For many of us, skin care is a part of our daily routine, especially as we get older and fine lines and wrinkles make their appearance. As we age, we start losing muscle and vital components such as collagen and elastin, which keep our skin hydrated and smooth. The rate at which these decline is determined by genetics and environmental or lifestyle factors (such as excessive sun exposure or a history of smoking). The area that seems to show the impact of these deficiencies and external factors first is the skin around the eyes, often manifesting as crow’s feet and dark circles.

Caring for the skin in this area can be tricky, since it is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face. The same ingredients in your favorite face moisturizer or renewal cream may irritate or discolor the oculofacial skin. So we decided to go in search of the best eye creams to address wrinkles around the eyes, as well as common issues such as puffiness, dark circles, and dryness, among other conditions. We spoke with experts Robert Schwarcz, MD, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and facial aesthetics expert with offices in Manhattan and Rye, New York, and Sabrina Fabi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and cofounder of XOMD in San Diego, to get their insights about skin health and aging skin.

Whether you’re worried about crow’s feet or simply want to brighten your eyes before leaving the house for a long day, we’ve found something for you. After testing 43 eye cream products over the course of two months, we’ve whittled it down to our top 13 picks.

Pros

Lightweight and absorbs quickly
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles
Contains natural ingredients

Cons

May irritate sensitive skin
The pump may clog

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol)
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

If you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, you aren’t alone. Whether this pesky change in pigmentation is caused by genetics, lack of sleep, sun damage, or allergies, it can be a drag to deal with. Luckily, Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream tested well with editor Lili Ladaga. “After two weeks, there was a notable lightening of my dark circles,” she says. The secret very well may be bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol.

It’s been used in Korean skin-care products for years for its collagen-boosting benefits — without the irritation retinoids can cause.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you may still have some irritation with bakuchiol. That said, Ladaga didn’t experience any negative side effects while using the product, which she describes as “smooth and creamy with a lightweight consistency.” She adds that it didn’t feel heavy or thick. She was impressed with the results that this cream delivered, adding that this eye cream made her skin feel moisturized and supple. “I’ve tried many eye creams and found a few that help plump and reduce the appearance of some fine lines and wrinkles, but I’ve never found one that did anything about dark circles,” Ladaga says. But with this product, the dark circles under her eyes were notably lighter after two weeks of consistent use.

Pros

Absorbs into the skin quickly
Rolls on with built-in applicator
Hydrates and moisturizes

Cons

The dispenser makes it hard to tell how much is left
Might not make a big difference for fine lines

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid
Scented: No
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

Using cool cucumber slices has been shown to reduce puffiness around the eyes, due to their hydrating and astringent qualities.

If you don’t have time for that every morning, Grace & Stella De-Puffing Eye Elixir is a great alternative made with a combination of caffeine, a vasoconstrictor that can tighten and brighten the skin, retinol, a type of vitamin A known for its anti-aging components, and hyaluronic acid, a super-moisturizing agent that helps keep the face plump.

The elixir product proved to be a hit with tester Jill Di Donato. Not only was it effective but Di Donato also emphasized how wonderful the cooling sensation felt each time she used the roller applicator over her puffy areas. The liquid absorbed quickly, and she thought it was “perfect first thing in the morning for tired eyes to reduce puffiness,” especially before applying makeup, to make her eyes appear more awake. She noticed a marked difference within two weeks of using it twice a day. “An instant fix for those wanting to tamp puffiness,” Di Donato says. The only drawback she indicated was that the rollerball applicator might make it hard to tell when the product starts running out. The product also may not be hugely effective for fine lines. However, even with that, its positive outcome for reducing puffiness made it worth including in this list.

Pros

Silky, rich product offers deep hydration to the under-eye skin
Niacinamide protects and repairs the skin barrier
Offers anti-aging amino peptides, as well as brightening vitamin C and caffeine
Available at most drugstores and big-box stores

Cons

Product can clump and clog the pump
Takes time to work on wrinkles
Tester detected a light scent, though it’s labeled fragrance-free

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine, aloe vera, niacinamide, amino peptides
Fragrance: Listed as fragrance-free, but some fragrance was detected
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

Dry and flaky skin around the eyes can be a source of frustration. Allergies, eczema, and contact dermatitis are a few conditions that can cause skin to dry and flake, making it hard to feel your best. Olay Super Eyes Daily Eye Serum can help hydrate and soothe dry, flaky skin around the eyes. “During the day, the skin around my eyes felt hydrated, and my eyes would look a bit less tired in the morning too,” says writer Marisa Olsen. That appearance of wakefulness could be thanks to the brightening effects of vitamin C and caffeine. The eye cream also includes soothing aloe vera, niacinamide to help repair and maintain the skin barrier, and amino peptides for their anti-aging properties.

Dry skin can have a variety of causes, including exposure to chemicals and sun. But when it impacts the sensitive skin under the eyes, it can leave them looking red-rimmed and flaky. Olsen says she didn’t just see an improvement in terms of moisture, but her “fine lines appeared to be diminished and my crow’s feet felt plumper.” The product is widely available and at a fair price, given its benefits.

Pros

Low price point
All-natural ingredients
Gel formula absorbs quickly

Cons

Greasy, ointment-like texture might not be appealing to everyone
May pill under makeup

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Yerba mate, caffeine, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance: Listed as fragrance-free, though Olsen noted a “fresh, green scent”
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

Budget-conscious products do exist, and Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is a great example. It takes aim at tired eyes and puffiness with natural antioxidants like yerba mate, which has natural caffeine to boost circulation and fight dark circles and tired eyes.

Combine that with peptides and three types of hyaluronic acids that target discoloration and fine lines, and Good Molecules has created a budget-friendly product that brightens and hydrates eyes first thing in the morning.

Olsen used the product twice a day and noted that her skin was moisturized immediately and “felt nourished and hydrated.” Hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating properties and may aid in making the skin feel well-moisturized. “I like that the yerba mate is sourced responsibly from Brazil,” Olsen adds. “Yerba mate is an indigenous plant that claims to be rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. This product is sourced with zero deforestation, traceability, [and] pesticide-free farming that respects the harvest season. The ingredients are all listed in a transparent way with percentages in parts per million, and this eye cream gets the best score, a 1 on EWG’s SkinDeep verified site.”

Though she did not notice any reduction in terms of puffiness, Olsen says, “I do think in a pinch it helps to moisturize, and I would consider using it as travel eye cream. Especially with a $6 price point.”

Pros

Provides sun protection with SPF 40
Small amount goes a long way
Tint helps brighten skin

Cons

Pump may waste product
Takes time to absorb

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Zinc oxide, caffeine, probiotics, pomegranate
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Day
SPF: Yes, 40 SPF

One of the biggest contributors to wrinkles around the eyes is sun exposure, which can lead to sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays cause skin to prematurely wrinkle by damaging elastin and collagen and depleting antioxidants, which naturally respond as part of the body’s immune system.

Therefore, wearing a product with SPF like Supergoop! Mineral Eye Cream is crucial to preventing sun damage.

Editor Katie Tuttle, who tried this product, says, “I think this is my favorite daytime eye cream. Though it’s thick and a bit expensive, I like the tint (not sure how well this would work on darker skin tones, for what it’s worth), and I like that it provides sun protection, something you really need for the delicate skin under your eyes. It also has a faint tint that imparts a bit of brightness to the under-eye area.” She says that the consistency is a bit thick (with a name like Supergoop, that makes sense), and Tuttle noted that it took a little while to absorb. But she did appreciate that it is made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. While these chemicals aren’t necessarily bad, some may experience an adverse reaction to them, especially if used on the sensitive under-eye skin.

Pros

Lightweight, so it absorbs quickly
Low price point for a retinol product
Works to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and fine lines

Cons

Thinner than most
Can irritate the skin

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

Retinol is a powerful product used in skin-care products to restimulate cell growth and collagen renewal.

However, it can irritate the skin, especially if you aren’t used to it. If your skin can tolerate retinol products, RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream can help further combat aging around the eyes. It contains the trademarked Pure RoC Retinol, a stabilized form of retinol that can expedite cell turnover in the skin to soften wrinkles over time.

Everyday Health writer Sarah Stankorb tested this product for two weeks and was thrilled with the results, reporting that it alleviated fine lines around the eye and brightened the under-eye area. She didn’t have an adverse reaction to the retinol, but she cautions others to ease into it. “It works quickly on circles and fine lines, leaving an overall more youthful eye,” Stankorb says.

Pros

Vegan, uses algae, paracress extract, and squalane
Smooth and creamy
Hydrates and moisturizes

Cons

On the pricey side
Takes longer to notice a difference

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Pink marine algae, hyaluronic acid, paracress extract, squalane
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

For people looking for a cruelty-free, certified-vegan option, I had the pleasure of trying the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream. It blends natural ingredients like pink marine algae, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, paracress extract, which lifts and firms, and sugarcane-derived squalane, which hydrates, provides antioxidants, and helps reduce puffiness.

Together, these ingredients pack a punch without irritating the skin, something that’s important for me since I have sensitive skin. I typically have to start using new products cautiously and in much smaller amounts. However, this one was not like the others. It’s creamy, silky, and has worked wonders for my skin. In the initial two weeks of the test, I didn’t notice much of a change, but after about three weeks, my skin appeared plumper and less riddled with lines. I’ll definitely continue using it. Plus, it just feels really nice on the skin.

Pros

Safe for use under the eyes
Formulated for the whole face
A little goes a long way

Cons

Heavy when first applied
Not specifically intended for the eyes

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Night
SPF: None

On busy days, a full skin-care routine isn’t always realistic. If you want a do-it-all product, editor Ashley Ziegler found a great one in Murad’s Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, an anti-aging formula made for your whole face, not just under your eyes.

While many full-face products aren’t meant for the delicate under-eye area, Murad’s “potent-yet-gentle” retinol formula may be why this one worked so well. Keep in mind that retinol’s main side effect is excessive drying, which may appear as red circles under the eye after using. The serum’s ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which has been known to reduce irritability during retinol use.

“I think it helped tighten up the skin around my eyes a bit,” Ziegler says. She cautions that the label doesn’t indicate that it’s specifically intended for the under-eye area, but she used it there and was met with success. She only used it at night and concluded that this product “lives up to my high expectations.”

Pros

Rich and silky consistency
Cooling sensation during application
Doesn’t pill under makeup

Cons

Didn’t improve dark circles
Takes a long time to absorb

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, ascorbyl glucoside
Fragrance: None
For night or day use: Both
SPF: None

As we age, essential nutrients like collagen and elastin begin to deplete, in part because hormones, such as estrogen, become less abundant and accelerate changes that result in thinner skin, increased dryness, and reduced vascularity.

This can leave skin looking crepey and contribute to fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream is our choice for helping to firm up the delicate under-eye skin. Ceramides can improve the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration.

Though retinol products are usually reserved for nighttime use, Paula’s Choice says this one can be used during the day.

“I feel like it helped wake up my eyes in the morning,” says Stankorb. She noted a difference in the brightness of her eyes and liked the rich, silky feeling of the cream, though it did take extra time to soak in. She didn’t have any issue with adding makeup over the cream once it absorbed. “I’d say the experience of wearing it was probably the best I’ve had,” she says, though she wishes it had a bit more of an effect on her dark circles and wrinkles.

Pros

Rich, gel texture
Absorbs in under five seconds
Noticeable change in tired eyes

Cons

High price point
Doesn’t eliminate dark circles

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Vitamin C, phloretin, ferulic acid
Fragrance: Yes
For night or day use: Day
SPF: None

Staring at screens all day can strain the eyes and make them work harder. According to the American Optometric Association, digital eyestrain can lead to dry eyes, headaches, eye fatigue, and blurred vision.

This can lead to squinting and an overall drawn and discolored appearance of the skin around the eyes. SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel can help take away some of the drabness and brighten your eyes to make them look more alert and less stressed.

“This product does work ... the darkness around my eyes was brighter,” says health writer Raki Swanson, adding that the eye gel is refreshing and reduced some of the bags under her eyes. She attributes this to the vitamin C, a main ingredient in the gel, which has been known to reduce the appearance of age spots and dark circles. Vitamin C is a depigmenting agent that naturally stops color changes in the skin by counteracting enzymes that darken it.

While it helped with pigmentation, it didn’t eliminate Swanson’s dark circles. “One morning, I used this after I was up very late, so I had large bags under my eyes, with puffiness and darkness,” she says. “I used this and I did see a difference. It wasn’t dark and puffy. It didn’t make it vanish, but it did change it.”

Pros

Retinol and caffeine soften crow’s feet and fine lines
Hydrating squalane and ceramides keep skin moisturized
Pearlescent finish brightens eyes
Helps reduce puffiness
A little goes a long way

Cons

Thin, slightly greasy texture
Makeup may pill

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, squalane, ceramides
Fragrance: None (though it does have a natural scent)
For night or day use: Night
SPF: None

One of the biggest pet peeves we have as we age is the appearance of fine lines that start to spread everywhere, especially around the eyes. Fortunately, many of the products on our list can help with minimizing them, including First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides. As the skin ages, it naturally loses fat, including ceramides that help with hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. The skin barrier basically acts as a wall that stops bad things like viruses from entering the skin and keeps good things in, like moisture. Ceramide can help replace what is lost topically due to the natural aging process.

Writer Grace Gallagher had a great experience with this product and plans to continue using it. “I think the retinol really may help crow’s feet,” she says. The combo of retinol and squalane provides a one-two punch of anti-aging properties that smooth skin by encouraging cell turnover and infusing it with collagen and peptides. Gallagher also enjoyed how the product “instantly brightens eyes,” though she didn’t like the greasy texture or the time it took to absorb. She suggests using it at night so that you don’t have to worry about layering it under makeup.

Pros

Plant-based formula with ingredients like sea fennel extract and avocado extract
Lightweight wear on the skin
Roller dispenser allows direct application

Cons

Takes about 45 seconds to absorb
Might leave a shine

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Sea fennel extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, peptides
Fragrance: No
For night or day use: Day
SPF: None

Who doesn’t want to leave the house with a more youthful and vibrant look? Eye brighteners claim to do just that by helping to lighten the appearance of the skin under the eye. They don’t necessarily remove the dark circles, but they can give a lighter appearance even before you apply concealer. Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream is a plant-based product that rolls over the skin and dispenses a retinol-alternative cream derived from sea fennel extract to illuminate and firm the skin, while its upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, and peptides can reduce puffiness.

Swanson had a chance to test the Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream, and she liked that it was lightweight and layered well with her makeup, keeping the makeup from settling into her fine lines. “Immediately, my skin feels woken up,” Swanson says. “It doesn’t have a tingle to it, but when this is absorbed, you feel awake — like your skin was sleeping, and then this was added and now it’s awake.” She complimented the smooth texture, though she said the product is slightly greasy and takes about 45 seconds to absorb into the skin.

Pros

Easy to dispense, reducing waste
Thick and creamy texture
Hydrates skin well

Cons

Absorbs slowly
Results may not be significant

Key Specs

Main ingredients: Retinol, shea butter
Fragrance: None
For night or day use: Night
SPF: None

A nighttime eye cream can harness the body’s restorative sleep cycle to accelerate skin repair, including the reduction of dark spots, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream combines retinol and shea butter to accelerate cell regeneration while delivering extra moisture. Shea butter can help strengthen the skin barrier, delivering moisture, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories to aid in the regeneration of lost skin cells.

“My under-eye skin was more hydrated after continuous use,” says Tuttle, who tested this product. She also notes that the retinol did not leave her with any residual irritation in the morning, a common side effect of retinol, which can dry out the skin and cause it to itch and even flake. That’s impressive, since according to the packaging, the product contains 0.5 percent retinol, which is high enough to see results and even cause irritation in new users. Since 1 percent is the maximum amount of retinol allowed in over-the-counter creams, No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream seems to contain a sufficient amount for true results. Tuttle says she plans to continue to use it at night for the hydration it provides.

Comparison Table

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

Best for dark circles

Bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol)

Both

None

Buy Now $19.99

Grace & Stella De-Puffing Eye Elixir

Best for puffiness

Retinol
Caffeine
Hyaluronic acid

Both

None

Buy Now $19.94

Olay Super Eyes Daily Eye Serum

Best moisturizing

Vitamin C
Caffeine
Aloe vera
Niacinamide
Amino peptides

Both

None

Buy Now $33.19

Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel

Best budget eye gel

Yerba mate
Caffeine
Acetyl tetrapeptide
Hyaluronic acid

Listed as none, but some scent detected

Both

None

Buy Now $5.67

Supergoop! Bright Eyed Mineral Eye Cream

Best for sun protection

Zinc oxide
Caffeine
Probiotics
Pomegranate

Day

Yes, 40 SPF

Buy Now $40

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Best for retinol users

Retinol

Both

None

Buy Now $12.34

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

Best vegan eye cream

Pink marine algae
Hyaluronic acid
Paracress extract
Squalane

Both

None

Buy Now $56

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Best for whole face

Retinol
Hyaluronic acid

Night

None

Buy Now $92

Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

Best for firming

Retinol
Ceramides
Ascorbyl glucoside

Both

None

Buy Now $46.55

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel

Best for tired eyes

Vitamin C
Phloretin
Ferulic acid

Yes

Day

None

Buy Now $110

First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides

Best for fine lines

Retinol
Caffeine
Squalane + ceramides

Listed as none, but some scent detected

Night

None

Buy Now $44

Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream

Best for brightening

Sea fennel extract
Upcycled avocado extract
Caffeine
Peptides

Day

None

Buy Now $46

No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream

Best for nighttime

Retinol
Shea butter

None

Night

None

Buy Now $15.29

Other Noteworthy Eye Creams for Wrinkles We Tried

After researching and testing 43 different eye creams, we had a lot of contenders for our top picks to battle wrinkles. We wanted to give you some other options that didn’t quite make the cut — but which make great alternatives.

Estée Lauder is a well-known cosmetics brand, and its Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Cream Synchronized Multi-Recovery Eye Cream is a great alternative for a night cream. “I noticed my under-eye circles were less pronounced,” says Gallagher, who tested it. She adds that it felt cool and lightweight when applied. However, it didn’t make our list because it is a pricier option.

CeraVe is another popular brand, and its Eye Repair Cream tested well for several reasons. It was very hydrating and soaked into the skin relatively fast. It also layered well under makeup and didn’t leave a greasy or heavy residue. “I put the product to the test after a day in the ocean at the beach,” says Olsen. “My eye area immediately felt hydrated, moisturized, and supple. After application, [my] eye area was smooth and soft.” But she also mentions that it didn’t live up to her expectations in terms of reducing dark circles or minimizing fine lines, which ultimately kept it from making our list.

Mineral products tend to be milder, contain UV protection, and are popular among those with sensitive skin. I tried EltaMD UV AOX Eye Tinted Mineral Sunscreen and enjoyed it a lot. It’s tinted, so it blended with my skin color relatively well, making it easy to skip the concealer. It was medium-weight and didn’t leave greasy residue. I chose not to include it because it’s pricey, and it didn’t seem to reduce lines. But as someone with sensitive skin, it did not irritate my under-eyes at all.

How We Tested the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles

We researched some of the best eye creams on the market, then tasked nine writers and editors with testing 43 products from 34 different companies over the course of the summer. We tested products that targeted puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, and tired eyes, as well as other skin concerns. Testers tried each product for at least two weeks and answered questions about what they did and didn’t like, what worked and what didn’t, how the product performed under makeup, and whether they would recommend it to their friends.

I used that data, along with my own insights, to compile this list of the products that tested best for wrinkles. I spoke with Robert Schwarcz, MD, a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and facial aesthetics expert with offices in Manhattan and Rye, New York, and Sabrina Fabi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and cofounder of XOMD, to get expert perspectives on the unique needs of skin care for the eyes, especially as it relates to wrinkles.

What to Look for When Buying Eye Creams for Wrinkles

With so many skin-care products flooding the market, choosing something new can seem overwhelming. Start by focusing on the elements you want to improve, such as morning puffiness or dark circles. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind when choosing an eye cream to address wrinkles:

Ingredients Everyone has unique skin needs, so it’s important to keep that in mind when checking out the ingredients in a new product. “The right combination of active ingredients can help with hydration, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles,” Dr. Schwarcz says. “Some ingredients I look for in an eye cream are caffeine for depuffing, niacinamide to strengthen the skin and even tone, vitamin C for brightening, and peptides to help stimulate collagen production.”

Budget Budget usually plays a role when you add a new product to the cart. Just because there is a high price tag doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work. Some products on this list have trial sizes available, so that you can try them at a lower price. However, many of the products on our list are affordable, and keep in mind that a small amount usually goes a long way.

Skin Type Knowing your natural skin type can narrow down the field of products. Cleveland Clinic explains the common skin types this way: Dry skin doesn’t produce enough lubrication; oily skin produces too much lubrication; combination skin is part dry and part oily; normal skin is balanced, without dry or oily parts; sensitive skin is reactive, which often coincides with dry, oily, and/or combination skin.
Each skin type has inherent care needs that can help eliminate certain products and ingredients when it comes time to shop for new ones.

Night or Day Cream Daytime and nighttime creams may differ in ingredients and purpose. Nighttime creams can expedite skin repair and infuse it with more potent ingredients that penetrate deeper. Daytime creams, on the other hand, often stay on the surface longer and protect against the elements you encounter throughout the day.
Some ingredients, like retinol, may be used in higher concentrations at night. Daytime creams that include retinol may have lower doses and suggest that you use additional SPF, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

What Makes the Skin Around the Eyes Unique?

“The eyes are one of the first indicators of aging,” Schwarcz says. “The delicate skin in this area is thinner and more prone to changes over time, due to a combination of collagen loss, reduced elasticity, and repeated muscle movements from blinking and facial expressions.” Combine this with natural skin changes that come with aging, such as the decline of hormones like estrogen and testosterone and the body making less protein and other nutrients that aid in cellular regrowth. As Dr. Fabi explains it, “Your skin is no longer turning over like it used to. In our twenties, our skin is turning over every 28 days; thirties, every 35 days; forties, every 42 days, making it feel rougher and not as smooth. This can be coupled with the hormonal shifts happening.”

Between the texture of the skin around the eyes and the ease with which it will deteriorate and show signs of aging, taking care of this area should become a priority if you want to avoid the pitfalls that can come with aging. It may also become necessary to change up skin-care products and routines to account for these additional changes. “Our skin is no longer the same in our forties as it was in our twenties, so the products we used in our twenties or thirties may no longer have the same effects they once did,” says Fabi.

Do You Need a Different Product Around the Eyes?

Products around the eyes are formulated for the skin and the eye itself. These should contain ingredients that soothe, not sting or burn. Ingredients such as parabens, alcohol, and fragrances can dry, irritate, and cause the sensitive skin to thin even faster. Some chemicals used in skin-care products not made specifically for the area near the eyes can get into the eye, causing conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Others can clog the pores around the eyes, leading to dry eyes. Schwarcz further cautions about using high-concentration retinoids. “These can be too harsh for the delicate under-eye area and can cause peeling or redness. Look for gentler versions such as encapsulated retinol or retinaldehyde,” he says. He also doesn’t recommend anything with mica or shimmer, as “they can settle into lines and cause micro irritation.” Since some products made for the face might contain too many of these harsher ingredients, it’s better to try a different product for the eyes.

What Ingredients Should You Look for When Choosing an Eye Cream?

“When looking for an eye cream, the right combination of active ingredients can help with hydration, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles,” Schwarcz says. He recommends caffeine for depuffing, niacinamide to strengthen the skin and even tone, vitamin C for brightening, and peptides to help stimulate collagen production.

Retinol is a popular anti-aging ingredient in many face and eye creams, and it is included in several of the products on our list. While it can be safe to use on sensitive areas in lower concentrations, you should be aware of side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation. Many retinol products recommend starting slowly, such as using the product every other day to minimize the risk of irritation. I’ve had adverse reactions to retinol products under the eyes in the past, mostly because my skin tends to be extra sensitive. I eventually built up from using retinol once every three days to every day, over the course of a few weeks. If you’re unsure how your skin might react, it’s a good idea to ease into using it.

FAQ

How does under-eye cream go on?

Some products have applicators that dispense the product. Most require you to dab on a small amount and pat, not smooth, it under the eyes. Don’t go too close to your lashes, or the product may inadvertently end up in your eye.

When should you apply eye cream?

Many of the creams we tested went on both morning and night. However, some, like those with retinol, are specially formulated for nighttime use only. Eye cream should be applied after your facial cleanser, followed by a moisturizer and sun protection, before your regular makeup.

How important is a skin-care routine for people as they age?

“It is quite important,” Schwarcz says. “The skin barrier can break down and needs to replace the loss of ceramides and lipids, collagen, and elastin. With aging, there is slower cell turnover and rebirth of cells. It’s important to replenish what was lost as the skin naturally undergoes structural changes over time. These structural changes can impact pigmentation, hydration, and the structure of the skin.”

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Jen Sinclair

Author

Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her work has been published by Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Health, and Parents. Prior to this, she worked for six years as a copywriter and blog writer for several legal and healthcare businesses, and as a paralegal for 15 years.

Jen currently lives with her husband and children in St. Augustine, Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors paddling waterways, driving around with the top off her Jeep, or trekking around with her writer hiker pals.

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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Orlando de Guzman

Fact-Checker

Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.

De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.

De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.

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Nicole Bonaccorso

Editor

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

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