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We spent years testing eye creams— These are the 29 best for every skin type

Mixed into your cleansing, serum-ing, moisturizing and SPF-ing routine should be a good eye cream to make you look awake.

While some believe eye creams play dress-up as miniature moisturizers, the small but mighty formula is designed specifically for the delicate skin on your under-eyes. (Related: Best dark spot correctors).

Specifically, an eye cream should be applied after your serum, according to Dr. Libby Rhee, and it’s a superstar product for brightening, depuffing and disguising the less than eight hours of sleep you had last night.

Along with vitamin C serums, an effective, skin-smoothing eye cream can help skin look more refreshed than ever. Trust me, my bathroom’s product cart speaks for itself; for my dry and sensitive skin, my under-eye area has never been more hydrated and refreshed. Not to mention, any of these fare well as precursors to your favorite wrinkle cream (three cheers for anti-aging!)

Let’s cut to the chase — I’ve been testing eye creams for three years, so you can rest assured the 29 top picks below have been dabbed and dolloped en masse, so much so that I formulated pros and cons for each eye cream that made the cut.

Below, you’ll find the only list of eye creams you’ll need — from $10 to $300 options to suit your skin concern and budget. From ones that are keen on anti-aging to others that are A+ for dry skin, peruse the picks that are worthy of your purchase.

Plus, check out the in-depth FAQ section where board-certified dermatologists tell all.

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How we tested

Best Eye Creams We Reviewed
The smorgasbord of eye creams I tested, from 111skin to Youth To The People. Victoria Giardina

I’ve been rigorously testing eye creams for three years — that means plenty of tubs and tribulations, and even more containers and cheery-eyed moments (pun totally intended). Because there’s a science to skincare, I kept the following criteria in mind when testing out *nearly* every eye cream on the market:

  • Consistency: Is the eye cream lightweight, or is it more of a gel-cream? I tried to stay within the true eye creams realm, so I noted the consistency — as well as how lightweight or heavy each was — among the options that made the cut.
  • Absorption: Consistency doesn’t mean much if an eye cream is difficult to absorb into the skin. For each eye cream, I took note of how quickly each formulation seeped into my under-eye area. If additional patting was required, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad; it simply means it’ll take longer to apply.
  • Fragrance: Because I have sensitive skin, I’m wary of nearly every fragrance (after all, I’ve been told by a dermatologist that, “If your nose likes it, your skin probably doesn’t.” Some eye creams on this list have subtle fragrance, but any eye cream with too stark of a scent didn’t make the cut.
  • Hydration: I took note of how moisturized my eyes felt with each cream. While different eye creams have different purposes, a good cream will always provide nourishment (never forget that!)
  • Dark spots: Whether you have subtle dark circles or are looking to offer your firstborn child in exchange for completely bright under-eyes, a good eye cream should, more or less, rejuvenate the skin.
  • Puffiness: Typically, you’ll experience puffiness in the morning — right after you wake up. For this reason, I tested each eye cream multiple times over the course of three years (with the exception of retinol-based eye creams, but more on that important note below) to assess puffy levels.
  • Value: Some eye creams cost $10, while others are $300. In my opinion, a quality eye cream is what works best for you — regardless of the price. That said, I believe eye cream is worth investing in, as the under-eye area is most susceptible to wrinkles and dark spots. However, I took price and quality, in tandem, into account.

Best Eye Creams Overall

the best eye cream tested

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Sephora

Pros:

  • Virtually no scent
  • Not only brightens but *glistens*
  • Blends easily

Cons:

  • None to speak of

When there’s an eye cream you can’t stop thinking about — especially after testing 50+ — then it’s all-deserving of making the cut as “the best eye cream tested”: a tall order, but one Sunday Riley significantly deserves.

It’s safe to assume that, regardless of your skin type or concern, a little brightening couldn’t hurt. This formulation not only brightens but truly glistens on your skin. Once applied, I forewent applying makeup because it made my skin look that healthy and good.

The brand’s Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles contains caffeine (the universally known de-puffing agent) and Brazilian ginseng root extract to help rapidly reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. It also helps you appeared less tired. Simply put, it’s phenomenal and worth every. single. penny.

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream

Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream
Revision Skincare

Pros:

  • Incredibly illuminating to help mitigate noticeable dark spots
  • Moisturizes well and smooths lines, specifically at the outer eye area

Cons:

  • None to speak of

Coming in hot as a close second, the Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream is one of the most elegant eye creams used — both in packaging and physical product. With its stainless steel pump-out applicator, this travel-friendly eye cream helps you target whichever area you see fit, be it the inner corner, outer corner (perhaps, to dwindle down “crow’s feet”) or the entirety of the under-eye area.

In a nutshell, it disperses with a stunning look and feel. As I wrote in my journal (which, BTW, you need one of these if you’re testing 50+ eye creams), “It’s luminous in the most perfect way,” helping to smooth lines well with its moisturizer-quality thickness. However, it’s lightweight and my skin has felt soft each time I’d lightly tap my finger onto it.

Aside from this eye cream holding the bar high as one of the hidden gems in the under-eye product trove, you’ll be happy to know it contains hyaluronic acid as well — an ingredient chiefly known to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.


alpyn beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm

alpyn beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm
Sephora

Pros:

  • Ultra-creamy and nourishing to the skin
  • Features intentionally chosen ingredients that works well for sensitive skin, specifically

Cons:

  • None to speak of

Behold: one of my most-used eye creams that never disappoints. With one use of the alpyn beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm, you’ll feel as-light-as-air, given its easily blend-able consistency. It hails from an acclaimed “clean” brand and was created with no overt skin irritants. It’s also consciously formulated with bakuchiol — the sensitive skin-friendly BFF to retinol — to help target anti-aging concerns.

In addition, it contains vitamin C (hey, brightening) and caffeine (hey, de-puffing). What this means? The eye cream not only helps prevent aging but it also illuminates and carries down the look of tired eyes — the skincare trifecta of goodness.

For more, check out our full review of alpyn beauty (yes, the brand deserves 100 love letters like these).


Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

best eye cream for dark circles tested

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème
Sephora

Pros:

  • Significantly brightens the skin area
  • Helps de-puff the skin and helps you look more youthful

Cons:

  • None to speak of

Listen, when OLEHENRIKSEN has an orange-embossed line of skincare products that (1) target the area of brightening and (2) have a faint scent of banana, there’s reason enough to try out the dreamy goodness. And, that’s *exactly* what the brand’s Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème is: dreamy goodness.

With a paste-like consistency, you’ll find its pale yellow-ivory hue to blend beautifully onto the skin. It never ceases to make me look more youthful and — as a bonus — looks even greater when preceded by the Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum ($68).

As for this product in particular, OLEHENRIKSEN set the bar high by including real gold into its application. I’ll leave you with this: if you can pick up hints of real gold for less than $50 (and, should we mention, applying real gold to your skin!), your under-eye area will thank you.

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

La Mer The Eye Concentrate
Sephora

Pros:

  • Lightweight, whipped consistency that’s simple sublime
  • Naturally highlights the under-eye area

Cons:

  • The price may be unreachable for some
  • Subtle floral fragrance, though no adverse reaction for sensitive skin
  • Doesn’t noticeably de-puff the eye area

Pick up an eye cream that’ll make you feel like a million bucks — but doesn’t compromise quality or efficacy. That’s what La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate touts from the onset, and it’s an under-eye vacation like no other.

When initially swatched on my hand, I noticed how it glistened in front of my window’s daylight. It looks like a natural highlighter without the off-putting sparkle or unnatural finish, making it wonderful to (1) highlight the eye area in general and (2) serve as an excellent douse of hydration before applying your makeup. What’s more, its consistency is one of the most indulgent you’ll use.

It’s also wonderful to help tackle dark circles, thanks to its key ingredients: clarity ferment (sourced from recovery kelp) to help restores brightness and reduce the look of dark circles; lime tea concentrate (with antioxidants to protect the skin from irritation caused by environmental stressors); and concentrated Miracle Broth to provide smoothness.


Youth To The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate

Youth To The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate
Sephora

Pros:

  • Leaves the skin with a brighter and dewier complexion
  • No trace of fragrance

Cons:

  • May not be the best for chronically dry skin, as the formulation is more akin to a salve than a cream

After using the Youth To The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate for months on end, I can confirm it’s one of my go-to options for my under-eye area. While it’s not a true whipped cream, it has the viscosity of one — the in-between serum-cream your skin will thank you for.

If you love the look of a dewy finish, this quick brightener is a worthy new addition to your skincare regimen. With an easier-than-ever pump applicator, it contains no visible fragrance and boasts alluring brightening after-effects.

Consider it a shot of vitamin C, caffeine and antioxidants. With radiant results, good-for-you antioxidants and a de-puffing disposition, you’ll also consider it a bonafide bottle.


Best Drugstore Eye Creams

best drugstore eye cream tested

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Eye Cream

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • Incredibly impressive quality for the price
  • Great at smoothing and brightening the under-eye area
  • Excellent base for creams and foundations

Cons:

  • Doesn’t target the inner eye area as much as others, though not a deal-breaker (especially for the value and quality)

If there’s an eye cream to make me think, “wow!” and “how?” simultaneously, it’s the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Eye Cream. Its pillowy soft, white texture blends into what will come to be a nourishing shield for your eyes. And, it’s only $10.

Simple, affordable and non-greasy, it contains hyaluronic acid to help pack your under-eye area with much-needed hydration. Impressively, it doesn’t hold a watery or too-dewy appearance when doing so.

It’s great at soothing and brightening, even though you may need an extra dollop to target those typically problematic inner dark circles. However, it’s a great value for the money — perhaps the best on this list — and fared even better than some more expensive eye creams that didn’t make the cut.

Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes Illuminating Eye Cream

Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes Illuminating Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • Most similar to high-end eye creams
  • Serves as a wonderful makeup primer

Cons:

  • Some may find the formulation too dewy

From the makers of the best pimple patches I’ve ever come across (if you didn’t know, it’s the the aptly named Mighty Patch), Hero Cosmetics has landed another hit with its Bright Eyes Illuminating Eye Cream.

Dare I say, it’s a dupe for the Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream ($110) — one of the best on this list? Its stainless steel applicator helps wake you up when applying the formulation and the cream itself blends, highlights and soothes well. Because it glistens more than most, it even doubles as a makeup primer and natural highlight.

As for key ingredients, it contains caffeine to help de-puff the area at large, along with niacinamide to help tackle dark circles better than most. When used consistently, that is.


Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • No trace of fragrance, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin
  • Nourishes the skin without feeling too heavy

Cons:

  • Some may opt for something a bit more firm
  • You won’t see immediate effects; best when used consistently

Non-irritating, gentle and fragrance-free is what make the Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream a feast for drugstore eye cream beauty-hunters. It offers the perfect amount of nourishment for your under-eye area and a little goes a long way.

First, let’s begin with peptides, the star of Olay’s show. These, in tandem, work together to help your skin have that more youthful appeal. It also contains niacinamide to help rejuvenate the skin.

Though I didn’t initially see incredible effects in my mirror, as far as dark circles or line-smoothing is concerned, it continues to be a trusty product in my lineup because I know it won’t irritate my skin. For around $30, that’s enough peace of mind and reliability to make myself continue using the twist-around tub.


Best Eye Creams for Puffiness

best eye cream for puffiness tested

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
Sephora

Pros:

  • Absorbs quickly into the skin
  • Most effective at diminishing bags under the eyes
  • Smooth consistency

Cons:

  • None to speak of

I still can’t believe The INKEY List’s Caffeine Eye Cream is less than $15. Among 50+ eye creams tested, this one immediately lowered down puffiness and revitalized my eyes, too, thanks to its subtle coffee-whiffed scent.

More, it holds a white gel-cream consistency that’s incredibly smooth and natural-looking. It’s one of the quickest to apply as well, and you’ll be remiss to forego the product when traveling because of its pocket-sized tube.

Though caffeine is the signature, widely studied key ingredient, The INKEY List also infused patented Matrixyl 3000 into this formulation, which is said to help boost collagen product.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream
Sephora

Pros:

  • Glides like silk onto the skin
  • Helps make the skin more youthful instantly
  • Subtle cooling effect that helps refresh the eyes a bit

Cons:

  • None to speak of

Above all other factors, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream feels like an absolute dream to apply (and shouldn’t that be how all eye creams are, to provide a nourishing middle-step between your cleanser and cream?)

With a built-in applicator, you can target specific area of the under-eyes and precisely control how much product you’d like to disperse. Gliding on like silk, it helps de-puff and allow your skin to feel more youthful (side note: I couldn’t stop staring in the mirror).

You’ll find somewhat-instantaneous results and its travel-friendly tube is a nice touch, most similar to your favorite lip balm. Uniquely, it offers the faintest cooling effect to refresh the eyes — making it a worthy choice for dull skin, especially since it’s void of fragrance.


ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • Putty-like consistency that helps bring vitality to the skin
  • Agreeable consistency for a variety of skin types

Cons:

  • Stung a bit, but nothing too irritating; for best results, apply to the lower region of the eye area first

Much like the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm I reviewed, the brand’s Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream is the next-best-step for nourishment. It’s wholly a tub of divine moisture that, as its name suggests, adds vitality to your under-eye area. You’ll look more awake, too.

While it did sting a bit, it wasn’t enough to say it irritated my skin (in fact, I considered it quite the opposite: its ingredients are working to awaken dull skin!) Namely, the eye cream contains a rich team of four ingredients to help firm and soothe: hawthorn and Arabian jasmine flower essence, Japanese artemisia capillaris, upcycled elderflower extract and padina pavonica.

While the brand doesn’t contain the more well-studied ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it’s incredibly soothing and, after testing, works as an all-around great eye cream.


La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Yeux Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Yeux Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • On-par with luxe eye creams for less-than-$50
  • Incredible to use before applying makeup
  • Brightens, smooths lines and helps eradicate dark circles

Cons:

  • Some may not love that the formulation is tinted

If you want to not only de-puff but also balance your skin, the La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Yeux Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream is one to consider. If I was to test this eye cream blindly, I would say it’s probably most like some $200+ eye creams I tested. Never in my wildest dreams would have guessed it hailed from La Roche-Posay — a brand typically referred to as a quality drugstore brand.

And, it totally is. You don’t have to pay upwards of $200 or more on a quality eye cream to de-puff. It’s luxurious stainless steel applicator, like some others tested, helps reawaken your under-eye area. Oh, and this eye cream is a bit tinted, though applies and absorbs beautifully.

While it’s a bit heavier than most, i’s not a deal-breaker. It does, however, require a bit more patting-in than others. Aside from its melt-in texture, it does a wonderful job at tackling dark circles in addition to de-puffing. I also love using it before makeup, thanks to its subtle boost of radiance it offers.


Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams

best anti-aging eye cream overall

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream
Sephora

Pros:

  • Taut consistency that fares well with lines and wrinkles when applied
  • Becomes more lightweight when blended, offering line-soothing nourishment

Cons:

  • None to speak of

The Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle-Correcting Eye Cream wins our award for “best anti-aging eye cream overall” — and not just because it has the words “wrinkle-correcting” in its title.

With a beautiful pearl shade that’s taut and firm in the tub, I noticed something particularly nice about this formulation: it becomes more lightweight as I blended it into my skin, which helps noticeably nourish and soothe fine lines. While I’m in my early 20s and don’t have wrinkles per se, this eye cream stood out from the pack in terms of making my under-eye area look slate-clean.

Not only that, but Clinique is a brand I’ve trusted for years as it’s typically regarded as a brand “good for sensitive skin” (you’ve probably heard much about that if you’ve ever shuffled across a Macy’s beauty counter). With hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient to help restore suppleness, this fragrance-free formula is hydrating and impactful.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
Sephora

Pros:

  • Virtually unmatched for both brightening, soothing and targeting anti-aging with a dewy result
  • Doesn’t leave you with that “too tight” feeling underneath the delicate eye area

Cons:

  • Has somewhat of a zingy vitamin C scent, but not a dealbreaker

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment is one of the most unique eye creams on this list, simply because it’s just as nurturing as an eye cream but leans more toward an anti-aging eye treatment once applied. Why? It’s partially firming — without offering a dry and tight feeling underneath your eyes — and I find it’s most beneficial when used at nighttime, before your night cream.

It’s a pastel yellow-ivory color once pumped out and somewhat slippery when pumped out. In essence, it applies as a nail polish top coat would — protecting, hydrating and partially radiant.

With lactic acid and vitamin C, it’s a multi-purpose treatment that helps brighten, firm and reduce crepes in the skin. Every time I use it, I feel like a good 20-year-old who’s prepping for her 50-year-old self.


Tatcha The Silk Peony Eye Cream

Tatcha The Silk Peony Eye Cream
Kohl's

Pros:

  • Has a memorable consistency that blends beautifully onto the skin
  • A bit firm and taut in the tub to help target concerns of anti-aging and wrinkles

Cons:

  • Not as great of a value for the price, given the full product size

Before rigorously testing eye creams three years ago, I’ve heard much about the Tatcha The Silk Peony Eye Cream. In my notes, I wrote down, “It has one of the best consistencies.” After testing 50+ eye creams, there is, in fact, something special about this one.

With no strong fragrance, its slightly purple hue blends well and is a bit firm and bouncy. For that reason, it’s similar to Clinique’s eye cream in that it helps smooth fine lines and targets wrinkles. It also holds a unique, second-skin-but-better type of radiance that’s difficult to ignore.

While some brands infuse antioxidants into your skin, Tatcha packed this eye cream with whey proteins (side note: antioxidants are good to consume in a well-balanced diet, and some nutritionists also recommend whey protein!) The bottom line: more skincare brands are looking from the inside-out — what foods and ingredients are good for you, and how can we incorporate that into our formulation?

Tatcha has one of the most original compositions I’ve seen in an eye cream, though I wish there was more product in the tub. Nearing $70 is a pretty hefty price to pay for the small quantity you buy, though you can opt for a miniature tub ($28) before investing in the full-size version.


Best Eye Creams with Retinol

Editor’s note: You’ll always want to use a retinol-enriched eye cream in the evenings only, as retinol is sensitive to light and can lead to sun damage.

best eye cream with retinol tested

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eyes Cream

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eyes Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • Doesn’t have a harsh smell — a stark contrast to so many retinol-infused eye creams
  • Has a radiant, gentle formula
  • Lightweight, gentle and excellent for dry and sensitive skin

Cons:

  • None to speak of

When skincare products contain retinol, it’s important to proceed with caution (you’ll always want to begin with a low concentration as a beginner user, and always consult with your dermatologist for concerns about your specific skin type). That said, the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eyes Cream is a breath of fresh air — a gentle eye cream that targets anti-aging well.

Because retinol is dubbed as the “superstar anti-aging ingredient,” it’s candidly quite difficult to assess if it’s actually working over time. However, for the months on end I’ve been dolloping the product onto my under-eyes, I’ve noticed nothing short of immaculate line-soothing and nourishment.

For the price, it’s exceptional. It doesn’t leave that potent “retinol-y” smell (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve ever cycled through different forms of the ingredient). It’s a lovely option, to say the least.

bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream

bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • No visible fragrance
  • Excellent for evening use

Cons:

  • Some may find the formulation too thick
  • Not as great for brightening the inner corners

The bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream is a premier choice for those who have sensitive skin or are nervous to go all-out with retinol. Because my skin is both dry and sensitive, I found this eye cream to help moisturize and serve my skin well before bed — thanks to its plant-based alternative to the typically potent retinol ingredient.

I love the brand for foundations and pressed powders, so I was excited to give this tub a go. Magically, the incorporation of both hyaluronic acid and protein peptides helped to both hydrate and revive my skin. I noticed a subtle “firming” afterward effect, too.


Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Ulta Beauty

Pros:

  • Impressively nurturing and impactful at helping to smooth the under-eye area
  • Fitting for sensitive skin, as it contains bakuchiol — a retinol-based alternative
  • Slightly dewy on the skin with a well-balanced formula

Cons:

  • Has a strong plant-based scent, though that fades once you pump and apply it

After testing 50+ eye creams, the Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream stood out to me as a retinol-alternative eye cream that’s especially effective on dry skin. It kind of does everything in one — brighten, soothe, moisturize, target anti-aging — and its refreshing nature is one that I love so much, the bottle hardly leaves my stockpile (and, it’s a stockpile indeed).

The product is what Peach & Lily describes as a “breakthrough,” and I’d have to agree. Not only is it incredibly gentle once applied but it contains 0.5% bakuchiol — a low dosage to help prevent early breakouts and redness if you’re new to the ingredient.

Its Retinoic Complex contains rosehip seed oil (which contains natural retinoic acid) and superfoods (carrots, mangoes, broccoli and spinach) which the brand describes as “all high in beta-carotene, a precursor to retinol,” per its product description.

Overall, I wrote “It’s quite alluring on the skin” in my journal after using it, and that’s the best way to describe it. If you want to be keen on anti-aging while feeling naturally glowy (bonus points if your skin is dry or sensitive!) this is the product to try next.


Best Eye Creams for Sensitive Skin

best eye cream for sensitive skin tested

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream
Amazon

Pros:

  • Feels like you’re applying a cloud to your under-eye area
  • Makes the skin feel more youthful with a “glass skin” look

Cons:

  • None to speak of

Fairly priced and worth the hype, the Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream is lightweight yet enough to help reverse the effect of dehydrated under-eyes. Its supremely soft texture makes me want to show it off like prized show poodles — and it’s a nourishing aid to your skin that’s worth the try.

Its rich in omega fatty acids and ceramides (note: dermatologists nerd out about the benefits of ceramides) to hydrate and minimize the appearance of fine lines. It also contains niacinamide to help boost your skin’s texture.

This eye cream tends to yield results that last the longest, too. I typically apply this eye cream in the morning and, by around 4:00 p.m., my under-eyes still hold that “glass skin” look that’s quite difficult to achieve.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel
Amazon

Pros:

  • Dermatologist-recommended brand for sensiive skin
  • Gel-to-cream consistency that functions as a hydrating salve
  • No scent and incredibly gentle

Cons:

  • Not as great of a value for the price, given the full product size

Yes, EltaMD should not only be known for its sunscreen. The Renew Eye Gel is less of a gel — contrary to its name — and more of a gel-to-cream consistency. It’s that hydrating dose you’ll use and then continue to use because it’s ideal for sensitive skin (think: a step above Vaseline).

It’s arguably one of the most gentle eye creams I’ve ever used. It offers a lotion-esque level of moisture while making the skin appear more youthful — an incredible and sometimes hard-to-attain feat.


Skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Brightening Eye Treatment

Skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Brightening Eye Treatment
Sephora

Pros:

  • Specially formulated for sensitive skin and hailing from a National Eczema Association-approved brand
  • Somewhat cooling and naturally gleaming and moisturizing

Cons:

  • Some may find the formulation too thick at first (note: a little goes a long way!)

Before even using the Skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Brightening Eye Treatment, I knew it was going to be extraordinary for sensitive skin in particular. A majority of the brand’s suite of products are approved by the National Eczema Association (which, when my skin is both dry and sensitive, is something I value).

Entirely, the formulation is somewhat cooling and offers your skin a refreshed glow. While it’s a bit thicker than most others (and I’ve tried 50+, let’s not forget), it was still simple to absorb and nurtured my skin in just the right ways.


Best Eye Creams for Dry Skin

best eye cream for dry skin tested

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Crème Yeux

CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Crème Yeux
CHANEL

Pros:

  • Jaw-dropping consistency that’s unlike any other eye cream
  • Contains minor gel beads that melt into your fingertips and skin when applied
  • Naturally illuminates the eyes with its refreshing, subtly whipped texture

Cons:

  • None to speak of

When it’s CHANEL, you know it’s going to feel luxurious. When I first twisted off the glossy black lid from the Hydra Beauty Micro Crème Yeux, I sensed I was in for a treat — and I was right.

I was most impressed by its whipped consistency. This eye cream felt ultra-nourishing and refreshing and — drumroll please — it contains minor gel beads that melt into your skin. Truly, it was a recipe for dry skin, to say the least.

Specifically, CHANEL topped off its eye cream with patented MicroFluidic Technology, of which encapsulates the power of white camellia extract within thousands of those micro-droplets. As a result, my eyes felt less dull and exceptionally more hydrated.

111skin Black Diamond Eye Cream

111skin Black Diamond Eye Cream
Bergdorf Goodman

Pros:

  • Doubles as a moisturizer, given its consistency, but still lightweight
  • Versatile for a variety of skin concerns, like puffiness and dark circles

Cons:

  • The price may be unreachable for some

OK, spending $300 on eye cream is a lot. But, if you’re looking to invest in luxury skincare, the 111skin Black Diamond Eye Cream is one of the best ones for an incredible, pillowy soft finish.

Not to mention, my mom and countless of my friends have attempted to steal it from me (I’m one second away from purchasing a home safe for this eye cream and this eye cream alone).

Notably, this formulation performs well in the smoothing lines and correcting hyperpigmentation arenas — on top of it being incredibly moisturizing. All in all, if you want to take eye cream *extra* seriously, you may find this on your wishlist.


Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm

Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm
Sephora

Pros:

  • No noticeable scent
  • Incredibly nourishing while brightening and soothing the under-eye area as well

Cons:

  • May not be the best for chronically dry skin, as the formulation is more akin to a salve than a cream

Much thanks needs to be given to Drunk Elephant — one of the leaders in the skincare space that I can’t shut up about (seriously, go read our full brand review for proof). One of my favorites from its catalog of products is the Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm.

The wonderful tick in Drunk Elephant’s favor is how you can mix its neon-capped bottles and tubes together to make a “skin smoothie.” When I spoke with the brand myself, many employees also raved about Ceramighty AF, much ado to serving ceramides as the key ingredient.

Additionally, it contains a bounty of other feel-good ingredients for your skin: chia seed oil (rich in antioxidants!), flax seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil and marula butter. It’s “excellent at nourishing,” as I’ve written in my review notes, and one of my go-to options for a dewy or skin-slugging finish.


Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
Sephora

Pros:

  • SoufflĂ©-like consistency that’s decadent on the eye area
  • Barely a trace of fragrance, though you’ll notice a subtly sweet hint
  • Brightens, moisturizes and soothes

Cons:

  • Not as brightening as the OLEHENRIKSEN eye cream, though not a dealbreaker

The Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream is most similar to the OLEHENRIKSEN eye cream in terms of consistency — a proponent of the world-class brightening ingredient that has a moisturizing feel. In particular, this one has a more whipped consistency that’s fabulous on the under-eye area.

Yes, I’ll admit — I felt super “that girl” when using this TikTok-trending brand, but the actual quality of this less-than-$50 cream is quite revolutionary. It’s incredibly emollient, tipping it as one that’s ideal for dry skin, and has a translucent peach color that instantly rubs in clear.

Not to mention, it contains niacinamide to plump your skin’s texture, making it multi-purpose and lovely to use.


Best Korean Eye Creams

best korean eye cream tested

Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream

Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Eye Cream
Sulwhasoo

Pros:

  • Not to be dramatic, but this formulation is life-changing and worth the splurge
  • Truly feels like a cloud while de-puffing, smoothing and nurturing the eye area
  • Has a subtle bounce in its container, which follows suit onto your skin for a youthful feel

Cons:

  • The price may be unreachable for some

While $270 is a lofty spend to make on eye cream, Sulwhasoo’s The Ultimate S Eye Cream is a marker of prestige. Allow me to write up the scene: you’re preparing for bed, scooping something that’s a cross between whipped cream and your favorite lotion in your hands and you smell a bit like vanilla wrapped with a warm hug. It’s nothing short of heavenly, pillow-y goodness.

It does it all: de-puffs, soothes, nourishes. When touched, I noticed it has a subtle bounce to it — a feature that instantly transfers over to your skin. It has the faintest, most delicious scent that’ll have you craving more, too. To conclude, I’d like to meet the makers of this eye cream and give them a hug, too.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Eye Cream

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Eye Cream
Sephora

Pros:

  • Equally as wonderful for brightening and de-puffing
  • Has an almost-invisible gel-to-cream consistency that easily absorbs onto the skin

Cons:

  • Not as long-lasting as other eye creams tested

Another Korean skincare brand with an effective, noticeably different eye cream is Dr. Jart+. The Ceramidin Eye Cream has a travel-friendly pump applicator, but that’s not all — it upholds a balance of brightening and de-puffing in this one $40 product.

Uniqiuely, it helps target uneven texture, specifically from the lowest points of your under-eye areas to the apples of your cheeks. That said, if you experience large pores, blotchiness or redness, this handy-dandy eye cream helps even out your overall look. It does so because of its niacinamide key ingredient and proprietary Ceramidin Complex: a blend of five ceramides to help prevent water loss and plump up the skin.


innisfree Orchid Youth-Enriched Eye Cream with Orchid

innisfree Orchid Youth-Enriched Eye Cream with Orchid
Amazon

Pros:

  • Looks like a thick cream, but scoops out light-as-air
  • Helps soothe and partially keeps the area taut; offers a nice feeling to the eye area

Cons:

  • Has a subtle floral scent, which some may dislike (though, it’s not irritating on sensitive skin)

Pair the innisfree Orchid Youth-Enriched Eye Cream with Orchid with your favorite eveningtime tea for a soothing treat that’ll put you to sleep soundly. Each time I use this eye cream, I feel like I’m at a spa in the best way: I’m relaxed, my under-eye area is soothed and I feel refreshed afterward.

With a subtle floral scent, I find it’s a complement to how well it nourishes. While I have sensitive skin, I didn’t experience an iota of irritation with this product. Because it’s also a bit taut (while still being soothing), it leaves one of the best feelings on the eyes — nurtured, but also helping with skin vitality.


An FAQ on Eye Creams

Ahead, Naissan O. Wesley, MD, an aesthetic and surgical dermatologist, gave us the 411 on all things related to eye cream.

What is an eye cream?

“An eye cream is a cream that’s specifically designed to give support and address issues of the delicate eyelid skin,” Wesley told The Post. Like any other skincare grab, eye creams come in an array of options — differing in formulation, skin concern target area and ingredients.

What should I look for in an eye cream?

“I like to look for eye creams that actually have good data behind their results, otherwise any cream could be substituted as an eye cream,” Dr. Wesley added. “Eyelid skin is thin and often more sensitive compared to the skin on the rest of our face and body, so I would look for creams that are non-comedogenic (meaning they’ve been tested so they won’t clog pores and cause little cysts called milia) and hypoallergenic.”

When and how do I apply eye cream?

“Most eye creams may be applied day and night,” Dr. Wesley said. “However, those that include sunscreen ingredients in them may be more appropriate for daytime use.

What ingredients should I look for in an eye cream?

Dr. Wesley recommends “eye creams with peptides, growth factors, or other non-irritating ingredients (such as ceramides) that help support and build collagen are helpful for eyelid skin.”

“For those who are looking for an effect to aid with puffiness, dark circles, or a tightening effect, caffeine as an ingredient can sometimes be helpful.”


Other Eye Creams Tested

Best Eye Creams We Reviewed
Victoria Giardina

Below are some of the eye creams I enjoyed using, though didn’t make the final list compared to other formulations:


Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.


Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.