Eye creams give the skin around your eyes an extra boost of nutrients to help manage dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and more. Because this sensitive area is prone to irritation any For skin, finding a product that works on sensitive skin can be especially challenging. However, according to Elise Love, MDD., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, it’s worth looking for the right formula, because using an eye cream for sensitive skin can offer some very serious benefits.
“People with sensitive skin are actually the ones who would benefit the most from an eye cream,” says Dr. Love. That’s because people with sensitive skin tend to tend to be dry, so a highly hydrating eye cream can be great “from a soft hydration perspective,” she says.
“The skin around the eyes is very thin. It’s a mucous membrane, and the mucous membranes are very sensitive and absorb things more quickly,” he says. Charlene Saint-Surren-Lord, MDa board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC.
With that in mind, Dr. Love suggests looking for a formula that is hydrating but not too thick. “It’s a good idea to stick with a lightweight eye cream so you don’t get these milia,” tiny white bumps that appear when pores around your eyes become clogged, she says. “People with sensitive skin will want to stick with more cream products, versus those with more oily skin who may want more gel products.”
Below, shop the best options that fit the bill.
Kiehl’s Mini Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – $34.00
“One of the products I often recommend for sensitive skin is actually Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment,” Dr. Love says. “I find it to be a really soothing cream and it doesn’t irritate the skin.” This eye cream is formulated with avocado oil to hydrate, smooth, visibly remove puffiness, and brighten the appearance of the under-eye area.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream – $27.00
Another great lightweight eye cream is this gel cream from Neutrogena, which is infused with hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate the eye area. “Hyaluronic acid is actually a moisturizer, and it increases body weight about a thousand times in water,” says Dr. St. Soren-Lord. “So if you want to moisturize, this is the best way to go, especially for sensitive skin.”

Avène Refreshing Eye Contour Care – $28.00
This soothing eye cream hydrates eye skin while reducing the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and dry lines. Plus, it provides antioxidant protection. Contains red fruit extract, which is rich in vitamins and lipids to strengthen the skin barrier, as well as Vitamin E which provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage (which occurs when your skin is exposed to pollutants and can lead to signs of premature aging..) It also contains Dextran Sulfate to relieve Decongesting and visibly clearing eyes, while Avène Thermal Spring Water helps soothe, soften and calm the skin.
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