Of course, we asked our dermatologist friends to weigh in on the matter. What we do know for a fact is that “eyelid skin is thinner than the surrounding facial skin so that it can be more prone to sensitivity and irritation,” Rhode Island-based board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Jow Libby, M.D., previously explained to us. However, not all eye creams are created equal, so we’ve combed through dozens (hell, probably hundreds at this point) of formulas to find the most effective creams and gels for all skin types.
- 1 Best Anti aging eye cream for 40s
- 2 Best Anti aging eye cream for 50s
- 3 The best way to apply eye cream
- 4 How To Choose The Best Eye Cream For Wrinkles And Fine Lines
- 5 What to Look For In an Eye Cream
- 6 How do you apply eye cream?
- 7 When should you apply eye cream?
- 8 How long does eye cream take to work?
- 9 How is eye cream different from face cream?
- 10 Which is better: an eye gel or an eye cream?
- 11 What’s the best eye cream for mature skin?
- 12 Do eye creams work?
- 13 When should I start using eye cream?
- 14 When should I start using eye creams?
- 15 What eye cream should I use in my 50s?
- 16 Do dermatologists recommend eye creams for people over 50?
It ultimately comes down to the level of prevention you desire. “Because they are landing on thinner skin, eye creams tend to be thicker — a higher amount of oil, less water — than facial moisturizers,” Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, tells Allure, comparing the use of an eye cream to “putting extra padding on a spin bike.” And that extra cushioning just might pay off since it’s also known that the eye area is one of the first to show signs of aging, such as sagging skin, fine lines, and crow’s feet.
“As we hit our thirties, hyaluronic acid, our skin’s natural water absorber, and plumper, begins to decline,” Dr. Gohara explains, which is why applying the ingredient topically and making up for lost hydration is of the essence. Our go-to formulas are packed with HA and potent ingredients like blood vessel-constricting caffeine and collagen-boosting peptides to help fake a whole night’s rest.
We went to work and tried top-rated products catering to various 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 research and tapped a dermatologist for their expert recommendations.
1.Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream®
Five dermatologists we spoke with had high praise for Revision Skincare’s D.E.J. Eye Cream for its ability to treat a variety of under-eye concerns. “This is a favorite in my office,” says Melissa Doft, founder of Doft Plastic Surgery, who recommends it for patients dealing with wrinkles, sagging skin, puffiness, and dark circles.
According to Hadley King, clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, “This cream contains dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline and sunflower-seed oil for moisturizing, vitamin C for brightening, and peptides for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.” She explains that it also contains goji fruit, which provides additional antioxidant benefits, and cucumber fruit water, which calms the skin. While it is expensive, it’s a multitasking product that will treat just about any skin problem you may be experiencing in your eye area.
Case in point: Doyle says it can also be used on the upper eyelids “to strengthen the thin skin and help with creepiness, premature aging, and even hooding.” Board-certified dermatologist and founder of RVL Skincare, Rita Linkner, is also a fan and has been using it twice daily for years. She uses it all over her eye area, including her upper-eyelid skin, and says she has seen “a big improvement in crepe-ing.”
2.RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Under Eye
What We Like
- Anti-aging formula
- Lightweight in feel
- Has a gentle effect
What We Don’t Like
- Might not work on sensitive skin
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 lines, dark circles, and puffiness, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. The lightweight formula is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
3.Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol
There are many eye creams to be found at the drugstore; this is one of the most effective options. 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.
4.First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream
Dermatologist Caroline Robinson of Tone Dermatology uses this eye cream from First Aid Beauty, which instantly illuminates the under-eye area using peach micro-pearls while working to lighten dark circles over time. “It blends niacinamide, caffeine, and sodium hyaluronate in a beautiful brightening formula,” she says. Note that if you have a deeper skin tone, you may want to test this one before committing to a full-size jar, as reviewers have mentioned it may appear pale on dark skin.
5.Neocutis Lumière Illuminating Eye Cream
“I would swim in this product if I could,” says facial plastic surgeon Dara Liotta. Many Neocutis products were developed out of wound-healing research. Liotta says the brand’s Lumière eye cream builds collagen and smooths fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating the delicate eye skin.
“I’ve found that regular use of this product around the eyes prevents the fine lines that trap makeup and make the eye skin look crepey and dry.” It is also fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Best Anti aging eye cream for 40s
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to spread
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Greasy
- Expensive
Are you looking for the best lightweight and all-in-one formula eye cream? Try the LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream, which is a perfect combination of science and nature. This lightweight cream rejuvenates the delicate under-eye area and offers bright and youthful-looking eyes. It is enriched with a blend of antioxidants and restorative botanicals from rosehip seed oil, hibiscus flower, provitamin B5, and rosemary leaf extract. This advanced botanical formula helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, deflates puffiness, tightens sagging skin, and locks in moisture.
7.Anti Aging Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Non-sticky
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- May be unsuitable for sensitive skin
This is a hydrating eye cream from Kleem Organics. It targets the five visible signs of aging around the eye area – puffiness, wrinkles, dark circles, crow’s feet, and sagging skin. It claims to visibly reduce aging eye issues within six weeks. This non-irritating eye cream has a fine texture and gets easily absorbed into the skin. It is formulated with Matrixyl 3000 technology that strengthens the delicate skin around your eyes and hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin. This Kleem Organics eye cream is enriched with natural and organic active ingredients like caffeine, plant stem cells, vitamin E, green tea, and amino acids. All of these are potent ingredients to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles while deeply moisturizing and protecting the delicate eye area.
Best Anti aging eye cream for 50s
8.Eye Cream by Olay Total Effects
Pros
- Contains green tea antioxidants
- Contains vitamins A and C
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Soft beige tint (helps to conceal the dark circles)
- Reduces puffiness
Cons
- Contains PEG
- The tint might bother some users.
This eye cream by Olay is enriched by essential vitamins. This formula is enriched with a VitaNiacin Complex that includes vitamins B and E for boosting radiance. This eye cream nourishes and hydrates the delicate skin around your eyes. It gets absorbed really fast and replenishes moisture. It also helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduces dark circles and puffiness, and brightens the skin around your eyes by evening out the tone. Go through this video to check out the detailed review of the Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Eye Cream.
Pros
- Vegan
- Natural ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Gets quickly absorbed
Cons
- Might cause a burning sensation in the eyes
This eye cream is an advanced botanical formula that nourishes delicate skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restores moisture, and lifts the skin for a firmer look. It also softens the look of dark circles and flattens puffiness, making your eyes look fresh and rejuvenated. The formula is made with natural ingredients that are safe for all skin types, including reactive and sensitive skin. To find out more about this product, check out this video.
The best way to apply eye cream
Now that you have an effective wrinkle-fighting eye cream, you need to actually use it! Consistency is key, and the way you apply your cream can make a difference in how well it works:
Do a patch test: “You’d be surprised how often people neglect to read the ingredient list because they’re caught up in the hype of the product,” Dr. Rao says. Before using any new product, test it on a small part of your skin to ensure it doesn’t cause an adverse reaction.
A pea-sized amount of product should be enough for both of eyes.
Use your ring or pinky finger to apply your eye cream to ensure you are using a light pressure.
Do not tug or pull at the skin, which only further promote wrinkles. Use a dabbing motion instead.
Make sure to apply your eye cream to the under-eye area, eyelids, and outer-corner of your eyes, where wrinkles often begin. Avoid direct contact with your eyes.
How To Choose The Best Eye Cream For Wrinkles And Fine Lines
It’s all in the ingredients.
Different ingredients have different results. You need to pick the right ingredients for your skin. Look for these ingredients in your cream.
The top ingredients you should be looking for in an eye cream include:
- Retinol: It is a type of vitamin A that promotes collagen development. It is best for mature skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid And Ceramides: These ingredients keep your skin moisturized and supple and help plump up wrinkles.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E protect the skin cells and prevent any damage caused by environmental stress.
- Peptides: If you have under-eye bags and your eyes look droopy, look for peptides. These boost collagen and elastin development and can firm the skin and lift it up.
- Niacinamide: It can help brighten the skin and lighten the dark circles (won’t work if your dark circles are hereditary).
Anti-aging eye creams are the need of the hour. They help in the disappearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and patches. Anti-aging eye creams help the eyes from sagging while taking care of the delicate skin around the eyes. Lightweight and non-greasy, these eye creams reduce puffiness while eliminating dark circles. Some of these products come with a soft beige tint that can blend well with your skin and conceal the darker areas. For people with matured skin, it is better to choose eye creams that have been duly tested by ophthalmologists.
What we’re looking for
- Active ingredients: Eye creams are skin-care products tailored to treat specific concerns, and the elements should reflect that. An eye cream designed to brighten might have ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide, while an eye cream aimed at reducing puffiness will likely be packed with caffeine. With that said, some eye creams (like our top pick) include various actives that simultaneously target different concerns and help with everything from wrinkles to puffiness to dark circles.
- Texture: The word cream is used loosely here, as our picks include a range of thick creams, lightweight lotions, and serums. The texture is essential depending on your skin type and needs. A drier under-eye area would benefit from a thicker consistency, while an oilier skin type would do well with a gel cream or serum.
- Size (and cost per ounce): Eye creams are available at just about every price point, ranging from under $20 to over $100 per jar or tube. But it’s essential to pay attention to how much product you’re getting for the price you’re paying, so we’ve noted the size and the cost per ounce to help you decide what works best with your budget.
What to Look For In an Eye Cream
Fragrance-Free
Because 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 Ingredients
Wesley recommends sticking with ingredients that have proven benefits. Think classics such as retinol, peptides, and growth factors.
Moisturizing Ingredients
Signs 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 hyaluronic acid.
How do you apply eye cream?
Apply a small amount onto your ring finger and gently tap—don’t rub or tug—underneath and along the side of the eye. You can also apply eye cream along the brow bone underneath your eyebrow. Still, Wesley cautions against putting it on the actual upper lid unless the product you’re using explicitly says it can be used in this area.
When should you apply eye cream?
“Most eye creams may be used morning and night,” says Wesley. “Twice daily application better ensures that the moisturizing or active properties of the eye cream have a chance to work.”
How long does eye cream take to work?
While you may notice some benefits within a few weeks, most will take two to three months, or even longer, to work, says Wesley. But remember that long-term use will yield benefits toward helping existing issues and preventing further signs of aging, she says.
How is eye cream different from face cream?
Because eye cream is designed to target a smaller area compared to covering the entire face, it may contain more concentrated ingredients for focusing on concerns including fine lines and dark circles. Often, key components found in an eye cream formula are exactly the same as those seen in face cream, but they can be much richer for smoothing onto that delicate under-eye area.
Which is better: an eye gel or an eye cream?
An eye gel can feel refreshing on skin, particularly if you pop it in the fridge first, while a comforting creamy formula is often equally soothing. There’s no definitive answer as to which is better, and like all beauty buys, it’s simply down to personal preference and skin type.
What’s the best eye cream for mature skin?
Skin becomes fragile and loses elasticity as it matures, so opt for ingredients that plump up, hydrate and increase collagen production in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is known for hydration while antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A can speed up the regeneration of cells – look to products with retinol in for this too, which exfoliate the skin and ramp up collagen levels for a smoother complexion.
Do eye creams work?
Although they’re by no means an instant fix, eye creams are designed to improve the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles, and they can also soothe and repair skin.
When should I start using eye cream?
Most people start using eye cream from their thirties onwards, as this is when fine lines and wrinkles gradually begin to appear more noticeable. But there are benefits to be found in using eye cream from your twenties too, for preventive skincare purposes and to address existing puffiness or dark circles.
When should I start using eye creams?
You can start using it in your early 20s. It is best to start before your first wrinkles appear.
What eye cream should I use in my 50s?
Use an eye cream that is enriched with active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and more, for the best results. Also look for formulations that have restorative effects and can diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.
Do dermatologists recommend eye creams for people over 50?
Yes, dermatologists do recommend eye creams over people over 50. In fact, eye creams are recommended for women from their late 20s and early 30s.