admin The delicate tissue under the eyes can often play host to dark circles, wrinkles, or excess puffiness, making the quest to find the best eye cream feel never-ending. With so many products constantly entering the market, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin—especially if you’re looking to tackle multiple concerns at once while maintaining your cherished skin-care routine.
Best Eye Creams
Below, we break down the best eye creams by concern. Whether you’re looking to brighten dark circles, smooth wrinkles, or apply a deeply hydrating formula before sleep, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover the best eye creams according to dermatologists and Vogue editors.
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Dark circles can at times feel impossible to fade, especially for those who have trouble sleeping. Experts say that the condition could be the result of pigmentation, underlying redness or vasculature. In these instances, dermatologists cite vitamin C, hydroquinone, retinol, and kojic acid as key ingredients. Fortunately, Beautystat’s pairs vitamin C, hemp oil, and botanical extracts to brighten the under-eye. La Roche-Posay’s acclaimed elixir treats dark circles by a blend of niacinamide, caffeine, and thermal spring water funneled through a cooling metal applicator, while SkinMedica’s TNS Eye Repair is full of peptides and hyaluronic acid. Dr. Hadley King, who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, recommends the Planktos Phyto Vitality Eye Cream because it’s formulated with bakuchiol—an ingredient, she says, that “is one of the few retinol alternatives for which studies back up the pseudo-retinol effect of anti-aging and skin brightening.” In other words, it’s perfect for someone looking to gently improve under eye pigmentation and elasticity.
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles
For starters, La Mer’s hydrating cream uses the brand’s Miracle Broth to gently plump the under-eye, while Dior harnesses the power of the longoza flower and phytosterols to smooth the look of fine lines. (The latter is a favorite of actor Nina Dobrev). One of the most lauded eye creams is SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. eye complex is known to be a mature skin salve. “This works well for anyone who suffers from severe dryness and lack of elasticity, which often happens with mature skin—it’s an intensely moisturizing cream with blueberry extract to pack an exfoliant punch,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman previously told Vogue. Lancôme’s cream is worth considering too, particularly if hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are of top priority—ingredients mixed alongside bifidus prebiotics to keep the skin barrier in check.
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness
For depuffing, a hint of caffeine in your eye cream will do the trick. In fact, the ingredient is a tried-and-true method to get rid of under-eye bags. Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct expertly brightens and depuffs through caffeine, ginseng root extract, and a handful of other botanicals. N°1 de Chanel is also botanically-powered, though red camellia extract is the star here to energize and awaken the delicate eye area. Or, if a soothing applicator feels appropriate for your regimen, options by Isdin and L’Oréal hydrate and lift the under-eye with ease.
Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
The eyes are ultra-sensitive as is, but for those with allergies or other skin conditions, the area can often be more irritated than most. (Consider consulting with your dermatologist, too.) Generally speaking, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, or oat can keep skin calm while smoothing, plumping, and moisturizing the under-eye. These formulas by Avène, Belif, CosRx, and Mario Badescu are known to be gentle, yet effective.
Best Firming Eye Cream
You might consider a firming eye cream to address a range of concerns—from sagging skin to dark circles and crow’s feet. Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum because “it contains peptides to support collagen and elastin to firm the look of sagging skin, while hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths.” We’re partial to La Prairie’s supercharged cream, which targets firmness and elasticity concerns through the label’s caviar science. iS Clinical’s complex is crafted to address “visible signs of aging”—putting together different peptides, hyaluronic acid, and marine extremozyme to improve the eye contour over time. Another way to plump the under-eye is by giving it a hydration boost. Revision Skincare’s formula, according to Hartman, delivers quick nourishment, antioxidant protection, and skin microbiome strengthening. King is also a fan because it “includes moisturizing ingredients to plump and support the skin barrier, as well as antioxidants to help protect the skin from damage from free radicals, and peptides to help stimulate collagen production.”
Best Drugstore Eye Cream
Not to worry, addressing your under-eye concerns doesn’t have to break the bank. Nowadays, there are many incredible eye creams available at your local pharmacy (or Amazon!). Take your pick of RoC’s acclaimed retinol-infused cream to diminish the look of fine lines, or CeraVe’s cream that’s excellent for beginners. Versed and Naturium offer foolproof picks, too—both are rich in peptides to revitalize skin in no time (with consistent use, that is).
Best Retinol Eye Cream
Retinol is oft-dubbed the “gold standard” skin-care ingredient because it’s proven to be effective in promoting skin renewal. That being said, its worth incorporating it into your eye-care regimen to address your concerns over night. Those new to the vitamin A derivative should ease into it with a gentle formula by Ilia or The Inkey List. Once your skin is used to it, consider this Paula’s Choice cream, which pairs retinol with vitamin C and five ceramides. Or, give Medik8’s serum a try which is available in three retinol strengths—3 (0.03% retinaldehyde), 6 (0.06% retinaldehyde), and 10 (0.1% retinaldehyde)—to customize your usage to your liking.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a New York City-based and board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a Birmingham, Alabama-based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology who specializes in dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and laser dermatology.
- Dr. Hadley King is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.
