1. Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
This is the eye cream that basically created the category and it's still the one dermatologists recommend most. Supergoop partnered with derms specifically to develop this formula after learning that 5-10% of skin cancers pop up around the eyes. The result? A 100% mineral eye cream that feels like skincare, not sunscreen.
The texture is chef's kiss, it's creamy without being heavy, sinks in fast, and layers perfectly under concealer without pilling. If you're only going to buy one product from this list, make it this one.
What I Love
This is the rare mineral sunscreen that actually feels elegant. No chalkiness, no white cast, just skin that looks refreshed and naturally bright. The pump dispenses the perfect amount (though some reviewers note it can be easy to pump too much), and the PA+++ rating means you're getting serious UVA protection in addition to the SPF 40 UVB coverage.
The Verdict: The gold standard for eye area sun protection. If you want one product that protects, brightens, depuffs, AND plays nice under makeup, this is it.
2. Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Colorescience basically said "what if we made an eye cream that's also a concealer that's also a treatment that's also sunscreen?" and somehow pulled it off. The Total Eye is a true multi-tasker that has TikTok and beauty editors equally obsessed, and the clinical results back up the hype.
The tint is really what makes this special for everyday use. It comes in four shades (Fair, Medium, Tan, Deep) that actually match diverse skin tones and provide genuine coverage, not just a sheer wash of color. You can legit skip concealer.
What I Love
The coverage is buildable and surprisingly good for a treatment product. One layer gives a natural, my-skin-but-better effect; two layers and you've got real concealer territory. The 100% mineral formula means zero eye irritation, and it's ophthalmologist-tested for anyone with sensitive eyes or who wears contacts.
The Verdict: The best choice if you want serious coverage AND protection. Perfect for people who wear makeup daily and want to streamline their routine without sacrificing results.
3. EltaMD UV AOX Eye Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30
If you know skincare, you know EltaMD. Dermatologists have been recommending their sunscreens for over 30 years, and their dedicated eye SPF is no exception.
The formula centers on antioxidants — hence the "AOX" in the name. You've got Vitamin E and Bisabolol (from chamomile) fighting free radicals, while Persian Silk Tree Extract tackles dark circles and puffiness.
The texture is serum-like, which is surprisingly lightweight for a mineral formula. It's tinted just enough to counteract the white cast problem without providing obvious coverage.
What I Love
This is the derm-approved choice when your eye area is sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and formulated specifically to be non-irritating. Multiple reviewers who couldn't tolerate ANY other under-eye sunscreen found this one works for them.
The Verdict: The dermatologist's choice. If you want zero-fuss, gentle protection from a brand physicians trust, EltaMD delivers.
4. SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
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This is the OG eye area sunscreen that started it all, and while it's been discontinued in some regions, it's still available through authorized retailers and absolutely worth hunting down if you want maximum protection. At SPF 50, it offers the highest broad-spectrum coverage of any dedicated eye cream on this list.
What made the SkinCeuticals formula legendary is its non-migrating technology. The sunscreen literally will not move into your eyes, no matter how hot or sweaty you get.
If you're someone who's given up on eye sunscreen because everything stings, this is the formula that was designed specifically to solve that problem.
What I Love
The SPF 50 rating gives peace of mind for extended outdoor time, beach days, or anyone with a history of skin cancer. The universal tint works surprisingly well across multiple skin tones, and the staying power under makeup is excellent.
The Verdict: The maximum protection option for serious sun warriors. If you can find it, grab it.
5. DERMAdoctor DD Eye Cream SPF 30
DERMAdoctor was founded by a board-certified dermatologist, and this DD Eye Cream is basically seven products in one: it illuminates, blurs, brightens, smooths, hydrates, defends, and protects. If you want your eye cream to seriously multi-task, this is the one.
What really sets this apart is the tint. It provides just enough coverage to work as a concealer for many people, but it's sheer enough that it adapts to most skin tones without looking obvious. It's ophthalmologist-tested and gentle enough for contact lens wearers.
What I Love
This creates the "lifted look" without any caking or creasing. The mineral formula means instant protection the moment you apply, and it plays beautifully under makeup. Reviewers rave that it's one of the few eye SPFs that actually makes them look more awake instead of just protected.
The Verdict: The ultimate multi-tasker. If you want SPF, brightening, concealing, and anti-aging in one product, DERMAdoctor delivers on all fronts.
6. Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15
Dermalogica has been the choice of professional estheticians for decades, and their Total Eye Care has earned 20+ years of loyalty for good reason. This is the gentle, reliable option that works for practically everyone, including contact lens wearers who struggle with eye products.
The light tint adds a barely-there coverage that softens dark circles without looking like makeup. It's the kind of product where people won't know what you're doing differently, they'll just think you look refreshed.
What I Love
This lasts FOREVER. Users consistently say one tube keeps going for 6+ months because a tiny amount does the job. It's also one of the few eye sunscreens explicitly tested for contact lens wearers, so if your eyes are sensitive, this is worth trying.
The Verdict: The pro esthetician's choice. Reliable, gentle, long-lasting, perfect for everyday no-fuss protection.
7. Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 15
PREVAGE is Elizabeth Arden's prestige anti-aging line, built around Idebenone — which they claim is "the single most powerful antioxidant" in skincare. The science is legit: Idebenone protects over 99% of collagen damage from environmental aggressors. This eye cream combines that powerhouse antioxidant with encapsulated SPF for luxury-level protection.
The formula is rich and nourishing without being heavy, making it ideal for mature or dry skin types. A botanical blend helps reduce oxidative stress, while the texture smooths fine lines and crow's feet with consistent use.
What I Love
The included spatula is actually useful — it's metal and keeps the product hygienic while providing a nice cooling effect during application. This is the luxury pick for people who want their eye SPF to feel like a pamper session.
The Verdict: The luxury option for anti-aging enthusiasts. If you're investing in prestige skincare and want your eye protection to match, PREVAGE delivers.
8. Soleil Toujours Brightening Eye Cream Mineral SPF 30
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Soleil Toujours is the clean beauty sun care brand that proves eco-conscious doesn't have to mean compromising on elegance. Their Brightening Eye Cream is 70% organic, reef-safe, and loaded with the kind of ingredients usually reserved for $200 serums — all while providing solid mineral SPF 30 protection.
A portion of proceeds supports coral reef restoration in Jamaica, so you're literally protecting your eyes AND the ocean. If clean beauty is your thing, this is the eye SPF for you.
What I Love
No white cast, no chemical filters, no parabens, no phthalates — just clean, effective ingredients in gorgeous packaging. The color-correcting properties are subtle but real, and it layers beautifully under makeup.
The Verdict: The conscious consumer's choice. Luxurious, effective, and ethical — everything a modern clean beauty product should be.
9. Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral SPF 50
Hello Sunday is the new-gen SPF brand that's been quietly revolutionizing the sunscreen game — and their eye cream is one of the highest-SPF dedicated eye products on the market. At SPF 50 with 100% mineral filters, this is maximum protection for the delicate eye area.
What makes Hello Sunday special is their commitment to marrying skincare with suncare. This isn't just an SPF with eye cream benefits — it's a genuine treatment that happens to have stellar UV protection. It's tested under both dermatological and ophthalmological control, so you know it's been rigorously vetted for the sensitive eye area.
What I Love
Finally, an eye SPF that doesn't sting or irritate! Reviewers consistently note how comfortable this formula is, even on super-sensitive eyes. The texture is rich but absorbs well, and it creates a subtle brightening effect under the eyes that photographs beautifully.
The Verdict: The maximum protection pick at an accessible price. If you want the highest SPF available in a dedicated eye cream with lifting benefits, Hello Sunday delivers.
10. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
MDSolarSciences was founded by a dermatologic oncologist, someone who sees firsthand what sun damage does to skin. That clinical urgency shows in their formulations. While this isn't marketed specifically as an "eye cream," it's become a cult favorite for the eye area because the silky, lightweight mineral formula works beautifully on delicate skin.
The water-resistant formula stays put without migrating into eyes, and the natural matte finish makes it perfect as a primer under makeup.
What I Love
The texture is silky smooth and genuinely enjoyable to apply, nothing heavy or greasy. It earned EWG's low hazard rating and has won multiple awards for best mineral sunscreen. If you're looking for a multi-use mineral SPF that works everywhere including around your eyes, this is the smart choice.
The Verdict: The derm-founded multi-use option. When you want one elegant mineral SPF that works on your whole face including the eye area, MDSolarSciences is dermatologist-trusted and proven.
11. Christina Illustrious Eye Cream SPF 15
Christina is a professional-grade Israeli skincare brand that's been quietly beloved by estheticians since 1982. Their Illustrious line is specifically designed for brightening and correcting hyperpigmentation, and this eye cream brings that expertise to the delicate under-eye area with built-in SPF 15 protection.
What makes Christina special is their professional cosmeceutical approach, these aren't mass-market formulas. The Illustrious complex uses hexylresorcinol and fatty acids to target melanin production at multiple stages, making it particularly effective for stubborn pigmentation around the eyes.
What I Love
The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it perfect as a base for concealer. Users report visible brightening from the first application, and the combination of sun protection + active brightening ingredients means you're preventing new damage while treating existing discoloration.
The Verdict: The professional's choice for stubborn dark circles. If hyperpigmentation and discoloration around your eyes are your main concerns, Christina's targeted brightening approach delivers visible results with daily SPF protection.
Quick Comparison: Which Eye SPF Is Right for You?
Why Your Under-Eye Area Needs Its Own SPF
Let's talk about why you can't just swipe your regular face sunscreen under your eyes and call it a day:
The Skin Is Ridiculously Thin: The skin around your eyes is about 0.5mm thick — roughly 10x thinner than the rest of your face. This makes it way more susceptible to UV damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. Regular sunscreen isn't formulated for this delicate real estate.
Migration Is Real: Standard sunscreens can migrate into your eyes throughout the day, causing stinging, watering, and general misery. Eye-specific SPF formulas are designed to stay put with non-migrating technology.
You Need Multi-Tasking: The best under-eye sunscreens don't just protect — they treat. We're talking caffeine for depuffing, peptides for anti-aging, and tinted pigments for brightening. Why use three products when one can do it all?
Your Sunglasses Aren't Enough: Unless your shades are labeled UV400 (blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays), they're not fully protecting your eye area. The skin around your eyes is still getting hit, especially from light sneaking in around the edges.
How to Choose the Right Eye SPF for You
If you want the best all-around protection: Go with Supergoop! Bright-Eyed. It's got SPF 40, mineral filters, blue light protection, and a texture that plays nice under makeup. It's the category leader for a reason.
If you want to replace your concealer: Colorescience Total Eye has the coverage and the shades to actually skip your concealer, plus the cooling applicator is a nice bonus.
If your eyes are super sensitive: EltaMD UV AOX Eye is the dermatologist-trusted choice with a gentle formula that even reactive eyes can tolerate.
If you want maximum SPF at a great price: Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes delivers SPF 50 with lifting peptides for under $25 — incredible value.
If clean beauty matters to you: Soleil Toujours is 70% organic, reef-safe, and supports coral restoration — the conscious choice.
If you want one product that does everything: DERMAdoctor DD Eye illuminates, protects, conceals, and treats in one mineral formula.
If dark circles are your main concern: Christina Illustrious Eye Cream targets hyperpigmentation at multiple levels with Vitamin C, peptides, and professional-grade brightening — with SPF 15 built right in.
Eye Cream with SPF FAQs
Can I just use my regular sunscreen around my eyes?
You can try, but most face sunscreens will migrate into your eyes and cause stinging, especially as you sweat or the day goes on. Eye-specific SPFs are formulated to stay put and use gentler ingredients that won't irritate the delicate eye area.
What SPF do I need for under my eyes?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher for daily wear. For extended outdoor time, beach days, or if you have a history of skin cancer, go for SPF 50.
How often should I reapply eye SPF?
Same rules as face sunscreen: every 2 hours when outdoors, or immediately after swimming/sweating. For typical indoor/office days with limited sun exposure, morning application is usually sufficient.
Can I wear eye cream with SPF under makeup?
Yes! The best ones are specifically designed to layer well. Look for formulas that don't pill, and give the SPF about 30 seconds to set before applying concealer or eyeshadow.
Why do my eye sunscreens always sting?
Chemical sunscreen filters (like avobenzone and oxybenzone) are often the culprits. Try switching to a 100% mineral formula with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide — these sit on top of skin rather than absorbing in, so they're much gentler.
Should I apply eye SPF on my eyelids too?
If the formula says it's safe for eyelids (check the label), absolutely! The eyelid skin is super thin and prone to sun damage. Many formulas on this list are tested for both upper and lower eye areas.
The Bottom Line
Your eye area is literally the thinnest, most fragile skin on your face and probably the most neglected when it comes to sun protection. Every day you skip SPF around your eyes is another day of cumulative sun damage that shows up as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and potentially skin cancer.
The good news? You have options now. Whether you want a tinted formula that doubles as concealer, a clean beauty pick that supports the ocean, or a budget-friendly drugstore option, there's an eye SPF that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
Pick one. Use it. Your future self (and your eye area) will thank you.
Looking for more sunscreen guides? Check out our posts on the best sunscreens for oily skin and the Best Face Sunscreens for Daily, Non-Greasy Protection.
