The thin, delicate skin around the eyes requires an eye cream to protect against environmental damage from UV rays, pollution, and to diminish signs of aging. A good eye cream also treats puffiness and dark circles.
Board-certified dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, MD recommends looking for anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C; plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid; and ingredients that tamp puffiness, like caffeine. A good formula should not cause irritation to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes.
We went to work and tried some top-rated products that cater to a range of skin types, concerns, and budgets. Our testers used these eye creams for weeks at a time, reviewing each formula's texture and feel, ingredient list, and how well it lived up to its claims. We then combined these results with our own research and tapped a dermatologist for their expert recommendations.
Read on to find out which eye creams made it into our final roundup.
Best Overall
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector
Plumps and softens the under-eye area
Improves skin texture
Decreases puffiness and lightens dark circles
Slight tinging sensation
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract| Benefits: Brightens and smooths skin | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This line was created by a cosmetic chemist, so expect the most efficacious ingredients and pairings within its formula. One ingredient in particular is vitamin C which not only offers antioxidant protection but2 can help stimulate collagen production, diminishing the look of fine lines and smoothing skin tone in the process. In fact, this formula uses a 5% concentration of a pure, patented, and extra-stable version of vitamin C plus CBD to help tamp down inflammation and puffiness.
It also contains very hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and green tea extract to increase collagen synthesis. We found this product to be a great makeup primer, and it instantly left our under-eyes velvety-smooth. By the end of the three-week testing period, we also noticed a slight reduction in fine lines and dark circles—and a noticeable improvement in skin texture and puffiness.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used by all skin types but is particularly effective at improving dark circles, puffiness, dryness and dehydration.
Best Budget
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Anti-aging formula
Lightweight in feel
Has a gentle effect
Might not work on sensitive skin
Active Ingredients: Retinol | Benefits: Smooths lines and de-puffs eyes | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
When it comes to finding an affordable, effective eye cream, dermatologists recommend this formula time and time again. It boasts the anti-aging superstar retinol and addresses not only lines but dark circles and puffiness with its mineral complex, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. The lightweight formula is also non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. As it contains retinol, start applying it just a couple of times a week at first to see how your skin tolerates it before slowly increasing your usage.
Who It’s For
This eye cream is suitable for anyone looking to address and improve the look of puffiness, dark circles and crow’s feet.
Best for Wrinkles
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
Thick enough for crow's feet
Smooths texture of skin
Might be drying for some
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Evens skin tone and reduces crow's feet | Best for: Mature skin | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
There are lots of eye creams to be found at the drugstore, and this is one of the most effective options out there. It boasts tried-and-true retinol, coupled with a glucose complex that works to speed up retinol’s effects. What’s more, the potent formula can smooth out crows’ feet, and generally even out the tone and texture of dry skin around the eyes thanks to added hyaluronic acid–our favorite hydrator. This is also a dermatologist-approved formula which is good news for anyone that’s worried about using retinol around the eyes.
Who It’s For
Use this if you want to improve crow’s feet, dark circles, and dark spots. It’s also suitable for anyone that gets dryness around the eyes.
Best for Puffiness
The Ordinary Depuffing Eye Serum
A little goes a long way
Still effective amidst inconsistent use
High concentration of caffeine
Might be drying for some
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Reduces pigmentation and puffiness | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Whether you pulled an all-nighter or just had one too many martinis the night before, a few drops of this eye cream is the secret to quickly tamping down puffiness. It boasts a powerful concentration of caffeine—a choice de-puffer, thanks to its ability to constrict blood vessels. There’s also epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG, an intense antioxidant derived from green tea leaves that further helps boost this formula’s de-puffing prowess. We’re big fans of the formula at Byrdie and found that the combination of EGCG and caffeine is like a refreshing cup of tea for your eyes—it wakes them up and gets them ready to face the day.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used by dry, combination, and oily skin types and those with dark circles and puffiness.
Read Full Review: This $7 Caffeine-Powered Serum Is Like Coffee for My Dark Circles
Best with Vitamin C
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
Lightweight in feel
Moisturizing
Tackles wrinkles
Might not work on sensitive skin
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter | Benefits:Brightens and hydrates | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The formula is packed with vitamin C to deliver long-term brightening benefits and collagen to improve elasticity and keep skin smooth. One ingredient you may be surprised to hear is in this formula is gold - yes, real gold. This helps to improve the delivery of vitamin C to the deeper layers of the dermis. Hardy orange extract also helps to brighten dark spots and enhance the effectiveness of the vitamin C. Clinically proven results in four weeks make this product pretty fast acting. Its featherweight, silky texture is ideal for use under makeup and it contains color correcting pigment to conceal dark circles.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used by all skin types to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and dullness.
Read Full Review: Ole Henriksen Reformulated Its Banana Bright Eye Crème to Serve Sensitive Skin
Best Color Correcting
IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream
Moisturizing
Reduces wrinkles
Provides subtle brightening to the face
Might be drying and irritating for some
Active Ingredients: Palmitic Acid, Shea Butter, Niacinamide | Benefits:Brightens and reduces dark circles | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A color-correcting eye cream delivers an instant brightening effect, quickly and efficiently while neutralizing the look of dark circles. Beverly Hills dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, MD, recommends this creamy formula, which has skin-barrier boosting ceramides, and hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil and colloidal oatmeal.A 2% super peptide concentrate also helps target fine lines, dryness and a lack of firmness around the delicate eye area. This potent concentrate comprises rice peptides to help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function, and Tetrapeptide to help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used by all skin types to improve firmness, dryness, and dark circles.
Best Clean Beauty
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm
Made of natural ingredients
Lightweight
Smooths the skin
Pleasant smell
Thick consistency
Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, vitamin C | Benefits: Smooths lines and hydrates | Best for: All skin types, especially dry | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For those wary of using products with potentially questionable chemicals around their eyes, consider this clean cream, a Byrdie Eco Beauty Award Winner. It uses a litany of different plant-based extracts to impart everything from hydration to antioxidant protection. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that’s been proven to have equally as powerful wrinkle-fighting effects, without any of the associated irritation. And because it is a bit of a richer balm, it’s a great pick for those with very dry skin or who simply want to use a thicker product around the eyes.
Who It’s For
This can be used by everyone but its rich texture is particularly effective if your skin is very dry and dehydrated.
Best With SPF
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
Hydrating
Comes in four shades to match skin
Applies in a cool, gentle way
Small amount
Active Ingredients: 7.9 percent titanium dioxide, 6.7 percent zinc oxide | Benefits: Protects against sun damage | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.2 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Opt for a dedicated eye cream with SPF to use every morning. We’re big fans of this SPF 35-formula that has a subtle tint (it comes in four shades) to instantly brighten the eye area. It’s packed full of eye-brightening ingredients including Seawater and Marine Algae to help firm and brighten the under eyes, as well as a patented ingredient called Aldavine™ to reduce puffiness, and the humectant, Phytomoist (proven to be four times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid). This powerful combination leaves the eyes brightened and illuminated. Wesley particularly likes the cooling, metal applicator, which can help tamp inflammation and puffiness, too.
Who It’s For
Safe for all skin types, this eye cream is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Best Splurge
La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift Serum
Tightens the skin
Lightweight in feel
Smooths the skin
Pump delivery needs work
Active Ingredients: Caviar extract, ceramides | Benefits: Firm and tighten skin | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
The dual-phase serum blends encapsulated beads with a gel-cream emulsion, both loaded with the brand’s signature caviar extract. The formula also includes ceramides to nourish and plump delicate skin around the eyes, but reviewers note its lightweight skin-feel (you only need one pump to get all of these benefits). Its texture makes it a good choice for anyone prone to developing milia around the eyes. We tested out the product for ourselves, and we loved that it made the under-eye area feel supple and soft and minimized the appearance of fine lines.
Who It’s For
This is for anyone who wants to treat the entire eye area and improve crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness.
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing Eye Cream
Hydrating
Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Soothes the skin
Small size
Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide | Benefits: Calm and moisturize | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you have very sensitive eyes, especially during the dreaded hayfever season, this gentle eye cream can really help soothe and hydrate delicate skin. Made by La Roche-Posay, its formula is free of common irritants like parabens, fragrance, and alcohol, which you should avoid if you're prone to reactions. The addition of niacinamide and mineral-rich spring water also helps brighten and hydrate the thin skin around the eyes leaving it feeling calm and hydrated. As such, it remains one of the essentials in our skincare regimes – especially during the summer months.
Who It’s For
This eye cream has a very minimal formula that’s suitable for very reactive and sensitive skin.
Best Applicator
SheaMoisture Matcha Green Tea Eye Cream
Soothes, hydrates, and protects the skin
Has a cool feel
Provides the right amount of delivery
Might not work for sensitive skin
Active Ingredients: Shea butter, green tea powder, probiotics | Benefits:Moisturizes and reduces puffiness | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: N/A | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This formula is packed with hydrating shea butter and probiotics, which visibly target puffiness and brighten dull complexions. The addition of matcha green tea helps to de-puff and calm tired eyes making it ideal if you’re particularly prone to redness. We love its cooling applicator, which deposits a sizable amount of product with each swipe, and cruelty-free formula that’s free from sulfates, mineral oils and parabens. Our top tip? Stash it in the fridge, and it’ll feel even better going on in the morning.
Who It’s For
This formula is best suited to redness-prone skin that also suffers with puffiness and dehydration.
Best Gel
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Not greasy
Doesn't irritate
Blends in quickly
Flakes easily
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrates | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
A gel formula is a great pick for those with oily skin or those who might not like eye cream with a thick skin-feel. Packed with lightweight moisture, the formula has a plumping effect on skin, and includes hyaluronic acid. We like the way it soaks in quickly without any stickiness. Also nice: It’s dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, and hypoallergenic, making it another good pick for those with sensitive skin or eyes.
Who It’s For
This is a great pick for those with sensitive eyes and skin. The gel texture also works well for oily skin types too.
Read Full Review: This Eye Cream Totally Refreshed My Under-Eye Skin—And It's Only $15
Best With Retinol
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum
Reduces puffiness
Soothes the skin
Absorbs into skin well
Might be drying for some
Active Ingredients: Ferulic acid, willow bark extract | Benefits: Smooth lines | Best for: Oily, combination, normal skin | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This powerful eye cream contains a Phyto-Retinol Blend™that comprises retinol – the vitamin A derivative that’s well-known for effectively stimulating collagen production to smooth out wrinkles – ferulic acid, a standout antioxidant to help prevent environmental damage, and finally, bakuchiol, a gentler alternative to retinol that improves collagen production and visibly reduces fine lines. The best part? It does all of this without creating any irritation. We love the texture of this lightweight formula – sheer enough to wear on lids in addition to under and around the eyes.
Who It’s For
Normal, combination and oily skin types can all benefit from this eye cream. It is also gentle enough for sensitive skin types but you may want to start off slow.
Best for Dry Skin
Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment
Can double as a makeup primer
Very hydrating
Brightens the skin
Small size
Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter | Benefits: Moisturizes | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
We think this is the ultimate, hydrating eye cream–so strong that it can also be slathered on and used as an under-eye mask. We apply this when we look tired, and it perks up our faces immediately.
This formula makes a great base for concealer, as reviewers note it helps grip makeup. Avocado oil, shea butter and Beta-Carotene, and Sodium and Copper PCA hydrate without feeling greasy on delicate eye skin (we suggest using a pea-size amount). The nourishing formula also helps to retain hydration throughout the day, and brighten the eye area while depuffing. A little goes a long way, so each jar lasts about six months.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used on all skin types, including sensitive, to depuff and brighten the eye area.
Best Retinol-Alternative
AgeWell Enriching Eye Cream with Caffeine + Bakuchiol
Good for those who are pregnant
Made of plant-based ingredients
Brightens the skin
Might be drying for some
Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, caffeine | Benefits: Refines and tones | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: N/A | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Although retinol is effective, it can be irritating to some. It's also to be avoided by those who are pregnant. If you’re looking for an alternative, this formula contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown to have wrinkle-fighting effects nearly identical to that of retinol, but doesn’t elicit irritation. It’s a favorite of Wesley’s, who likes that it contains caffeine to target puffiness. Squalane and vitamins C and B3 help accelerate cellular turnover, and when paired with bakuchiol, can drive visible results.
Who It’s For
This can be used on all skin types who want to improve firmness and improve the look of lines and wrinkles.
Best Lifting
The Route The Sunny Eyes
Formula targets puffiness
Contains hydrating ingredients
Soft focus diamond powder adds tinted sheen
Tint only comes in one shade
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, squalane | Benefits: Hydrates, de-puffs, lifts, brightens | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: N/A | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A hero product from this luxury, clinical-grade line, this brightening and lifting eye cream is designed for day wear, with a soft focus diamond powder that adds tinted sheen. You can use it on its own, or as a makeup base, beneath concealer. The hydrating formula contains ceramide, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid to plump and lift skin, while caffeine, pomegranate and green tea extract targets puffiness.
Who It’s For
This eye cream is ideal for all skin types and can help to improve the look of dark circles, bags, puffiness and general fatigue.
Best for Deep Wrinkles
Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
Clinically proven to firm deep wrinkles
Proprietary formula promotes cellular turnover
Can feel heavy if used on upper lids
Active Ingredients: Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, palmitoyl tripeptide-38 | Benefits: Firms, smooths, hydrates | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Prebiotics and peptides make this formula rich enough to have visible results on deep wrinkles and those that extend beyond the eyes. Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline also adds a good dose of hydration to the skin while an Amino Acid Copper Complex brings energy to fatigued eyes. Clinical results within 12 weeks makes this formula pretty fast acting, too and we noted a velvety skin-feel that helps cushion the eye area.
Who It’s For
This is best suited to mature skin where wrinkles and redness are visible.
Best for Dark Circles
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
Super hydrating
Multitasking
Eyes appear more rested
May irritate sensitive skin
Active Ingredients: FR-Defense technology, hyaluronic acid, Concentrated Repair technology | Benefits: Brightens, recharges, repairs, hydrates | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
According to the brand this silky eye cream will brighten dark circles in just two weeks, regardless if they have blue/purple or brown undertones. Besides targeting this issue in all locations (e.g. under eye, eyelids, inner corners, etc.), the cream also reduces the appearance of fine lines and dullness by boosting hydration and plumping the under-eye area. It does this with a trio of skin boosting ingredients including hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant vitamin E, and the brand’s patented FR-Defense™ Technology. After application, your eyes will instantly appear more rested and renewed.
Who It’s For
This eye cream can be used on dry, combination and oily skin types.
Editor's Pick
Glossier Full Orbit Eye Cream
Able to hydrate, de-puff, and brighten
Lightweight texture
Absorbs quickly
Takes some time to see significant results
Active Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Benefits: De-puffs, brightens, hydrates | Best for: All skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Every Glossier product becomes the talk of the town upon release, and their new eye cream is no different. Full Orbit is a multi-tasking eye cream, being able to brighten dark circles, de-puff bags, and smooth and soften fine lines and wrinkles—all in one formula. It does this with a combo of polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid, which are able to plump and hydrate for a youthful complexion.Niacinamide is also a major player, as it's popular for effectively brightening and giving your skin that coveted Glossier glow. When we tested the eye cream for ourselves, we loved that it was exceptionally moisturizing while still feeling lightweight, so it was able to sink into the skin within seconds. After multiple uses, our under-eye area looked more lively overall—and we appreciate that it didn't lead to any milia or irritation.
Who It's For
This is a great eye cream for those dealing with all skin problems in that area, including puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles.
Where We Stand
Our best overall pick is BeautyStat's Universal C Eye Perfector. The vitamin C- and CBD-infused formula helps stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation to ensure the delicate skin around the eyes is revitalized. For a more affordable pick, consider the retinol-infused RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, which brightens and diminishes fine lines. Another wallet-friendly option is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGC, a stand-out when it comes to combating puffiness.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, formula and results—in addition to reviews from customers and expert insights. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) on the following criteria:
- Active ingredients and formulation
- Skin type
- Concerns, benefits and efficacy
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
What to Look For In an Eye Cream
- Fragrance-Free: Because the skin around your eyes is more sensitive, Wesley suggests avoiding formulas that contain fragrance, which can be one of the more common sources of irritation or allergy in this area. Some of our favorite fragrance-free picks include the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream and the Alpyn Beauty Line-Filling Eye Cream.
- Tried-and-True Anti-Aging Ingredients: Wesley recommends sticking with ingredients that have proven benefits. Think classics such as retinol (found in the RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream), peptides (in the Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream), and growth factors that are meant to be anti-aging. Caffeine and vitamin C are a couple of other ingredients you'll find in eye creams for dark circles and other concerns.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Signs of aging aside, the skin around the eye is naturally prone to being dryer than the skin on the rest of your face. Make sure the eye cream you pick has plenty of hydrating ingredients like skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, niacinamide, and/or hyaluronic acid.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A skincare junkie, eye creams have always held a soft spot in her heart because the lines around her eyes are her biggest complexion concern. She loves using the color-correcting Tatcha option featured in this article in the morning, and often rotates between many of the other options at night.
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.
To get further insights on the best anti-aging eye creams, we also spoke with an expert:
- Naissan O. Wesley, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills.