As you age, you might start to track some (totally normal) changes in your skin—especially around your eyes, where your skin is thinner and more sensitive, as SELF has previously reported. “As skin ages, it starts to lose collagen, one of the main building blocks of skin. And as it loses collagen, the area around the eyes starts to sag or look hollow,” Amy Huang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Medical Office of Manhattan in New York, tells SELF.
You may also notice wrinkles, puffiness, or dark circles, Ife Rodney, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics in Fulton, Maryland, tells SELF. “With age, our skin also loses hydration, so you will notice dryness and a loss of elasticity,” she says.
An easy way to address these symptoms is by adding an eye cream into your skin care routine. When it comes to the best eye creams for mature skin, we’re aiming for products that’ll help your skin stay healthy by adding hydration and plumpness. We spoke with dermatologists and looked back at our Healthy Beauty Awards to find options that are packed with effective, expert-approved ingredients.
Our top picks
- Best for Improving Texture: Acure Resilience Eye Balm
- Best for Fine Lines: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream
- Best for Retinol Newbies: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides
- Best for Depuffing: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Hydrating Eye Serum
- Best for Sun Protection: EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Best Moisturizing: Cerave Eye Repair Cream
What to look for in an eye cream for mature skin
It’s easy to find skin care that promises miraculous-sounding antiaging results—what’s harder is finding something that actually works. To make shopping a little easier, we’re breaking down the most important factors to consider when searching for an eye cream for mature skin.
Ingredients
Naturally, skin care is only as good as its ingredients—here are some common ones you might find in eye creams.
- Hyaluronic acid is a go-to hydrating ingredient that works for most skin types. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water to make sure your skin stays moisturized and plump.
- Niacinamide is a do-it-all ingredient, but when it comes to your undereyes, it’s especially helpful for reducing inflammation and shrinking dark circles.
- Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier while smoothing and softening the skin.
- Glycerin is a humectant that absorbs water from the air to help your skin stay moisturized.
- A type of retinoid, retinol makes your skin cells turn over faster, which helps increase collagen to reduce fine lines and texture under your eyes. But it can cause flaking and irritation—so if your skin is dry or sensitive, you may want to try peptides instead.
- Often referred to as a retinoid alternative, peptides encourage the production of collagen and elastin (two of the major proteins that make up the skin) to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- If your goal is to brighten up your eye area, vitamin C can get the job done. It can also help smooth fine lines and offer some sun protection (although you’ll still need to layer SPF over your eye cream).
- Sipping an overpriced latte won’t make a difference on your undereyes (sad), but applying caffeine on the skin can constrict the blood vessels in the eye area to make dark circles less noticeable.
Packaging
Certain ingredients in skin care (like retinol and vitamin C) can degrade with exposure to light or air. To protect your investment, choose a product in an opaque tube or bottle, Dr. Rodney says. Also key: Storing your skin care in a cool, dark, dry place, which will keep the ingredients as fresh as possible, according to Dr. Huang.
Fragrance
As lovely as it is to put on a product that smells heavenly, it’s not the best move for your skin. Added fragrance in an eye cream can cause allergic reactions and irritation, especially for anyone with sensitive skin. If you see fragrance or perfumes listed in a product’s ingredients, it’s best to pass on it and opt for something fragrance-free instead.
Texture
Eye creams come in a variety of formulations, from thin gels to thick creams. You’ll likely want a lighter weight gel or serum texture if you tend to have oilier undereyes and often struggle with your eye makeup transferring throughout the day. These formulations won’t be as slick and will absorb into your skin, rather than sitting on top of it. If your undereyes tend to feel dry and your concealer gets cakey, a more hydrating cream formula might be better for you. It’ll help smooth and plump fine lines so makeup won’t sink in and provides lasting moisture.
How to apply eye cream on mature skin
You only need a pea-size amount of eye cream. Dr. Penzi suggests using your ring finger to gently dab it into the skin directly under your eye and out to the orbital bone. “Most eye creams can be used twice daily (morning and night), or once every 12 hours,” Dr. Rodney says. “Some products, like retinol-based creams, should be used once a day or every other day, depending on your skin's sensitivity.” Most products with retinol are also designed to be used only at night, so she recommends reading the manufacturer’s instructions before you dive in.
Not seeing results right away? Don’t give up just yet. “Consistency is key,” Dr. Penzi says. “It can take three to six months to see the full effects of the eye cream, so be sure to use daily, long-term.”
Do dermatologists recommend eye cream?
Yes! The experts we spoke to for this story say the ingredients in many eye creams can improve elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. Of course, not all eye creams will work for everyone, especially since the undereye area is so sensitive. If your eye cream causes burning or any kind of irritation, stop using it. You can find one that hydrates and offers antiaging benefits without any discomfort, though it might take some trial and error.
What’s a good affordable eye cream?
Several brands on this list, like Acure, L’Oréal, CeraVe, Cetaphil, and RoC, make great eye creams that won’t break the bank. Other drugstore brands like Neutrogena, Olay, Burt’s Bees, E.L.F., and Garnier offer affordable eye creams too.
Best for Improving Texture: Acure Resilence Eye Balm
Courtesy of brand
Pros
- Very moisturizing
- Improves elasticity
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- May be too thick for some
This 2024 Healthy Beauty Award–winning eye balm boosts skin’s elasticity by adding moisture with avocado oil and firms up the area with retinol, an ingredient Dr. Rodney recommends for minimizing wrinkles or puffiness. “As someone with incredibly dry skin, this works wonders for keeping my eye area moisturized, and the hydration lasts the entire day,” one SELF tester said. “It’s giving me a glow I never had before.”
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing shea butter and sunflower seed oil
Best for Fine Lines: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream
Skinstore
Pros
- Wears well under makeup
- Dermstore reviewers say it’s nongreasy
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Pricey
“Although on the pricier side, this is always a cult favorite,” Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Long Island, New York, tells SELF. “It improves the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet.” The cream uses a proprietary ingredient made from birch and beechwood trees, plus a peptide blend, to target wrinkles. It also has caffeine, which Penzi recommends for firming and depuffing the eye area.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Soothing glycyrrhetinic acid, hydrating glycerin
Best for Retinol Newbies: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides
Courtesy of brand
Pros
- More hygienic packaging
- Feels lightweight
- Less irritating than other retinol options
Cons
- On the pricier side
Retinol can be irritating on your skin, but this 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winner caused no issues for our tester. “The best thing, though, is that it’s not drying! I’ve tried a couple of other retinol eye creams over the past year or two but they made my undereye area red and flaky,” they said. It has a lightweight consistency, and the squeeze-tube packaging makes it easy to get the perfect pea-size amount every time without having to stick your fingers into a jar.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid, soothing allantoin, depuffing caffeine
Best for Depuffing: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Hydrating Eye Serum
Amazon
Pros
- Unique applicator
- Lightweight serum
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers say it feels sticky
This eye serum is like a cool drink of water for your skin. Dr. Penzi recommends it for depuffing and brightening, among other things: “Hyaluronic acid provides lasting hydration and caffeine helps to create a tightening, smoothing effect,” she says. Its applicator has three metal balls that feel satisfyingly cold against the skin and hold just enough of the serum to lightly cover your undereyes.
Product specs
Size: 0.67 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin, anti-inflammatory niacinamide
Best for Sun Protection: EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Courtesy of brand
Pros
- Feels lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- On the pricier side
A sunscreen specifically for the eye area? Never knew it existed. But it makes sense coming from EltaMD, which is known for its super-absorbent face SPFs. This 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winner blocks UV rays with zinc oxide and contains antioxidants from vitamin E and bisabolol that protect against skin-damaging free radicals.
One tester said: “The formula is lightweight (it reminds me of my liquid foundation), the tint gives me a little coverage during outdoor activities and exercise (I live in Colorado), and I’ve had no issues with it irritating my eyelids or running into my eyes after sweating.”
Product specs
Size: 0.4 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Smoothing peptides, Persian silk tree extracts (a source of antioxidants)
Best Moisturizing: Cerave Eye Repair Cream
Amazon
Pros
- Safe to use on eczema
- Fragrance-free
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Reviewers wish it helped dark circles more
Cerave’s Eye Repair Cream targets dark circles and puffy eyes, according to Dr. Rodney. It packs hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture, plus niacinamide to reduce inflammation. If you have sensitive skin or you aren’t ready to try retinol or other potentially irritating ingredients, this is a great option to start with. But don’t just take our word for it: “If you have dry eyes, this is THE holy grail. My undereyes have never been smoother and more hydrated,” one Ulta reviewer wrote.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: glycerin, soothing aloe vera leaf extract
Other great eye creams for mature skin
If none of the creams above speak to you (or you’ve tried them already), there are plenty of other options to consider. Find more SELF Healthy Beauty Award winners and bestselling drugstore eye creams below.
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum
Courtesy of brand
Pros
- Feels lightweight
- Ulta reviewers say it’s nongreasy and absorbs well
Cons
- Some reviewers have trouble with the pump
“While nothing is going to reverse the clock, this eye serum is the next best thing,” according to one 2024 Healthy Beauty Award tester. “My undereyes get extremely dry, and the presence of fine lines has done nothing but increase since I turned 30. This left my skin feeling plump and hydrated, and my fine lines greatly diminished.”
What’s the secret? It’s formulated with peptides that can minimize lines, as well as hydrating, soothing pantothenic acid and niacinamide.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Smoothing edelweiss and rice lees extracts
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream
Courtesy of Clinique
Clinique
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream
Pros
- Depuffs dark circles
- Smooths fine lines
- Sephora reviewers say it works well under makeup
Cons
- Pricey
This 2023 Healthy Beauty Award winner is the ultimate pick-me-up for puffy eyes with dark circles or fine lines. One tester said: “It has a rich feel when I apply it, and it absorbs quickly. Upon waking, the skin around my eyes feels a little tighter, brighter, and more awake than I feel inside.” It tackles texture with a proprietary peptide complex and makes sure skin stays hydrated with hyaluronic acid.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing glycerin, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid; soothing bisabolol
EltaMD Renew Eye Gel
Amazon
Pros
- Hygienic packaging
- Fragrance-free
- Thin texture
Cons
- Pricey
If the word “cream” is throwing you off because you prefer super lightweight gel products (oily skin crew, rise up), here’s an option that won’t feel goopy. “It helps minimize the appearance of undereye puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles,” Dr. Rodney says. You can thank hydrating ingredients like panthenol and hyaluronic acid, along with collagen-stimulating peptides, for those results.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Soothing niacinamide; watermelon, apple, and lentil extracts (antioxidants)
Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating & Tightening Eye Cream
Dermstore
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Nongreasy
- Smooths fine lines
Cons
- Very pricey
This cream works a double shift: “It acts as a great primer for makeup in the morning, and it’s not greasy or irritating for nighttime use,” Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, previously told SELF. Along with brightening vitamin C and depuffing caffeine, it contains proprietary growth factors and peptides that can boost collagen production. “Ultimately, this helps to thicken the skin around the eye and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” Dr. Shainhouse says.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Amazon
Pros
- Works well on dark circles, according to reviewers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike that the aluminum tube can dent and crease
RoC has definitely made a name for itself in the realm of affordable retinol products. Reviewers say this is one of the most effective drugstore options out there for dark circles and fine lines, especially if you use it consistently. “This is the best stuff ever, the results are out of this world!” one Amazon shopper wrote. Another reviewer noticed an improvement in the dark circles they’ve had since they were a teenager after only a few weeks of use.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol
La Roche Posay Redermic R Eye Cream
Amazon
Pros
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Some reviewers have issues with the cap
This La Roche Posay option is infused with vitamin C and caffeine to brighten skin and tackle dark spots. It also has retinol to encourage collagen growth and plump any fine lines. At the same time, glycerin and dimethicone (a silicone-based occlusive ingredient) seal in moisture, Dr. Rodney says.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating hyaluronic acid
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment
Amazon
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Cooling applicator
- Works quickly
Cons
- Not great for sensitive skin
Dr. Huang’s number one pick is this L’Oréal eye treatment, which has also gained a ton of praise from Amazon reviewers, who say it works almost instantly. “I have never seen an eye cream give such fast results as this one does. My undereyes are brighter and more hydrated within two weeks of using this day and night,” one wrote.
Its formula includes a killer combo of vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to improve skin texture and tone. Bonus: Its metal tip makes the application process feel like a spa treatment.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, glycerin, and niacinamide
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado Nourishing Eye Cream
Pros
- Works well with makeup
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Keeps skin looking and feeling dewy all day
Cons
- Some reviewers report that the product can separate and may take a while to absorb
The main players in this gentle formula include moisturizing avocado oil and depuffing caffeine, which can temporarily tone down the look of undereye bags.
“This eye treatment from Kiehl's feels luxurious and moisturizing when I put it on, but most importantly, it has made a real difference in how my under eye area looks and feels!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I went out the other day with NO concealer on at all, and I literally never do that. I have seen a marked improvement in puffiness and dark circles.”
Product specs
Size: 0.95 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating shea butter and jojoba oil
Lancome Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Eye Cream
ulta.com
Pros
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Depuffs
- Silky texture
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Packed with moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, and linseed extract, as well as depuffing caffeine, this luxe cream will leave your undereye skin soft, plump, and smooth. It’s “very hydrating, but not greasy, and gives a bit of a reflective finish to help with the dark circles and a perfect base for concealer,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “I used to get super dry undereyes and concealer would cake/set into fine lines. The cream completely solved that issue for me. Pricey but a container usually lasts me six-plus months using twice a day.”
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin, smoothing dimethicone
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
amazon.com
Pros
- Works well under makeup
- Firming and brightening
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can irritate sensitive skin
This eye cream contains squalane, a moisturizing ingredient that supports the skin barrier; antioxidant-rich pink marine algae, which can help fight free radicals that can cause premature skin aging and dullness; and paracress extract, which may help prevent wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.
The whipped texture melts into skin, for a luxurious treatment that should also reduce fine lines over time. “LOVE this! I just finished a $330 eye cream, and this Biossance is better than that,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “Instant firming, brightening and moisture.”
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin and panthenol
Dieux Auracle Peptide & Antioxidant Eye Gel
sephora.com
Pros
- Improves firmness for bouncier skin
- Brightens
- Nongreasy
Cons
- Needs time to dry down or it can clump under makeup, per one reviewer
This lightweight gel utilizes a blend of peptides to strengthen the skin barrier and fight fine lines, algae extract to brighten the undereye area and prevent damage from free radicals, and algae polysaccharides to help treat dark circles. “With consistent use, this product is the first to really help relieve how puffy and dark my undereye looks over time. And paired with the eye masks…chef’s kiss!” wrote one Sephora reviewer.
Product specs
Size: 0.68 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin and castor oil
Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème
sephora.com
Pros
- Brightening
- Fights free radicals
- Color corrects
Cons
- Has a fruity scent that some may not like
This eye cream is all about brightening. With light-reflecting mineral pigments, it helps color correct dark circles while hydrating and smoothing skin, making it an ideal base for concealer. It’s also packed with vitamin C to fight dullness, lighten dark circles, and smooth fine lines.
“This eye cream added so much moisture and brightness to my undereyes. I love that it quickly absorbs and works great with any makeup I put on top of it. Not cakey!” wrote one Sephora reviewer.
Product specs
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing jojoba oil and shea butter
Related:
- 13 Night Creams Derms Love for Aging Skin
- Summer Can Be Rough on My Sensitive Skin—These 7 Products Make It Easier
- The Best Hand Creams with SPF, According to Dermatologists
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