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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
The thin, delicate skin around the eyes is where signs of aging first start to appear. A good eye cream contains “active ingredients in concentrations specifically formulated for thin skin," explains New York-based dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD. Eye creams are also formulated to minimize irritation to the skin around the eyes, which is more prone to sensitivity.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
The Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream is our best overall pick for its formula of retinol, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, and hydrating botanical oils. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Olay's Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream, for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula with niacinamide to boost radiance.
We went to work and tried a handful of top-rated eye creams spanning a range of budgets, skin types, and concerns. After using them for weeks at a time, our testers rated each formula's texture, skin-feel, and how well it diminished the signs of aging around the eyes. We then combined these results with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists, Kavita Mariwalla, MD and Stacy Chimento, MD, as well as our own research to compile a list of the best in show.
Ahead, find the best eye creams to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Overall
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
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Ulta
Retinol and bakuchiol accelerate cellular turnover
Hyaluronic acid plumps without irritation
Metal applicator feels cool upon application
Can sting a bit when first applied
This all-star formula relies on retinol, the undisputed champion when it comes to reducing the signs of aging, well-known for its proven wrinkle-fighting and skin-firming effects. The formula also contains bakuchiol, the plant-based ingredient with similar effects to retinol, but it won’t irritate. Rounding out the mix is hyaluronic acid and a combination of natural oils for hydration. Bonus points for the metal applicator tip that helps you massage in the formula and offers additional de-puffing benefits.
Price at time of publish: $98
Active Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, bidens pilosa extract, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Firms, smooths, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream
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Courtesy of Ulta
Niacinamide and vitamin E boost hydration and plump skin
Budget-friendly
Non-greasy, oil-free formula
Contains petrolatum
True to its name, this drugstore standout delivers seven different benefits, addressing eye problems ranging from dryness and discoloration to fine lines and wrinkles—it gives you some serious bang for your buck. Oil-free, it has a lightweight and fast-absorbing feel and is packed with niacinamide (known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and radiance-boosting effects) along with soothing and antioxidant-rich vitamin E.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, allantoin | Benefits: Hydrates, reduces puffiness, fades discoloration | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore
No7 Youthful Eye Serum
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Budget-friendly
Antioxidant formula contains vitamin C and A to accelerate cellular turnover
Hyaluronic acid plumps skin
Contains parabens
Mariwalla lauds this affordable option for containing both vitamin C and vitamin A (two well-proven ingredients), plus hyaluronic acid and soft focus spheres, all of which work together to help make the skin under and around your eyes look better after about a month of use, she says. She adds that it’s an especially good choice for women in their 30s who might be starting to see some noticeable issues around the eyes.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Smooths, hydrates, reduces puffiness | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore, Runner-Up
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
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Ulta
Budget-friendly
Retinol accelerates cellular turnover
Hyaluronic acid plumps skin
Doesn't work as fast as promised
Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, favors this formula—another affordable find you can nab at the drugstore—for combining retinol and hyaluronic acid. “The former speeds cell turnover and helps with fine lines while the latter plumps the skin,” she says. There’s also a special glucose complex in the mix that’s meant to boost the effects of retinol so that you see results even faster.
Price at time of publish: $31
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrates, smooths, boosts radiance | Size: 0.5 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Puffiness
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
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Amazon
Contains sun protection
Metal applicator feels cool upon application
Some may not want a tint
Mariwalla says the metal rollerball applicator on this cream helps massage in the formula and simultaneously promotes lymphatic drainage to quickly de-puff. The cream contains a subtle tint to further conceal dark circles and provide SPF protection.
Price at time of publish: $79
Active Ingredients: 7.9% titanium dioxide, 6.7% zinc oxide | Benefits: Reduces puffiness, conceals | Size: 0.2 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Under Makeup
Olay Eye Lifting Serum
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Won't crease under makeup
Glycerin and niacinamide plump and soften skin
Absorbs quickly
Not a visible lift
This serum is so non-greasy and fast-absorbing that you can apply it before you put on makeup and won't have to worry about creasing. It delivers just the right amount of hydration, along with youth-boosting peptides and protective antioxidants to shield skin from damaging free radicals caused by exposure to things like the sun and pollution.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 | Benefits: Firms, smooths, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Wrinkles
Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
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Skinstore
Can be used on upper eyelids
Proprietary formula contains prebiotics and peptides
Expensive
A unique combination of carefully-chosen peptides yields what Mariwalla calls, “pretty impressive clinical results” when it comes to the formula's ability to firm skin after just 12 weeks. It’s also deeply hydrating and full of antioxidants and can even be used on upper eyelids.
Price at time of publish: $114
Active Ingredients: Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, palmitoyl tripeptide-38 | Benefits: Firms, smooths, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Firming
Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream
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Sephora
Niacinamide and ceramides deliver intense plumping and hydration
Squalane and peptides accelerate cellular trurnover
Works well under makeup
Expensive
Powered by nine potent actives, this intensive cream helps to visibly lift and firm the eye area. Collagen- and elastin-boosting peptides and silk tree extract are the stars of the show here, targeting sagging skin while smoothing out the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s been clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of dark circles—all while delivering a serious dose of hydration, leaving the delicate skin surrounding the eyes supremely nourished.
Price at time of publish: $68
Active Ingredients: Peptides, silk tree extract, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides | Benefits: Firms and lifts, reduces wrinkles, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-free: Yes
Best for Dark Circles
SkinCeuticals Eye Balm
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Derstore
Non-comedogenic and lightweight formula absorbs easily
Pharmaceutical-grade caffeine targets puffiness
Contains parabens
The hard truth of the matter is that there’s no magical eye cream that will completely erase the look of dark circles. The causes of this type of bluish-purple discoloration are multiple and tough to target with any kind of topical product. But Mariwalla notes this formula contains pharmaceutical-grade caffeine, one of the best ingredients for constricting blood vessels under the skin and making dark circles less noticeable. It also effectively targets puffiness and wrinkles.
Price at time of publish: $86
Active Ingredients: Blueberry extract, proxylane, peptides | Benefits: Firms, smooths, reduces puffiness | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best With Vitamin C
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector
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Saks Fifth Avenue
CBD hydrates and targets puffiness
Lightweight formula contains brightening vitamin C
Absorbs fast
Contains silicones
Vitamin C is a great ingredient to boost radiance, stimulate collagen production to minimize wrinkles, and offer plenty of antioxidant protection, and a derm-favorite for the eye area. The formula uses a 5% concentration of an extra-pure, extra-stable vitamin C to ensure maximum efficacy. The cream also contains anti-inflammatory CBD, which not only lends a silky skin-feel, it helps de-puff the eye area.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, cannabis sativa seed oil, shea butter | Benefits: Firms, smooths, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Morning
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème
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Sephora
Wears well under makeup
Vitamin C brightens and tones
Collagen and jojoba oil hydrate
May be a little strong for some
Mariwalla is a fan of this cream, which improves the application and wear-time of concealer. The subtle tint contains built-in light-reflecting particles to instantly add radiance to the under eye area. Vitamin C works to help further even out skin tone and smooth wrinkles.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, jojoba seed oil | Benefits: Boosts radiance, smooths, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Night
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Concentration of retinol won't cause irritation
Results aren't drastic
“Despite the affordable price, this cream delivers,” says Mariwalla, who attributes the effects to the retinol in the formula. Chimento is also a fan, saying it’s a good choice for those who have excessive wrinkling around the eyes.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Retinol | Benefits: Firms, smooths, reduces puffiness | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream. I didn’t experience any irritation with it and saw some pretty immediate results as far as reduced dark circles and puffiness." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Best for Dryness
SkinCeuticals Eye Balm
Derstore
Aloe, vitamin E, and glycerin deliver a hydrating, thick texture
Non-comedogenic
Expensive
The fact that the skin around your eyes is so thin makes it more susceptible not only to signs of aging but also to dryness. This ultra-thick, ultra-nourishing balM restores essential lipids in the skin and helps increase firmness, too, says Chimento. Plus, it’s loaded with plenty of protective antioxidants, including vitamin E, silymarin (from the milk thistle plant), and soy isoflavones.
Price at time of publish: $86
Active Ingredients: Antioxidants, aloe, glycerin | Benefits: Hydrates, firms, protects | Size: 0.5 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Serum
Epara Skincare Eye Serum
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Lifts and firms
Reduces dark circles and brightens hyperpigmentation
Great for oily skin types
Expensive
Lightweight and potent, serums help deliver higher concentrations of active ingredients deep into the skin than their creamier counterparts. This luxurious option is brimming with natural oils and botanicals that target eye bags, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation and absorb excess sebum, all while lifting and increasing firmness to create youthful-looking eyes.
Price at time of publish: $147
Active Ingredients: Plankton extract, bamboo silk, ash tree bark extract | Benefits: Firms, lifts, de-puffs, brightens | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-free: Yes
Best Natural
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm
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Courtesy of Alpyn Beauty
Pillowy, bouncy texture
Caffeine targets puffiness
Bakuchiol won't cause irritation
Expensive
This is a good pick if you're looking to keep your skincare routine clean. The ingredient list touts a litany of plant-based actives, think things such as licorice root and bearberry extract for radiance-boosting benefits, plus bakuchiol to help smooth lines and wrinkles. There’s also caffeine to tamp down puffiness, always a plus in our book. The result is a cushiony cream that leaves skin looking firmer, smoother, and radiant.
Price at time of publish: $62
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, bakuchiol | Benefits: Hydrates, smooths, boosts radiance | Size: 0.5 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
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Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides deliver intense moisture and repair skin barrier
Affordable
Tube packaging
Results aren't drastic
Given that the skin around your eyes is already innately more prone to irritation, finding a non-irritating eye cream can be even more of a daunting task for those who have sensitive skin in general. Enter this staple, a top choice for Chimento. Niacinamide in the formula helps calm the skin while ceramides help stabilize the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid adds moisture, she says.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrates, de-puffs | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-free: No
Best Lifting
The Route The Sunny Eyes
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The Route
Peptides and squalane accelerate cellular turnover
Caffeine, pomegranate and green tea extract target puffiness
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and fatty acids repair skin barrier and help lift
Soft focus diamond powder adds tinted sheen
Tint only comes in one shade
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 on its own, or as a makeup base, beneath concealer. The hydrating formula contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to plump and lift skin, while caffeine, pomegranate and green tea extract target puffiness.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, squalane | Benefits: Hydrates, de-puffs, lifts, brightens | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-free: Yes
What Our Editors Say
"I never had darkness and puffiness beneath my eyes until suddenly I did. The Route's Sunny Eyes gave me visible improvements within weeks. I'm obsessed with using it in the morning to brighten. The tint is so radiant, I don't need to use concealer on top." — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor
Best Serum
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
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EGCG and caffeine target puffiness
Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates
Effects might take some time
An affordable serum, this formula is packed with hyaluronic acid for a silky skin-feel that glides on smooth. The lightweight serum contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an intense antioxidant derived from green tea leaves along with caffeine to target puffiness.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Reduces pigmentation and puffiness | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"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." —Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Final Verdict
The Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream is our best overall pick for its formula of retinol, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, and hydrating botanical oils. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Olay's Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream, for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula with niacinamide to boost radiance.
Meet the Expert
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, NY. She’s an expert in facial reconstruction, as well as a skilled surgeon and an aesthetic clinician.
- Stacy Chimento, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. She specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with an interest and expertise in acne, rosacea, body contouring, laser rejuvenation, and injectable aesthetic treatments.
What to Look For in an Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Ceramides
Ceramides help both strengthen the skin barrier and by doing so, lock in more natural moisture, says Chimento, which gives skin the appearance of more volume.
Hyaluronic Acid
“This is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that has incredible moisture-retaining abilities,” explains Chimento. When hyaluronic acid is present in an eye cream, it not only has the benefit of hydrating but also helps to temporarily plump skin and fill in the look of fine lines.
Caffeine
Chimento says caffeine is a good ingredient to look for because it can help tamp down bags and puffiness, albeit temporarily.
Retinol
The gold-standard when it comes to reducing the signs of aging, this vitamin A derivative targets wrinkles effectively. It helps to restore collagen to rebuild elasticity in the skin, says Chimento.
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. For this roundup, she considered dozens of products, evaluating each on its active ingredients, skin-feel, and value. She combined dermatologist recommended picks with insights from product testers and hours of research to compile this roundup.
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