The formula is gentle enough for undereyes but can also be used on the entire face. “Most sunscreens are made for the entire face, including around the eye, so you can definitely use them there,” Dr. Rabach reminds Allure readers.
Editor Tip: This sunscreen’s nongreasy texture makes it a great choice for people with oily skin. Just give it a good shake before applying two finger-length doses to your neck and face.
Key Ingredients: Zinc, photolyase enzyme, vitamin E | Size: 1.7 oz | Who It’s For: People looking for a non-greasy option
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an eye cream with SPF?
Delicate undereye skin is more prone to signs of aging such as sun damage, burning, fine lines, and wrinkles than other parts of the skin, which is why the area benefits from special attention. Similar to how we swap out a daytime moisturizer with SPF for a more decadent night cream before bed, it’s helpful to apply the same logic to eye creams—one with SPF to protect skin during the day and another to soothe and replenish at night. Used in tandem with your daily sunscreen, these eye creams with SPF help protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage and the resulting crow’s feet and dark spots.
Still, according to Dr. Rabach, most facial sunscreens are made for the entire face, including around the eye. She notes that if you have especially sensitive skin and have experienced any bit of a burning sensation around the eye when using a traditional face SPF, it’s best to stick with a formula made especially for the eye area—as those tend to include gentler ingredients.
How should I choose an eye cream with SPF?
Choosing the correct eye cream with SPF can be tricky, particularly if you have sensitive skin. “As a Mohs surgeon, I see many patients come in with skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eyes, so if you have sensitive skin, stick with mineral SPFs in this area,” says Dr. Linny. She adds that sunglasses and hats are also great options for UV protection around the eyes. As always, when in doubt, check in with your board-certified dermatologist.
Meet the experts
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of the cosmetic and clinical research department of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
- Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Rhode Island
- Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.