Christine Giordano
Some of the best eye creams will work wonders for even the darkest of under-eye circles, but if your current eye cream doesn't reduce fine lines and/or wrinkles, maybe it's time to replace it with one that does.
It’s easy to forget to apply eye cream while performing your morning and nighttime skincare rituals, but that doesn't mean it isn't still important to wear it. “Most people forget to moisturize around the eyes,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, board-certified dermatologist. “This can lead to sensitive skin, and the eyelids will look even more wrinkled due to the irritation. Starting eye creams early will let you age better, and your eyelids will be more comfortable,” she explains.
Meet Our Experts: Ellen Marmur, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD
Whether you’re looking to reverse lines, wrinkles, or crow’s feet that have already appeared, or want to take
preventative measures, read ahead to shop 16 of the best eye creams for wrinkles.
1
Best Moisturizing Formula
Natural Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream True Botanicals
Read More
2
Best Brightening
Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream Summer Fridays
Read More
3
Best Firming Formula
Boomerang Firming Eye Concentrate Ghost Democracy
Read More
4
Best Eye Serum
Double Serum Eye Clarins
Read More
5
Best Plant-Based
Phyto Vitality Eye Cream Plantkos
Read More
1
Best Moisturizing Formula
True Botanicals
Natural Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream
2
Best Brightening
Summer Fridays
Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
3
Best Firming Formula
Ghost Democracy
Boomerang Firming Eye Concentrate
4
Best Eye Serum
Clarins
Double Serum Eye
5
Best Plant-Based
Plantkos
Phyto Vitality Eye Cream
6
Best With Retinol
RoC
Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
7
Best With Hyaluronic Acid
Clinique
Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream
8
Best With Caffeine
MMSkincare Bright & Tight Retinol Eye Cream
9
Best Applicator
Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
10
Best Gel Formula
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
11
Best On Amazon
La Roche-Posay
Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
12
Best For Sensitive Skin
Origins
Plantscription Anti-aging Power Eye Cream
13
Best Barrier Repairing
Tula
Revive & Rewind Revitalizing Eye Cream
14
Fastest Acting
Elemis
Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal
15
Best Clean Formula
Cocokind
Revitalizing Eye Cream
16
Best At Sephora
Youth To The People
Superfood Hydrate + Firm Peptide Eye Cream
How do I use an eye cream?
According to Dr. Marmur, “eye creams can treat multiple different issues like wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, under-eye bags, and dryness,” and they're also really simple to use. Just “tap a small amount into the skin around the eyes once or twice daily, as directed,” Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist says.
What's the difference between eye cream and regular moisturizer?
Even though these creams do hydrate, they can't achieve the same benefits as your regular moisturizer. Eye creams are often “less potentially irritating because the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and delicate. And they have other ingredients to target the eye area and its specific concerns,” Dr. King notes.
What are the best wrinkle-fighting ingredients to look for?
If you notice more wrinkles appearing around your eyes—and you're looking for the best kind of eye cream to help reduce them—there are a handful of ingredients you should look for:
- Retinol: Dr. King suggests looking for a cream that contains retinol that stimulates collagen and increases cell turnover.
- Antioxidants: “Eye products containing antioxidants may also be helpful,” Dr. King says. According to her, antioxidants improve pigmentation and prevent free-radical damage from UV light exposure that causes signs of aging.
- Hyaluronic acid: According to Dr. Marmur, hyaluronic acid “will plump the eye area and lock in moisture.”
- Caffeine: “Helps the eye area look more awake and well-rested. It also helps with dark circles and eye bags,” Dr. Marmur explains.
- Vitamin C: Per Dr. Marmur, vitamin C "will help eyes appear glowy and more awake."
- Green Tea Extract & Arnica Montana Extract: “Tightens and nourishes the skin around the eyes,” Dr. Marmur notes.
Taylor Lane Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness.