The eye area is generally more sensitive than the rest of the face, but for those with sensitive skin, the task of choosing an eye cream is especially difficult. Ordinary eye creams can cause redness, itching and irritation — a particular problem when using anti-aging treatments, which contain potentially irritating active ingredients. If you’ve noticed these types of irritations in the past, take a closer look at your eye cream and see what ingredients might be to blame and what to look for in your next cream.
Potentially irritating ingredients can include:
- Fragrances
- Essential oils
- Botanical ingredients
- Artificial colorants
- Active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid) and retinol
Look for products with the following labels:
- Hypoallergenic
- Allergen-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Top 5 products for sensitive skin*
- BABOR Sensational Eye Gel. Nurture and revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes with this lightweight, cooling gel. A potent blend of vitamins A and E and liposomes, this formula targets expression lines and environmental damage.
- Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream. Moisturize and smooth fine lines with this emollient cream. Formulated with .125 percent Kinetin (N6- furfuryladenine), this cream combats fine lines and wrinkles without clogging pores or causing irritation to the delicate eye area. All skin types will appreciate the lightweight texture.
- Freeze 24/7 Eyecing Fatigue-Fighting Eye Cream. Brighten tired eyes with this multi-purpose cream, which contains the Hydroptix-171 Youth Boosting Complex™, a proprietary blend designed to soften and soothe. Peptide 171 helps to even skin tone and erase dark circles, while Dermaxyl improves cellular turnover. This cream also assists with cell detoxification and increases circulation.
- SkinCeuticals Eye Renewal Gel. Renew aging skin with this night-time gel, which contains hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The healing properties of aloe, algae and chamomile make this gel both soothing and restorative. Ultra-moisturizing, it will leave skin glowing and radiant.
- Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream. For a deeply moisturizing and soothing treat, this hypoallergenic cream reduces puffiness and smoothes wrinkles. Avene Thermal Spring Water softens the skin without irritating. It also provides antioxidant protection and is ideal for use both morning and night.
While you might be frustrated by frequent reactions to eye creams, you can find many gentle and effective treatments on the market. By paying careful attention to product labels and your reactions, even those with the most sensitive skin can find an appropriate eye cream.
*Please note that individuals differ greatly in which products will cause reactions. Always consult your dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about a new product.