Next, we consulted dermatologists to get a list of must-have criteria for choosing an eye cream.
Notable Ingredients
The best eye cream for you will depend on its ingredients and whether they suit your specific goals. We asked dermatologists what ingredients are most effective for common under-eye concerns, and they recommend the following:
Antioxidants
Oxidative stress is a common cause of signs of aging. This is also known as free radical damage and is caused by UV rays, pollution, and environmental stressors. Topical antioxidants effectively neutralize free radicals and help reduce the signs of aging. They also have whitening and anti-aging properties. Look for antioxidants like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Green Tea, and Retinol.
caffeine
Caffeine, a key ingredient in reducing under-eye bags, is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it can narrow your blood vessels and wake up tired eyes, says Dr. Lucariello. If you wake up with puffy eyes due to fluid retention, try incorporating caffeine into your morning routine.
Ceramide
Ceramides are lipids that are naturally found in skin and are important skin care ingredients that support a healthy skin barrier, according to Klein. The skin barrier serves many purposes, including keeping invaders out while trapping moisture in. Because ceramides help retain moisture, they’re best paired with hydrating ingredients, which results in stronger, more elastic skin, she adds.
- Moisturizer Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera are examples of humectants commonly found in skin care products. They attract and retain moisture, helping to increase the hydration of skin that tends to be dry. Hyaluronic acid is one of Dr. Mark’s favorite ingredients in eye creams because it’s well tolerated and plumps up the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- peptide Proteins, the building blocks of life, are made up of peptides, which contribute to factors that affect skin firmness and elasticity, such as collagen production, making them ideal for an anti-aging routine.
- Retinol An antioxidant that boosts skin cell production, retinol is a particularly effective anti-aging skin care ingredient that brightens, clarifies and firms the skin, but should only be used in your nighttime routine.
Ingredients to avoid
Not all eye creams are great, so if you see any of the following ingredients on the product label, it might not be the right choice for you:
scent
According to dermatologists, synthetic fragrances can cause negative reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin or allergies. To reduce this risk, look for fragrance-free products.
Parabens
Parabens, a type of preservative, can cause side effects such as irritation, Lucariello says.
Retinol
The area around the eyes tends to be more sensitive than other parts of the face, so retinol can be too harsh, explains Dr. Mark, and tolerance varies from person to person.
If you want to get the benefits of retinol, look for an eye cream that contains a low concentration of retinol to keep the area hydrated, Dr. Lucariello says.
Alcohol, salicylic acid and formaldehyde are also ingredients to avoid, as they can be too harsh or drying for the delicate eye area, he adds.
Texture and feel
Because the area around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, it’s not uncommon for eye creams to feel thicker and thicker than regular face creams. You can expect a certain amount of creaminess in an eye cream, but it also soaks into the skin and feels almost weightless, even under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
Still, no one wants to slather their skin with greasy products during the day, so a product with a lighter formula like an eye serum may be better for daytime use or for those with oily skin.
However, oilier formulas aren’t necessarily bad: if you have very dry skin or you only use it at night, a thicker formula rich in emollients may provide more hydration.
