Sunscreen for Eyelids Is a Must, Says a Dermatologist

The sunscreen category has seriously evolved. The only SPF I knew as a kid was stark white, thick, impossible-to-blend, fairly gloopy, and came along with a distinct smell that could overpower any "Pine" or "Balsam and Cedar" car freshener. Now, you can pick up an SPF that applies invisibly to your skin or one that doesn't smell like anything at all. You can brush it on. You can spray it on. You can physically add it to other skincare products. But nothing proves just how much the sunscreen category has changed and advanced quite like SPF-infused eyeshadow, one of Supergoop!'s latest inventions.

While the niche product sounds appealing, we can't help but wonder whether the world really needs an SPF-infused eyeshadow, and more specifically, SPF on our eyelids in the first place. To find out more, we asked a top dermatologist what he thought about sunscreen for eyelids. Keep reading to learn what he had to say.

Should I Wear Sunscreen on My Eyelids?

It might not be as stressed as, say, applying SPF to your nose, but still, the answer is still... yes.

"The eyelids are one of the most commonly forgotten areas to be protected from the sun," notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. "Just like any other part of the face, the eyelids can develop a sunburn. Fortunately, when your eyes are open, the eyelids are not exposed to UV light as much as other parts of the face. However, if you have your eyes closed, and your eyelids are not protected, they can easily develop a sunburn. Plus, even with the eyes open, The exposed eyelid skin is still at risk."

How to Use Sunscreen on Your Eyelids

Many of today's skincare and makeup products are formulated with SPF (more on those, ahead) and can safely be used on your eyelids. "Eyeshadow with sunscreen in it can help protect eyelid skin," Dr. Zeichner tells us. "However, it should be used in combination with traditional sunscreen," he adds. "Similar to facial powder sunscreens, eyeshadows need to be applied in a thick enough layer to offer adequate protection."

You can use traditional facial SPF on the lids, but Dr. Zeichner says to be very cautious that you do not get the SPF ingredients inside the eye itself. "If you have sensitive skin, stick to mineral-based sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide by itself or in combination with titanium dioxide," he explains. "While sunscreens that contain chemical UV blockers are effective, they can be potentially irritating to the eyelids."

Best Sunscreens for Eyelids

To keep eyelids and the surrounding eye area protected from the sun, invest in the right products. That includes sunscreen made specifically with the eyes in mind, as well as SPF-infused eye products. Check out our top picks, here.

Supergoop! Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow

In an effort to expand beyond traditional sunscreen and to provide protection to those often "forgotten" sun-exposed parts of the body, Supergoop! has created four tinted, shimmery cream eyeshadows each infused with an impressive SPF 30. This is product multitasking at its finest.

Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Another creation by Supergoop!, this eye cream is formulated with zinc oxide and wild butterfly ginger flower to protect against sun damage and damage caused by blue light, respectively. It's also packed with probiotics, pomegranate, and caffeine work to address a dull, puffy undereye so that you appear more awake (even if you're not).

BareMinerals Well-Rested® Under Eye Brightener SPF 20

The OG of mineral makeup, BareMinerals's products give you natural-looking coverage with a luminous finish. For instance, this vegan under-eye concealer works to brighten eyes, minimize the appearance of dark circles, and reduce puffiness, all while protecting with mineral-based SPF 20.

Soleil Toujours Brightening Eye Cream Mineral SPF 15 

Suitable for all skin types, this sunscreen was specifically made for the eye area. Not only does it defend eyelids with SPF 15 but it also addresses skin concerns with star ingredients hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and plumping peptides.

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 

Formulated with zinc oxide (Z-Cote®), titanium dioxide, and ceramides, this tinted eye sunscreen by SkinCeuticals protects, treats, and nourishes the delicate eye area. And unlike other mineral sunscreens, it doesn't leave behind a white cast.

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