A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (2024)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (1)

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Developing smile lines around the eyes is a normal part of aging. I spoke to a few dermatologists and learned that the thin skin around the eyes is prone to stretching and sagging over the years. I also found out that age doesn't matter—genetics, sleeping habits, diet, and allergies may also contribute to puffiness and dark circles. That's why I did some research to find the best eye creams for wrinkles (which you can use in tandem with anti-aging serums by the way).

“Using eye cream can help with puffiness, dryness, dark circles, fine lines, and preventing wrinkles or minimizing the appearance of them by helping repair the skin around this area,” Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, tells me.

Meet the experts: Tara Rao, M.D., dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital; Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine; and Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist.

When talking to a few experts in the industry, I learned that there are a few key ingredients to look for on a product label. Keep an eye out for hydrating hyaluronic acid, collagen-stimulating retinol, and protective antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid. Peptides (like those found in the best peptide serums) also help diminish the look of wrinkles, and SPF is an added bonus in any skincare product (though only a few eye creams boast this ingredient).

1

Best Overall Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (8)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (9)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (10)Retinol helps fade the look of deep wrinkles
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (11)Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (12)Lightweight formula
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (13)May not be ideal for sensitive skin

This serum “has retinol and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant,” Dr. Jaliman tells me. “It lightens dark circles and helps improve fine lines and wrinkles.” Plus, reviewers rave that the lightweight, non-greasy formula goes on “silky smooth” and leaves skin feeling “velvety soft.”

What an editor says: Our digital director, Allie Early, tested it out, noting that it’s “moisturizing and affordable for the amount of benefits it offers, and you only need to use a little bit of it each time.” However, she adds that the retinol product is not ideal for her sensitive skin.

Size1 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, hyaluronic acid
BenefitsSmoothes, moisturizes, firms
UsageMorning

2

Best Value Eye Cream for Wrinkles

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (14)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (15)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (16)MVE delivery technology
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (17)Accepted by the National Eczema Association
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (18)Affordable price
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (19)Thick consistency may be hard to spread

Amazon’s best-selling eye cream, this product from CeraVe offers serious results at an affordable price. It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin, niacinamide to soothe skin, and three essential ceramides to restore and maintain skin’s natural barrier. What’s more, it uses MVE delivery technology to continually release ingredients for long-lasting hydration.

It’s even accepted by the National Eczema Association. This means that it went through rigorous testing by a team of dermatologists, allergists, and eczema experts to review its ingredients for sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity.

What a reviewer says: “It works, ladies! If you are on a budget, try this. Even if you are not on a budget, try this.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsCeramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
BenefitsCalms skin, moisturizes, and reduces look of dark circles and puffiness
UsageMorning and night

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3

Best Splurge-Worthy Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (21)Reduces puffiness and smoothes fine lines
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (22)Moisturizing yet lightweight
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (23)Absorbs well into skin
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (24)Expensive

Taking the spot as the best overall eye cream, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, Lancôme’s Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream is a great option if you’re willing to splurge on a pricier product. Multiple GH Beauty Lab testers saw a noticeable difference after using the ultra-moisturizing and firming eye cream, which contains vitamins C and E, along with botanical extracts.

What a lab tester says: “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my under-eye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use.”

Size0.7 oz
Key IngredientsVitamins C and E, grand rose extracts, shea butter, Proxylane
BenefitsMoisturizes, firms, de-puffs
UsageMorning and night

4

Best Smoothing Eye Cream for Wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (25)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (26)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (27)Retinol helps diminish fine lines
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (28)Gentle on skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (29)Aluminum packaging preserves efficacy of ingredients
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (30)Less effective on dark circles and puffiness, per reviewers

Those who have excessive wrinkling around the eyes may want to consider a retinol cream. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital recommends this moisturizing option because it minimizes dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles without being too harsh on the delicate under-eye skin.

What a reviewer says: “If you are willing to apply this daily you will see results. I have just begun noticing some actual reduction in my fine lines and wrinkles. I really didn’t think over-the-counter retinal creams could work, but this cream has proven me wrong.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol
BenefitsSmoothes fine lines, reduces look of dark circles and puffiness
UsageMorning and night

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5

Best Thick Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (32)Ginseng extract helps brighten dark spots
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (33)Little product goes a long way
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (34)Can be used under makeup
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (35)Spendy

According to the brand, over 90% of 110 women in a consumer test saw smoother eyes, reduced wrinkles, and reduced puffiness after using the Shiseido Benefiance cream for a week.

It's a rich, thick cream that users say still absorbs quickly and can be worn easily under makeup. Standout ingredients include peptides to support collagen growth, squalane for hydration, and ginseng extract to visibly brighten the darkness around your eyes.

What a reviewer says: “I have oily skin but live in a dry climate, and this eye cream does a great job at moisturizer and softening my fine lines. My concealer and powder looks very good too.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsPeptides, squalane, ginseng extract
BenefitsSmooths, reduces appearance of puffiness and fine lines
UsageMorning and night

6

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles Without Retinol

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (36)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (37)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (38)Plumps and smooths under eyes without retinol
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (39)Fragrance-free
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (40)Lightweight gel texture
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (41)May not provide the most drastic results

This hydrating eye cream is gentle enough for your under-eyes and contains hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize the skin. “It acts like a sponge to pull in hydration from the deep skin layers and even the air,” Dr. Zeichner tells me. It’s also a popular customer favorite, boasting over 13,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers.

What an editor says: “I love that this eye cream feels so refreshing and hydrating on my skin,” says Prevention’s associate commerce editor, Hannah Jeon. “It has a really nice gel-like consistency that goes on super lightweight and soaks into my skin immediately.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid
BenefitsMoisturizes, smoothes
UsageMorning and night

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7

Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (42)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (43)Gentle on the skin around the eyes
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (44)Includes caffeine to aid in de-puffing
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (45)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (46)Some users found the formula watery

This eye cream helps reduce the look of wrinkles and puffiness with a blend of retinol and caffeine. It remains gentle on the sensitive eye area, as it contains soothing thermal spring water and is fragrance-free.

The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab put it to the test and found it absorbs quickly into the skin. Testers also noted that it didn’t irritate their skin despite containing retinol, which sometimes causes redness and other reactions.

What a lab tester says: “The skin around my eyes looks better and feels firmer; my eyes look younger.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, caffeine
BenefitsDe-puffs, smoothes
UsageNight

8

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles for Sensitive Skin

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (47)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (48)Contains peptides
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (49)Smooths fine lines while remaining gentle on skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (50)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (51)Some users report product pilling

The retinol, niacinamide, and peptide blend in this drugstore eye cream make it a winner for dark circles, fine lines, and dull-looking skin without irritation. Just a dot of this rich formula delivers skin-smoothing radiance for a well-rested look. It also comes with a trial size Olay Regenerist Whip moisturizer as an added bonus!

What a reviewer says: “The product has a great consistency. It absorbs quickly and provides a lot of moisture and hydration to the eye area. My lines looked smoother after using it. The quality is equivalent to much pricier eye creams I have used in the past.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, niacinamide, vitamin E
BenefitsSmoothes, brightens, firms
UsageNight

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9

Best Firming Eye Cream for Wrinkles

fresh Black Tea Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (53)Prevents and treats multiple visible signs of aging
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (54)Rejuvinates tired-looking eyes
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (55)Powered by antioxidants
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (56)May be too heavy for daytime wear

This rich cream is a dream if you’re prone to dryness in your under-eye area. Your skin will drink up its antioxidants to combat fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. The heavy-duty formula feels ultra-nourishing and creamy on the skin, making this a great nighttime pick.

What a reviewer says: “This eye cream is a game changer! I’ve used some of the most expensive eye cream out there, and this blows them out of the water. You almost see a change the next day.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, black tea complex
BenefitsDe-puffs, smoothes, moistures
UsageMorning and night

10

Best Cooling Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Baebody Eye Gel

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (57)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (58)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (59)Airless pump dispenser
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (60)Cooling gel formula
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (61)Hydrating vitamin E, jojoba oil, and an amino acid blend
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (62)Some users report a sticky feeling if heavily applied

With over 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this eye gel is definitely worth adding to your skincare lineup. Designed for use morning and night, this eye gel helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. It has a lightweight texture that glides smoothly over the skin, and it includes vitamin E for moisture and elasticity. Plus, jojoba oil and an amino acid blend offer smooth hydration.

What a reviewer says: “Give it time and use it religiously—this thing really works. As a mother of four in her 30s, I’m always running on minimal to no sleep, don’t eat right, and am always on the go. This actually helped take away the dark circles I was spending so much money on expensive makeup to conceal.”

Size1.7 oz
Key IngredientsPeptides, vitamin E, jojoba oil
BenefitsHydrates, smoothes
UsageMorning and night

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11

Best AM and PM Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (64)For morning and night
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (65)Contains brightening vitamin C and lactic acid
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (66)Fast-absorbing
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (67)Pricey

This brightening eye cream includes three forms of vitamin C, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid (a brightening agent). The pump bottle dispenses a silky formula that’s fast absorbing, so you can apply it day or night and get on with the next step in your makeup or skincare routine right away.

What an editor says: “I rely on this eye cream to help me look more awake first thing in the morning,” says Prevention’s senior commerce editor, Christie Calucchia. “It instantly helps with dark circles and puffiness, and I love that the ingredients target wrinkles over time.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsVitamin C, lactic acid, tranexamic acid
BenefitsHydrates, brightens, firms
UsageMorning and night

12

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles with SPF

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (68)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (69)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (70)Available in four shades
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (71)Cooling applicator reduces puffiness
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (72)Offers SPF 35
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (73)Small amount of product

“I like multitasking products, and this is three things: It’s a concealer and a sunscreen, and it has anti-aging properties,” Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, previously told Prevention. “Eyes age quickly, so when it is used as a concealer, you’re getting ample SPF in that area.” (That’s why it earned a spot in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards!)

What a reviewer says “Why didn’t I know about this sooner,” wrote one customer. “Not only does it cover my dark circles, but it doesn’t crease and even minimizes the appearance of fine lines!”

Size0.23 oz
Key IngredientsTitanium dioxide, glycerin zinc oxide
BenefitsProtects against UV rays, smoothes, cools, brightens
UsageMorning

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13

Best Tightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (75)Calming Swertia flower extract
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (76)Effective retinol that’s still gentle on skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (77)Plumping hyaluronic acid
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (78)Pricey

Packed with retinol, Swertia flower extract, and hyaluronic acid, this is one of the best eye creams for wrinkles. It’s effective at tightening loose skin around the eyes and improving the appearance of under-eye bags, according to GH Beauty Lab testing.

What a lab tester says: “It really tightened my skin, smoothing it out.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, Swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid
BenefitsFirms, hydrates, smoothes
UsageNight

14

Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (79)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (80)Fragrance-free
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (81)Brightening optical effect
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (82)Leaves skin feeling tight
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (83)Expensive

Products from SkinCeuticals tend to be pricey, but they are effective, and this new release from the brand is no exception. An eye cream for dark circles and wrinkles, it delivers 24 hours of moisture while targeting elasticity, puffiness, tone, and wrinkles, according to the brand. It contains concentrated proxylane to address visible signs of aging, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and inclusive optical effects to disperse light and improve the look of dark circles.

What a reviewer says: “The crows feet at the corners of my eyes have diminished. In addition, my under eyes are less puffy, and the dark circles have lightened.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsProxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, Matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine
BenefitsFirms, brightens, soothes, minimizes look of dark circles, de-puffs
UsageMorning and night

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15

Best Overnight Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (84)

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (85)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (86)Time-released microencapsulated retinol
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (87)Caffeine targets puffiness
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (88)Has moisturizing ingredients
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (89)Need to gradually build up use

With 1.5% time-released microencapsulated retinol, this eye cream works to diminish the look of wrinkles and dark circles overnight. It also includes caffeine to target puffiness and shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E to moisturize the delicate skin near the eyes.

What an editor says: “I recently tested out a sample of this eye cream and found it offers immediate hydration and absorbs quickly into skin,” said Calucchia. “I like knowing that it’s working overnight to target wrinkles and puffiness.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, caffeine, shea butter, squalane, vitamin E
BenefitsDe-puffs, moisturizes, treats wrinkles
UsageNight

16

Best Lightweight Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (91)Gentle retinol formula
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (92)Hydrates and moisturizes
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (93)Contains vitamins C and E
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (94)Not suitable for daytime use

Glow Recipe is a cult favorite beauty brand. Among the greats is its Avocado Melt Retinol eye cream, a fluffy nutrient-rich eye cream made with potent ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. The formula works to reduce the appearance of dark circles while de-puffing the eye area.

What a reviewer says: “It’s super moisturizing but lightweight and very lightly scented. I have seen a visible improvement in my fine lines and circles in just two weeks!”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsRetinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamins C and E
BenefitsSmoothing, moisturizing, de-puffing, brightening
UsageNight

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17

Most Luxurious Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (95)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (96)Fragrance-free
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (97)Contains moisturizing ingredients
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (98)Works without retinol
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (99)Expensive

This velvety eye cream is luxuriously hydrating. Suitable for all skin types, its main benefits are moisturizing dry skin and taming puffiness around the eyes for an overall firmer look. The formula contains peony and honeysuckle extracts to boost elasticity, Okinawa red algae and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and Hadasei-3, a blend of superfoods, to give skin a radiant glow.

What a reviewer says: “I’ve tried many eye creams over the years, but this beats them all—hands down. Very light and velvety but extra moisturizing at the same time, [it] soaks in nicely and feels great all day or evening.”

Size0.5 oz
Key IngredientsSqualane, hyaluronic acid, Okinawa red algae, peony and honeysuckle extracts, Hadasei-3
BenefitsMoisturizes, tightens, smoothes wrinkles
UsageMorning and night

18

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles with Bakuchiol

Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (100)

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (101)Gentle on skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (102)Contains bakuchiol
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (103)Absorbs well
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (104)Users may not see a drastic difference right away

This brightening and tightening eye cream from Peach & Lily differentiates itself from other products with its retinoic complex containing 0.5% bakuchiol (a retinol alternative). Less likely to cause irritation than standard retinol, bakuchiol is naturally derived and plant-based, yet it still helps boost cell turnover to make room for new, healthy ones.

What a reviewer says: “Smooth, melts into my skin, and is gentle enough my eyes do not itch or get red. I have sensitive skin and I am always hesitant purchasing eye creams, but the Retinoic Eye Cream is magic!”

Size0.67 oz
Key IngredientsBamboo extract, niacindamide, peach extract, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, bakuchiol
BenefitsGently brightens, firms, smoothes, and hydrates
UsageNight

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19

Best Peptide Booster for Wrinkles

Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

Pros
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (106)Lightweight feel
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (107)Aimed to put bounce back into skin
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (108)Can be used all over the face and neck
Cons
  • A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (109)More of a serum than a cream

While not exactly a cream, this Paula's Choice pick feels more like a lightweight gel or serum.

Still, it features a vegan formula with a blend of pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and amino acids for firming. I like that you can use it beyond the eye area, including the forehead, cheeks, and neck.

What a reviewer says: “One of the best serums I ever used. Gives me glowy and bouncy skin I ever dreamed of. It really helps my skin elasticity!”

Size0.67 oz
Key IngredientsPeptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids
BenefitsIncreases elasticity and builds collagen
UsageMorning and night

How to choose the best eye creams for wrinkles

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (110)

What makes an eye cream anti-aging? Tara Rao, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Dr. Zeichner named a few key ingredients to look for regardless of your skin type or tone.

✔️ Hyaluronic acid: Found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid draws in water, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Many times, under-eye wrinkles are a result of dryness, Dr. Rao says, and hyaluronic acid is well-studied and shown to help reduce the signs of aging. (Check out these eye creams for dry skin if hydration is your main problem.)

✔️ Peptides: Copper peptides, polypeptides, and oligopeptides are thought to penetrate the skin and help build hyaluronic acid and collagen. These structural proteins hold cells and tissues together like glue, diminishing the look of wrinkles.

✔️ Retinol: This vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production and promotes cell turnover to help reduce the signs of aging. Because the skin under the eyes is so sensitive, the dermatologists we spoke to recommended products with relatively low concentrations of retinol.

✔️ SPF: “This one’s a no-brainer,” says Dr. Rao. Without proper protection, UV rays break down collagen and age your skin. (Unfortunately, SPF can be tough to find in eye creams, so supplement with your face sunscreen if necessary!)

✔️ Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and berry extracts help reduce oxidative stress due to UV rays or pollutants, explains Dr. Rao. Antioxidants also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (111)

Shannen Zitz

Assistant Editor

Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (112)

Shauna Beni

Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (113)

Shanon Maglente

Contributing Editor

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

A Definitive List of the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Puffiness, and Dark Circles (2024)
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