The thin, delicate skin around the eyes requires an eye cream to protect against environmental damage from UV rays, pollution, and to diminish signs of aging. A good eye cream also treats puffiness and dark circles. Show
Byrdie Researched & Approved Our best overall pick is BeautyStat's Universal C Eye Perfector. The vitamin C- and CBD-infused formula helps stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation to ensure the delicate skin around the eyes is revitalized. For a more affordable pick, consider the retinol-infused RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, which brightens and diminishes fine lines. Board-certified dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, MD recommends looking for anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C; plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid; and ingredients that tamp puffiness, like caffeine. A good formula should not cause irritation to the delicate, thin skin around the eyes. We went to work and tried some top-rated products that cater to a range of skin types, concerns, and budgets. Our testers used these eye creams for weeks at a time, reviewing each formula's texture and feel, ingredient list, and how well it lived up to its claims. We then combined these results with our own research and tapped a dermatologist for their expert recommendations. Ahead, find the best eye creams with active ingredients. Our Top Picks Best Overall: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector at AmazonJump to Review Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream at AmazonJump to Review Best for Wrinkles: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream at AmazonJump to Review Best for Puffiness: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum at AmazonJump to Review Best with Vitamin C: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème at SephoraJump to Review Best Color Correcting: IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream at AmazonJump to Review Best Natural: Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm at AmazonJump to Review Best With SPF: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy at AmazonJump to Review Best Splurge: La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift Serum at AmazonJump to Review Best Brightening: Tatcha The Pearl at SephoraJump to Review In This Article Expand
Best Overall: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector4.5  Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta BeautyStat's Universal C Eye Perfector Zapped My Dark Circles What We Like
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This line was created by a cosmetic chemist with the most efficacious ingredients and pairings. In particular, vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production to diminish the look of fine lines, even out skin tone, and offers antioxidant protection. This formula uses a 5% concentration of a pure, patented, and extra-stable version of vitamin C plus CBD to help tamp down inflammation and puffiness. Our home tester found this product to be a great makeup primer, instantly leaving her under-eyes velvety-smooth, By the end of the three-week testing period, she noticed a slight reduction in fine lines and dark circles—and a noticeable improvement in skin texture and puffiness. Price at time of publish: $65 Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, cannabis Sativa flower/leaf/stem extract | Benefits: Brightens and smooths skin | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
What Our Testers Say "The most significant results were a noticeable improvement in skin texture; the bumpiness I noticed in some areas of my under eye had virtually vanished, and my eyes were significantly less puffy." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart The RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream Diminished My Dark Circles What We Like
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When it comes to finding an affordable, effective eye cream, dermatologists recommend this formula time and time again. It boasts the anti-aging superstar retinol and addresses not only lines but dark circles and puffiness as well, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. The lightweight formula is non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Price at time of publish: $27.99 Active Ingredients: Retinol | Benefits: Smooths lines and de-puffs eyes | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Byrdie / Leigh Weingus 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 While it is gentle and specially-formulated for your eye area, you are still dealing with retinol. If you want to play it safe, start by using it every other night at first, gradually increasing the frequency. The 13 Best Drugstore Eye Creams of 2022 Best for Wrinkles: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream3.9 Ulta View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream Gave Me Smooth, Soft Under-Eyes What We Like
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There are lots of eye creams to be found at the drugstore; this is one of the most effective options out there. It boasts tried-and-true retinol, coupled with a glucose complex that works to speed up retinol’s effects. The potent formula can smooth out crows’ feet, and generally even out the tone and texture of dry skin around the eyes. Price at time of publish: $20.39 Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Evens skin tone and reduces crow's feet | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Byrdie / Jenna Igneri What Our Testers Say "When I used this cream for the first time, my skin immediately felt softer and more hydrated." —Jenna Igneri, Product Tester Best for Puffiness: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum3.7 View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta This $7 Caffeine-Powered Serum Is Like Coffee for My Dark Circles What We Like
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Whether you pulled an all-nighter or just had one too many martinis the night before, a few drops of this eye cream is the secret to quickly tamping down puffiness. It boasts a powerful concentration of caffeine—a choice de-puffer, thanks to its ability to constrict blood vessels. There’s also epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG, an intense antioxidant derived from green tea leaves that further helps boost this formula’s de-puffing prowess. Price at time of publish: $7.50 Active Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Reduces pigmentation and puffiness | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Byrdie / Joline Buscemi 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 The 12 Best Eye Creams for Men of 2022 Best with Vitamin C: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème4.3 Sephora View On Sephora View On Olehenriksen.com Ole Henriksen Reformulated Its Banana Bright Eye Crème to Serve Sensitive Skin What We Like
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The formula is packed with vitamin C to deliver long-term brightening benefits and collagen to improve elasticity and keep skin smooth. Clinically proven results in four weeks make this product pretty fast acting. Reviewers note its featherweight, silky texture is ideal for use under makeup and it contains color correcting pigment to conceal dark circles. Price at time of publish: $42 Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter | Benefits: Brightens and hydrates | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Byrdie / Joline Buscemi What Our Editors Say "Like most eye creams, this one vows to target fine lines, reduce the look of dark circles, and support natural collagen production—only, it actually does instantly brighten your under-eyes." — Hallie Gould, Editorial Director. Ole Henriksen Reformulated Its Banana Bright Eye Crème to Serve Sensitive Skin Best Color Correcting: IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye CreamUlta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What We Like
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A color-correcting eye cream delivers an instant brightening effect, quickly and efficiently neutralizing the look of dark circles. Beverly Hills dermatologist Naissan O. Wesley, MD, recommends this creamy formula, which has skin-barrier boosting ceramidess, and hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil and colloidal oatmeal. Active Ingredients: Palmitic Acid, Shea Butter, Niacinamide | Benefits: Brightens and reduces dark circles | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No What Our Editors Say "When I can't get a full eight hours of sleep (which is way more often now as a new mom), I turn to this eye cream to help me look more awake. It's super hydrating, glides on easily without tugging at the delicate skin, and doesn't irritate my eyes. It may not look obvious to anyone else, but I feel like my dark circles are less noticeable when I'm good about using this religiously." —Jessica Mahgerefteh, Commerce Editorial Director Best Natural: Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye BalmCourtesy of Alpyn Beauty View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty What We Like
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For those wary of using products with potentially questionable chemicals around their eyes, consider this clean cream, a Byrdie Eco Beauty Award Winner. It uses a litany of different plant-based extracts to impart everything from hydration to antioxidant protection. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that’s been proven to have equally as powerful wrinkle-fighting effects, without any of the associated irritation. And because it is a bit of a richer balm, it’s a great pick for those with very dry skin or who simply want to use a thicker product around their eyes. Price at time of publish: $62 Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, vitamin C | Benefits: Smooths lines and hydrates | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Best With SPF: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 353 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore We Tested Colorscience's Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy What We Like
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Opt for a dedicated eye cream with SPF to use every morning. We’re big fans of this SPF 35-formula that has subtle tint (it comes in four shades) to instantly brighten. Wesley likes the cooling, metal applicator, which can help tamp inflammation and puffiness. Price at time of publish: $74 Active Ingredients: 7.9 percent titanium dioxide, 6.7 percent zinc oxide | Benefits: Protects against sun damage | Dosage: Half a pump | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best Splurge: La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift Serum4.8 Courtesy of Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Saks Fifth Avenue La Prairie's Caviar Eye Serum Is So Pricey—But My Eyes Have Never Looked Better What We Like
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The dual-phase serum blends encapsulated beads with a gel-cream emulsion, both loaded with the brand’s signature caviar extract. The formula also includes ceramides to nourish and plump delicate skin around the eyes, but reviewers note its lightweight skin-feel. Its texture makes it a good choice for anyone prone to developing milia around the eyes. Price at time of publish: $525 Active Ingredients: Caviar extract, ceramides | Benefits: Firm and tighten skin | Dosage: 1 pump | Size: 0.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Byrdie / Jenna Igneri What Our Testers Say "Over the course of my testing period, my eyes continued to look and feel the best they ever have. I can’t say the serum faded my faint lines entirely, but my skin was so supple and soft that they were virtually undetectable." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester Best Brightening: Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating TreatmentSephora View On Sephora View On QVC What We Like
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The makeup-skincare hybrid contains pearl extract, a powerful antioxidant to target signs of aging, as well as brightening and firming niacinamide. It comes in three different tinted shades and reviewers note how easily it melts into skin. Active Ingredients: Pearl extract, silk powder | Benefits: Illuminates and reduces dark circles | Dosage: Rice-grain amount | Size: 0.4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 14 Best Anti-Wrinkle Eye Creams of 2022 Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Eye CreamCourtesy of Ulta View On Amazon View On Ulta What We Like
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This formula is free of common irritants like parabens, fragrance, and alcohol, which you should avoid if you're prone to sensitive skin. The addition of niacinamide and mineral-rich spring water brightens and hydrates the thin skin around the eyes.Reviewers with sensitive skin note the calming formula does not irritate. Price at time of publish: $26.99 Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide | Benefits: Calm and moisturize | Size: 0.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No The 14 Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes of 2022 Best Applicator: SheaMoisture Matcha Green Tea & Probiotics Eye CreamTarget View On Walmart View On Vitamin Shoppe What We Like
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This formula is packed with hydrating shea butter and probiotics, which visibly target puffiness and brighten dull complexions. The addition of matcha green tea helps to de-puff and calm tired eyes. We love its cooling applicator, which deposits a sizable amount of product with each swipe. Price at time of publish: $9.39 Active Ingredients: Shea butter, green tea powder, probiotics | Benefits: Moisturizes and reduces puffiness | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Stash it in the fridge, and it will feel even better going on. Best Gel: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream4.8 Target View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart Cetaphil's Eye Cream Totally Refreshed My Under-Eye Skin—And It's Only $15 What We Like
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A gel formula is a great pick for those with oily skin or those who might not like eye cream with a thick skin-feel. Packed with lightweight moisture, the formula has a plumping effect on skin, and includes hyaluronic acid. Reviewers note it soaks in quickly without any stickiness. Also nice: It’s dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, and hypoallergenic, another good pick for those with sensitive skin or eyes. Price at time of publish: $11.37 Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Hydrates | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No Best Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum4.5 Sephora View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora I Tried Dr. Dennis Gross’ Eye Serum and It Smoothed My Under-Eye Skin in 3 Weeks What We Like
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The vitamin A derivative in this formula is well-known for effectively stimulating collagen production to smooth out wrinkles. Its paired with ferulic acid, a standout antioxidant to help prevent environmental damage. We love the texture of this lightweight formula; sheer enough to wear on lids in addition to under and around the eyes. Price at time of publish: $69 Active Ingredients: Ferulic acid, willow bark extract | Benefits: Smooth lines | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Byrdie / Olivia Hancock What Our Editors Say "For me, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum knocked it out of the park in terms of firming my skin and improving texture around my eyes." — Olivia Hancock, Editor The 18 Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams of 2022 Best for A.M.: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with AvocadoSephora View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What We Like
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This formula makes a great base for concealer, as reviewers note it helps grip makeup. Avocado oil and shea butter hydrate without feeling greasy on delicate eye skin, and also have a brightening effect. Price at time of publish: $28.50 Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter | Benefits: Moisturizes | Dosage: Pea-size amount | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No What Our Editors Say "This is the ultimate, hydrating eye cream--so strong that it can also be slathered on and used as an under-eye mask. I apply this when I look tired, and it perks up my face immediately. A little goes a long way, so each jar lasts me about six months." —Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director Best Retinol-Alternative: AgeWell Enriching Eye Cream with Caffeine + BakuchiolView On Arbonne.com What We Like
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Although retinol is effective, it can be irritating to some. It's also to be avoided by those who are pregnant. This formula contains bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown to have wrinkle-fighting effects nearly identical to that of retinol, but doesn’t elicit irritation. It’s a favorite of Wesley’s, who likes that it contains caffeine to target puffiness. Squalane and vitamins C and B3 help accelerate cellular turnover, and when paired with bakuchiol, can drive visible results. Price at time of publish: $70 Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, caffeine | Benefits: Refines and tones | Size: 0.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best Multitasker : The Route The Sunny EyesThe Route View On Amazon View On Theroutebeauty.com What We Like
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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 Best for Deep Wrinkles: Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream4.5 Dermstore View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart What We Like
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Prebiotics and peptides make this formula rich enough to have visible results on deep wrinkles and those that extend beyond the eyes. Clinical results within 12 weeks makes this formula pretty fast acting. Reviewers note a velvety skin-feel that helps cushion the eye area. Price at time of publish: $109 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 Final VerdictOur best overall pick is BeautyStat's Universal C Eye Perfector. The vitamin C- and CBD-infused formula helps stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation to ensure the delicate skin around the eyes is revitalized. For a more affordable pick, consider the retinol-infused RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, which brightens and diminishes fine lines. Another wallet-friendly option is The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + ECGC, a stand-out when it comes to combating puffiness. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi Meet the Expert Naissan O. Wesley, MD, FACMS, is a board-certified aesthetic and surgical dermatologist and widely-published author based in Beverly Hills, CA. What to Look For In an Eye CreamFragrance-FreeBecause the skin around your eyes is more sensitive, Wesley suggests avoiding formulas that contain fragrance, which can be one of the more common sources of irritation or allergy in this area. Tried-and-True Anti-Aging IngredientsWesley recommends sticking with ingredients that have proven benefits. Think classics such as retinol, peptides, and growth factors. Moisturizing IngredientsSigns of aging aside, the skin around the eye is naturally prone to being dryer than the skin on the rest of your face. Make sure the eye cream you pick has plenty of hydrating ingredients like skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, niacinamide, and/or hyaluronic acid. Byrdie / Joline Buscemi FAQ
How We Researched & TestedTo compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list. Why Trust ByrdieByrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A skincare junkie, eye creams have always held a soft spot in her heart because the lines around her eyes are her biggest complexion concern. She loves using the color-correcting Tatcha option featured in this article in the morning, and often rotates between many of the other options at night. Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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Eye cream with hyaluronic acid and caffeine
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