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The Best Eye Creams
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST EYE CREAMS
Fine lines, wrinkles, 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 fine 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!
WHAT ARE THE BEST EYE CREAMS?
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. |
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LET’S GO OVER EACH EYE CREAM
#1: ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR EYE SUPERCHARGED COMPLEX
his 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.
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 also 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 the appearance of 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 delicate 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, dark circles — you know, the works. The product helps lift the skin around 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: DR. LORETTA TIGHTENING EYE GEL
Recognized as an Allure Best of Beauty Award for its depuffing prowess, Dr. Loretta’s Tightening Eye Gel has become a favorite for many women and board-certified dermatologist skincare routines. And it certainly earned its spot as a top contender in our list of best eye creams.
Rich in hydrating properties, this gel is a dream for those seeking a nourishing eye cream without the heavy feel. It is also packed with antioxidants like Chromabright, so it hydrates and combats free radical damage, leaving the delicate under-eye area brighter and more vibrant. Plus, with the added benefit of algae extract stimulating collagen, this firming eye cream is a comprehensive solution for tired eyes.
Including peptides and hyaluronic acid ensures a plump, youthful appearance and skin firmness. At the same time, the absence of common irritants like fragrance, gluten, and parabens makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
PROS AND CONS OF THE DR. LORETTA TIGHTENING EYE GEL
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Award-winning hydrating eye cream ✔️ Packed with anti-oxidants ✔️ Fragrance-free | ✖️ Relatively expensive |
#11: PIXI COLLAGEN EYE SERUM
Finally, we’re rounding up this extensive list with a serum perfect for oily skin types. Why, you may ask? If you despise putting on moisturizers, creams, serums, or any other product that makes your face feel greasier than it already is, you’re in for a treat.
Pixi’s Collagen Eye Serum is lightweight and fast-absorbing while still hydrating your under-eye area behind the scenes. Best for daily use!
PROS AND CONS OF THE PIXI COLLAGEN EYE SERUM
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✔️ Helps eliminate early signs of aging ✔️ Budget-friendly ✔️ Helps improve blood circulation in undereye area | ✖️ Not as moisturizing as creams/gels |
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 dark circles. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution.
Some specific eye creams have been clinically proven to work. For example, the Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum is a popular option that has been shown to reduce the appearance of dry skin around the eyes.
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.
WHICH UNDER-EYE CREAM IS BEST?
There are plenty of wonderful eye creams in the market that a board-certified dermatologist approves and has formulas to target early signs of aging. We’ve included a few of them in the guide above, including the EL Advanced Repair, Skin Genie Anti-EYEging, and Pond’s Age Miracle Eye Cream.
One we haven’t yet mentioned is the Neutrogena Hydro-boost Eye Gel Cream, which boasts a few anti-aging properties apart from its hydrating formula.
Another popular one is the Ole Henricksen Banana Bright Eye brightening eye cream. Banana Bright Eye boasts a formula packed with banana powder, vitamin C, and vitamin E to eliminate stubborn fine lines and wrinkles.
Side note: banana powder, according to the product’s creator, Ole Henriksen, is a secret ingredient from plenty of makeup artists to combat dark circles. Who knew?
For darker skin tones, try the Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius with three shade options, the Ultra Beauty cream containing soothing active ingredients like chamomile and thermal spring water, or the Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream that contains sea fennel, a retinol alternative.
These products all have formulas that stimulate collagen production and speed up the turnover of skin cells, both critical processes to achieve a youthful appearance and smooth fine lines. Collagen is an essential protein when it comes to revitalizing skin. And being fragrance-free is another asset.
WHAT IS THE BEST EYE CREAM IN THE PHILIPPINES?
One of the hallmarks of Filipina beauty is the emphasis on skincare, and it is most evident in the number of skincare products, including eye cream, in the local market. Some of the eye creams that have gained popularity and positive reviews among Filipina consumers are Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream, Celeteque DermoScience Brightening Eye Tuck Plus Dark Circles Lightener, Belo Intensive Whitening Eye Cream, and Pond’s Age Miracle Eye Cream.
Olays’ Ultimate Eye Cream targets multiple eye concerns, such as dark circles, wrinkles, and under-eye puffiness. This firming eye cream contains peptides and vitamins such as Vitamin C to hydrate and firm the skin around the eyes.
Celeteque offers a range of board-certified dermatologist-tested skincare products, including this eye cream designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. It contains anti-aging ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and brightening agents to address under-eye discoloration.
The eye cream from a trusted Philippine brand, Belo Essentials, targets puffiness and dark circles while providing a brightening effect. It contains Kojic Acid and Gigawhite to lighten the skin and reduce puffiness.
Of course, Pond’s is a well-known brand in the Philippines, and its Age Miracle Eye Cream targets signs of aging around the eyes. Formulated with Retinol-C Complex, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while deeply hydrating the delicate eye area, making it one of the best retinol eye cream products.
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 as much as Vitamin C does. 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 below.
But to answer the question: yes, there is an eye cream that actually works.
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 skin around the eyes, 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 in your sensitive skin, making the skin around your eyes look smoother and more youthful. Eye creams will help mitigate skin concerns and brighten dark circles in your undereye skin 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!
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 area. 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 to the skin around the eyes. 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.
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, fine 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 skin, 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.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.