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Eye creams can be a bit of a controversial topic in the beauty world; some people swear by them and others think it’s an unnecessary addition that is a glorified (and sometimes overpriced) moisturizer.
For us, even if it is a bit of a luxury, we love using eye cream. Not only does it give that extra boost of hydration that everyone needs under their eyes to ensure that concealer goes on that little bit easier, but there are also plenty of eye creams out there that can banish dark circles, and keep the first signs of aging at bay.
The key to a good eye cream is getting something that gives a big kick of hydration, but without feeling too heavy and greasy under the eyes. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best creams for the under-eye area with active ingredients that protect sensitive eyes while still containing those key ingredients for hydration that all skin types need.
Do eye creams work?
We know what you’re all thinking; do eye creams really work? Well, the truth is, they can work wonders, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different eye creams are formulated with different ingredients like peptides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, that target the delicate skin around your eyes. These ingredients can help reduce puffiness, diminish dark circles, and even tackle fine lines. However, results vary from person to person, depending on your skin type — what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients.
Consistency is key when it comes to using eye creams. Don’t expect overnight miracles, but with regular application, you might start noticing improvements. Whether you’re combating crow’s feet or preventing future signs of aging, finding the right eye cream for your skin concerns can make a noticeable difference.
Can eye cream reduce dark circles?
If you’re not getting enough sleep, or can just never seem to get rid of those pesky dark circles, a good eye cream can be your secret weapon. Dark circles often result from factors like lack of sleep, genetics, or even lifestyle stressors, but a lot of eye creams will contain ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and caffeine which supposedly work wonders to brighten, tighten, and rejuvenate the delicate skin under your eyes. (We say supposedly because there’s not a whole lot of actual evidence, but a lot of people swear by these ingredients).
As we’ve said, the key is consistency with eye creams. Regular application can help reduce puffiness, stimulate collagen production, and lighten pigmentation over time. While no product can promise instant miracles, a quality eye cream can significantly improve the appearance of dark circles, giving you a refreshed and revitalized look.
When should I start using eye cream?
It’s never too early to start showing your eyes some love! While there’s no exact age when you need to start applying eye cream, a lot of people will see that incorporating an eye cream into your skincare routine in your late 20s or early 30s is a good proactive measure against fine lines and wrinkles.
Most eye creams are designed to hydrate, nourish, and protect the delicate eye area. Even if you’re not dealing with specific concerns like crow’s feet or dark circles just yet, a good eye cream can help maintain the youthful elasticity of your skin.
How to apply eye cream and how often?
Applying eye cream is a delicate task that requires a gentle touch. As any board-certified dermatologist would suggest, starting with a clean face, free of any other beauty products, is crucial. Using your ring finger (the weakest of all your fingers) gently pat your chosen eye cream under your eyes from the inner to the outer corner — you can take it up and over your eyelids and to the brow bone too.
Ideally, apply your eye cream twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. This regular routine maximizes the benefits and keeps your undereyes hydrated and nourished. You don’t need to use too much either, just enough for a thin layer of hydration around your eyes.
The best eye creams to add to your skincare routine
Looking for a new eye cream to add to your routine? Here are some of our favorites.
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
If you’re looking for a trustworthy brand that offers quality, affordable products, The Inkey List is one of the brands we would always recommend. Their formulas are simple yet effective, and you can really tailor your routine based on the ingredients you know work for your skin.
Their eye cream has been a favorite of ours for a long time, The Caffeine Eye Cream contains caffeine, an ingredient that is supposed to brighten up dark circles while minimizing the appearance of under-eye bags and puffy eyes.
This eye cream is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients and has a lightweight gel consistency that doesn’t feel too heavy at all when applied to the face.
La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes
French Pharmacy brands really know how to do it with skincare products, especially ones that are designed for super-sensitive skin, like the La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes.
This eye cream is so lightweight and refreshing, it feels thin on the eyes but hydrates extremely well. It has really helped with dry skin under the eyes, keeps the skin barrier strong, and results in a significant improvement in puffiness.
If you have irritated under eyes and want something that’s going to be soothing and treat your main under-eye concerns, this is the product we’d recommend.
Origins Ginzing™ Vitamin C Eye Cream
We spoke about this eye cream a few years ago, and it’s still something that we continue to recommend to our readers today. The Origins Ginzing Eye cream contains a mix of powerful ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B) to brighten up the look of dark circles and reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness.
Ingredients like vitamin C are excellent at reducing the appearance of dark spots and preventing free radical damage and, considering the skin under your eyes is so sensitive, it’s important to choose eye creams that have effective main ingredients.
Not only does this eye cream work like a charm, but it also feels light and soothing.
Youth To The People Dream Eye Cream
Youth To The People does some great skincare products, but their Dream Eye Cream doesn’t get the love we think it deserves. This is an overnight eye cream that targets fine lines and wrinkles. With the help of some powerhouse ingredients, it will do all the hard work while you’re sleeping so that your under eyes feel hydrated and de-puffed when you wake up.
This is super hydrating, almost like a hydrating face serum but for your eyes. Because it will sink in overnight, we are a little bit more generous with the amount we use compared to other products, but it really does make a big difference.
ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
We’ll be the first to admit that we never gave ILIA’s skincare products much recognition — we’ve always been all about their makeup products instead. But, their Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream is a great option for people who want to hydrate their under eyes and fight the signs of aging.
This powerhouse eye cream brings all the perks of retinol minus the fuss in a feather-light formula that doesn’t disrupt makeup going on top. It instantly rejuvenates tired eyes and helps to gradually reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
What makes this eye cream special is that it’s infused with light-reflecting pearls to brighten the under-eye area, and it has a cooling ceramic tip that doesn’t just apply the cream but also works as a massage tool.
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum
It wouldn’t be a Volumes of Beauty post without mentioning one product from Beauty Pie, and today’s mention goes to the Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum. This is one of the most hydrating eye creams we have because it’s packed with Beauty Pie’s special Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elixir. It also has 3% Beautifeye, a so-called secret weapon for firmer skin, and 3% Aquaxyl, a pro-ceramide polysugar for extra hydration.
It’s still one of the lightweight eye serums, but helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles and create a smooth surface after everyday use — there’s a reason it’s one of Beauty Pie’s top-rated products.
BYOMA De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel
The De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel is all about helping people achieve brighter, perkier under eyes. The gel texture of this serum is really nice to apply, but it’s also got a great ingredient list that addresses dark circles, puffiness, and dehydration with consistent use.
It contains a tri-ceramide complex that calms down irritated skin, triple hyaluronic acid for hydration, and vitamin C for brightening up dark circles and fighting free radicals. It’s a dreamy combination for the thin skin under your eyes.
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream
We also have Biosance, a skincare brand that is known for the love of its star ingredient – Squalane. The Biossance Squalane Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream instantly lifts and firms the delicate under-eye region, but also gives a huge boost of brightness.
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
If you’re looking for simple but effective formulas, Cetaphil is always going to be a solid option. The Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is light enough that it won’t feel thick and heavy on the eyes but still delivers all the hydration you could want.
The formula is a lot more simple than the other creams we’ve mentioned in this article, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less effective. We think this is a great starting place for anyone who wants to start incorporating eye creams into their routine.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum contains a potent 2% liposome-stabilized retinal that converts into retinoic acid, which makes it a great eye cream for speedy wrinkle reduction. Combined with the hydrating properties of ginseng root extract, this eye cream is a great all-rounder that we think most people will enjoy.
The lightweight, yet nourishing, formula helps to combat wrinkles and provide lasting hydration to the under eyes. We also like the pump packaging which makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product every time.
Drunk Elephant Ceramighty™ AF Eye Cream with Ceramides
We’ve spoken about Drunk Elephant dupes in the past, but that doesn’t mean you always have to go with the more affordable option. Their Ceramighty AF Eye Cream is a great example of a lightweight cream that provides maximum moisture.
When you use this product, it visibly restores elasticity, and soothes signs of fatigue, making your under eyes feel smooth and nourished all day long.
Dieux Auracle Eye Serum
Dieux has a range of new products, and the coveted new calm balm eye cream is something we’ve been loving for quite a while (as well as their Instant Angel moisturizer for the rest of the face, which is incredible). The Auracle Eye Serum is deeply hydrating and softens the under-eye area in an instant, while also fighting the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.
The small brand focuses on using gentle, renewable ingredients in its products, as well as ingredients that are safe for people with sensitive or irritated skin. We love this lightweight cream and think it’s a must-have for anyone who’s willing to spend that little bit extra on their eye creams.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Another classic product that still finds its way onto the best skincare shelves, is the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. This is a super hydrating eye cream that delivers long-lasting nourishment to the under eyes.
You can use this morning or night, but we find it really steals the show in our morning skincare routine where it wakes up tired eyes and nourishes them with hydration that preps the skin for concealer and powder to go on top.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream
When it comes to retinal products, no one does it quite like Medik8. Their Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream uses the same quality retinal in the products they make for the entire face, targeted specifically at the much more fragile eye area — it’s safe to say that is probably the best anti-aging eye cream.
The good news for people who are looking for anti-aging eye creams is that this product does a great job at reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient in this eye cream is stabilized retinaldehyde, a potent derivative of vitamin A that’s been optimized for the sensitive eye region.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
Naturium is another affordable brand that’s really impressed us with its high-quality formulas. The Multi-Peptide Eye Cream is an essential eye treatment that we keep on our skincare shelves to illuminate and diminish the appearance of those stubborn undereye circles.
It contains a potent multi-peptide blend featuring Matrixyl 3000, Argireline Amplified, and vegan squalane, which makes it one of the best drugstore eye creams we’ve tried so far. After a few weeks of use, we noticed a big difference in how smooth things were and how hydrated our undereyes felt.
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
The Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream is a great multitasking eye treatment that has a powerful mixture of vitamin C and peptides which helps with your skin’s natural collagen production capabilities. It also has a nice hint of caffeine to banish puffiness and make your under-eye look brighter.
It also contains vitamin E and allantoin that soothe the under eyes and provide even more hydration — altogether this makes for a much more youthful appearance and smoother skin — all housed in a lovely lightweight formula for the undereye area.
Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream
Say goodbye to dehydrated, crepey under-eyes with Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream. This eye cream blends powerful antioxidants, omegas, and ceramides to protect and hydrate your delicate skin.
This eye cream is a hydration powerhouse, enriched with omegas 3, 6, and 9 that play a crucial role in boosting your skin barrier. Not only does it soften the appearance of fine lines, but it also protects your skin against daily stresses, providing comfort to dry, sensitive skin. The ceramides in the formula ensure moisture retention, leaving your under-eyes plumped up and dewy.
How to Choose the Right Eye Cream For You
Like choosing any skincare product, it’s important to choose an eye cream that contains ingredients that don’t irritate your skin and help you achieve your skincare goals — whether that be hydration, anti-aging, acne control, or improving dullness.
You’ll see that a lot of the eye creams we mention include a range of ingredients, that might not mean anything to you. You have things like aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe vera) and green tea extract for soothing, collagen for boosting cell turnover, zinc oxide for irritation, fruit extract, shea butter, rosehip seed oil, ferulic acid, and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid).
The first thing you should do is future out what skin type you have, then identify which ingredients are recommended for your skin type, then you can shop for products that contain these ingredients — simple!
