8 Sunscreen-Infused Eye Creams That Protect Skin While They Moisturize

As any dermatologist will attest, the SPF is the best anti-ager out there.

For anyone who doesn’t subscribe to a more-is-more approach to skin care, incorporating an eye cream may seem over the top, or even completely unnecessary. But when an eye-specific formula is packed with the right, results-driven ingredients, it can make a real difference to the sensitive, delicate skin around the eyes — especially when one of those ingredients is sunscreen.

“The skin around the eye is extremely thin and delicate, therefore more susceptible to wrinkles, dark spots and photoaging,” says Dr. Sapna Palep, dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Spring Street Dermatology. As the most sensitive skin on the body, it deserves not only prevention from all of the typical woes, like fine lines and significant puffiness, but protection from sun exposure that can exacerbate those common issues, along with its own host of notorious problems.

But is it necessary to have an SPF specifically designed for the eye area? According to the experts, your regular facial sunscreen can do the job, and is also safe to use around your eye, but going the extra mile with an eye-specific formula is an especially good idea for anyone with particular concerns for the area. “It’s better to get an eye cream with SPF rather than a regular facial sunscreen, because it will include ingredients like physical sunscreens and antioxidants that are more compatible with the delicate eye area,” adds Dr. Palep.

The bottom line? When used in tandem with your usual daily sunscreen (broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or up!) — and maybe some giant polarized sunglasses — these specific SPF-spiked creams will provide beneficial, added protection to the delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage, and the dark spots and crow’s feet that can follow.

Read on below for eight dermatologist-recommended picks, and remember that SPF isn’t just a summer staple — it’s a year-round necessity.