15 Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles And Wrinkles – 2024
Moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes with these gentle ingredients.
Blade Tiessen is a certified esthetician and the owner of a renowned anti-aging clinic in Orillia, Canada. He has over 34 years of experience in the esthetics industry and has worked in several premier spas across Toronto, including the prestigious Yorkville area.
Read full bio of Blade Tiessen
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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If you are worried about wrinkled and saggy skin under your eyes and want them to look even, firm, and healthy, you will feel at ease to know that we have some good news for you with our list of the best eye creams worth trying! Since our under-eye skin is more delicate compared to other parts of our face, it requires some extra, extra love, care, and special treatment. So, all you have to do is, pick the correct eye cream, and voila! Under-eye treatments and creams that are formulated with peptides, antioxidants, SPF protection, and AHAs have all the abilities to prevent eye-related issues such as fine lines, under-eye bags, creepiness, wrinkle reduction, and dark circles as they effectively clear away the dead skin cells. But since the market is filled with umpteen products, it might be a bit difficult to pick the one that fits right for you. So, check out our list of the 15 best ones worth trying listed below.
In This Article
Our Top Picks Of 2024: 15 Best Eye Creams
Best Overall:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Eye-Cream
Always wished for firm, smooth, and supple skin under your eyes? Are you worried about droopy, tired eyes grabbing the limelight? Well, you should try this under-eye cream for sensitive skin by Neutrogena. It contains key ingredients, such as hydrating agents like purified hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beeswax, that lock in moisture and smoothes the skin around the under-eye area. It also contains glycerine, which treats and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. With the help of this lightweight, hydrating eye gel cream, you can get long-lasting moisturization.
Pros
- Unscented
- Hydrating eye cream formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Free of oils and dyes
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe and gentle on sensitive skin
- Clinically proven
- Ideal for daily usage during the day and night
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin type
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 15,967 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Best In Budget-Friendly:CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Don’t miss out on this top-rated ophthalmologist-tested eye cream by CeraVe, which offers multiple skin benefits! It is also a dermatologist-tested product that includes a unique, patented formula that replenishes ceramides in the skin and provides long-lasting hydration. Enriched with the 3 most essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II), it stimulates collagen production and supports the natural protective barriers of your skin. The marine and botanical ingredients like sweet almond oil and vegetable oil combat dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness with ease. Besides this, this collagen eye cream contains other components such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which retain moisture and enhance the skin’s overall appearance.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Brightens and firms under-eyes
- Safe for eczema and sensitive skin conditions
Cons
- May not give you immediate results
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 38,967 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Gentle Formula:RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Here is the best eye cream that corrects wrinkles while nourishing your dry and sensitive skin! Powered with pure retinol and glycerin, it provides hydration without irritating your skin. It removes dead skin cells, offers an even complexion, reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. Want to bid crepey skin, dark circles, and eye puffiness goodbye forever? No problem! This award-winning anti-aging eye cream for wrinkles contains panthenol, which reduces dark circles and puffiness with consistent use. It also contains antioxidants and chelating agents to prevent retinol degradation.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Fades age spots
- Ideal for daily usage
- Clinically proven
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Smoothes the delicate eye area
- Lifts and adds firmness to the skin
- Contains antioxidants and chelating agents to prevent retinol degradation
Cons
- The consistency may be too thin and watery for some.
Did You Know?If your eyeshadow is missing from your makeup bag, you can apply the rose gold highlighter as its substitute to give a light and silky touch on the eyelids.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,671 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Eye-Cream awards1 | CeraVe Eye Repair Cream awards2 | RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream Best Gentle Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.79 x 3 x 4.56 inches | 1.8 x 1.5 x 4.74 inches | 1.21 x 1.51 x 4.17 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 Ounces | 0.53 Ounces | 0.64 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,967 | 38,967 | 2,671 |
| Price | $16.65 | $14.44 | $21.23 |
Best Anti-Aging Formula:EssyNaturals Anti-Aging Rapid Reduction Eye Cream
This anti-aging under-eye cream is all you need to get flawless skin instantly. It contains plant-based natural ingredients like Sophora flavescens root extract and yeast extract, which work like magic to correct wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags in just 120 seconds. It is formulated with collagen. It repairs damaged skin and restores moisture in the skin. It also improves elasticity around the eyes, while hydrating and boosting skin health, making it a very useful product to add in your skin care routine.
Pros
- Quick results
- Moisture restorative formula
- Nourishing formula
- Treats inflammation
- Effective on mature skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Anti-oxidant properties
Cons
- Might possess an overpowering scent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 1 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Best Anti-Wrinkle Formula:L’Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Eye Defense
Achieve healthy under-eyes with this anti-wrinkle eye cream by L’Oreal Paris. The key ingredients include caffeine and hyaluronic acid that prevent premature aging around the eye area. It reduces dark circles, heals puffiness, fades out wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots effectively. The best part about this eye cream is that it contains botanical components like jojoba seed oil, oat kernel extracts, and citric acid, which leaves skin firm, smooth, and well-hydrated.
Pros
- Works for all skin types
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hydrating properties
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Cons
- Might not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 14,850 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Best Chemical-Free Formula:M3 Naturals Eye Cream
Are you ready to perk up your tired and puffy under-eyes with this effective under-eye cream by M3 Naturals? Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it lends you soft, bright, and hydrated skin over the delicate area of your eyes. It is infused with hydrolyzed collagen and stem cells to slow down the aging process, treat puffiness, heal sunburns, and improve skin elasticity to give your skin a lifted effect. Besides this, it contains natural ingredients such as aloe juice, rosemary leaf extracts, rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extract, and sunflower seed oil that nurture the eye area with a healthy glow and firmness.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- No fragrance
- Lifts your skin
- No harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates
Cons
- The consistency might be slightly powdery.
"This under-eye cream is moisturizing without being greasy and has a pleasant texture. My fine lines have softened and the puffiness has reduced too. The formula is gentle, even on my sensitive skin, and works well with other products in my routine."
Quick TipBest Antioxidant Benefits:Yeouth Retinol Eye Cream
It is time to stop worrying about pigmented under-eyes with this simple skin care product. This eye cream infused with retinol helps you achieve even and firm skin. It improves skin elasticity, boosts collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and corrects hyperpigmentation. All this, while the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture to deliver soft, supple, and plump skin. It contains caffeine, ginseng, and green tea extracts to help stimulate blood circulation, heal damaged cells, protect the skin from free radicals, lighten wrinkles, and fine lines.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Contains no scent
- Rich in antioxidants
- Effective on all skin types
- Gives a refined complexion
- Corrects dark circles and crow’s feet
Cons
- Might not combat puffiness
- Contains parabens
Best For All Skin Types:Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream
Do you need a rejuvenating eye cream to lift your skin? That’s where the Mizon Snail Repair eye cream comes into the picture. It is crafted with 80% snail mucin that tightens and hydrates your under-eyes. Considered one of the best eye creams, its key ingredients include niacinamide and stearic acid that cleanse away impurities, fade out dark circles, and correct uneven skin tones. You can use it as a wrinkle and fine lines care treatment as it contains adenosine and peptides to repair mature skin and prevent aging.
Pros
- No parabens
- Clinically proven
- Improves elasticity
- Anti-aging properties
- Works on all skin types
- Tested by dermatologists
- Offers even skin with radiance
- No artificial colors or added scents
Cons
- Might not be a fast-absorbing formula
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 837 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Best Lightweight Formula:Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
If you’re looking for the best eye cream for mature skin, try this one by Olay. Enriched with vitamins B3 and C, this under-eye cream will make your face look bright and fresh. The niacinamide and glycerin present in this formula promote healthy skin cell growth, balance an uneven skin tone, and retain adequate moisture. To add to it, the formula includes caffeine and optical brighteners, which diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and under-eye bags. This formula lends you young and well-rested eyes, vanishing the effects of sleepless nights.
Pros
- Easy-absorption
- Lightweight formula
- Treats discoloration
- Adds glow to your face
- Formulated for all skin types
Cons
- Formula might be a little sticky
"This eye cream reduces dark circles. It moisturizes my skin and makes it appear rejuvenated. It actually brightens my eye area with consistent use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 3,454 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Best Cruelty-Free Formula:TruSkin Eye Cream
This TruSkin Naturals eye cream is the best eye cream for crepiness as it will help you negate free radicals and promote youthful skin. It is made of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber extracts, coconut, raspberry, and avocado oils, to hydrate, soothe, and nourish tired and puffy under-eyes. The hyaluronic acid and panthenol (vitamin B5) treat redness, inflammation, dark circles, wrinkles, and fine lines to deliver even clear skin. Dead skin cells causing problems like dull skin tone and milia? Well, now no more! This eye cream contains 2% glycolic acid, which clears away dead cells and leaves you with smooth, even-toned under-eyes.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Soothing eye cream formula
- Quick-absorption
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Contains plant peptides to rejuvenate fragile under-eye skin
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 1,517 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Best Hydrating Formula:Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream
With velvety smooth texture and lux ingredients like Japanese white peony extract and silk extract, the Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream is bound to be your new favorite eye cream on the block. The product provides intense hydration and nourishment that aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. This deeply hydrating eye cream formula helps in combating eye fatigue and instantly lifts your whole face. It not only helps retain moisture but also offers anti-aging effects, making it one of the best hydrating eye creams to invest in.
Pros
- Lightweight cream
- Tackles dryness
- Easy-absorption
- Retains moisture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Treats dark circles
Cons
- None
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Lily Sado Caffeine Eye Cream
Do you love keeping your under-eyes well-hydrated? Say hello to this bottle of goodness by Lily Sado, formulated with naturally processed extracts and essential oils. Enriched with hydrating agents like green tea matcha, cucumber extract, aloe vera, rosehip, coconut, and rosehip, and avocado oils, it keeps your skin moisturized all day. It also contains arabica coffee beans, vitamins (C, E, B3, and B5), and sodium hyaluronate that fight against dry skin, puffiness, and fine lines. This lightweight cream is loaded with collagen peptides and humectants, and enhances skin elasticity, defends free radicals, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. It is clinically tested to provide the best defense against the 4 target areas of premature aging: Skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and sagging, and discoloration and dark circles.
Pros
- Tightens the skin
- Non-greasy formula
- Moisturizing formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No toxic chemicals and fillers
- Reduces puffiness and fine lines
- Lends smoothing and plumping effect to the under-eyes
- Contains natural antioxidant-rich phytonutrients
- Protects skin against pollutants and UV damage
Cons
- The smell might be overwhelming for some.
"This eye cream is neither too thick nor too thin in texture. It provides a boost of moisture without the greasy residues. It's fine to wear under makeup and also offers a subtle glow. Remember, patience is key to any skin care routine."
Best For Skin Firming:Burt's Bees Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
The Burt’s Bees Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is ideal for treating under-eye circles, wrinkles, and visible fine lines. It is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, which hydrates the skin, and bakuchiol, which smoothens the skin. This eye cream is a safe and natural alternative to retinol, and is curated with an anti-aging formula that improves skin texture, imparts a natural glow, and tightens skin. It evens the skin tone and reduces dullness.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Firms under-eye skin
- Improves uneven skin tones
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
"This is gentle yet effective for my sensitive skin and reduces my crow's feet. The pump dispenser helps maintain product purity and the formula itself keeps the under-eye area well-hydrated. It's a good addition to my daily routine."
Best For Crow's Feet:CITYGOO Caffeine Eye Cream
If the appearance of pesky fine lines and crow’s feet have been haunting you lately, then the CITYGOO Caffeine Eye Cream is the perfect solution for you! The product is crafted with high-quality ingredients like vitamin C, caffeine, collagen, and niacinamide that promotes supple, soft skin around the eyes. It is immensely hydrating in nature, making it a suitable option for all skin types, especially dry skin. This caffeine-rich eye cream formula also aids in depuffing and tightening the under-eye skin giving a youthful appearance.
Pros
- Depuffs and firms skin
- Tackles dark circles
- Retains moisture
- Lightweight formula
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- No animal testing
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"This has become a staple in my routine care. It's gentle on sensitive skin, hydrates without feeling heavy, and sits well under makeup. It has also helped with puffiness and keeps my skin looking refreshed."
Best Clinically-Proven Option:Obagi Medical ELASTIderm Eye Cream
Who doesn’t want to add glow and firmness to their skin? Here is a dermatologist- recommended eye cream suitable for acne-prone, mature, and oily skin by Obagi Medical. It not only minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines but also develops firm and resilient under-eye skin to prevent damage. It is formulated with bi-mineral complex (copper and zinc), glycerin, malonic acid, licorice, algae, and blueberry fruit extracts to retain moisture in the skin.
Pros
- Clinically-proven
- Prevents redness
- Suitable for all skin types
- Treats crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness
- Not tested on animals
- Promotes smooth, fresh, and bright under-eyes
Cons
- Contains artificial colors
Now that you’ve taken a look at the 15 best eye creams, learn more about how to select the right under-eye cream for your skin concern with the help of our buying guide. Since there are thousands of products out there, these few important factors to consider will help you choose the right one!.
How To Choose An Eye Cream
- Ingredients
While choosing a good eye cream for treating deep wrinkles, it is essential to look at the ingredients list. Products comprising toxic chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol, can result in unfavorable skin conditions. Powerhouse ingredients like retinol, antioxidants (vitamin C, E, ferulic acid), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides can be extremely effective in under-eye care as they possess anti-aging properties to correct wrinkles, dehydrated skin, fine lines, puffiness, eye-bags, and hyperpigmentation. They also lock in moisture, stimulate collagen production, enhance elasticity, lighten dark circles to lend you plump, smooth, and firm under-eyes. You can also try drugstore eye creams that contain these beneficial ingredients, ensuring quality skincare on a friendly budget. Therefore, always research the ingredients and choose products that contain the ones that answer your skin concerns.
- Skin type
Choosing an under-eye cream that suits your skin type is yet another crucial factor. For dry and combination skin, opt for products with aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid, almond oil, vitamin E, and green tea. If you have sensitive skin, look for eye creams with peptides as they are gentle and won’t lead to skin flare-ups. Retinol and niacinamide can be your best bet for acne-prone and oily skin types. Also, pick an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula, if you have this skin type.
- Under-eye concern
If you face age-related wrinkles under your eyes, choose creams with retinol as it promotes collagen production and enhances skin cell turnover. For under-eye bags and puffy eyes, caffeine is the best ingredient as it offers a shrinking effect on the blood vessels to diminish the appearance of dark circles, redness, and puffiness. Eye creams packed with vitamin C work towards treating fine lines, crow’s feet, age-spots, and hyperpigmentation.
How To Apply Eye Cream Correctly
First, wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water to remove any impurities from your face. Hydrate, tone, and refresh your skin with your favorite toner or face mist. Next, take a pea-sized amount of the under-eye cream and dot it evenly around your eyes with an applicator or your fingertips. Pat it gently until the skin absorbs the entire cream. You can use your ring finger as other fingers may exert greater pressure in the delicate eye region. Remember not to rub the cream as it can lead to wrinkles and lines. Repeat the above steps every day (AM and PM) to attain the desired results.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Applying An Eye Cream For Dark Circles And Wrinkles
Eye creams have recently become extremely popular in the skin care industry due to their high efficacy. They are packed with potent ingredients that moisturize and brighten your eye area. However, one must apply them the right way to reap their optimum benefits. In the infographic below, we have listed a few dos and don’ts of applying an eye cream. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The skin around your eyes is delicate and easily shows aging signs. Be it dark circles, fine lines, or wrinkles, you must treat them to avoid a ghost-like appearance and dull look. Try eye creams that prevent saggy skin and combat aging signs. If you desire a lightweight and non-comedogenic formula, try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Eye-Cream. On the other hand, while the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream protects and reinforces the skin barrier, the RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Invest in eye creams that are infused with retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and other antioxidant ingredients to correct your under-eye skin condition. Some eye creams can also protect your skin from UV rays and other pollutants, while some improve elasticity. Steer clear eye creams that turn your skin greasy and cause a stinging sensation.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author, is an ardent fan of skin care. She keeps up with the trends in vogue and brings the foremost products for her users. She conducted detailed research and composed this list of the leading eye creams for dark circles and wrinkles for her readers. These products are free of harsh chemicals, skin-friendly, hydrate your skin and reduce the appearance of aging signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eye creams cause milia?
No. If you use the right formula for your skin type and apply it correctly, eye creams cannot lead to milia. Make sure that you opt for a mild and lightweight formula.
Do eye creams prevent wrinkles?
Yes, eye creams can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Choose an eye cream with retinol, which promotes collagen production and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Can eye creams cause headaches?
Most eye creams do not cause headaches, but if you suffer from migraines, we suggest avoiding eye creams that possess a strong fragrance as it may aggravate the condition.
Can eye creams cause dry eyes?
Eye creams are gentle formulations that do not cause dry eyes. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, avoid using eye creams with retinoids. Look for products with natural components to soothe your skin.
Is Vaseline a good eye cream?
Yes, Vaseline is safe to use around your eyes. It moisturizes the area and creates a barrier that protects your eyes from harsh elements. However, it will not treat fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Therefore, use Vaseline as a preventive measure and not for corrective purposes.
At what age should you start using eye cream?
Start using an eye cream before you start to see signs of aging. Make eye cream a part of your daily routine in your mid-20s to keep your eyes younger-looking in the long run.
When should I apply eye cream?
Apply eye cream twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed. Use a protective formula during the day and an anti-aging, repairing formula at night.
Can I use moisturizer as an eye cream?
No, the skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face. So, a face moisturizer might be too harsh around your eyes, causing mild burning or irritation. Therefore, it is best to invest in a gentle eye cream to treat the delicate skin around your eyes.
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Read full bio of Blade Tiessen
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
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