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The Best Eye Creams for Combating Wrinkles, Dark Circles, and Fine Lines

Target specific skin concerns and give those under eyes a boost of hydration.

Collage of three eye creams on different shades of pink.

Real Simple / Brian Kopinski

The best eye creams are gentle enough to be used every day but powerful enough to target dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Even though eye creams are a staple in many people's daily skincare routine, it’s important to find the right formula to target your specific concerns.

To curate a guide to the best eye creams, we spent hours researching the most popular options on the market. While narrowing down the list, we considered factors like ingredients, benefits, and price. We also spoke with Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, and Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, for expert advice on choosing the best formula for you.

“While an eye cream is not necessary, it can be a helpful tool for someone with concerns about their eyelid skin,” Dr. Garshick says. “The benefits may vary based on the ingredients, as those containing retinol can help with fine lines and wrinkles, while those containing hyaluronic acid may help to plump the skin and boost hydration.” A gentle dab of eye cream is a good way to finish a DIY at-home facial.

Best Overall Eye Cream

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

Saks Fifth Avenue

What Stands Out
  • The eye cream brightens skin and targets visible signs of aging.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not the most affordable option.

The Beautystat Universal C Eye Perfector tops our list because of its impressive formula. As its name implies, the star ingredient is vitamin C, specifically 5% L-ascorbic acid—the most potent form of the antioxidant. It brightens skin, softens lines, fades dark circles, and diminishes puffiness—and that's just one ingredient. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and hemp oil to hydrate, defend the eye area from free radical pollution, and calm irritation.

The eye cream boasts a smooth, velvety texture, and upon application, it blurs imperfections thanks to optical diffusers that provide a lightweight camouflage against under-eye circles or blemishes. It also works well under makeup because it smooths the skin so that your cosmetics apply flawlessly. 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, hemp oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract | Formulation: Gel-cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Drugstore Eye Cream

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Target

What Stands Out
  • The lightweight, fragrance-free cream is non-greasy and absorbs quickly to minimize dark circles and puffiness.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn't really target fine lines and wrinkles.

Every product in CeraVe's dermatologist-developed brand portfolio contains three essential ceramides that help restore the skin's natural protective barrier, and the brand's Eye Repair Cream is no exception. (FYI: This barrier is essentially the foundation of healthy skin.) This drugstore eye cream also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain your skin's natural moisture, niacinamide to calm the skin, and a marine and botanical complex to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

All you need to do is apply a pea-sized amount by gently tapping in small dots around the eye area in the morning after your moisturizer and evening after your night cream. The formula is fragrance-free and boasts a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly and shouldn't interfere with your makeup routine. It's certified by the National Eczema Association, which means it's safe for those with eczema or sensitive skin conditions—a testament to its gentleness.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces 

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Real Simple / Jhett Thompson

Best Moisturizing Eye Cream

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • The hydrating formula is great for those with a dry under-eye area.

What Could Be Improved
  • You have to dip your fingers or an applicator into the tub.

Treat your under-eyes to a hydration boost with the Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb, a K-beauty favorite. The lightweight yet ultra-refreshing formula claims to provide moisture for up to 26 hours, courtesy of glycerin and squalene. Even though the main intent is to combat dryness, these hydrating ingredients also help with loss of firmness, elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Other key ingredients include calming comfrey leaf to fight irritation and tiger grass to smooth skin. The brand deems it a great product to use before makeup because it helps create a smooth base that keeps your complexion products from creasing.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalene, tiger grass, and comfrey leaf | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • It effectively targets fine lines and crow’s feet.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not a great option for those with very dry skin.

Another popular drugstore formula, the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Anti-Aging Wrinkle Eye Cream is proof that you don’t have to pay top dollar for an effective skincare product. This powerful formula contains stabilized retinol designed to combat the three major signs of aging: puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. And it does the job: According to RoC's clinical trials, it visibly brightens and depuff eyes in four weeks and reduces the appearance of fine lines by 50% in 12 weeks. 

The brand recommends using this eye cream every other day while monitoring your skin's response to the formula and working your way up as your skin adjusts. Ultimately, you can use it morning and evening; just keep in mind that you only need a few small dots around your eye. If you have very dry skin, you might be better off with a more hydrating eye cream—especially since the under-eye area is so delicate.

Key Ingredients: Retinol | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • It calms sensitive, reactive under-eye skin.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn't dramatically combat signs of aging.

Under-eye irritation can be a thing of the past with Avene Eau Thermale Avene Soothing Eye Contour Cream. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula is specially designed for sensitive skin that often reacts to products. For those new to the French brand, all of its products contain thermal spring water from the Avène spring in the South of France. According to the brand, this water can help soothe and soften skin. 

But that's not all: The ingredient list of this eye cream also boasts hyaluronic acid and pre-tocopheryl (a form of Vitamin E for free radical protection), as well as chamomile and dextran sulfate to soothe under-eye puffiness. It's also ophthalmologist-approved and certified by the National Eczema Association for its efficacy and tolerance in soothing dry skin prone to itching—symptomatic of atopic dermatitis, one of the causes of dry eyelids.

Key Ingredients: Chamomile and dextran sulfate, hyaluronic acid, pre-tocopheryl, and thermal spring water | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.33 ounces

Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream

Real Simple / Jhett Thompson

Best Eye Cream With Caffeine

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • The line-reducing benefits help with a smoother makeup application.

What Could Be Improved
  • The packaging isn’t the most reliable, as the application tip breaks easily.

As a more inexpensive and accessible skincare option, The Inkey List's Caffeine Eye Cream doesn't skimp on results. This lightweight and hydrating formula blends caffeine with Matrixyl 3000 Peptide and Albizia julibrissin bark extract to provide visible and long-term results to the under eye. 

Caffeine acts as a stimulant to reduce dark circles and puffiness while adding additional oxidative protection. Of course, the peptides and extract help hydrate, smooth, and counteract fatigue. 

The easy-to-use tube makes getting every last drop of the formula a breeze and offers a bit more control over how much product you use at any given time. A pea-sized amount of eye cream is more than enough.

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 Peptide, Albizia julibrissin bark extract  | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream With Retinol

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 Smooth and Lift Cream

Amazon Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 Smooth and Lift Cream

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • There are three different active ingredient strengths to the line.

What Could Be Improved
  • The lightweight formula might not have enough hydration for those in dry climates.

One of the most well-known and studied ingredients to prevent and fight signs of aging is retinol. Medik8, however, takes it one step further with their Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye. With three strength variations, this lightweight cream uses twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde, a more potent and effective retinol, to fend off signs of aging around the eyes. You'll notice benefits from smoothing crow's feet to under-eye depuffing and reducing the appearance of dark circles with consistent use. Since this formula contains a vitamin A derivative, the skin will be more prone to photosensitivity, so you should only use this in the evenings.

Despite using retinol's powerful counterpart, the Medik8 formula never feels drying or irritating to the orbital area, making it ideal for all skin types. 

Key Ingredients:  Twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde, ceramide, hyaluronic acid | Formulation: Lightweight cream | Size: 0.50 ounces

Best Firming Eye Cream

Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • The pump is ergonomic and easy to use.

What Could Be Improved
  • It might be too rich for some users.

As the name suggests, the Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides is the perfect addition to the skincare routine of those looking to increase firmness and decrease fine lines. The opaque and rich texture blends into the skin effortlessly, leaving behind a hydrated and nourished feeling in the under-eye area. While peptides increase elasticity, ingredients like silk tree extract help visibly lift tired eyes, as hydrating squalane and smoothing ceramides ease the appearance of other common signs of aging

The bottle and ergonomic pump packaging are incredibly hygienic and easy to use for those who don't like products in applicator-free jars. Like much of Shani's line, this eye cream formula layers beautifully with other products in your routine.

Key Ingredients: Peptides, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eco-Friendly Eye Cream

Knours One Perfect Revival Eye Cream

Knours One Perfect Revival Eye Cream

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • It's a multipurpose product that you can use wherever you discover the formation of fine lines.

What Could Be Improved
  • Might not work as well on fine lines for some people.

The Knours One Perfect Revival Eye Cream makes an everyday task feel like an at-home spa experience, thanks to its cooling ceramic-tip applicator. Suitable for all skin types, its ingredient list features rosehip oil and a bevy of peptides that brighten and depuff, replenish moisture, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Per the brand, it's a multipurpose product in that you can even use it wherever you discover the formation of fine lines, such as on the forehead, mouth/lip area, or between eyebrows.

Some more details to know: The brand as a whole is mindful of keeping potentially risky ingredients out of its formulas. Many of its products—including this eye cream—are also EWG Verified, meaning they meet the strict health and safety standards set by the Environmental Working Group.

Key Ingredients: Rosehip oils and peptides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces 

Knours One Perfect Revival Eye Cream

Real Simple / Jhett Thompson

Best Brightening Eye Cream

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • It delivers visible results brightening, depuffing, and minimizing dark circles.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not a good option for those who are sensitive to scent.

The Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream will not only look pretty on your bathroom vanity, but it’ll also deliver visible results when it comes to brightening and depuffing your under-eyes. After all, the brand didn’t hold back in loading up this product’s formula with as many effective ingredients as possible. It contains 10% encapsulated vitamin C, 3% niacinamide, caffeine, and guava fruit extract (a natural source of vitamin C). This brightening eye cream is safe to apply to the entire eye area, including your under eyes, eyelids, and between your eyebrows.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, caffeine, and guava fruit extract | Formulation: Gel | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • It improves the appearance of dark circles and eye bags.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pump can be frustrating for some people.

The Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream is one of the highest-priced options on our list, but it doesn't disappoint in performance. It utilizes several ingredients that work overtime to target dark circles, both instantly and long-term. It features the brand's dark circle complex, which contains caffeine, Brazilian ginseng, horse chestnut, and light-reflecting particles. Together, this lineup minimizes the appearance of bags and dark circles while brightening tired-looking eyes.

As impactful as this formula is for dark circles, it's worth mentioning that it's also good at firming crows' feet and fine lines. How? The brand's special complex works in tandem with watermelon extract, which hydrates and smooths fine lines, and antioxidant-rich lutein, which provides blue-light protection against premature skin aging. Meanwhile, the aforementioned horse chestnut, teamed with acmella oleracea extract, provides a lifted look to the eye area while smoothing expression lines. One thing to note: This product comes in a container with a pump (rather than a jar), which could be frustrating for some people to use.

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Brazilian ginseng, watermelon extract, and lutein | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye

SkinCeuticals

What Stands Out
  • Clinical results for dark circles and fine lines.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pot might be difficult for some people to use.

The A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream from SkinCeuticals helps to decrease puffiness under the eyes with each application. This benefit is thanks to the addition of caffeine, known for its ability to awaken the eye area. While the jar might be off-putting to some, the ample hydration offered by the formula is perfect for those with aging skin. The formula also uses peptides like Matrixyl 3000 and glycyrrhetinic acid, both of which help increase skin elasticity, firmness, smoothness, and crepiness.

At application, this rich and balmy texture dries down to a more naturally matte finish on the skin, so it sits well under makeup and works in conjunction with the rest of your skincare routine.

Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 peptide, caffeine, concentrated Proxylane | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.50 ounces

Best Eye Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • This light product smooths wrinkles and firms under-eye skin.

What Could Be Improved
  • The retinol formula will make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol and Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum is a power-packed formula containing resurfacing actives, including retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid. It firms skin, boosts hydration, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and crepiness. 

The fast-absorbing serum is designed for morning use, and it contains antioxidants and botanicals that soothe skin and help prevent irritation caused by daytime UV exposure, meaning you'll likely reap the most benefits during the day. Not every under-eye product is safe for use on the lids, but the brand says this serum will improve the appearance of aging skin there, too. And a friendly reminder: You should be wearing SPF every day no matter what, but be extra sure to apply a face sunscreen with this formula because retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, and rambutan | Formulation: Serum | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Gel

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel

Amazon EltaMD Renew Eye Gel

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • It's an effective do-it-all gel formula for the under-eye area.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's on the pricey side.

You're likely familiar with EltaMD's sunscreen, which is loved by celebrities and dermatologists alike, but the EltaMD Renew Eye Gel also needs to be on your radar. The soothing, oil-free formula contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, natural extracts, and peptides, one of the most sophisticated of which is Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. This ingredient "relaxes the eye area muscles that create expression lines and wrinkles by interrupting the chemical signal that causes the contractions," the brand explains.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides | Formulation: Gel | Size: 0.5 ounces

Best Eye Cream With an Applicator

Caudalie Eye Cream

Caudalie Premier Cru Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream

Sephora

What Stands Out
  • The cream is lightweight but ultra-hydrating.

What Could Be Improved
  • The formula could be too intense for those with sensitive skin or eyes.

The Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream from beloved French skincare brand Caudalie makes tackling under-eye aging effortless and stylish. The sleek purple tube features a beveled metal applicator that works perfectly with the contours of the eye to apply the lightweight and fragrance-free cream. Since the tip is metal, the coolness simultaneously depuffs the eye area, creating a multi-beneficial product.

The formula is also innovative, using ingredients like the brand's TET8 patent, a blend that addresses the eight common signs of aging, including dark circles and wrinkles. You'll also find the hydrating humectant hyaluronic acid and pearlizers, which immediately counteract dryness and darkness. What's left is an under eye that's lifted, sculpted, and refreshed, no matter how much sleep you've gotten the night before.

Key Ingredients: TET8 patent, pearlizers,  hyaluronic acid | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Beautystat Universal C Eye Perfector for how it works double-duty to brighten the under-eye area and target visible signs of aging, like line lines and wrinkles. For a drugstore option, we recommend CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream because it’s a gentle formula that protects the skin’s barrier.

How to Shop for Eye Cream Like a Pro

Formulation

Eye creams come in various formulations and different forms of packaging. They can be formulated in a gel, cream, lotion, serum, or mask and may be packaged into a jar, a pump, or with a cold metal applicator to help reduce potential puffiness, Dr. Garshick says.

Product packaging aside, an ideal eye cream formulation depends on personal preferences and individual skin types. “If you don’t like a heavy feeling, you might want to use serums instead of a cream,” Dr. Lolis says. This sentiment holds true for things like gels, masks, and lotions, too. An individual with a drier skin type could benefit from a richer texture like a cream or mask. However, those with aging skin should consider lightweight formulas like serums, as the skin of the under eye gets thinner as we get older. A product that is too emollient could create that heavy feeling Dr. Lolis references

Function

No matter which type you choose, eye creams are formulated with specific purposes in mind. “Because the skin around the eyes is thinner, it is often one of the first areas to show signs of skin aging,” says Dr. Garshick. All the more reason to follow the right techniques to remove eye makeup like mascara to avoid aging your skin. “For this reason, eye creams are designed to nourish, hydrate, and improve the overall appearance of the skin around the eyes.”

Whether you want to target fine lines or dark circles, there are eye creams that are formulated to do exactly that. Just keep in mind that eye cream may not be able to fix all of your under-eye skincare concerns. “Some changes around the eye area may be genetic or require additional interventions or procedures,” says Dr. Garshick.

Experts recommend implementing an eye product into your skincare routine starting in your late to mid 20s, though if you have eczema, rosacea, or other skin concerns, you should speak to a dermatologist first.

Ingredients

When choosing an eye cream, Dr. Garshick and Dr. Lolis recommend several ingredients. These include things like retinol, niacinamide, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid. Garshick says that retinol helps boost collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lolis suggests looking for retinol-based eye products that feature a slow-to-release form of the ingredient so that you get the benefits of using a retinol with minimal irritation. She also adds that if the retinol concentration is too high, it can dry out the under-eye area, causing things like crepiness or skin flaking.

Both are fans of niacinamide, or vitamin B3, to help brighten the under eye area. Caffeine is another standout, with Dr. Lolis explaining that the ingredient is great at decreasing dark circles due to its vasoconstricting ability, and Dr.Garshick highlighting its ability to help reduce puffiness.

Additional benefits can be seen through humectants like hyaluronic acid to help boost hydration, Dr. Garshick says. Finally, Dr. Lolis advocates for the inclusion of antioxidants (aka vitamin C) and peptides to help brighten dark circles, protect against free radicals, and help minimize visible signs of aging.

Questions You Might Ask

How do you apply eye cream?

“It is best to apply eye cream by gently patting it into the skin, moving from the innermost area and tapping outward,” Dr. Garshick says, adding that it’s best to apply it with your ring finger to ensure minimal pressure.

As for how much to apply? Garshick says that a little generally goes a long way: "A pea size is enough for the delicate eye area.”

Is thicker eye cream better?

Dr. Lolis says that the viscosity of an eye cream plays less of a role in formula efficacy. What you should focus on, however, is the active ingredients and their concentration. "Eye creams are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. Since the skin is thinner, it is also more sensitive. They have a gentler formulation, lower concentration, and strength of certain actives," she says. "You want to choose a formulation that complements your skin type and preferences. If you don't like a heavy feeling, you might want to use serums instead of a cream." Essentially, gels and serums can benefit those with oily skin types or show moderate to advanced signs of aging, whereas creams and masks are better suited for those focused on dryness.

While you technically can use moisturizer in place of eye cream for plumping and hydration, an eye cream is better suited for those seeking a formula designed to target specific skincare concerns.

How often should you use eye cream?

Dr. Lolis recommends  incorporating an eye product daily or nightly after considering your eye area concerns. She also suggests starting an eye cream routine in your mid to late 20s. While she supports this step in your regimen, she cautions that if a patient has eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, rosacea, or other skin conditions, it is important to consult with a dermatologist before applying anything in that area. You never want to go in haphazardly, especially around the eyes.

Can you use moisturizer instead of eye cream?

In short, yes. Dr. Garshick says that it’s totally fine to use face moisturizer instead of eye cream because it can still keep the skin looking healthy and plump. But an eye cream may be a better option if you’re looking for a treatment that contains certain ingredients to address specific concerns such as antioxidants, retinol, peptides, or growth factors to ensure the formulation is gentle for the delicate eyelid skin, the dermatologist says. 

Can you use eye cream on other parts of your face?

While you can use eye cream on other parts of your face, it might not be the most financially smart option, even if using a more affordable drugstore eye cream, nor the most effective. “Since most are packaged in small containers because generally not a lot is needed for the eyelid, it may cause you to go through the product faster than anticipated,” Dr. Garshick says. “Additionally, the concentration of ingredients may not be as potent since it needs to be safe for the eye area."

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Marisa Petrarca, a freelance writer who specializes in beauty and lifestyle content. She has over five years of editorial experience, and her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more. Additional products were tested and added by freelance beauty and lifestyle writer, Grace Parsons, with over seven years of beauty and editorial experience. To write this article on the best eye creams, the two writers considered the ingredients and formulations of dozens of options to come up with the best recommendations. Petrarca also spoke with Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, while Parsons worked with Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, for expert advice.

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  1. EWG's Skin Deep. Knours. One Perfect Revival Eye Cream.

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