Superabsorbent polymer particles having improved surface cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. The superabsorbent polymer particles comprise a water-absorbing resin and the reaction product of a radiation activatable surface cross-linker. The reaction product of the radiation activatable surface cross-linker is present at the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particle. The radiation activatable surface cross-linker includes at least two radiation activatable groups R, which are covalently bound to each other or to at least one spacer group S.