The 9 Best Eye Creams for Sensitive Skin to Shop in 2024

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best Lightweight

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream

Best Lightweight

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream

Pros

• A little goes a long way.
• Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested

With its plumping yet soothing combination of blue hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and caffeine, it’s no surprise beauty shoppers are giving this cream from Laneige top marks. Its microfiltered, deep-sea algae-fermented formula provides long-lasting hydration while brightening and revitalizing the eye area.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have sensitive skin and this cream hasn’t irritated it at all. I love the scent and don’t think it’s overpowering. It’s a nice thick cream that melts into skin quickly.” —kymk07

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm

Pros

• Nongreasy

Cons

• Best for mature skin

The plant-derived soy isoflavones in this formula from SkinCeuticals help improve skin firmness around the eyes, while silymarin—which is derived from milk thistle seed—provides antioxidant benefits. The emollient balm aims to combat moisture loss, collagen breakdown, and free-radical damage all in one easy step.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have sensitivities to a lot of ingredients in many brands of skincare products. This does not cause any swelling or burning/stinging at all.” —MimiP2Four

Best for Skin Barrier

Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Barrier Eye Crème

Best for Skin Barrier

Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Barrier Eye Crème

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Can also be used around the lips to restore contour

Cons

• Not ideal for sensitive, oily skin

Tata Harper’s Superkind Bio-Barrier Eye Crème is specifically formulated for reactive and sensitive types. Its ingredient blend helps reinforce the skin barrier around the eyes, using hydrating shea butter and castor oil, plus, soothing cucumber seed and anti-inflammatory calendula oils.

One satisfied customer writes: “This cream feels so rich and my skin just soaks it right up. I have very sensitive and dry skin and this seems to be helping with the wrinkles.” —Sandra S.

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Best Value

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes

Best Value

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes

Pros

• Suitable for entire eye area, including lids

Cons

• Not ideal for sensitive, oily skin

The gel-cream texture of this eye cream feels immediately soothing and has a hydrating formula—thanks to ingredients like shea butter—that aims to help repair the skin barrier. And it’s safe not only for sensitive skin, but also for allergy-prone skin and dry skin types, too.

One satisfied customer writes: “This is the second time buying this. In my world of super sensitive eyes, that NEVER happens! It moisturizes and doesn’t make my eyes red. Doesn’t sting and stays put. I use it night and day. I think the pump is great at preventing bacteria from forming.” —Karen

Best for Eczema

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

Best for Eczema

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

Pros

• Formulated to minimize risk of allergic reactions
• Ophthalmologist-tested for safety
• Great for puffiness

This eye essential has contour in its name for a reason: It uses chamomile as a main ingredient to reduce puffiness, along with hyaluronic acid to help plump fine lines. And as a bonus, the cream’s deeply hydrating formula also happens to be approved by the National Eczema Association.

One satisfied customer writes: “I originally bought this during a bout with eyelid dermatitis but now use it all the time. It’s moisturizing and does not irritate my very sensitive eyelid skin.” —Amy

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Best Dermatologist-Approved

Alphascience Eye Matrix

Best Dermatologist-Approved

Alphascience Eye Matrix

Board-certified dermatologist Serena Mraz often recommends this popular cream to her clients because it features hardworking ingredients, like troxerutin, that keep the area looking refreshed. “Troxerutin…is a powerful flavanol that helps normalize tiny blood vessels in the skin and also cleans up free radicals or reactive oxygen species that break down the delicate skin structure and exacerbate deterioration that drives sensitivity,” she says.

One satisfied customer writes: “A little goes a long way. It’s a light thin cream that goes on smoothly and feels soothing on the skin. I applied some before bed and woke up to rested-looking eyes. The fine lines had diminished with skin that’s plump and smooth—as if the lines had been filled in.”

Best With Niacinamide

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream

Best With Niacinamide

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream

Pros

• Dermatologist-tested

Cons

• Some customers say the formula is too shimmery.

A trifecta of niacinamide, pumpkin seed extract, and caffeine combine to reduce the appearance of brown dark circles in this beloved under-eye cream that's safe for sensitive skin. Its formula is also nicely illuminating, making it perfect to wear under face makeup.

One satisfied customer writes: “Since using this eye cream, I’ve noticed the dark circles going away and it helping with the fine lines. It doesn’t irritate my eyes like other creams have. Feels amazing and doesn't leave a greasy feeling behind. I love it.” —dcormier1003

Best for Dark Circles

Ren Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

Best for Dark Circles

Ren Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

Pros

• Hydrating
• Aims to deliver results within seven days of use

Here’s a featherweight cream that’s powered by natural ingredients to deliver its brightening, depuffing, and smoothing benefits. Along with elderberry flower to brighten, it also contains glycogen to even the skin’s tone, as well as plumping hyaluronic acid to top it all off.

One satisfied customer writes: “The cream instantly hydrates, and depuffs, while diminishing fine lines and circles. My sensitive skin has reacted well to the ingredients, so you know you are obtaining quality ingredients.” —gabyx3x3

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Meet the Experts

• Serena Mraz, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology Associates in Vallejo, California.
• Michael Somenek, M.D., is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Are eye creams really safe for sensitive skin?

According to Somenek, people with sensitive skin should be on the hunt for eye creams containing gentle, soothing ingredients, like chamomile, thermal spring water, and niacinamide, which are often labeled as hypoallergenic and are fragrance-free.

How should someone with sensitive skin apply eye cream?

You don't need to use a ton of pressure when applying your eye cream of choice, especially as the area is among the most delicate on your face. “Eye cream should be gently patted on clean dry skin using the fourth finger from the outside of the eye and directed inward toward the nose,” Mraz advises. “This will minimize any pressure or trauma with the application.”

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Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.

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