In the world of skincare, there tends to be two camps: those who believe in eye creams, and those who don't. But according to Sara Perkins, dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers, using an eye cream can be beneficial—especially for signs of aging.
Related article: The Best Under-Eye Concealers of All Time
"A separate eye cream isn’t an absolute necessity for everyone, but if you have specific concerns—dryness, wrinkles, puffiness, pigmentation—a well-formulated eye cream can help," says Perkins. "However, not all eye creams are the same, nor do they all contain ingredients with proven efficacy." Perkins name-checks retinol as a key ingredient if you're looking to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, but there are products on the below list for those who can't tolerate the ingredient, too.
If you're firmly on Team Eye Cream (or you're thinking of joining), read on for 16 of the best eye creams for wrinkles, from trusted brands like U Beauty, Olay, and Dieux. Then, stick around for more eye cream wisdom from the derm.
Related article: BAZAAR Beauty Awards 2022: The Best Eye Creams That Target Fine Lines, Dark Circles and Puffiness
Photo: U Beauty
BEST NEW DROP
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
PROS
- Tech-forward formula
- Also fights discolouration
Featuring the brand’s proprietary SIREN capsule technology, diamond powder, and a wrinkle-fighting peptide, this luxe formula helps skin rebuild collagen as it minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Double yes.
What Our Beauty Director Says:
"I am not a big believer in eye creams, but this is the first one that ever delivered tangible results. I don't think I'll ever use another eye cream again—it's truly that good. You can believe me because I have a one year old who still doesn't sleep through the night—this cream hides it!" - Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR beauty director
Photo: Olay
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
PROS
- Fragrance-free formula
- Contains retinol
Olay is always one of our go-tos for effective, affordable products. For just $30, you get a retinol cream that reduces wrinkles over time and helps brighten thanks to niacinamide.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“This and the matching face cream are my first ever exposures to retinol. I am using it to prevent wrinkles and other issues in the future, so I can only speak for the formula. It is so light and velvety and gentle on my skin. I have been using it nightly for almost a month and I have experienced no irritation or sensitivity.” —rsb_95
Photo: Nordstrom
BEST SINGLE USE PACKAGING
Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream
NORDSTROMBLOOMINGDALE'SSAKS FIFTH AVENUE
PROS
- Great for travel
- Also targets dark circles
Noble Panacea’s eye cream targets wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness as it provides serious hydration, thanks to the brand’s patented OSMVTM technology. Plus, single-dose packaging ensures that the ingredients stay as active as possible.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“The best eye cream I have used! Instantly felt hydrated, and my eye area is more firm. Great for traveling!” —Sara
Photo: Sephora
BEST CLEAN FORMULA
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
PROS
- Hydrating formula
The brand’s signature squalane is part of what helps make this eye cream both hydrating and lightweight.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“I’ve tried $$ stuff and less expensive stuff and always come back to it. Try it. It’s a great value and you see results in days.” —becks4257
Photo: Nordstrom
BEST LUXE EYE CREAM FOR WRINKLES
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream
NORDSTROMWALMARTBLOOMINGDALE'S
PROS
- Jar lasts a long time
La Prairie's iconic Skin Caviar, formulated for the eye area. A little goes a long way with this one, so use the silver spatula that comes with it so it lasts as long as possible.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"The skin under and around my eyes feels softer and looks smoother. The under brow area looks lifted and firmer for several hours each day. This is a luxurious product that feels special, like a personal treat!" —Marl35
Photo: Dieux
BEST EYE GEL
Dieux Auracle
PROS
- Pairs well with reusable eye masks
- Refreshing gel texture
Fans of Dieux’s reusable eye masks have long awaited an eye product to use with them. Finally, they got their wish with Auracle, a gel made with algae complex, peptides, and glycerin that helps diminish the look of wrinkles and puffiness (and yes, works great with the masks).
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“I’ve used eye creams for 10 years now and I didn’t know what a good one was until I tried this and noticed a huuuge difference to any product I’ve ever used. My under-eye area immediately started looking more hydrated. I’ve been using it for 3 months now and I don’t wanna use anything else again.” —Betty
Photo: Kiehl's Since 1851
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream
PROS
- Can be applied under makeup
- Non-greasy formula
Niacinamide and collagen peptide are just two of the anti-aging powerhouses in this multi-tasking eye cream, which addresses everything from wrinkles to crepey skin texture.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“This is a very nice eye cream. I am pretty allergic to most creams but not to this one or others from Kiehl's. So far I feel this cream is working well and keeps hydrated and firmer the skin around my eyes.”
Photo: Amazon
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN
L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment
PROS
- Strengthens skin
- Affordable price point
Formulated specifically for those 55 and up, this rich cream is made with calcium to actually help thicken and smooth thinning skin.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“I love your 55+ face cream. I turn 69 in 4 weeks and my skin looks better now than it did in my 30s. I always make sure I have extra jars do I don’t run out.” —Judy
Photo: Eight Saints
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
Eight Saints All In Eye Cream
PROS
- Soothing ingredients
For those who prefer lightweight eye creams, don’t miss this Eight Saints option. Made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane, it maintains a cloud-like texture as it plumps up fine lines.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“Best eye cream I've ever used…A tiny dab goes so far, so a jar goes a long way, and it works magic! I'm 60, and it took 10 years off my eyes! It fades darkness, moisturises away fine lines, makes undereyes smooth, even, bright, it's amazing.” —Christine
Photo: Ulta
BEST WITH RETINOL
strivectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream
PROS
- Contains gentle retinol
To minimize potential irritation, this wrinkle-reducing treatment is made with both time-released retinol and rambutan, a retinol alternative.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“After continued use, I look like I've had Botox around my eye and get tons of compliments!” —Nadine
Photo: Sephora
BEST RETINOL ALTERNATIVE
Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème
PROS
- Also evens skin tone
A blend of bakuchiol, orchid stem cell, and peptides help firm skin and reduce the appearance of lines in this retinol alternative eye cream.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“I LOVE this product!! I can totally tell a difference in the firmness of my under eye. Works so much better then other creams I’ve tried. Also love the applicator! Not having to dig my long nails into a pot is always a plus!” —AMMJ88
Photo: Sephora
BEST OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
Tula Skincare Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream
PROS
- Contains retinol alternative
- Deeply hydrating
Dry skin? Not with this super-rich eye cream, which contains bakuchiol and peptides to firm skin, as well as soothing chamomile and green algae.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“My eczema has literally been attacking my face recently, more especially my under eyes. It was so bad that it started making my concealer look like it was creasing when it doesn’t. This helped heal my dry skin instantly!” —shalmaxo
Photo: Ulta
BEST EYE SERUM
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
PROS
- Contains retinol
- Potent formula
If your skin can tolerate retinol, consider Murad’s popular eye serum, which can be used 360 degrees around the eye, including eyelids.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“I have been using this product for a few weeks and I am amazed at the results. My eyes look brighter and firmer already. The product is light and you only need a tiny bit to do the job. For reference, I am in my late 30s with combination skin.” —McSki
Photo: Thirteen Lune
BEST FOR FIRMING
Relevant Skin Beam + Glow Eye Serum
PROS
- Convenient applicator
The secret to this creamy serum is Inst’Tight Technology, a natural ingredient blend that helps firm up the skin, along with puffiness-targeting coffee seed oil.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I guess at (almost) 37, now's the time to start to be concerned about wrinkles starting and my face looking my age. This serum leaves the skin around my eyes feeling soft and rejuvenated. I put it on in the morning and leave it alone for like 30 minutes, then continue with my normal skincare." —dlloughlin
Photo: Ulta
BEST BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM FOR WRINKLES
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
PROS
- Also brightens under-eye area
CONS
Though it contains a slew of wrinkle-reducing ingredients—bakuchiol, rosehip oil, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich extracts—this eye cream is remarkably gentle.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I bought this as I was starting to develop deep wrinkles around my eyes and almost immediately I noticed that the skin around the eyes were firm. I am now on week three and I must say I look noticeably younger!" —Jooyeon
Photo: Ulta
BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
PROS
- Works quickly
Three types of algae, aqua peptide, and squalane contribute to this cream's effectiveness, which shows results in as little as one week.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
"I have been using this eye cream for decades—for as long as I can remember. I am 58 years old, and people tell me I look twenty years younger than I am. Honestly, this eye cream is a big part of the reason that my eyes look and feel great at my age." —wendycali
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Should You Look For In An Eye Cream For Wrinkles?
The first one is retinol. "Retinol or retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are vitamin A derivatives that promote skin cell turnover and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," explains Perkins. "Their efficacy is well-supported by decades of research; however, skin irritation is a common issue. Dedicated eye creams will often contain a lower percentage of this ingredient to minimize irritation or combine it with other ingredients to soothe or hydrate the skin."
Another common ingredient is vitamin C. "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to inhibit the damaging effects of UV radiation by neutralizing free radicals and is also thought to be involved in processes that stabilize and synthesize collagen," says the derm. "In addition to helping with fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C can also help with pigmentation and brightening, making it a popular ingredient in eye creams."
You'll also often see a popular hydrator, hyaluronic acid. "Finally, hyaluronic acid is a commonly used ingredient which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines," says Perkins.
Why Should You Use A Targeted Eye Cream Instead Of A Regular Moisturiser?
As Perkins said earlier on, many people can and do use moisturiser. However, "Eyelid skin is more delicate and susceptible to external injury, dryness and earlier signs of aging." Also, eye creams tested for use around the eyes, whereas most moisturisers are not. "Creams designed for use on the rest of the face may be too irritating for eyelid use."
In addition, the skin around our eyes is different than say, our cheeks or your chins. "Many eye creams are formulated to address eyelid-specific concerns, like dark circles and puffiness," Perkins says, though she adds, "Their benefits may be temporary, and the efficacy is less well studied."
Meet the Expert
Dr. Sara Perkins is a dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.