Do You Need an SPF Eye Cream, Yay or Nay?

Eye skin is much thinner than the rest of our skin, making it more susceptible to UV- and damage due to environmental factors, including dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Even certain cancers can pop up in that region. So, any extra attention to this area—like moisturizing daily and applying broad-spectrum SPF—is worth it, especially at a young age. You may not see the damaging side effects now, but it’ll creep up on you one day. Besides, a prevention plan is always better than a treatment plan, don’t you think?

Broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers at least an SPF of 15 is one of the best forms of protection out there, not just for your eye area but for your entire body head-to-toe. You technically could extend your facial sunscreen to the eye contour area, but using a product that’s formulated specifically for eyes is an ever better choice. Why? Because these formulas are less likely to migrate into your eye (don’t you hate when that happens?!) and most of them—the good ones, anyway—can help target other eye-specific concerns, like dark circles, puffiness and uneven skin tone. Now, without further ado, three standout SPF-formulated eye creams to try.  

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30

To brighten under-eye circles while protecting the skin reach for this eye treatment formulated with activated C,licorice root and boasts SPF 30. It absorbs almost instantly to provide sheer coverage and hydration.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector SPF 30, $38

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 

You’ll love the way the sheer, universal tint of this SPF 50 formula enhances your skin tone, while ceramides hydrate and smooth the entire eye area. It spreads on easy without migrating into the eye, so don’t be afraid to get up close and personal in the surrounding crevices. 

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50, $30

Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28

Dehydration lines, puffiness, and dark circles will be visibly reduced thanks to this SPF 28 eye treatment enriched with caffeine. It’s suitable for all skin types—even sensitive!—so everyone can reap the benefits. 

Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28, $40