7 Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles, Puffiness, And More

We all know the importance of skincare products like sunscreen or cleansers, but what about eye cream? With the plethora of products and steps already recommended for skincare routines, are they really a necessity? Technically, no – most of the products you use on the rest of your face are safe to use under the eyes. The difference is the skin under and around your eyes is thinner, making it more susceptible to irritation. Creams and other products formulated specifically for the eye area are typically gentler and more moisturizing, though they can contain other ingredients that target specific issues such as dark circles, puffiness, texture, or fine lines. There are so many options on the market, but the best eye cream is one that addresses your personal skin concerns and fits your budget.

Skin is one of the first places on your body to show age. Cell reproduction slows down, meaning your skin loses structural integrity and is more susceptible to damage. This will show through wrinkles, increased texture and blemishing, sagging, and being easily prone to damage. The rate at which skin ages is equally due to genetics as it is to environmental and lifestyle factors. Some of the best ways to prevent wrinkles involve leading a healthier lifestyle and taking preventative measures such as wearing sunscreen or avoiding tanning.

Though there is an entire industry centered around makeup products to cover skin or hide blemishes, taking proper care of your skin is the best method to ensure you stay looking youthful. It isn’t uncommon to feel frustrated or confused when it comes to finding the best products for skin issues. A study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of skincare brand AmLactin finds that 54 percent, or over half of the women surveyed find it difficult to find skin care products suitable for their skin type, which may explain why one in six don’t have a skin care routine at all. Finding a cream suitable for the delicate skin around the eyes can be a tedious task.

If you struggle with fine lines, dark circles under your eyes, or puffiness, consider investing in an eye cream that targets your concerns. With skincare it’s better to start sooner than later, as skin loses its elasticity and ability to rebound with age. Based on the consensus from 12 experts, StudyFinds found the seven best eye creams that treat every type of under eye issue imaginable, with options suitable for every budget. Share your own reviews of the eye creams you’ve tried in the comments below!

The List: Best Eye Creams, According to Experts

1. RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Retinol and its derivatives are frequently found in skincare due to anti-aging and exfoliating properties. However, retinol is usually not recommended for use near the eyes since the skin in the eye area is thinner, making it more prone to irritation. Allure explains that this eye cream is ophthalmologist tested and is formulated to be gentle enough for the eye area to treat fine lines.

Vogue loves that this eye cream boosts collagen production. Besides retinol it also contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which hydrate and nourish the skin since retinol can cause some dryness. Retinol of any concentration should be approached gradually to see how your skin reacts, so start with applying a couple times a week and work your way up over time.

The formula for this eye cream is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t cause breakouts or allergic reactions. Byrdie loves that at an affordable price, a tube of this eye cream is so effective at a fraction of the cost of other eye creams, making it a great option for those dealing with fine lines who want a budget-friendly solution.

2. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Waking up with puffy eyes is a common problem, and is largely due to fluid retention during sleep. Cosmopolitan explains that a caffeine eye cream is perfect for targeting puffiness because caffeine reduces puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation. Plus, this product is super affordable.

People tested 24 eye creams for puffiness and found that The Inkey’s Lists was the most effective. The formula contains Matrixyl 3000 which helps to plump and smooth skin texture and albizia julibrissin bark extract that provides gentle exfoliation. Though the tube is small, you will only need to apply a small amount each time so it should last a while.

While the cream doesn’t give stunning results for dark circles, it does wonders for puffiness and fine lines. Peptides help to repair and restore lost collagen, giving skin plumpness and bounce. Forbes recommends storing the tube in the fridge to give it extra soothing and depuffing powers.

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

La-Roche Posay is typically considered a mid-tier drugstore brand, but NY Post says this eye cream performs more like a product that would normally be $200+. For under $50, the Pigmentclar Yeux formula works to brighten the undereye, smooth lines, and eradicate dark circles.

The formula is tinted a peach color that helps to color-correct blue or dark-tinged eye bags, though some may not like this effect. Harper’s Bazaar notes that the eye cream contains the ingredient phe-resorcinol, which reduces the melanin production that causes darkness under the eyes, and caffeine to stimulate blood flow.

The Independent loves that the tube comes with a cooling metal applicator that adds to the soothing experience. The formula contains niacinamide, shea butter and caffeine and is a mid-weight cream that’s light enough to absorb without being heavy but thick enough to moisturize.

4. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream

The Estee Lauder night repair cream has a cult following, so it’s no surprise that the eye cream version of it is just as popular. The Strategist explains that skin does most of it’s healing while you sleep, so this cream is meant to give your skin the boost it needs. The ingredients help to replenish lost proteins in the skin that provide structural support in the skin.

The Cut loves that this product has a silky, gel-like texture that glides on and absorbs seamlessly. The formula works to fight environmental damage and fade dark circles with its patented FR Defense technology. This includes damage from blue light emitted by phone screens and other electronic devices.

This eye cream is not the most expensive on the market, but certainly isn’t a budget pick either. Time says that the technology and potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants make this worth the splurge for many, with its ability to brighten undereye circles and reduce puffiness and fine lines.

5. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème

Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright+ Eye Creme is an internet sensation, and for good reason. It doesn’t contain any actual banana, but it has been proven to help reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten dark circles. Allure loves pairing this product with the brand’s Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick for an all over facial glow.

Byrdie explains that the formula contains Vitamin C to brighten the skin, collagen to improve texture and elasticity, and one secret ingredient – gold, which helps to improve delivery of vitamin C to the skin. Users have seen results using this cream within four weeks, according to the brand’s trials.

The Banana Bright cream lands cost-wise as a a mid-tier pick. The Cut loves that it contains yellow pigment that cancels out the gray and purple tones of dark undereye circles and performs well under makeup like concealer when tested. It is also vegan and cruelty-free!

6. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable eye cream that does the job without any fancy ingredients or frills, CeraVe consistently produces products that are effective and budget-friendly. Cosmopolitan says that this eye cream contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides that have a smoothing and plumping effect on the undereye area.

The CeraVe cream focuses on repairing and restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier, as most fine lines and texture are caused by a lack of moisture. Time loves that besides the focus on hydration, the formula contains niacinamide that can help to brighten the skin and improve dark circles under the eyes. 

This formula is good for all skin types – The Independent found it to be lightweight and soothing, with no worries about causing irritation for those with sensitive skin. The cream can be applied easily under makeup and absorbs well, leaving skin with a “delicate layer of hydration.”

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

If you’re ok with a little bit of a splurge, the Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream is extremely effective for those looking to eliminate fine lines or wrinkles in the eye area. Vogue says this formula does “a little of everything” – providing moisture, protecting with antioxidants, and bolstering the skin’s microbiome with prebiotics.

Byrdie takes a deeper dive into the ingredients, explaining that Revsion’s eye cream contains Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline for added hydration, Amino Acid Copper Complex to brighten tired eyes, and prebiotics and peptides to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Clinical trials from the brand showed results within 12 weeks.

Reviewers at the NY Post loved both the feel of the product and the packaging, describing both as luxurious feeling. The stainless steel tip applicator helps with precise application, and the cream itself absorbs well, feels lightweight and leaves an almost luminous glow.

Sources:

• Allure
• Vogue
• Byrdie
• People
• Forbes
• Cosmopolitan
• NY Post
• Harper’s Bazaar
• The Independent
• The Cut
• Time
• The Strategist

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.