Table of Contents
The Best Eye Creams
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST EYE CREAMS
Wrinkles, aging lines, dark circles — all of these and more can plague one of the most sensitive parts of our face: the under eyes. Having healthy-looking eyes and smooth skin can make or break our entire look; puffy bags make us look exhausted, and hollow dark circles under our eyes make us look like one of those zombies in horror movies.
That’s where delicate eye creams come in. Since the skin under our eyes is known to be sensitive, and this is one of the first parts of our skin to show early signs of aging, there has been no shortage of eye cream products to solve such woes.
There are plenty of products that target specific problems. Certain creams work best for collagen production, others for reducing the appearance of dark circles. Some zap away aging lines, others plump with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C, while a few are fragrance-free.
Let’s get to know all the best eye creams on the market and the best for your skincare routine, and see which brand claims are real!
WHAT ARE THE BEST EYE CREAMS?
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Korean Eye Cream |  Best Light Cream |
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged ComplexEstée Lauder's eye cream is our top overall eye cream as it reduces puffiness, reduces signs of aging and it can works as a heavy moisturizing night cream. | Mizon Snail Repair Eye CreamTo achieve that Korean glow, the Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream includes snail mucin that keeps skin youthful and has moisturizing components. | Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye CreamIf you prefer light eye creams, the Mario Badescu offers a cream that has a lightweight formula. Not only that, it also retains moisture and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. |
Functionality:⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Functionality:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Functionality:⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐ |
LET’S GO OVER EACH EYE CREAM
#1: ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR EYE SUPERCHARGED COMPLEX
This famed skincare and makeup brand nabs our top spot for the best eye cream.
Their Eye Supercharged Complex cream is perfect for those who need excellent de-puffing, have thin skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, delicate skin, mature skin, or want to fend off early signs of aging.
Thanks to all the fruit extracts in the formula, this eye cream for puffiness contains tons of antioxidants and sodium hyaluronate, which works like a hyaluronic acid.
You get a potent brightening effect and a repaired skin barrier that is no longer dull and dark but full of life. It’s time to say goodbye to zombie eyes for good with this eye cream for dark circles!
PROS AND CONS OF THE EL NIGHT REPAIR SUPERCHARGED COMPLEX CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for depuffing eyes ✔️ Moisturizing and creamy ✔️ Loaded with antioxidants | ✖️ A little pricey |
#2: MIZON SNAIL REPAIR EYE CREAM
The K-beauty-inspired glass skin look does not include baggy under-eyes, thank you very much!
If you’re looking for an eye cream that fits your 10-step Korean skincare routine, this one might do the trick.
Made of 80% snail mucin, this cream nourishes the eye line, speeds up skin regeneration, and locks in moisture within your under-eye area. Don’t believe it?
Snail mucin is a potent multi-tasker known to boost collagen production within the skin, which results in an extra youthful appearance.
It’s also packed with hydration and key ingredients that lock in moisture, and hydration is one of the cornerstones of Korean beauty.
This rich cream can work for mature skin and sensitive skin types as this eye gel cream protects the skin barrier, keeps the skin hydrated, and strengthens skin elasticity.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MIZON SNAIL REPAIR EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Includes snail mucin ✔️ Boosts collagen for a youthful appearance ✔️ Locks in moisture | ✖️ Little visible difference on dark circles |
#3: MARIO BADESCU HYALURONIC EYE CREAM
This cream is too good to be true: it’s super hydrating (it’s not named Hyaluronic Eye Cream for nothing!) without being greasy, and it’s lightweight while still effective. No need to worry about pillow stains the next day.
Additionally, it helps reduce the appearance of all those pesky under-eye area issues like wrinkles and fine lines or dryness from the sun.
The downside is it’s pricier than others on this list, but a little goes a long way. You’ll find that a small amount can do wonders for your face.
We’d recommend this for those who suffer from dryness under the eyes and those who prefer a fast-absorbing cream.
PROS AND CONS OF THE MARIO BADESCU HYALURONIC EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Filled with hydrating hyaluronic cream ✔️ Lightweight ✔️ Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness | ✖️ Expensive |
#4: CETAPHIL HYDRATING EYE CREAM + SERUM
Our next product is an eye serum + cream hybrid formulated with skincare’s favorite hydrating hyaluronic acid.
We love that this product is mild, fragrance-free, and suitable for delicate, sensitive, or thin skin, much like the rest of Cetaphil’s products.
If you want to add another product to your sensitive skincare routine without worrying about potential breakouts, this serum-slash-cream product is a safe bet!
It also has enough hydrating benefits to keep your face looking plump.
PROS AND CONS OF THE CETAPHIL HYDRATING EYE CREAM + SERUM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Mild formula ✔️ Fast-absorbing ✔️ Compatible with all skin types | ✖️ Pricier than others |
#5: THE INKEY LIST BRIGHTEN-I EYE CREAM
Want to brighten up those or reduce dark circles in a jiffy? The Inkey List has a skincare-slash-makeup hybrid just for brightening dark circles.
Their illuminating eye cream works great as a quick primer on no-makeup days, all while slowly working to make your dark undereye circles brighter over time, making your skin tone even!
Not all eye creams have a potent vitamin C. Did we mention that this cream for dark circles is four times more potent than Vitamin C?
That’s a huge promise. We recommend using this eye cream for dark circles daily as it includes active ingredients that protect your skin texture from damage caused by sun exposure and lighten dark circles.
PROS AND CONS OF THE INKEY LIST BRIGHTEN-I EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Doubles as a makeup primer ✔️ Good for day use ✔️ Light, brightening effect | ✖️ Not suitable for night use |
#6: LUXE ORGANIX BRIGHT EYES EYE CREAM
In skincare, plenty of the best ingredients are the ones we wouldn’t even consider putting on our face.
The Luxe Organix Bright Eyes Eye Cream contains 80% Galactomyces ferment filtrate, a fungus found in the fermented Japanese alcoholic beverage sake.
But for such a unique main ingredient, the Luxe Organix eye cream is one of the most accessible drugstore eye creams on our list. You can buy it online or at almost any drugstore or beauty store.
This affordable eye cream can last you a long time. As for its benefits, that fungus we mentioned earlier has a ton.
These include enhancing the moisture barrier, repairing mild signs of aging, and lightening dark spots.
Coupled with niacinamide, adenosine, and caffeine, the formula soothes puffy eyebags, constricts the visible blood vessels, and treats dark circles while brightening the under-eye skin area.
PROS AND CONS OF THE LUXE ORGANIX BRIGHT EYES EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Brightens under eye area and de-puffs eyebags ✔️ Contains 80% galactomyces, a fungus that helps retain moisture ✔️ Accessible | ✖️ Small package |
#7: POND’S AGE MIRACLE EYE CREAM
We’ve mentioned retinol above, but really, we can’t talk about it enough. This mighty ingredient speeds up skin cell turnover and promotes skin regeneration for plumper-looking skin.
The vitamin A derivative is a powerhouse for reversing signs of aging, so it’s no surprise we’ve found it in the formula of the best eye cream for anti-aging, removal of crow’s feet, and skin sagging.
This 0.5 oz brightening eye cream tightens and removes the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet to reveal young-looking bright eyes.
Use this at night and apply sunscreen in the morning, as retinol eye cream like this can increase photosensitivity.
PROS AND CONS OF THE POND’S AGE MIRACLE EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Brightens under eye area and de-puffs eyebags ✔️ Contains 80% galactomyces, a fungus that helps retain moisture ✔️ Accessible | ✖️ Small package |
#8: ORIGINS GINZING REFRESH
We love many things about the Origins Ginzing eye gel cream, but the first is the supercooling sensation formula at 0.5 oz.
You have natural jojoba wax, green tea, caffeine from coffee beans, and, most importantly, Panax Ginseng on the ingredient list.
What exactly is Panax Ginseng? Well, in the skincare world, ginseng is a powerful antioxidant that is most popular in Korea.
The superfood/medicinal herb/potent antioxidant is a powerhouse, and in skincare, it helps brighten dull skin tone, reduce fine lines, and even balance oil production.
Paired with the coffee extract in the formula of the product, you have an excellent 0.5 oz eye treatment that’ll reduce puffiness and dullness in your under-eye skin. Oh, and did we mention it’s vegan, too?
PROS AND CONS OF THE ORIGINS GINZING REFRESH
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Includes ginseng, a powerful antioxidant ✔️ Balances oil production ✔️ Vegan | ✖️ Expensive |
#9: AHC THE PURE REAL EYE CREAM FOR FACE
Our next pick for the best brightening eye cream in the market, this eye gel cream is over 91% natural and clinically tested.
Results of the studies show that the depuffing eye cream is, in fact, effective in warding off signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, circles — you know, the works.
The product helps lift the skin surrounding the eyes by improving the dermis’s elasticity through ultrafine microemulsion particles.
And if you’re wondering why the product name says “for Face,” that’s because this eye gel isn’t just for your eyes!
You can also use it all over your face to smooth out some problem areas. Lastly, this eye cream for dark circles is fit for day and night use.
PROS AND CONS OF THE AHC THE PURE REAL EYE CREAM FOR FACE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for depuffing eyes ✔️ Moisturizing and creamy ✔️ Loaded with antioxidants | ✖️ A little pricey |
#10: BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + MARINE ALGAE FIRMING & LIFTING EYE CREAM
Biossance’s Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream is a notable contender among the best eye creams, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
This firming eye cream is formulated to smooth fine lines and provide deep hydration to the delicate under-eye area.
It’s the only eye cream on this list that has ingredients that include squalane, which mimics the skin’s natural oils to enhance moisture retention and support the skin’s barrier function.
Marine algae extract is known for its firming properties, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
Additionally, hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful humectant, attracting and retaining moisture to keep the under-eye area plump and hydrated.
The inclusion of paracress extract provides an instant lifting effect, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Users have reported that the cream’s rich yet lightweight texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for use under makeup.
Its fragrance-free formulation is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as it minimizes the risk of irritation.
Regular application has been associated with improvements in skin firmness and elasticity, leading to a reduction in the visibility of fine lines and crow’s feet.
PROS AND CONS OF THE BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + MARINE ALGAE FIRMING & LIFTING EYE CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin ✔️ Lightweight texture that absorbs quickly ✔️ Contains effective active ingredients like squalane and marine algae extract | ✖️Some users may prefer a more hydrating formula for extremely dry under-eye areas
|
#11: CAUDALIE’S RESVERATROL-LIFT FIRMING EYE GEL CREAM
It’s a huge mistake not to include this product in our list of the best eye creams.
Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream is a fragrance-free eye treatment designed to address under-eye concerns such as puffiness, sagging skin, and dryness.
Its lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly, providing hydration without feeling greasy.
The formula features key ingredients like resveratrol, a potent antioxidant derived from grapevine shoots, known for its firming properties and ability to enhance skin elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The inclusion of a vegan collagen booster aims to stimulate natural collagen production, improving skin firmness. Sunflower seed oil provides additional hydration and supports the skin’s natural barrier.
This eye gel cream effectively reduces puffiness and smooths the eyelids, contributing to a more youthful appearance as it helps eliminate undereye bags.
Its formulation is suitable for sensitive skin, and the absence of fragrance minimizes the risk of irritation.
PROS AND CONS OF CAUDALIE’S RESVERATROL-LIFT FIRMING EYE GEL CREAM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Targets sagging skin and fine lines while adding hydration ✔️ Lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs skin quickly | ✖️ Relatively pricey |
DOES EYE CREAM ACTUALLY WORK?
Full disclosure: eye creams have been the center of heated discourse within the skincare-slash-beauty community. Many experts believe eye cream is a glorified moisturizer with little to no particular use.
In contrast, others think skin around the eyes needs a more specifically formulated product to avoid irritation. We’ve written something about it on the website, which you can read here.
In the Venn diagram of expert opinions about eye cream, including that of a board-certified dermatologist, you’ll find that most of them agree on one thing: certain key ingredients help. These include retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants. Find these ingredients in a cream, and there’s a huge chance they’re effective.
The best retinol eye cream helps speed up cell turnover, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides help your dehydrated skin feel moisturized. Natural extracts like shea butter and avocado oil are also fantastic for almost any skin type. Now, be sure to take note of these key ingredients because you’ll find them in the creams we recommend on this list.
But to answer the question: yes, there is an eye cream that actually works.
WHAT IS THE BEST EYE CREAM THAT REALLY WORKS?
With so many options on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming, but there are a few key ingredients to look for when searching for an effective eye cream.
One of the key ingredients to look for is retinol. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that can help stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient to look for in an eye cream. This can help increase skin hydration, making the skin around your eyes appear smoother and more supple.
Vitamin C is another powerful ingredient that can help to brighten the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of circles. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution.
Ultimately, the best eye cream for you depends on your needs and concerns. It’s important to choose an eye cream formulated for your specific skin type and use it consistently to see the best results. You can find an eye cream that works for you with the right active ingredients and approach.
SHOULD YOU USE EYE CREAM EVERY DAY?
The answer is a resounding YES! The delicate eye skin is prone to aging, puffiness, and dark circles, and using eye cream daily can help keep these issues at bay.
Eye creams are specially formulated to hydrate and nourish the area, and they contain key ingredients that can stimulate collagen, promote cell turnover, and are a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient for safer use.
Eye creams tend to prevent and minimize fine lines and deep wrinkles, making the skin around your eyes look smoother and more youthful. Eye creams will help mitigate concerns and brighten dark circles in your undereye for less tired eyes. Incorporating this step into your daily skincare routine can be a relaxing and pampering way to start or end your day.
In the beauty world, consistency is vital when it comes to skincare. So, if you want to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin around your eyes, using an eye cream daily is necessary. Trust me, your eyes will thank you!
IS EYE CREAM GOOD FOR YOUR EYES IF YOU HAVE DELICATE SKIN?
Yes, eye cream can be beneficial for your delicate under-eye, especially if you have sensitivities. The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face, making it more prone to dryness, fine lines, and early aging.
Using an eye treatment with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter can help keep the area hydrated, reduce puffy eyes, and support skin plump without irritation.
Choosing a lightweight cream with soothing properties like honey eye cream can prevent discomfort and irritation for those with delicate skin. Some eye creams may cause a slight tingle, especially those containing anti-aging actives.
Always apply eye cream gently using your ring finger to minimize irritation and worsening of eye bags, as it applies the least pressure.
A nighttime eye cream with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients can restore moisture and improve elasticity overnight. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, which retains moisture, and shea butter, which nourishes dry skin.
While some people prefer using a face cream on their under-eyes, a dedicated eye cream is usually more effective, as it is formulated to work on the delicate under-eye without clogging pores or causing fluid retention.
IS IT ADVISABLE TO USE EYE CREAM FOR DARK CIRCLES?
Yes, using eye cream for dark circles can be beneficial, but its effectiveness depends on the key ingredients and the underlying cause of the discoloration.
If dark circles are caused by dehydration, tired eyes, or premature aging, a cream with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter can help hydrate and plump the area, making it appear smoother and more refreshed.
For dark circles caused by pigmentation, look for brightening ingredients like niacinamide and licorice extract, which help improve tone over time. If fluid retention or eye bags contribute to discoloration, a lightweight cream with avocado extract and caffeine may help reduce puffiness and improve circulation.
While eye cream can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, results take time and are most effective when combined with good skincare, hydration, and sufficient sleep. For stubborn discoloration, consulting a cosmetic dermatologist may be advisable.
DO DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND EYE CREAMS?
Yes, dermatologists often recommend eye creams, especially for individuals dealing with concerns like dry skin, tired eyes, eye bags, fine lines, and premature aging.
The under-eye skin is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face, making it prone to dehydration, puffiness, and dark circles. Using a well-formulated eye product can help maintain skin plumpness, improve elasticity, and protect the skin’s natural barrier.
Dermatologists typically suggest eye creams with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, and brightening ingredients to provide hydration, smooth fine lines, and minimize discoloration.
If the eye cream contains active ingredients, some individuals may experience a slight tingle, but this is usually normal unless irritation occurs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best treatment for aging eyes?
The skin around our eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Fortunately, several effective treatments can help improve the appearance of aging eyes.
One of the best treatments is to use a high-quality eye cream that contains active ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. These key ingredients can help to stimulate collagen production, increase skin hydration, and brighten the under-eye. Using an eye cream consistently helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Another effective treatment for aging eyes is a targeted serum or treatment formulated to address specific concerns, such as dark circles or puffiness. Look for products that contain caffeine, arnica, vitamin K, and Vitamin C.
In addition to using topical treatments, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent further damage. This includes sleeping, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking and excessive sun exposure.
If you’re looking for a more immediate solution, cosmetic treatments such as fillers, Botox, or laser resurfacing can help to address deeper wrinkles or sagging skin. However, it’s essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon before these treatments.
Overall, the best treatment for aging eyes is a combination of targeted skincare products, a healthy lifestyle, and possibly cosmetic treatments, depending on the severity of the concerns. With the right approach, you can help to keep your eyes looking youthful and radiant for years to come.
What eye cream does Kim Kardashian use?
Kim Kardashian has been known to use La Mer The Eye Concentrate, a luxurious eye cream formulated with key ingredients like Miracle Broth™ and lime tea extract to hydrate, brighten, and reduce fine lines.
CONCLUSION
If eyes are the windows to the soul, then your under-eye area should look just as dazzling! We hope this guide helped you find the best products for your skin’s needs.
Do you have any experiences, thoughts, or tips and tricks to share? Let us know in the comments below! Until then, check out the best content on beauty and skincare right here!
Editor’s Choice
ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SUPERCHARGED COMPLEX
Do you struggle with de-puffing your undereye area? No problem.
This famed eye cream is known to help immensely with dark circles, puffiness, aging lines, and wrinkles. If you have a damaged barrier, this cream is perfect.
It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that will restore life to your complexion, including all the antioxidants found in fruit extracts (this cream has plenty of them) and caffeine extracts.
The cream also includes sodium hyaluronate, a cousin of the popular hydrating ingredient, hyaluronic acid.
