Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Do you ever read instructions on your skincare products? For the longest time, I didn’t. I mean, it’s a cream. How difficult can it be to apply? Pick it up with your finger and pat it on your skin. Done. Hardly rocket science.
But last week I was bored enough to take a better look at the packaging of a few of my skincare products. You know what I noticed? A lot of them tell you NOT to apply the cream to the upper lids. Even eye creams tell you this!
WTH? Ok, I’ll be completely honest with you (as always): I never apply skincare products on the upper lids. But before that day, I had never questioned why. It was just what I did. So, I got curious enough to investigate. Why does everyone tell you not to apply skincare products on the upper lid? Here’s what I found out:
What’s So Special About the Skin on Your Eyelids?
Turns out, the skin on your upper eyelids is the thinnest on your entire body – yep, even thinner than under your eyes. We’re talking paper-thin. It’s super delicate, prone to irritation, and doesn’t have the same oil gland backup other areas of your face enjoy. That means it can get dry, crepey, and cranky real fast, especially if you slather something harsh on it.
Add blinking, squinting, rubbing, and maybe even the occasional cry session (we’ve all been there), and you’ve got one of the most high-maintenance areas on your face. So, applying anything there isn’t as simple as “just dab and go.”
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Is It Safe To Apply Skincare Products On The Upper Lid?
Sometimes, when I’m tired or sleepy, I rub my eyes more vigorously than I should. And, ouch! I just accidentally helped some of my moisturizer enter my eye. Now it burns like hell. That’s why you shouldn’t apply skincare products to the upper lid. During the day, especially if it’s sunny and hot, those lotions and potions can slither their way down and inside your eyes, irritated them.
But, what if your upper lids are dry? Then, yes, go ahead and apply the tiniest layer of moisturizer there. But, be careful! Choose a simple one with no fragrance or other irritating ingredients. Just in case.
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What Skincare Products Should You Avoid Applying On The Upper Eyelids?
If you’re wondering which skincare ingredients to keep miles away from your upper lids, here’s a quick hit list:
- Retinol or retinoids: Great for wrinkles, not so great when they migrate into your eyeball. They’re irritating and can cause stinging.
- Essential oils: They smell nice but can be irritating AF.
- Fragrance (even “natural” ones): Your eyelids are not the place for aromatherapy.
- Exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs): Unless you want burning and peeling right above your lashes. But even then, be super careful!
Stick to the gentlest stuff. Think: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide (at low concentrations), and barrier-repairing ingredients. Or honestly? Just leave it alone unless it’s begging for help.
Related: 3 Reasons To Add Retinoids To Your Skincare Routine
Should You Apply Sunscreen On The Upper Lid?
Every rule has its exception. But is this it? You have to apply sunscreen on every part of the body that’s exposed to sunlight. That’s NOT optional. So, the question is: is the upper lid exposed to sunlight? Not much.
As dermatologist Dr Neal Schultz points out, when you have your eyes open (and there really isn’t any reason to close them, unless you want to sleep), most of the skin of your upper lid is “retracted underneath another piece of skin and the little part that is showing, it’s actually shadowed and protected by the bone up here which is also the orbital bone.”
Because of it, the upper lids don’t get much sun exposure at all, so sunscreen isn’t needed. If you want to protect this delicate area from the sun, wearing a pair of sunglasses when outside would be a better option.
So, no you don’t need sunscreen there. Personally, I’m relieved because sunscreen can sting the eyes pretty badly. But if you don’t feel like going without sun protection, wear sunglasses. They’ll do the job without irritating your eyes.
Also, not all sunscreens are created equal. If you must apply SPF to the lid area, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tend to be less irritating than chemical ones. And opt for stick or balm formats – they’re less likely to drip.
Related: The Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
When Should You Actually Moisturize Your Eyelids?
Okay, so we’ve covered the “don’t”s. But let’s say your upper lids are flaking, tight, and itchy. It happens. Especially in the winter or if you’ve gone too hard on active ingredients elsewhere on your face. This is where a product specifically formulated for the eye area becomes useful. These tend to be lighter in texture, fragrance-free, and made to stay put without running into your eye.
TL;DR: If you’re gonna do it, do it with intention and with the right product. No random night cream experiments up there, please.
The Bottom Line
Unless your lids are super dry and badly in need of moisture, don’t bother applying your skincare products there. You’ll probably just end up stinging your eyes for no reason at all. And if you really can’t resist moisturizing your eyelids, just use a pea-sized amount and apply it gently with your ring finger. Why the ring finger? It’s the weakest, so you’re less likely to tug at the skin.
I apply skincare products on mu upper lids and haven’t encountered any irritations yet. I have hooded eyes and it seems to me that without nourishing and protecting them I could end up with saggy eyelids too soon. Is there something about it or it’s just me worrying?
Regn, I’m glad you didn’t experience any side effects yet. I believe that, because this body part doesn’t get much sun exposure, it may not get as damaged as the rest of the face, but of course it will sag with time anyway. Unfortunately, that’s a normal process and there’s only so little skincare creams can do for that anyway.
I always put skin care products all over my face, including my upper lids, but it’s funny that you bring up it melting into your eyes. That only ever happens to me when I use sunscreen, and BOY does that sting!
Trisha, sunscreen in the eyes is very painful, isn’t it? That’s the only part of my body I avoid applying sunscreen to. I prefer to wear sunglasses instead, it’s safer.
I apply skin care products to my eye lids after I’ve used the gel, lotion whatever on my face, so what ever is left on my fingers I’ll apply over my eye lids.
I don’t apply sunscreen to my eye lids as most sunscreens (even ones for face only) are too irritating. Gotta wear those polarized sunglasses 😉
Monica.
Monica, that’s a good way to make sure you don’t apply too much and thus minimize the risk of it getting into your eyes. And I agree, when it comes to eyelids, sunglasses are better than sunscreen. 🙂
I have dry skin and my eyelids aren’t oily. I apply a thin layer of Shiseido sun cream which is already really matte for my skin type and setting it with some eyeshadow ensures it doesn’t ever melt or crease. Works well so far! As for moisturizers, I just use whatever is left on my fingertips and lightly pat the eye lid area but I don’t specifically dispense product just for the eyelid. I once applied an oil/beeswax blend product on my eyelid once and it melted into my eyes overnight. It didn’t sting (I don’t remember so) but it was irritating and blurred my vision until I put some eye drops. Not fun!
Janessa, ouch! I’m sorry to hear that, must have been a nightmare. You need to be so careful with what you apply on the upper lid because this part can get easily irritated and, if you use just a bit too much product, it’s gonna end up in the eyes and sting so much!
This is good to know, though I tend to avoid my eye area in general anyway because it gets so blooming sensitive. Even getting moisturizer too close to my under eye area after cleansing stings 🙁
Katie, I’m so sorry to hear that. This area can be very sensitive and in some cases, it’s best not to apply anything at all there.
I also apply skincare and sunscreen onto my upper lids. However for sunscreen, I use one specifically designed for the eye area to avoid irritations.
Angela, I agree that it’s best to use one specifically designed for the eye area. You can never be too careful when it comes to this delicate area.