalized complexion.
Delivering instant hydration that lasts throughout the day, RoC's moisturizer is non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested for safety so it can be relied upon to nourish without risk of irritation.
This facial sunscreen and moisturizer is gentle enough for even the delicate skin around the eyes. Made with Pure ROC Retinol and advanced Broad Spectrum SPF, this powerful product will reduce signs of aging whilst protecting your skin from UVA/UVB rays and other environmental stressors.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include pure RoC Retinol, antioxidants, and glycerin.
This product is made oil-free, paraben-free, and oxybenzone-free.
Luxury Pick: PREVAGE Anti-aging Eye Cream Sunscreen SPF 15
Why We Are Passionate About It
Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 15 is a nourishing, daily eyecare essential specially formulated to help you achieve young, radiant-looking eyes. This multi-defense formula contains Idebenone, the single most powerful antioxidant, which helps protect and fortify your skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
The cream offers much more than just age prevention: it also neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging and provides all-day hydration and skin-soothing ingredients to the delicate eye area.
To top it off, encapsulated SPF 15 sunscreens shield it from damage due to UV rays. With regular use of this amazing eye cream, you’ll be able to look years younger in no time.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Idebenone Ester, I-seryl, and Chromacare.
Liquid Brightener: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector, SPF 25
Why We Are Passionate About It
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector SPF 25 is designed to give your eyes a healthy, well-rested, and refreshed look. Their one-of-a-kind formula is clinically shown to minimize puffiness and dark under-eye circles while guarding against sun damage with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 25.
This versatile product can be used alone or as a base for your eye shadow – no matter how you incorporate it into your routine, you’ll be sure to benefit from its patented blend of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, wild chamomile, and soy which will hydrate skin. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers alike!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower, Vitamin E, and soy.
This product is made for sensitive skin.
Powder & Concealer Brightener: bareMinerals Eye Brightener SPF 20
Why We Are Passionate About It
bareMinerals Eye Brightener Concealer with SPF 20 is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. This vegan under-eye brightener instantly helps you look well-rested, even when you haven't got a good night's sleep. Visibly reduce dark circles and provide broad spectrum SPF 20 protection and a luminous finish with this concealer.
With every use, you'll instantly get a wide-awake look as it works to diminish puffiness and fatigue. Dermatologist-tested and made with minerals, you can be sure that this product is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin while defending against UVA and UVB rays.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, and Responsibly Sourced Mica.
This product is made cruelty Free, Vegan, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Talc Free, Synthetic Fragrance Free, PEG Free, Tree Nut Free, SLS Free.
Eyeshadow Formula: Supergoop! Shimmershade (SPF 30)
Why We Are Passionate About It
Introducing Supergoop! Shimmershade, an industry-first eyeshadow with SPF 30. Whether you’re looking to simply brighten up your look or make a statement, this cream eyeshadow has got you covered. It comes in four stunning shades suitable for all skin tones and can be worn alone or as a primer/base before adding other cosmetics.
Made from mineral and clean chemical actives that effectively protect from UV rays, this long-wearing formula is sure to keep you looking flawless throughout the day. Its innovative blend of ingredients gives it immediate soothing properties after application and makes it easy to blend perfectly with any complexion.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include rose, Roman chamomile, jasmine, and sunflower extracts.
This product is made vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and reef-friendly.
Eye Sunscreen FAQs
Are you worried about the damaging effects of the sun on your skin? Are you unsure about which sunscreen formula is right for your skin type?
With so many types of sunscreens available, choosing one that won’t damage your eyes can be difficult and time-consuming.
Introducing eye sunscreen faqs! Our comprehensive guides make it easy to find a sunscreen that's perfect for your skin type and ensure that you're always protected from the sun's harmful rays.
Can you use sunscreen around the eyes?
Fortunately, it is safe to use sunscreen around this area. However, it is important to keep in mind that the skin around your eyes is more delicate and sensitive than other areas of your face. To avoid irritation, consider using a sunscreen formulated specifically for eyes, otherwise known as an eye cream with spf which will provide a gentle and effective form of protection.
Why do my eyes burn after applying sunscreen?
If you've ever experienced a burning sensation in your eyes after applying sunscreen, you're not alone. The reason for this discomfort lies in the ingredients used in sunscreens. Most sunscreens contain chemicals such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, which can cause eye irritation if they enter the eyes.
Even if you're careful to apply sunscreen below the eyes, the oils and sweat from your skin can still transfer the chemicals to your eye area. To avoid this, try using a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
What is the 3 finger rule sunscreen?
Have you ever been confused about how much sunscreen to apply? Simply take three fingers and measure out the amount of sunscreen to apply to your face, ears, and neck. This easy method ensures that you're using the right amount of product to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
With so many variables to consider, like SPF and water resistance, the three-finger rule takes out any guesswork and keeps your skin healthy and happy.
What goes on first moisturizer or sunscreen?
When it comes to chemical and physical sunscreens, the order can vary. For chemical sunscreens, it's recommended to apply them before your moisturizer. This is because chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin in order to be effective.
However, if you're using a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, you'll want to apply your moisturizer first to avoid diluting the sunscreen.
Why can't you put eye cream on eyelids?
It's important to be mindful of where you apply your spf eye creams. While it may be tempting to slather it all over your eyelids, it's best to avoid doing so. This is because the skin on your eyelids is delicate and sensitive, and the last thing you want is to inadvertently get the product in your eyes.
Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also cause irritation and redness. To get the most out of your eye cream, apply a small amount to your under-eye area and gently pat it in with your ring finger.
Best Eye Sunscreen - What We Recommend
In conclusion, we hope this blog post has been informative and helpful as you make your decision on which eye creams with spf are right for you. Eye sunscreen is a vital part of any skincare regime and it is important to find the one that best meets your needs.
We want to help you make the best purchase for your skin health so review our 9 recommended eye sunscreens above or read more in-depth reviews on our site. Now that you know everything about what eye sunscreen is and why it’s important, we invite you to take action and make sure that your eyes are well protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays throughout the year
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best spf eye cream on the market with many different products from resveratrol infused night cream to mineral sunscreens. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
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