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Are you tired of having puffy, swollen eyes when you wake up? Or have you had enough of your under-eye wrinkles? Maybe you don’t have wrinkles yet but still want to take preventative care of your skin now so you will remain wrinkle-free in the future. No matter what your situation, It is always smart to use an eye cream to keep the delicate skin around your eyes soft and supple. Because the skin underneath your eyes is extremely thin and fragile, it is very susceptible to wrinkles and dryness. The best way to care for and protect this delicate skin is with an eye cream.
Furthermore, it is important to use a high-quality eye cream in order to reap the most benefits. Some eye creams are made using poor ingredients that may even irritate your skin. Or, they may be formulated with cheap ingredients that don’t work. For these reasons, you should be sure to only use good quality eye creams with safe, effective ingredients in order to really see results. We’ve compiled a list of the top eye creams of 2024 so you can have smooth, healthy under eyes.
Comparing the Top Eye Creams of 2024 in Detail
CeraVe Cream — Best Overall
Key Features
- This product is ophthalmologist tested as safe to use on the skin underneath and around the eye
- This formula can be used both day and night
- It has a light-weight texture that absorbs into your skin easily
- This product is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic; it will not clog pores
- It is developed by dermatologists and is clinically tested as safe for use
The active ingredients in this product are ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Each of these ingredients helps to restore and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier to soothe and hydrate the skin. This product is great for reducing the look of dark circles and wrinkles.
Pros
- This formula does not cause skin irritation
- It can be used on all skin types
- This product easily absorbs into the skin for quick application
Cons
- It may be too pricey
Hanalei Cream — Best for Puffiness
Key Features
- This product is made in the USA with Hawaiian botanicalsÂ
- Minimizes wrinkles and reduces puffiness around the eyesÂ
- Suitable for sensitive skin and other skin typesÂ
- Concentrated formula with Aloha Nui ComplexÂ
- Cruelty-free and suitable for vegans
The key ingredient in this Hawaiian eye cream from Hanalei is the Aloha Nui Complex. This is a proprietary blend of powerful peptides and coffee extracts from nutrient-dense volcanic soil, able to fight back against the signs of aging like wrinkles and make puffy patches fade away. Totally vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, this product features top-quality ingredients throughout and may just become an integral part of your skincare routine.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Made with quality ingredients
- Powerful peptide complex for stronger skin
Cons
- Quite an expensive eye cream
LilyAna Cream — Best Natural Option
Key Features
- Made from all-natural vegan ingredients
- Artificial-color- and fragrance-free, free of gluten, parabens, and petrolatum
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms the skin, and locks in moisture
- Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin
- Lifts, tones, and reinvigorate any skin type
The top-rated LilyAna Eye Cream is formulated with natural ingredients such as rosehip seed oil, hibiscus flower, and rosemary leaf extract. It provides around-the-clock anti-aging and moisturizing protection for the delicate skin around your eyes. This eye cream is great for reducing crow’s feet, sagging skin, dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, and dryness.
Pros
- Will not irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin
- Minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.
Cons
- Some people may find its fragrance unpleasant
RoC Cream — Best with Retinol
Key Features
- Anti-aging formula to reduce wrinkles, dark circles, and fine lines
- Clinically tested as safe to use on the sensitive thin skin around your eyes
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic
- Contains the highest concentration of retinol you can get without a prescription
The active ingredient in the RoC eye cream is retinol, which is specially formulated to tackle puffy eyes. It smooths lines and reduces any swelling or puffiness around the eyes. It is suitable for all skin types. However, because retinol is a powerful ingredient and may cause dryness with overuse, this product should be used sparingly.
Pros
- May see results in as little as four weeks
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness by 50%
Cons
- The active ingredient is retinol, which may irritate sensitive skin
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cream — Best for Wrinkles
Key Features
- Can be worn under makeup to protect the skin from harsh products
- Water-gel formula absorbs and penetrates deeply; attracting and locking in moisture for smoother skin
- This formula is non-comedogenic; it will not clog the pores of your skin.
- Gentle enough to be applied twice daily
- It is fragrance- and dye-free.
The active ingredient in this gel moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, which is extremely effective at moisturizing the skin. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost eye cream is suitable for dry skin types as it provides intense moisture. This moisturizing eye cream contains a natural hydrator that helps to tackle fine lines and smooths wrinkles around the sensitive areas of the eyes.
Pros
- It is non-greasy, leaving the skin soft to the touch
- It is suitable for all skin types
- This formula nourishes and moisturizes the skin
Cons
- Some may not like the gel consistency
Cetaphil Cream — Best for Everyday Use
Key Features
- Contains brightening agents that clears up and smooths the dark under-eye area
- Will not cause irritation for people with reactive skin
- The hyaluronic acid provides immediate and intense hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours
- Lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and is oil-free
- Suitable for all skin types and has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested to be non-irritating and safe to use
The active ingredient in this formula is hyaluronic acid. It provides natural hydration that gives a plump and smooth finish to your skin. This product is in gel form and safe for use by all skin types.
Pros
- Does not leave skin feeling greasy
- Provides hydration for up to 24 hours
- Gel texture is soothing and cool to the touch
Cons
- It may be too pricey
Finding the Perfect Eye Cream: A Buying Guide
Let's face it; you need the best eye cream in your skin routine. Why? The skin around your eyes is very delicate and quite different from the skin on the rest of your face. Hence, this particular area of your face requires special skincare.
The sensitive nature of the skin around your eyes makes it extra prone to irritation from pollution, the sun’s rays, and chemical irritants in makeup and moisturizers. You need an eye cream specially formulated with anti-aging and hydrating properties to help combat these unwanted skin problems. Aside from reducing signs of skin aging, a good cream for the eyes helps to brighten discoloration, reduces under-eye puffiness, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
For help choosing the right products for your skin, we have prepared this buying guide so that you can be confident you are purchasing a safe, high-quality, and effective eye cream.
Why Do I Need an Eye Cream?
The skin around your eye has small muscles and is considerably thinner than other parts of your body. It is very sensitive and prone to several issues such as fine lines, crow’s feet, puffiness, wrinkles, and discoloration. Using an eye cream can both diminish and prevent the following effects:
Dark circles
Dark circles are instances of discoloration around the eye area and can be caused by many different things, including sun exposure, hyperpigmentation, heredity, stress, or smoking. If you are prone to dark circles, then you know how frustrating it is to look in the mirror and see your dark circles staring back at you, making you look tired and worn-out.
You need an eye cream to brighten these dark circles. When buying an eye cream, look for products that contain brightening agents like licorice, kojic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These ingredients will brighten dark areas in no time.
Puffiness
Under-eye puffiness is mainly caused by a buildup of fluid underneath the thin under-eye tissue. You may notice your under-eye area is especially puffy when you wake up in the morning from a very deep sleep.
Puffiness can be triggered by many factors, including sleep deprivation, diet, alcohol, or old age. Puffy under eyes can also be a result of health-related problems such as allergies or sinus issues.
If you have puffy eyes, then you need an eye cream to help combat the swelling. Look out for eye products that contain ingredients like cucumber or caffeine. These ingredients have been known to reduce swelling.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Our constant muscle actions such as frowning, smiling, winking, and blinking can easily cause the thin skin underneath the eye to wrinkle. This is why the under-eye area is usually one of the first to show signs of aging.
If you have fine lines or wrinkles, look for an eye cream with collagen-building ingredients such as retinol. This active ingredient helps to boost thinning and aging skin and smooth fine lines.
What Should I Look Out for When Choosing the Top Eye Cream?
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps in drawing in water which helps to plump and hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours. Under-eye problems such as wrinkles and fine lines are caused by skin dryness, which is easily combated with hyaluronic acid.
If lack of hydration is the culprit behind your skin problems, then you may want to consider getting an eye repair cream that contains hyaluronic acid.
Retinol
Retinol is an essential ingredient in skincare products because it stimulates collagen production and reduces the sign of aging.
The skin underneath and around the eyes is very sensitive, and retinol is harsh on the skin when too much is applied. So we recommend that you buy eye repair creams or gels that have a low concentration of retinol.
Antioxidants
The rays from the sun and other environmental pollutants may stress your skin and increase the chances of getting fine lines and wrinkles.
When buying the best eye repair cream, look out for antioxidants such as Vitamins C, E, and K, berry extracts, and botanical extracts. These natural ingredients are some of the best for keeping skin looking healthy and youthful.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects you from the rays of the sun and brightens dark circles on your skin. Vitamin E soothes and moisturizes the skin, while Vitamin K improves the circulation of blood, and reduces swelling and dark circles in the process.
Ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide
Ceramides are active agents that improve the strength and moisture of the skin. They are suitable for thinning skin that is prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet.
Peptides are compounds that support collagen production in the skin. They are suitable for sensitive, dry and thinning skin.
Niacinamides are antioxidants that help to reduce excess sebum in the skin. They also have a hydrating and brightening effect, leaving your skin looking plump and well moisturized.
What Is the Best Way To Apply Eye Cream?
When applying your eye cream, put a small amount onto your finger and gently tab underneath your eye, and on the skin along the sides of your eye as well.
An eye cream can also be applied underneath your eyebrow, but be careful not to apply it on your upper eyelids (unless the product specifically says that you can).
