10 Best Dermatologist-Approved Eye Creams For Sensitive Eyes (2024)
Treat your undereye area to some much-needed TLC for its strained, delicate skin.
Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston University, School Of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Read full bio of Dr. M. Khawar Nazir
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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Using skin care products on sensitive skin is tricky as they need to be picked very carefully. This applies to eye creams too. The best eye creams for sensitive skin do not cause any potential side effects like itching, redness, and irritation. In general, eye creams offer an array of benefits like combating the signs of premature aging like wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles and fine lines. These generally appear due to the reduced production of collagen as a result of aging. Eventually, skin loses its firmness and elasticity. A good eye cream can combat all these effects and also manage the loss caused by sun damage, moisturize dry skin, and minimizes dark circles. It can also, to some extent, handle the damage caused by harsh chemicals and give the delicate skin around the eyes a soft and plump look.
In this article, we have listed the 10 best eye creams for sensitive skin. Keep reading to know more about them and which one suits you the best!
In This Article
The 10 Best Eye Creams For Sensitive Skin That Are Worth Trying In 2024
1. Best Lightweight Eye Cream:Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream
Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream is made with Avène Thermal spring water that soothes the sensitive skin around the eyes. This lightweight eye cream helps reduce under-eye puffiness and moisturize the area. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that hydrate the stressed and fatigued under-eye area. Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient that plumps up the skin and locks in the moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. The antioxidants in this cream fight the free radicals that damage the skin. They also repair and rejuvenate the skin. This cream is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types. This 270-year-old brand is rooted in dermatology and hydrotherapy and popular for its skin care products for sensitive skin. This expert-recommended brand also demonstrates proven efficacy in soothing dry skin. This video offers a deeper insight into the functions and effects of the product discussed.
Pros
- Relieves under-eye puffiness
- Moisturizes the eye area
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formula
- Fragrance-free
- Soap-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin:RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream
The clinically-proven RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream is specifically formulated with a mild concentration of retinol, keeping in mind the fragile skin around the eyes. The lower strength of retinol ensures less or minimal irritation to people with retinol sensitivity. This anti-aging eye cream reduces the visible signs of premature aging such as fine lines, crow’s feet, puffy eyes, and dark circles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, a soothing ingredient, that nourishes and restores moisture to the skin. Regular use of this cream keeps your skin hydrated and plump. This non-greasy cream does not clog pores and is suitable for all skin types, including dry, combination, and oily skin. Also, it has excellent reviews on Amazon, making it one of the top products on our list.
Pros
- Anti-aging formula
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Suitable for retinol-sensitive skin
Cons
- May cause mild irritation
Pro Tip3. Best Dermatologist Recommend:Burt’s Bees Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream provide clinically proven results to hydrate the delicate and sensitive skin under the eyes. It reduces puffiness without causing any irritation or redness. This lightweight eye cream contains cotton extracts , a gentle ingredient that help soften the skin and perk up tired eyes. Its anti-redness, gentle formula helps restore moisture to the skin around the eyes. This hydrating eye cream is made with 98.9% natural ingredients and is safe to use as a night cream for the eyes. This sensitive skin eye cream is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and allergy-tested. It is recommended and approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. It has also won the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Check out this video to learn more about the eye cream.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight formula
- Moisturizes the skin
Cons
- May cause breakouts and dryness
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,168 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
| Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream | RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream | Burt's Bees Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.26 x 0.98 x 4 inches | 4.17 x 1.49 x 1.22 inches | 1.54 x 1.54 x 3.23 inches |
| Weight | 0.4 Ounces | 0.64 Ounces | 1.7 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,211 | 690 | 2,168 |
| Price | $29.0 | $59.95 | $12.68 |
4. Best Brightening Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin:Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream contains powerful antioxidants, plant extracts, replenishing ceramides, and soothing actives that restore the tired and fatigued under-eye skin. The combination of peptides, vitamin C, and cucumber extracts brighten and improve the firmness of the skin. They repair damaged skin and nourish it with soothing hydration. This brightening cream is gentle and improves the overall radiance of the skin. It can be incorporated into your morning and evening skin care routines. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Certified cruelty-free
- Natural ingredients
- Brightens the skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Insufficient quantity
- Expensive
5. Best Firming Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin:Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream
Perricone MD products are formulated by board-certified dermatologist and anti-aging expert, Dr.Nicholas Perricone. This hypoallergenic firming eye cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. Its rich anti-aging formula for sensitive skin helps combat dryness and loss of firmness in the skin. This mineral oil-free cream contains scientifically formulated and powerful ingredients like olive polyphenols, tocotrienols, and neuropeptides that calm and soothe the skin while combatting the signs of aging. The rare extracts of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein init are ideal anti-aging ingredients for sensitive skin. This is one of the best firming eye creams currently available.
Pros
- Anti-aging formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Tightens the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- No synthetic dyes
- Free from sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oil
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Affordable:Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
The clinically-tested Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream contains hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, and a vitamin complex. This nourishing eye gel-cream instantly hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes. Its light gel-like formula gets absorbed quickly and locks the moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. The antioxidants in this eye creams protect the skin from free radicals and damage. They repair and restore the cells, revealing smooth skin. This deeply hydrating formula is hypoallergenic and does not cause irritation or redness. Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is an affordable eye cream perfect for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Provides intense hydration
- Brightens the skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Fast-absorbing capacity
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- May cause breakouts or pimples
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 41,466 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
7. Best For All Skin Types:Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
Clinique’s Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector hydrates and brightens the delicate skin around the eyes. This ophthalmologically tested eye cream is suitable for all skin types. Clinical tests over a period of 12 weeks have found that it can lighten dark circles by 30%. This lightweight eye cream is especially safe for sensitive skin. It comes with a cooling tip massager that helps in reducing puffiness and perks up tired-looking eyes. Regular use of this rich, luxurious eye cream helps in brightening the sensitive eye area.
Pros
- Lightens dark circles
- Reduces puffiness
- Clinically-proven
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Takes time to show results
8. Best For Youthful-Looking:LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
The LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream refreshes the delicate eye area and makes it bright, lifted, and youthful-looking. It increases skin elasticity, minimizes the appearance of aging signs, and locks your skin’s natural moisture. This eye cream is enriched with natural ingredients like rosehip seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, hibiscus, provitamin A and B5, vitamin C ester, and vitamin E. The lightweight formula reduces under-eye dark circles, sagginess, puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and dryness around the eyes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- No colorants
- Petroleum-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 10,558 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
9. Best Quick-Absorbing:La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Yeux Rehydrant Cream
La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Yeux Rehydrant Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates the delicate eye area. It visibly diminishes the appearance of under-eye bags, puffiness, and dry skin. It has a light gel-like texture that soothes and moisturizes the skin. This hydrating eye cream gently infuses the skin with intense hydration and refreshes the tired and fatigued under-eye area. It is so light that it gets absorbed quickly and can be applied under makeup for that even skin tone. The product is suitable for everyone, irrespective of skin type.
Pros
- Soothing formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Can be layered under makeup
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
10. Best Plant-Based Ingredients:Save Smoothing Eye Cream
Save Smoothing Eye Cream hydrates and rejuvenates your under-eye skin with nourishing plant-based ingredients. This skin care product contains a complex of prebiotics and probiotics that support your skin’s natural microbiome. It protects and strengthens the skin barrier to give you healthy, radiant, and smooth skin. It contains Bakuchiol, an antioxidant that has properties similar to the anti-aging retinol, making it suitable for mature skin. Bakuchiol is a safer alternative as it does not cause irritation or dryness. It also contains bamboo bioferment that is a natural alternative to silicone. This smoothening eye cream reduces dark and puffy eye bags and keeps your skin young, healthy, and firm. Its vegan formula is suitable for all skin types and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Smoothens the skin
- 98% natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Not very moisturizing
The under-eye area is the most delicate on the face. For those of us who have sensitive skin, it becomes all the more essential to use an eye cream that will be non-irritating yet effective. The right formulation should be able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while keeping the under-eye skin firm. Check our curated list of features that you need to consider while choosing a tested eye cream for sensitive skin.
How To Choose The Best Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin
- Ingredients To Look For
The first step in choosing an under-eye cream for sensitive skin is checking the ingredients list. Formulas with fewer ingredients are generally safer and beneficial for sensitive skin. Look for natural and gentle ingredients, like aloe vera, glycerin, cucumber extracts, rosehip seed oil, marshmallow root, colloidal oatmeal, chamomile, green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E. These will help to lock in the moisture and improve elasticity while soothing the skin.
- Ingredients To Avoid
An under-eye cream that does not contain harmful chemicals like mineral oils, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances is your safest option. Avoid exposing your sensitive skin to ingredients that can cause irritation and inflammation.
- Formulation
The dermis around the eyes tends to be thinner than the rest of the facial skin, and with sensitive skin it gets more tender. Taking this into consideration, look for a mild, hypoallergenic cream or gel formula that is deeply hydrating and moisturizing. A non-greasy preparation will glide on smoothly and absorb into the skin quickly to give the best results. Heavier creams tend to stay on top of the skin and may cause irritations over time. A cream that can also double as a makeup base will protect your under-eye area all through the day.
- Packaging
Any skincare product that comes in an airtight container will last longer and is less likely to oxidize over time. For sensitive skin this becomes more important as oxidizing and exposure to air contaminants may lead to irritation. Tubes are a better option than tubs so that you don’t have to use your fingers to scoop out the cream.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using Eye Creams On Sensitive Skin
Using skin care products on sensitive skin is rather tricky. Even if you pick the right products, it is essential to use them the right way to prevent flare-ups and irritation. For instance, your under-eyes are delicate areas where you should use an eye cream with the utmost care. Check out the below infographic to know the dos and don’ts of using eye cream on sensitive skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dr. M. Khawar Nazir, the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan, says, “Dark circles give the impression of tiredness & I always suggest my patients use eye cream to make the skin around the eyes look better.” If you are someone with sensitive skin type and are thinking about adding an eye cream to your skincare routine, you need to get your hands on the best eye creams specially formulated for sensitive eyes. The Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream is a hypoallergenic cream suitable for all skin types, while the Burt’s Bees Eye Cream For Sensitive Skin is a lightweight cream that reduces puffiness without irritating the skin. The La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Yeux Rehydrant Cream refreshes the tired under-eye area. The best eye creams for sensitive skin do not cause any potential side effects like redness, itching, and irritation. They combat sun damage and also minimize the appearance of dark circles. The eye creams mentioned above in the list are devoid of any harsh ingredient, synthetic chemicals and fragrances, have a dermatologist-tested formula, and you can also wear them under makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dermatologists recommend eye creams for sensitive skin?
Yes. The skin around the eyes is sensitive; therefore, dermatologists recommend eye creams formulated with retinol to soften the fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Why is my under-eye skin so sensitive?
The skin around the eye is thin, vascular and sensitive. But overuse of facial cleansers and other skin care products like scrubs and peel-off masks with harsh chemicals dry out your skin and make it prone to irritations.
Why do eye creams irritate my eyes?
The skin around the eye is very thin and sensitive. Therefore, using eye creams containing harsh ingredients may cause irritating reactions to your eyes, causing burning and stinging sensations.
What do dermatologists say about eye creams?
Dermatologists suggest eye cream can help hydrate your skin around the eyes and reduce signs of aging like fine lines, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
Is eye cream really necessary?
Yes. As you age, the skin around the eyes loses collagen faster than the rest of your body, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Eye cream is specifically designed to hydrate the area around the eyes, reverse the signs of aging, and make your skin soft and supple.
Read full bio of Dr. M. Khawar Nazir
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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