</p><p class=”body-text”>”A separate eye cream isn’t an absolute necessity for everyone, but if you have specific concerns—dryness, wrinkles, <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g4745/best-eye-patches-1114/” target=”_blank”>puffiness</a>, pigmentation—a well-formulated eye cream can help,” Perkins tells <em>Bazaar</em>. “However, not all eye creams are the same, nor do they all contain ingredients with proven efficacy.” The expert recommends <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g28339109/retinol-eye-cream/” target=”_blank”>retinol</a> as a key ingredient for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but there are equally as effective products on the list below with <a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g43661933/best-bakuchiol-serum/” target=”_blank”>retinol alternatives</a> for those who can’t tolerate the ingredient. <br><br>Whether you’re new to the world of eye creams or in search of a more targeted formula, read on for the best eye creams for wrinkles, from beloved and <em>Bazaar</em>-approved brands like <a href=”https://www.ulta.com/p/ultimate-solution-5-multitasking-eye-cream-pimprod2043800″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Peter Thomas Roth</a>, <a href=”https://ubeauty.com/products/the-return-eye-concentrate” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>U Beauty</a>, <a href=”https://www.dermstore.com/skinceuticals-a.g.e.-advanced-eye-cream-15ml/14919781.html” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>SkinCeuticals</a>, and more. Then, stick around for more of Perkins’s thoughts on top eye cream ingredients and the best application techniques.</p><p><a href=”https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g4745/best-eye-patches-1114/” target=”_blank”><strong>Related: The Best Under-Eye Patches to Minimize Puffiness, Dryness, and More</strong></a></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.
Most Versatile
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Eye Cream
Pros
- Results noticeable after four weeks
Cons
- Must be applied twice per day for best results
Following the success of Peter Thomas Roth’s multi-tasking face cream, this eye-specific version uses a combination of peptides, plus, niacinamide and exfoliating acids, to smooth the skin around the eyes while maintaining hydration.
What the Reviews Are Saying: “I love this eye cream. As a mom of a newborn this has been my saving grace! I use it daily now and it’s a must-have. It helps depuff my sleep deprived eyes while also giving my under eye a more firm look.” —Ariana
Best with Antioxidants
SK-II LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream
Pros
- Includes an applicator
Cons
- Must be applied twice per day for best results
In addition to ingredients like niacinamide and peptides, this eye cream from SK-II also features a propriety blend of antioxidants and amino acids to boost its line-smoothing power. And since the cream nicely comes with a spatula, you won’t have to worry about getting your fingers dirty.
What the Reviews Are Saying: “Amazing formula. Noticed a true difference in my eye area within days. Soft to the touch and felt great on skin.” — japayuki83
Best Value
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Pros
- Ceramides improves the skin barrier
- Great for puffiness
Cons
- Not ideal for dark circles
CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Eye Cream is made with sensitive skin in mind. Its fragrance-free formula is non-irritating and happens to also be packed with the brand’s signature trio of ceramides to help fortify skin.
What the Reviews Are Saying:
“This is a great eye cream. It’s kind of thick, like a balm. It is easily spreadable on the skin and absorbs like a dream. I kept squeezing the tube for more to apply to other areas of my face and neck. This is fragrance-free. It played well underneath a layer of sunscreen (no pilling or balling up and shedding).” —Abbey
Expert Favorite
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Pros
- Great for puffiness and dark circles
Cons
- Results visible after eight weeks of use
This expert favorite is beloved for good reason. The ingredient list is stacked with ingredients to tackle a range of eye concerns, but a concentrated flavonoid blend is a star that smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
What the Reviews Are Saying: “I have really bad crowfeet on my under eyes and nothing seemed to work. I tried this for 7 days every morning and night and for the first time in years I don’t need to cake on concealer!” —Sasha
Best for Firming
Relevant Skin Beam + Glow Eye Serum
Pros
- Convenient applicator
The secret to this creamy eye serum is “Inst’Tight technology”, a natural ingredient blend that helps firm up the skin. The skincare favorite also contains coffee seed oil to minimize puffiness.
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
Editors’ Favorite
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Pros
- Fights discoloration
Cons
- Cannot use on the eyelids
Featuring U Beauty’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
Best for All Skin Types
Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream
Pros
- Tackles multiple eye concerns at once
- Can be used on entire eye area
A combination of Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 complex, vitamin C, and niacinamide creates a trifecta in this eye cream from the brand to reduce crow’s feet while actively fighting future fine lines.
What the Reviews Are Saying: “I actually do not hesitate to purchase this very pricy potion. I have noticed a big difference in makeup application, less puffiness, greater hydration, smoothing of wrinkles, and absolutely no eye irritation. I actually use this cream on my eyelids as well.” — Jojosa
Best for Smoothing
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Pros
- Protects against environmental stressors
- Brightening
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Bazaar’s associate beauty editor, Katie Intner, loves the upgraded formula of Shiseido’s cult-favorite eye cream to rid dark circles and smooth fine lines. “The ginseng extract instantly wakes up my tired eyes and vitamin E gives a boost of hydration,” she says. “Plus, it wears perfectly under makeup so I can top with concealer without worrying about pilling.”
Most Eco-Friendly
Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream
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
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
Best Luxe Eye Cream for Wrinkles
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream
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
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
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.”
Best for Mature Skin
L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment
Now 10% Off
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
Best with Lightweight Formula
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, moisturizes away fine lines, makes undereyes smooth, even, bright, it’s amazing.” —Christine
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
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
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Pros
- Also brightens under-eye area
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
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Sara Perkins is a dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims and Hers. She is also an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Which 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.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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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