<p>When it comes to eyes, fine lines and <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/g723/anti-aging-skin-awards/” target=”_blank”>wrinkles</a> are the biggest concern for 85% of women, followed closely by lack of firmness, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g39786465/best-retinol-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>dark circles and undereye bags</a>, according to a <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab survey of over 1,000 readers. </p><p>Eye-area skin ages faster than the rest of the face, which can make you look up to 20 years older, Olay research found. Since the area around the eyes has the thinnest skin with the lowest elasticity and moisture, it’s important to invest in an eye cream tailored to address these stubborn issues.<br></p><p>Ahead, the GH Beauty Lab’s top-tested, dermatologist-recommended and editor-approved <strong>best eye creams on the market</strong> <strong>that really work</strong> for every concern, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond. </p><p class=”body-text”>”Eye creams differ from <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/reviews/g5014/best-face-moisturizer/” target=”_blank”>face creams</a> because they’re formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. It’s important to use one to <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35565149/skin-hydration-guide/” target=”_blank”>keep skin hydrated</a> and plump,” explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/author/12466/danusia-wnek/” target=”_blank”><strong>Danusia Wnek</strong></a>. “Plus, some also contain brighteners to mask undereye darkness and help you look more awake.” An effective eye treatment can help prevent and treat signs of aging around the eyes, including <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a41469079/crows-feet-treatment/” target=”_blank”>crow’s feet</a> lines, wrinkles, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/advice/a47990/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-under-eyes/” target=”_blank”>dark circles</a>, dryness, bags and puffiness.</p><p>The GH Beauty Lab tests thousands of <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g28135730/best-skincare-products/” target=”_blank”>skincare products</a> every year, including eye creams. Formulas are tested both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumers, who report their feedback on product ease of use and results. In the most recent eye cream test, <strong>Beauty Lab scientists collated more than 5,900 data points to find the winners</strong>. Some of the eye creams below have also earned the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a22148/about-good-housekeeping-seal/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Seal</a>, a money-back guarantee that they work as claimed. </p><p>Here, read all about how the GH Beauty Lab rigorously tests eye creams and deep dive into the results of the winners for anti-aging, sensitive and mature skin and more —<strong> </strong>including drugstore buys. </p>”/>
1
Best Overall Eye Cream
Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Highly moisturizing
- Measurably firms skin
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not as fast-absorbing
Lancôme’s luxe, vitamin-packed cream won the GH Beauty Lab’s latest anti-aging eye cream test, proving it’s worth the splurge for hydrating and firming.
The formula scored highest for increasing skin moisture in Lab Corneometer measures, by 41% over six hours, and boosted firmness by 29% over four weeks of use in Cutometer calculations. Testers rated it the best texture and it earned a perfect score for not irritating eyes, though it didn’t soak into skin quickly.
Several users said they could see a noticeable difference: “My bags are almost gone,” one said. “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my undereye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use,” another marveled.
| Size | 0.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E, botanical extracts |
| Primary benefits | Moisturizing, firming |
2
Best Value Eye Cream
Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream
Pros
- Effectively moisturizes and firms
- Good value
Cons
- Thicker formula doesn’t soak in as fast
A great drugstore buy packed with plant extracts, this Burt’s Bees formula is luxe-feeling and rich. GH Beauty Lab evaluations showed it improved skin’s moisturization by 21% and increased firmness by 18%. You may want to apply it overnight, since its thick texture takes some time to absorb into skin.
“It was soothing and left my eye area much more moisturized,” one tester said. Another reported, “My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness.”
| Size | 0.58 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, botanical extracts |
| Primary benefits | Hydrating, firming |
3
Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Immediately softens and plumps skin
- Glowy finish
Cons
- May not work as well under makeup
Smooth on this plush Biossance eye cream with moisturizing plant-based squalane and firming peptides to fortify delicate eye-area skin. The GH Beauty Award winner, which is made without fragrance, a common irritant, came out on top in Lab evaluations for hydrating immediately.
Testers also gave it a perfect score for its “wonderful” texture, however it takes time to absorb so may not work as well under makeup, one noted. Two commented on the “soft glow” and “dewy finish” it imparted. “It feels cushiony and my skin is plumped with hydration after applying it,” said Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid |
| Primary benefits | Softening, radiance-boosting |
4
Best Eye Cream with SPF
EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30
Pros
- Gentle mineral sun protection
- Tinted to color correct undereye area
Cons
- Pricey for the size
The dermatologist gold standard sunscreen brand EltaMD has now created an SPF just for the eye area. This formula is made with only mineral sunscreen active ingredients, which are gentle for the sensitive eye area, including zinc oxide, known for its soothing properties. It has a sheer tint that blends into skin, giving a “subtle blurring and skin tone-evening effect,” GH’s Beauty Director says.
| Size | 0.4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Zinc oxide sunscreen |
| Primary benefits | Sun protection, tone-evening |
7
Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines
Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
Pros
- Smooths fine lines
- Brightens and depuffs undereyes
Cons
- Can sting slightly
The powerful eye serum from Alastin includes actives like peptides and niacinamide, which are designed to support the production of new collagen in skin. GH’s Beauty Assistant loves it for treating lines and puffiness: “I can see a distinct improvement in the fine lines under my eyes since I started using this,” she said. “My undereyes also look brighter in photos and in person.” A drawback: It can sting a little when applied.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, peptides |
| Primary benefits | Smooths lines, reduces puffiness and dark circles |
8
Best Eye Cream for Tired Eyes
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
Pros
- Visibly smooths undereyes
- Delivers quick results
Cons
- Pricey
For days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes (or just for every day!), grab Dermalogica’s eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine. “I tap this under my eyes and even on my eyelids in the morning when my eyes look exhausted, puffy and droopy,” GH’s beauty director says. “Almost instantly, my eye area looks visibly smoother — I’ve tried many eye treatments and have never seen such noticeable results so quickly.” However, note that this pick is more expensive than some other options out there for a relatively small amount of product.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peptides, caffeine |
| Primary benefits | Depuffing, smoothing |
9
Best Eye Cream for Aging Skin
RoC Skincare Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Eye Cream
RoC excelled at tackling every eye-area issue in GH Beauty Lab anti-aging eye cream testing, increasing firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%, reducing wrinkles by 10%, brightening dark circles and depuffing — all with a price below the average treatment! Testers said the vitamins C and E formula had an appealing texture, but a few thought it was “heavy” and “greasy.”
“I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles and fine lines) were diminished,” one said. A second agreed: “This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles.”
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E |
| Primary benefits | Firms, hydrates, reduces wrinkles, brightens, depuffs |
10
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles
No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream
Pros
- Measurably reduces wrinkle size
- Effectively firms and hydrates skin
- Good value
Cons
- One tester developed irritation after use
Made with smoothing peptides, this No7 drugstore pick rose above the rest in the GH Beauty Lab testing at diminishing crow’s feet and creases. In digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer, the lotion minimized eye-area wrinkle size and severity by 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and 30% more hydrated.
Although it was overall well-tolerated, one tester did develop irritation after two days of use. “This visibly reduced the lines on and crepey texture of my skin,” a tester reported. “It noticeably decreased my fine lines,” another echoed.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E |
| Primary benefits | Reduces lines, firms, moisturizes |
11
Best Eye Cream for Dry Skin
Chanel Le Lift Crème Yeux
Pros
- Highly hydrating
- Gentle formula
- Great texture
Cons
- May tingle when applied
With this rich, luxurious Chanel eye treatment, you get what you pay for: A GH Beauty Lab test winner, the gentle formula with hyaluronic acid and peptides was one of the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluated. It increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours and earned near-perfect scores for its “smooth” texture and “light” scent.
“This is flat out amazing,” a tester raved. “I love the way it made the lines and wrinkles soften from around my eyes — my skin there feels baby smooth.” Another commented: “My eyes did appear brighter and younger.” This product is pricier than many other options, however, and note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peptides, hyaluronic acid |
| Primary benefits | Moisturizing, smoothing |
12
Best Eye Cream for Undereye Bags
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
Pros
- Firms skin and minimizes bags
- Reduces wrinkles
- Effectively hydrates
Cons
- Not as brightening
Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes. It raised skin’s firmness by 33%, more than all other products in the Lab’s test, and was the only product to show visual improvement in undereye bags. It also reduced wrinkles by 7% and improved moisture levels by 18%, although it didn’t have as strong brightening effects.
Users rated the formula best for its lightweight texture and nearly perfect for lack of irritation. “The best eye treatment I’ve ever used and really delivered dramatic and noticeable results,” a tester marveled. A second said: “It helped the bags under my eyes.”
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, amino acids |
| Primary benefits | Firming bags, hydrating, wrinkle smoothing |
13
Best Retinol Eye Cream
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Reduces lines
- Soaks in fast
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not as moisturizing or firming
In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from La Roche-Posay absorbed quickly and reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 5% with powerhouse anti-aging ingredient retinol. It didn’t perform as well at moisturizing and firming skin, though. While the active can sometimes cause redness or irritation, Lab testers didn’t report any issues.
“I didn’t really have much faith in eye creams until trying this one — very impressive,” and “this cream made my eyes appear well-rested and younger-looking,” two commented. Be sure to only use this cream at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid |
| Primary benefits | Line reduction, depuffing |
15
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Cream
Isdin K-Ox Eyes Cream
Pros
- Contains proven active ingredients
- Minimizes dark circles
Cons
- Pricey
Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients, this Isdin formula is a favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Despite its higher price, “I suggest this for my patients concerned with undereye circles, as it contains peptides to help build collagen, vitamin K to help with darkness and visible blood vessels, and antioxidants to help protect the delicate eye skin in a hydrating hyaluronic acid base,” she says.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peptides, vitamin K, hyaluronic acid |
| Primary benefits | Minimizes dark circles, smooths, hydrates |
How we test the best eye creams
When testing eye creams and treatments, GH Beauty Lab scientists recruit consumer testers across the country to help evaluate formulas across price points, from drugstore to luxury brands. Each tester tries a label-masked product as part of their daily skincare routine for four weeks, then provides feedback on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.
In the Lab, experts track changes in skin attributes like lines and wrinkles using the Visia Complexion Analyzer after four weeks of eye cream use. Skin firmness is assessed using the Cutometer, a device that measures skin’s elasticity. Hydration effects are also measured over six hours using a Corneometer machine, which gauges skin’s moisture content.
To determine the best eye creams, 163 testers completed the study, with 1,793 survey questions submitted. There were 2,334 Cutometer data points recorded and 3,000 Corneometer data points taken. Finally, all the data points are compiled and results are tallied to determine the the best eye creams you can buy.
What to look for when shopping for the best eye cream
It depends on the eye area issue you are aiming to address. To treat multiple eye area issues, look for a combination of ingredients targeted to your needs.
✔️ For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas that include peptides and retinol.
✔️ For puffiness, look for caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
✔️ For dark circles, “vitamin K can help,” says Dr. Robinson. You can also seek out niacinamide or vitamin C, which “help brighten dark pigmentation,” Wizemann adds.
✔️ For dryness, Dr. Mraz suggests looking for “hyaluronic acid [to help] Glycerin also has the effect of “temporarily plumping the skin,” Wiseman says.
Do eye creams really work?
yes, In testing at the GH Beauty Lab, we found that several eye creams offer measurable, noticeable results.“Eye creams have immediate and long-term effects,” says Wnek, “and years of research in our lab have shown that daily use of an anti-aging eye cream for four weeks can help hydrate, firm, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for more than six hours.”
“It’s not just the long-term use of these products that will provide benefits,” she explains. “Eye creams may also contain pigments that can instantly brighten or color-correct dark circles under the eyes, or cooling applicators that can temporarily reduce or soothe puffiness in the eyes.”
How to use eye cream?
✔️ Apply eye cream every morning and night GH Beauty Lab recommends applying the cream (with clean hands) to clean, dry skin to hydrate and treat it with problem-specific skincare ingredients. Wiseman suggests applying the cream before your facial moisturizer, which allows the cream to come into direct contact with your skin and get the most out of it. The one exception is if the product contains retinol and you’re sensitive to the ingredient, Unek says, switch the order. “That way it adds a bit of a base/buffer and helps it penetrate the skin a little slower.”
✔️ Please read the product instructions carefully Not all eye creams are meant for your eyelids, and reading the instructions can help you use the product correctly, Wnek points out.
✔️ Be kindPulling and tugging around the eye area when applying skin care products can lead to wrinkles and bags in the long run, explains Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist and associate professor of clinical dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. Instead, apply eye cream using gentle patting motions all over the shadow area, suggests Weisman.
✔️ Don’t Forget SPF…around the eyes. When people apply sunscreen, they forget to apply it to about 10 percent of their faces, especially the areas and surrounding eyelids (where an estimated 10 percent of skin cancers occur, in addition to causing skin aging), according to a study published in the journal Nature. ProSone Found: Wiseman recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your face every morning, including around your eyes. Look for mineral-based sunscreen actives, which tend to be gentler, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
April (she) Good housekeeping, prevention and Women’s DayShe oversees all beauty content at GH. She began her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007 and then self and Fitness magazine.
Catherine (she) Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day and Prevention, She works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-based beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media, before returning to Hearst in 2022 for an editorial internship. Harper’s Bazaar Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.
Danusia (she/her) is a Senior Chemist in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates hair care, skin care, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from St. John’s University and a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claims evaluation and efficacy testing.
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