<p>Whether you use a luxe or <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g46182593/best-drugstore-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>drugstore</a> formula, what’s most important when considering one of the best eye creams for men are the ingredients included and <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a46265834/how-to-apply-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>how the cream itself is applied</a>, according to experts like board-certified dermatologist <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/dr.coreyhartman/channel/?hl=en” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Corey L. Hartman</a>. “It’s a sensitive area, so you want to choose products specifically designed for the eyes to ensure they’ve been tested for safety and efficacy,” he explains.<br></p><p>As with any other skincare product, consider your specific needs when choosing an eye cream. “Most men will benefit from an <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g28339109/retinol-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>eye cream with retinol</a> or <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g60803072/best-drugstore-vitamin-c-serum/” target=”_blank”>vitamin C</a>, as they help protect and encourage collagen production in that area,” <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/seangarrette/?hl=en” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Sean Garrette</a>, esthetician and Dior skincare expert and ambassador says. If it’s dryness or dullness you’re looking to minimize, experts suggest looking for creams containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. </p><p>Ahead, our experts shared the best eye creams for men that come highly recommended from beloved brands like <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g46445676/best-cerave-products-review/” target=”_blank”>CeraVe</a>, <a href=”https://www.dermstore.com/revision-skincare-d.e.j-eye-cream-0.5-oz./12902717.html” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Revision Skincare</a>, and more.</p><hr>”/>
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Best All-Around
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Pros
- Reduces puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Retinol in the formula may irritate sensitive skin
Here’s an eye cream go-to among editors, experts, and beauty lovers alike. It’s also one of Hartman’s favorites for reducing dark circles thanks to retinol, glycerin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5. “It delivers an immediate boost to the skin by adding moisture,” he says. “With continuous use, you should see improvement in fine lines and dark circles around the eye.”
Best for: fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, smoothing
Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m a 65-year-old man who has recently formed bags under both eyes. I bought and have been using your eye cream for about six weeks. There has been significant improvement. I use the cream twice a day and even though my skin is sensitive, I’ve had no irritation.” —Anonymous
Best for Brightening
SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Reviewers say that pilling is possible
Brauer recommends this brightening eye cream from SkinMedica that hydrates and de-puffs at the same time. “It features a powerful mix of ingredients, including marine extracts, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and more, to help the skin around the eyes look brighter and younger,” he says.
Best for: crow’s feet, fine lines, under-eye bags, dark circles
Key ingredients: marine extracts, hyaluronic acid, caffeine
One satisfied customer writes: “Purchased this product at the recommendation of my dermatologist (among other SkinMedica products). My primary problem was dark circles around my eyes that were not age-related. I have fair Mediterranean skin and the skin around my eyes is pretty thin- thus a dark eye look. This product has brightened up my eyes but also added a bit of plump. I highly recommend.” —Sarah
Best Luxe
Dior Prestige Le Micro-Serum de Rose Yeux Advanced Eye Serum
Pros
- Features a cooling applicator tip
Cons
- Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
This luxe eye serum from Dior is one of Garrette’s favorites to give the area a more lifted appearance. It uses a concentrated formula of 22 micro-nutrients from the Rose de Granville flower to help restore and smooth skin and boost radiance around the eye area. Plus, the ergonomic applicator makes it super easy to use.
Best for: dark circles, sagging skin
Key ingredients: rose de Granville
One satisfied customer writes: “Of course, the applicator is a pleasure to use and enhances the serum’s benefits, but the serum really does work on its own, as proven by the sample I used first. I have tried many eye serums over the years, and at 57 I am so glad to find one that truly works.” —Saray
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
- Smooths fine lines
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula is a heavier consistency than other eye creams
Another expert eye cream favorite, Brauer recommends this slow-release retinol version from First Aid Beauty that targets fine lines without irritating your skin. It also contains hydrating ingredients like squalane and ceramides to soothe while strengthening the moisture barrier. “It’s both affordable and effective, so it’s a win-win in my book,” he notes.
Best for: dryness, fine lines
Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, squalane
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m on my second tube of this eye cream and absolutely love it! It goes on smoothly with just a small amount and it helps with a bunch of issues like puffiness and fine lines.” —jjmr
Best with Vitamin C
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory formula
Cons
- Reviewers say that it may feel heavier than expected
Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat, formulated this eye cream with 5% vitamin C to effectively brighten dark circles. It also contains other hardworking ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and licorice extract, to quickly brighten under-eyes.
“This eye cream has a velvet-smooth texture that feels decadent when applied,” adds Ian Crumm, celebrity esthetician and co-host of BeautyCurious Podcast. “I love the light peach color that softly helps cover dark circles, while the vitamin C in the formula works to overall brighten the appearance of the under-eye skin.”
Best for: dark circles, dull skin
One satisfied customer writes: “I have never used a vitamin C that worked this great! I’m about out and can totally see a difference in my skin tone, it’s brighter and more glowy. Will definitely be grabbing more!” —Brandy
Best Budget-Friendly
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Great for puffiness
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula won’t completely brighten dark circles
CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream a solid choice for anyone looking for a streamlined formula at a wallet-friendly price, according to our experts. It contains plumping hyaluronic acid, hydrating ceramides, and niacinamide to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
Best for: dry skin, dark circles, under-eye bags, puffiness
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
One satisfied customer writes: “I had a full breakdown the night before, you know the kind – you wake up, eyes are swollen and red with dark circles from endless crying and barely any sleep. I had to be at work within the hour so I figured I’d use some eye cream. Within five minutes, the swelling/puffiness was gone. My eyes looked totally normal. Not a hint that I’d been an overwhelmed mess 10 hours ago. This stuff was a godsend. 10/10.” —Cait
Best for Deep Wrinkles
Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
Pros
- Features a cooling applicator tip
- Clinically-proven to improve skin’s natural moisture barrier
Cons
- Pricier than other eye creams
Hartman personally uses this eye cream as it tackles many different skin concerns at once. “It targets drooping eyelids, crepiness around the eyes as well as crow’s feet and other wrinkles,” he says. “My skin looks smoother and firmer after use.” Its goji fruit extract, peptide, and amino acid copper complex also nicely works for the entire eye area.
Best for: crepey skin, crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles
Key ingredients: goji fruit extract, peptides, amino acid copper complex
One satisfied customer writes: “The only eye cream I have ever found to effectively improve small lines under my eyes. I naturally have dry skin, especially under my eyes. This cream not only locks in moisture all day, it also prevents cracking of my makeup.” —Linda
Best with Gel Formula
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cooling applicator quickly diminishes puffiness
Cons
- Some reviewers say its gel formula can feel sticky when dry
This lightweight under-eye gel contains antioxidants like grape seed extract to protect the skin from environmental aggressors while keeping it hydrated. Crumm loves its cooling applicator tip in particular, which he says creates a pleasant and fun experience when it’s applied.
Best for: fine lines and puffiness
Key ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m not a huge believer in eye creams because most have the same ingredients your moisturizer should have. However, I bought this eye gel because of the applicator and thought it might be cool to try. I’m obsessed. The applicator is metal and it feels SO cold on my eyes so when I put it on it de-puffs and feels so good.” —Anonymous
Best For Fine Lines
Skinbetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
Cons
- Can only be used at night
Brauer says this eye cream also works wonders in smoothing fine lines and crepey skin around the eye area. And thanks to its combination of retinoids, AHAs, and antioxidants, the popular cream keeps under-eyes feeling hydrated and looking bright.
Best for: fine lines, dryness, crepiness, puffiness
Key ingredients: jasmine flower extract, mushroom extract,
One satisfied customer writes: “I have only started using this eye cream for a few weeks and I have noticed a huge improvement in my under-eyes! I struggle with dark circles, and this product is amazing for that! Definitely worth the price.” —Leah L.
Best Retinol Alternative
Orvos Satin Eye Gel Cream
Pros
- Great for de-puffing
Cons
- Reviewers say that it can sometimes leave residue when applied on
Looking for all the benefits you get from retinol without having to deal with such a strong ingredient? Opt for the Orvos Satin Eye Gel Cream, one of Hartman’s top picks. Its key ingredient is plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol, which targets dullness, uneven texture, and fine lines without irritation.
Best for: sensitive skin, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, dark circles
Key ingredients: bakuchiol, green tea extract, coffee arabica seed extract, kakadu plum extract, fig extract
One satisfied customer writes: “I am in love with this eye cream! It’s super lightweight and wears beautifully under makeup. I notice a difference in my dark circles and overall radiance vs when I don’t use it. I also really enjoy the smell! Great product.” —Marcy
Best with Retinal
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Serum
Pros
- Helps lift the appearance of eye contours
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can only be used at night
Crumm recommends this “super-charged” eye cream for those looking to brighten their complexion and restore the eye area. It uses retinal to turnover skin cells, which is available in three strengths depending on your needs: three (0.03% retinal), six (0.06% retinal), and 10 (0.1% retinal).
Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin
Key ingredients: retinal, shea butter, sunflower seed oil
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this eye cream—it’s soft and glides over the eye area. I have certainly noticed an improvement in fine fines around my eyes over the weeks I have been using it.” —Victoria
Best for Oily Skin
Jordan Samuel Skin The Performance Eye Gel
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula can sometimes feel sticky
Crumm recommends this soothing eye gel for those with oily skin or anyone who prefers using products with a lightweight consistency. Its hydrating glycerin and nourishing green tea extract quickly absorb to help soothe irritation while treating sun damage.
Best for: oily skin, dry skin
Key ingredients: caffeine, camellia sinensis leaf extract, glycerin
One satisfied customer writes: “The soothing (performance) eye gel is fantastic at keeping my under eyes hydrated all day without feeling heavy. And it’s great value as the bottle lasts such a long time.” —Margaret
Best with Lactic Acid
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm and Bright Eye Treatment
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Serum-like texture makes application easy
Cons
- May not be ideal for sensitive skin
Dr. Dennis Gross harnesses the brightening powers of both vitamin C and lactic acid to help diminish dark under-eye circles. The effective treatment is also very potent, so if you’re prone to sensitivity, we suggest spot testing first to see how the skin around your eyes reacts.
Best for: fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness
Key ingredients: 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, lactic acid, tiger grass
One satisfied customer writes: “This is the best eye serum I have used so far. I had dark circles, and my under eyes were sunken, and this serum quickly got rid of both where I had inconsistent results with other products.” —Superbelle11
Best for Deep Dark Circles
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum
Pros
- Works quickly
- Great for hydration
Cons
- Too strong for sensitive skin
- Pricey for the size
As the name suggests, this option is equally as potent as the last, but a powerhouse for eyes that need deep smoothing of fine lines and dark circle reduction. The formula uses 10% vitamin C so reviewers note that it works pretty fast. There’s also a tri-peptide complex that targets both brown and blue discoloration for maximum clearing.
Best for: fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness
Key ingredients: tri-peptides, vitamin C, fragmented hyaluronic acid
One satisfied customer writes: “Just buy it. My dark circles have lightened up drastically. I use it day/night and it works magically. You need this!” —dcocoa
Best Wrinkle-Reducing
Shiseido Men Total Revitalizer Eye Cream
Pros
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some reviewers say its formula is too thick
Shiseido uses a rice bran oil complex to boost cellular turnover beneath the skin. With consistent use, expect smoother, brighter, and more nourished-looking under-eyes. Plus, its formula aims to keep the area hydrated for up to 48 hours.
Best for: fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness
Key ingredients: rice bran oil complex, xylitol, nicotinamide, cornflower extract
One satisfied customer writes: “Seems to work well. Very small tube but you only need a tiny bit as it spreads very easily.” —Chef Dylan
Meet the experts
- Jeremy Brauer, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York City.
- Sean Garrette is a licensed esthetician and Dior skincare expert and ambassador.
- Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.
- Corey L. Hartman, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and member of the Skin of Color Society board of directors.
- Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity esthetician, and co-host of the BeautyCurious Podcast.
Is there a difference between men’s skin and women’s skin?
Hartman explains that men’s skin is typically thicker and oilier than women’s skin. Crumm adds that women usually have lower collagen density, which makes them more prone to fine lines.
What should you consider when looking for an eye cream?
Skin Concerns
Brauer suggests that men look for eye creams that help add moisture and contain less oil since many have more naturally oily skin. He also recommends looking for eye creams that address specific concerns like combating dark circles or puffiness and says to consider what will work best with their skin type.
Ingredients
Experts also note that key ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids with independent clinical testing are most beneficial. And if you’re sensitive, Robinson recommends opting for a fragrance-free and/or ophthalmologist-tested formula that ensures it’s safe for the eye area.
Can men use the same eye creams as women?
Yes, men can use the same eye creams as women, but picking the right product for you is all about finding a formula that best suits your needs. “Honestly, men and women can typically benefit from the same types of products,” Garrette adds. “In general, you should look for an eye cream that caters to your individual skin concerns rather than your gender.”
Robinson agrees and recommends looking for eye creams that have been tested and have above testing validation to treat the concerns that you’re hoping to treat.
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Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.
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