Fact Checked
By Amira Nouh, MD
Introduction – Best Eye Creams
They say the eyes have it. But is the skin around your eyes revealing something more, like your age?
Most people at some point start to age, it’s inevitable, and unfortunately for some, it comes sooner than hoped.
The skin around the eye is susceptible and thin, which is why it ages very quickly throughout your life. That is why it needs proper care.
Crows-feet, dark circles, and under-eye puffiness show up to let us know we are not getting any younger.
We deal with stress, environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollutants and even our lifestyle and diet can contribute to poor skin as we age.
Luckily there are some best eye creams on the market to help target our aging eye area.
Most dermatologists would agree that a multi-tasking eye cream is a critical part of any skincare regimen. Dr. Fredric Brandt, internationally renowned celebrity dermatologist, lecturer, and author of 10 Minutes/10 Years has treated clients like Madonna and is continually called upon for his expertise and innovations that have helped his clients achieve one common goal, to retain or regain a youthful complexion.
Dr. Brandt’s love of skincare has garnered him worldwide success due to his dedication to the art and healing of the skin, no matter what the age or condition of it is.
Dr. Brandt emphasizes the importance of protecting that delicate eye area. He believes “the goal to younger, more vibrant looking eyes is diminishing the appearance of deep lines, lightening dark circles and repairing damage time has left behind”. He believes, the area around the eyes is delicate and can make us look older and more fatigued. He suggests “getting plenty of rest, and adding an eye cream as part of your daily eye care regimen”.
What are the Best Eye Creams to Tighten Skin?
Finding a quality eye cream can be a daunting prospect due to the vast number of eye creams that are currently available on the market today.
It is important to find a product that is formulated with ingredients that address multiple concerns and use the most current scientific formulations available.
According to Dr. Brandt, a quality product should be effective in combating fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. It should also hydrate, calm and soothe the delicate skin surrounding the eye.
Our Methodology: How We Picked the Best Eye Creams for You?
Our dermatology team have researched over 200 most rated eye creams available in the market in order to assess which eye cream treatments were most effective in diminishing the visible signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, increasing hydration, and restoring a vibrant, youthful look.
There are a few factors we considered when choosing this eye creams. Here are a few among them:
Active ingredients
Some ingredients to look for in an eye cream include retinol, vitamin C, and alpha-hydroxy acids, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin texture, and brighten the skin.
Skin Type
Different eye creams are formulated for different skin types, so it’s important to choose one that will work well with your skin. For example, if you have oily skin, you might want to choose an oil-free eye cream.
Budget
Read Reviews
Packaging
Listed below are the reviewed by our team of experts & deserve your closer attention.
Quick View of Best Eye Creams – 2024
Let’s Get an Individual Tour on This 18 Best Eye Creams – 2024
Kollagen Intensiv skincare formula is well-known for its ability to combat aging symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. It is in charge of moisturizing and hydrating the skin so that you may achieve and maintain supple skin all day. It fights dark circles under your eyes for a clearer, more youthful-looking complexion.
Brand: Skinception | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Shea Butter, Syn-Coll, Retinol | Size: 0.7 oz | Skin Type : All Skin Type
Green Signal
- Prevents photo-aging damage
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces dark circles
Red Flag
- No free trial is available
Essentially, this hypoallergenic dark circle eye cream penetrates instantly into the skin, nourishing it with collagen, peptides, and antioxidants. As a result, users can expect to see immediate benefits, as promised by the manufacturer.
Applying Eye Elixir is simple and less invasive than other invasive procedures such as Botox injections. So, if you want to improve the appearance of your under-eye skin, this product has everything it takes to deliver.
Brand: Tru Alchemy | Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Activated Vitamin C, Niacinamide | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal, Sensitive, Dry & Oily Skin
Green Signal
- Lightens Dark Circles
- Promotes Plumpier Skin
- Reverse Aging Skin
Red Flag
- Results are bit Gradual
Beverly Hills MD Deep Wrinkle Filler is a medical-grade, diamond-infused polymer blend that is used to fill, smooth, and hide the appearance of wrinkles, especially deep ones that are difficult to treat. Because of the effective active ingredient Tightenyl’s capacity to erase wrinkles at their source, the skin becomes smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking with each use.
Brand: Beverly Hills MD | Key Ingredients: Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Diamond Powder, Sodium Hyaluronate | Size: 0.36 Fl. oz. | Skin Type : All Skin Type
Green Signal
- Smoothens wrinkles and lines
- Improves skin Firmness
- Enhances Skin Complexion
Red Flag
- Available Online Only
DRMTLGY Advanced Eye Cream with Dual AM PM Formula targets wrinkles and dark circles, two of the most visible aging signs. While testing this advanced eye cream, the Beauty Insider team discovered that it has a smooth texture that glides well on the sensitive under-eye skin. It also improves the complexion by reducing under-eye bags, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Brand: DRMTLGY | Key Ingredients: Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Ceramides, Sunflower Seed Oil Avocado Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Sensitive, Dry, Oily, Combination
Green Signal
- Reduces dark circles & wrinkles
- AM-PM formula
- Improves fine lines
Red Flag
- Only Available Online
This eye cream is a massive investment but worth one if you are willing to give your eyes a luxurious treatment. The key ingredients in this product are blended in such a way to diminish the signs of aging, and puffiness around the eyes & giving an instant lift & firm texture to the area around the eyes.
Brand: La Prairie | Key Ingredients: Caviar, La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex | Size: 0.7 oz | Skin Type : All Skin Type
Green Signal
- Diminishes signs of aging
- Smoothes eyes instantly
- Lifts the facial features
Red Flag
- Highly overpriced
This refreshing eye serum comes in a gel consistency that targets visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines and improves the appearance of puffiness, fatigue, and under-eye circles. It is a paraben & alcohol-free formula that suits almost every skin type.
Brand: SkinCeuticals | Key Ingredients: Antioxidant Combination, Ruscus aculeatus & Caffeine | Size: 0.5 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
Green Signal
- Provides environmental protection
- Combats signs of fatigue
- Reduces signs of aging
Red Flag
- It contains fragrance
This night cream absorbs quickly into the skin & gradually shows improvement in the appearance of frown lines, crow’s feet, dark circles, and wrinkles but it may cause adverse effects to some users.
Brand: Revitol | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Chrysin, Bisabolol | Size: 0.5 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Dry, normal & combination skin
Green Signal
- Enhances skin texture
- Improves Elasticity
- Non-sticky
Red Flag
- May cause irritation
Best Eye Cream with Peptide
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream
This eye cream smoothes & restores the delicate under-eye area to make your skin look flawless. This anti-wrinkle eye cream helps visibly diminish the look of crow’s feet, fine lines, and deep wrinkles over a period of time.
Brand: Peter Thomas Roth | Key Ingredients: Peptide Complex, 3% Reforcyl®, 5% Regu®-Age | Size: 0.5 Fl. oz | Skin Type : All skin types
Green Signal
- Reduces crow’s feet
- Prevents wrinkles & aging
- Moisturizes eye area
Red Flag
- Results are gradual
Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream is one of the best splurge eye creams that has ever been invented. It comprises high-tech formula that significantly reduces under-eye puffiness, redness, wrinkles, discoloration, and dark circles along with providing protection against environmental stressors. Overall, this eye cream is worth the hype & dollars.
Brand: Augustinus Bader | Key Ingredients: French Seaweed, Pennywort and Arjun Tree Extracts | Size: 0.5 Fl. oz | Skin Type : All skin types
Green Signal
- Reduces signs of aging
- Reduces under-eye puffiness
- Protects against environmental stressors
Red Flag
- It’s on the pricey side
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex hydrates the under-eye area & reduces the aging signs gradually over the period of time but many testers could not see the anti-aging benefits claimed by the manufacturers. Overall, it’s an average eye cream.
Brand: SkinCeuticals | Key Ingredients: Blueberry Extract, Proxylane, Complex of Flavonoids and Synergistic Peptides | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Dry, Normal & mature skin
Green Signal
- Reduces crow’s feet
- Enhances under-eye area
- Improves dark circles
Red Flag
- Results may vary
Neocutis Lumière Riche Eye Balm nourishes the under-eye area intensely by boosting the growth of collagen & reducing the signs of aging around the eyes. Though visible results can be found after 12 weeks of use conversely to the brand’s immediate claims.
Brand: Neocutis | Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Acne-prone, dry, normal & mature skin
Green Signal
- Supports collagen production
- Improves skin’s moisture
- Enhances under-eye area
Red Flag
- No Immediate results found
Clarins Total Eye Lift contains a great combination of beneficial natural ingredients, we don’t recommend it causing allergic reactions & adverse effects to some testers. Also, it’s neither fragrance-free nor cruelty-free.
Brand: Clarins | Key Ingredients: Emollients, humectants, caffeine, silk tree bark extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry
Green Signal
- Delivers a visible eye lift
- Visibly smoothes fine lines
- Replenishes under-eye area
Red Flag
- May cause adverse effects
Overall, Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème is perfect for the one looking to prevent dark circles, and fine lines with naturally derived ingredients such as banana powder which illuminates the eyes and helps to correct pigment issues, vitamin C & collagen. The only failure of this lightweight & hydrating eye cream is it doesn’t help in reducing stubborn wrinkles.
Brand: Ole Henriksen | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, and banana pigments | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry
Green Signal
- Moisturizes under-eye area
- Brighten dark circles
- Reduces wrinkles & fine lines
Red Flag
- Not beneficial for genetic dark circles
Best Eye Creams with Caffeine
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Overall, it’s the best caffeine-containing eye cream along with other naturally-derived extracts. Though It has a mild & pleasant flowery smell because of some key ingredients such as marigold extracts & black cumin oil. So, it is advised to check all the ingredients so that you may not encounter any allergic reactions.
Brand: Sunday Riley | Key Ingredients: Brazilian Ginseng Root Extract, Horse Chestnut Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Black Cumin Seed Oil | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : All skin types
Green Signal
- Lifts the under-eye area
- Reduces dark circles
- Diminishes puffiness
Red Flag
- Ingredients may cause allergy
BeautyStat’s Universal C Eye Perfector eye serum is perfect for those who love Vitamin C to get rid of puffiness & signs of aging around the eyes. The serum starts reflecting the results after 3 weeks of use so it might disappoint the audience expecting overnight magic.
Brand: BeautyStat’s Cosmetics | Key Ingredients: 5% L-ascorbic acid , CMH Repair Complex, Hyaluronic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : All skin types
Green Signal
- Brightens under-eye area
- Prevents free radical damage
- Reduce puffiness
Red Flag
- Causes a slight stinging sensation
The test results show that this eye cream is truly enriched with multivitamin benefits & improves dark circles from the first week of use & gradually reduces the other signs of aging simultaneously. The testers with extra dry skin were not much happy with the claims as they felt the under-eye area dehydrated even after constant suggested usage for 3 weeks.
Brand: Drunk Elephant | Key Ingredients: Power 5C Vitamin Complex, 8-Peptide Blend, Cucumber | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal, Oily, Combination, Mature, Acne-prone skin
Green Signal
- Restores radiant appearance
- Improves discoloration
- Repairs signs of aging
Red Flag
- Won’t work well for extra dry skin
Green Signal
- Minimizes wrinkles
- Improves uneven skin
- Shrinks enlarged pores
Red Flag
- Not recommended for sensitive skin
This the eye cream is more like a balm that absorbs into the skin quickly & moisturizes under-eye skin intensely. Vitamin C, licorice root, and bearberry leaf lighten the look of dark circles while bakuchiol visibly smooths and firms for a better-looking skin texture. Caffeine kicks in by reducing the appearance of puffiness for a well-rested look. It should be noted that some people with sensitive skin caused allergic reactions.
Brand: Alpyn Beauty | Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate,Coconut Alkanes, Bakuchiol, Caffeine | Size: 0.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Green Signal
- Improves wrinkles
- Prevents fine lines
- Reduces puffiness
Red Flag
- May cause allergic reaction
Overall, SK-II LXP ultimate revival serum claims it targets to help make the user’s skin nourished, plump, supple, and radiant.The only thing that we don’t like about this product is results are vey diverging person to person.
Brand: SK-II | Key Ingredients: PITERA™, ActiV™, Lychee Extract, Niacinamide | Size: 0.5 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Green Signal
- Targets fine lines
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces puffiness
Red Flag
- Only effective for 30+ age group
Best Eye Cream Guide (According To Your Age)
Get out of the puzzle of choosing anti-aging eye cream for a particular age. The Following quick table will help you understand the best suitable product for your skin.
| Your Concern | Our Best Sellers | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Anti Aging Eye Cream for 50s | Kollagen Intensiv |
|
| Best Anti Aging Eye Cream for 40s | XYZ Smart Collagen |
|
| Best Anti Aging Eye Cream for 30s | DRMTLGY Advanced Eye Cream |
|
Do Eye Creams Work Effectively?
Do Eye Creams Work Effectively – Image/Shutterstock
Yes, eye creams help complete your strategy for preventing and correcting wrinkles as well as other visible signs of skin aging that appear around your eye area.
The best eye creams for dark circles and wrinkles will function in the following ways to benefit your aging skin:
- Brighten skin around your eyes with skin lightening ingredients
- Improve blood circulation around your eyes to help deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients to this area which improves skin darkening
- Improve skin repair mechanisms and cut recovery time from damage
- Enhance collagen production to speed up skin regeneration and turnover
- Strengthen skin fibers[1] and tighten skin to make it better able to resist damaging factors to prevent future aging
- Protect your skin from damaging factors, including free radicals
According to board-certified dermatologist Ryan Turner, MD, of Turner Dermatology in New York City, the under-eye area is extremely delicate compared to the rest of your face, which means it requires special care.
“The skin is thin and responsive to fluid shifts in the face,” Dr. Turner explains. “The fragile capillaries in the skin also contribute to darkness under the eye.”
Are eye creams really necessary?
Are eye creams really necessary – Image/Shutterstock
Scientifically advanced products are vital to a comprehensive eye care regimen. Eye creams are one of the most sought after anti-aging products bought in stores and dermatologists’ offices today. No surprise, since the skin around our eyes is seven times thinner than the rest of our skin, making it more vulnerable to damage (source).
If you suffer from multiple eye aging symptoms like fine lines, wrinkles or dark circles, you won’t have to buy multiple products to solve your eye care aging problems.
Previously, consumers were easily confused with the multitude of eye cream products available – each addressing a specific eye care problem which means higher costs to the consumer.
“Eye creams are specifically designed for the more delicate, sensitive, and thinner skin around the eyes,” board – certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Libby.
But today, most eye creams are specifically formulated to address multiple concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles in one powerful, scientifically advanced formulation.
Best Eye Creams – Before and After Results
Best Eye Creams – Before and After – Image/Shutterstock
User reviews indicate that well-formulated eye creams, indeed, can show visible improvements around the delicate eye skin comparing before and after results.
Other than occasional reports of allergic reactions, there are no other reported side effects from using high-quality eye creams.
Products from unknown manufacturers and sub-standard brands, however, have caused more severe side effects that include skin burns and swelling.
Even third-party reviewers agree that making the right decision about which eye cream to use makes a world of difference on the benefits that you can derive.
Essential Ingredients to Look for In Best Eye Creams for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
What to use for wrinkles around eyes?
The most useful eye creams will not just decrease your wrinkles but deliver multiple benefits that will dramatically boost the health and appearance of your eye skin.
Here are the top ingredients that the best eye creams are formulated with:
Vitamin C
It has an antioxidant role and helps regenerate collagen and elastin of the skin which helps improve the texture of the skin. It also helps brighten the skin. [1]
Commonly added to products also known as Phytonadione, this ingredient delivers multiple benefits for your eye skin. First, it works to correct skin pigmentation which effectively lightens and brightens your eye area.
Second, it strengthens your otherwise fragile and damage-prone eye skin. As such, your skin becomes better protected from damaging factors.
Vitamin K promotes cellular metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties, with known effects to help with blood clotting,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.[2]
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
There are plenty of ingredients that can help deliver an anti-inflammatory function to calm chronically irritated skin as well as relieve skin redness and swelling.
The most effective natural ingredients for this function include rice bran and soybean protein, arnica montana, and chamomile extract.
Antioxidants
These protective and skin revitalizing ingredients are derived from natural sources that include essential oils, as well as fruit and plant extracts.[3]
Skin Moisturizers and Hydrators
Three of the most effective ingredients that also happen to be widely used in skincare products are Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid [4], and Ceramides.
These ingredients help keep your skin protected from drying out using slightly different mechanisms.
Squalane and Ceramides are added to eye creams to deliver a moisture boost. On the other hand, Hyaluronic Acid draws in moisture from the surroundings to make your skin plumper and appear dewier.
Skin Lightening Ingredients
Vitamin K is one example. Others include Vitamin A which inhibits melanin production and kojic acid which lightens your skin.
“Dedicated ingredients such as vitamin K oxide, caffeine, potent antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids are important to address concerns in that area,” Dr. Turner says. That’s why finding a good eye cream is necessary to keep the skin there healthy and radiant.
How To Choose The Best Eye Cream For Wrinkles? (Experts Guide)
How To Choose The Best Eye Cream – Image/Shutterstock
So you think you now know how to correct under-eye wrinkles?
It’s not as easy as you think, most especially when you realize there are so many products with very different formulations that you can choose from.
In fact, the best eye cream for wrinkles may not be an ideal eye cream for dark circles.
“The key to choosing the right product for under the eyes is understanding what is causing those dark under-eye circles in the first place,” Ilyas explains.
Listed below are several tips that you can use on how to correct under eye wrinkles using an eye cream:
1. Start by re-evaluating your skin type
Just because you’ve always had oily skin, that does not mean that your skin still remains to be on the oilier side because the skin around your eye doesn’t contain sebaceous glands which are glands responsible for oil production. Keep in mind that aging skin usually shows as dry skin. Get the most out of your eye creams by getting yourself products that suit your skin well.
2. Search for products that compliment your skin type
Now, you can narrow down your search to include only the products that suit your skin type. Drier skin types will be able to tolerate heavier creams, including those that are formulated with thick emollients[4] and skin conditioners. If you have an oilier skin type, you should stay away from these products and pick up those that have a sheerer consistency.
3. Look for worthwhile deals
Do not be tempted to buy even the best eye cream in bulk until after you’ve validated that it is best for you. If you’re trying out a product for the first time, ask for samples and, go for those that are covered by the money-back guarantees so you can return these without fees if it does not work well with your skin.
4. Know what to look for
Look for the best ingredients you can obtain from an eye cream, listed above. You should also evaluate your product options by knowing which ingredients you should avoid. That includes synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, and drying alcohols even if you do not have sensitive or reactive skin.
5. Seek proof of efficacy
You want products that have undergone clinical trials and that have been evaluated by third parties. Customer reviews will also help you find out what other users have to say.
You May Also Like – Best Anti Aging Serums
Comparison of The Best Eye Creams
| Feature/Product | Kollagen Intensiv | DRMTLGY Advanced Eye Cream | Tru Alchemy Eye Elixir |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95/Per Unit | $53.00/Per Unit | $39.00/Per Unit |
| Lowest Possible Price | $49.00/Per Unit | $42.40/Per Unit | $31.00/Per Unit |
| Return Policy | 67-days | 30-days | 60-days |
| Vegan | Cruelty Free | Cruelty Free | Cruelty Free |
| Organic | No but contains some organic ingredients | No | No but contains some organic ingredients |
| Purchase Options | Official Website | Official Website | Amazon |
FAQ’s:
Q. What Are the Best Eye Creams for Aging Skin?
Q. Is There Any Best Eye Serum That Dermatologists Recommend?
Q. When Should I Apply Eye Cream?
Q. Can Eye Cream Make Your Eyes Worse?
Q. Are Eye Creams or Serums Better?
Q. How to Get Rid of Lines Under Eyes?
Q. How to Get Rid of Under Eye Wrinkles?
Q. Do Creams for Dark Circles Really Work?
A. Yes and no. Certain ingredients in eye creams, such as caffeine and vitamin C, can help brighten and depuff the under-eye. However, if you have bags under your eyes, it might be hereditary. This means no amount of eye cream will minimize their appearance. Under-eye fillers may be of more help in that case.
You can try making small lifestyle changes, like reducing salt intake, but there’s no guarantee these methods will work.
Q. Why Do Eyes Age Earlier Than Any Other Part of the Face?
A. The eye area is more prone to aging and showing fine lines than the rest of the face and body for several reasons. As dermatologist Dr. Paul Cohen explains, “The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on your body. And because we express ourselves with our eyes, that area is the first place that fine lines appear.”
The delicate nature of the skin around the eye area and the fact that it is constantly stretching and contracting as we talk, laugh, and express ourselves make it highly susceptible to lines. Losses in moisture levels and elasticity occur as we age, and sun exposure can break down collagen and elastin, causing skin to lose its firmness.
Q. What Does Eye Cream Do?
A. An Eye cream is specifically designed to improve the appearance of skin around the eyes. The right eye cream hydrates the skin intensely, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags and prevents further signs of aging.
Q. What to Look for in an Eye Cream While Shopping?
To address the appearance of swelling and aging around the eye area, look for eye creams with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients. If dark circles are an issue, eye creams containing certain beneficial vitamins are good choices since they may help to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye skin.
Q. Can Facial Cream Prevents Wrinkles Under Eyes?
There were creams for swelling, others to handle lines, and still, others designed to minimize the appearance of unsightly dark circles. Now, there are all-in-one products formulated to address all of these issues, which has made using eye creams both easier and more economical.
Final Verdict – Best Eye Creams
We researched all the top-rated eye creams available in the market & got hooked by the amazing results that Drmtlgy Advanced Eye Cream has shown. This is our favourite pick among others because it targets fine lines, dark circles, eye bags, & wrinkles. It is a dual formula that suits all skin types & definitely budget-friendly.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Our beauty expert writers have researched hundreds of eye creams to round up the best for your skin type & concern. Followed by a review by renowned dermatologist Dr. Amira Nouh.
All the products we have mentioned here has passed a safety test determined by our dermatology team. However before using any skincare product a patch test is suggested.
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