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Developing smile lines around the eyes is a normal part of aging. I spoke to a few dermatologists and learned that the thin skin around the eyes is prone to stretching and sagging over the years. I also found out that age doesn't matter—genetics, sleeping habits, diet, and allergies may also contribute to puffiness and dark circles. That's why I did some research to find the best eye creams for wrinkles (which you can use in tandem with anti-aging serums by the way).
“Using eye cream can help with puffiness, dryness, dark circles, fine lines, and preventing wrinkles or minimizing the appearance of them by helping repair the skin around this area,” Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, tells me.
Meet the experts: Tara Rao, M.D., dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group; Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital; Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine; and Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist.
When talking to a few experts in the industry, I learned that there are a few key ingredients to look for on a product label. Keep an eye out for hydrating hyaluronic acid, collagen-stimulating retinol, and protective antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid. Peptides (like those found in the best peptide serums) also help diminish the look of wrinkles, and SPF is an added bonus in any skincare product (though only a few eye creams boast this ingredient).
1
Best Overall Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum
Pros
- Retinol helps fade the look of deep wrinkles
- Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates skin
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- May not be ideal for sensitive skin
This serum “has retinol and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant,” Dr. Jaliman tells me. “It lightens dark circles and helps improve fine lines and wrinkles.” Plus, reviewers rave that the lightweight, non-greasy formula goes on “silky smooth” and leaves skin feeling “velvety soft.”
What an editor says: Our digital director, Allie Early, tested it out, noting that it’s “moisturizing and affordable for the amount of benefits it offers, and you only need to use a little bit of it each time.” However, she adds that the retinol product is not ideal for her sensitive skin.
Size | 1 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, hyaluronic acid |
Benefits | Smoothes, moisturizes, firms |
Usage | Morning |
2
Best Value Eye Cream for Wrinkles
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- MVE delivery technology
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
- Affordable price
Cons
- Thick consistency may be hard to spread
Amazon’s best-selling eye cream, this product from CeraVe offers serious results at an affordable price. It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin, niacinamide to soothe skin, and three essential ceramides to restore and maintain skin’s natural barrier. What’s more, it uses MVE delivery technology to continually release ingredients for long-lasting hydration.
It’s even accepted by the National Eczema Association. This means that it went through rigorous testing by a team of dermatologists, allergists, and eczema experts to review its ingredients for sensitivity, irritation, and toxicity.
What a reviewer says: “It works, ladies! If you are on a budget, try this. Even if you are not on a budget, try this.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
Benefits | Calms skin, moisturizes, and reduces look of dark circles and puffiness |
Usage | Morning and night |
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3
Best Splurge-Worthy Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream
Pros
- Reduces puffiness and smoothes fine lines
- Moisturizing yet lightweight
- Absorbs well into skin
Cons
- Expensive
Taking the spot as the best overall eye cream, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute, Lancôme’s Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream is a great option if you’re willing to splurge on a pricier product. Multiple GH Beauty Lab testers saw a noticeable difference after using the ultra-moisturizing and firming eye cream, which contains vitamins C and E, along with botanical extracts.
What a lab tester says: “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my under-eye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use.”
Size | 0.7 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Vitamins C and E, grand rose extracts, shea butter, Proxylane |
Benefits | Moisturizes, firms, de-puffs |
Usage | Morning and night |
4
Best Smoothing Eye Cream for Wrinkles
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Pros
- Retinol helps diminish fine lines
- Gentle on skin
- Aluminum packaging preserves efficacy of ingredients
Cons
- Less effective on dark circles and puffiness, per reviewers
Those who have excessive wrinkling around the eyes may want to consider a retinol cream. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital recommends this moisturizing option because it minimizes dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles without being too harsh on the delicate under-eye skin.
What a reviewer says: “If you are willing to apply this daily you will see results. I have just begun noticing some actual reduction in my fine lines and wrinkles. I really didn’t think over-the-counter retinal creams could work, but this cream has proven me wrong.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol |
Benefits | Smoothes fine lines, reduces look of dark circles and puffiness |
Usage | Morning and night |
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5
Best Thick Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Pros
- Ginseng extract helps brighten dark spots
- Little product goes a long way
- Can be used under makeup
Cons
- Spendy
According to the brand, over 90% of 110 women in a consumer test saw smoother eyes, reduced wrinkles, and reduced puffiness after using the Shiseido Benefiance cream for a week.
It's a rich, thick cream that users say still absorbs quickly and can be worn easily under makeup. Standout ingredients include peptides to support collagen growth, squalane for hydration, and ginseng extract to visibly brighten the darkness around your eyes.
What a reviewer says: “I have oily skin but live in a dry climate, and this eye cream does a great job at moisturizer and softening my fine lines. My concealer and powder looks very good too.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Peptides, squalane, ginseng extract |
Benefits | Smooths, reduces appearance of puffiness and fine lines |
Usage | Morning and night |
6
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles Without Retinol
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream
Pros
- Plumps and smooths under eyes without retinol
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight gel texture
Cons
- May not provide the most drastic results
This hydrating eye cream is gentle enough for your under-eyes and contains hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize the skin. “It acts like a sponge to pull in hydration from the deep skin layers and even the air,” Dr. Zeichner tells me. It’s also a popular customer favorite, boasting over 13,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers.
What an editor says: “I love that this eye cream feels so refreshing and hydrating on my skin,” says Prevention’s associate commerce editor, Hannah Jeon. “It has a really nice gel-like consistency that goes on super lightweight and soaks into my skin immediately.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
Benefits | Moisturizes, smoothes |
Usage | Morning and night |
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7
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Gentle on the skin around the eyes
- Includes caffeine to aid in de-puffing
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some users found the formula watery
This eye cream helps reduce the look of wrinkles and puffiness with a blend of retinol and caffeine. It remains gentle on the sensitive eye area, as it contains soothing thermal spring water and is fragrance-free.
The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab put it to the test and found it absorbs quickly into the skin. Testers also noted that it didn’t irritate their skin despite containing retinol, which sometimes causes redness and other reactions.
What a lab tester says: “The skin around my eyes looks better and feels firmer; my eyes look younger.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, caffeine |
Benefits | De-puffs, smoothes |
Usage | Night |
8
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles for Sensitive Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream
Pros
- Contains peptides
- Smooths fine lines while remaining gentle on skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some users report product pilling
The retinol, niacinamide, and peptide blend in this drugstore eye cream make it a winner for dark circles, fine lines, and dull-looking skin without irritation. Just a dot of this rich formula delivers skin-smoothing radiance for a well-rested look. It also comes with a trial size Olay Regenerist Whip moisturizer as an added bonus!
What a reviewer says: “The product has a great consistency. It absorbs quickly and provides a lot of moisture and hydration to the eye area. My lines looked smoother after using it. The quality is equivalent to much pricier eye creams I have used in the past.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, vitamin E |
Benefits | Smoothes, brightens, firms |
Usage | Night |
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9
Best Firming Eye Cream for Wrinkles
fresh Black Tea Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Pros
- Prevents and treats multiple visible signs of aging
- Rejuvinates tired-looking eyes
- Powered by antioxidants
Cons
- May be too heavy for daytime wear
This rich cream is a dream if you’re prone to dryness in your under-eye area. Your skin will drink up its antioxidants to combat fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. The heavy-duty formula feels ultra-nourishing and creamy on the skin, making this a great nighttime pick.
What a reviewer says: “This eye cream is a game changer! I’ve used some of the most expensive eye cream out there, and this blows them out of the water. You almost see a change the next day.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, black tea complex |
Benefits | De-puffs, smoothes, moistures |
Usage | Morning and night |
10
Best Cooling Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Baebody Eye Gel
Pros
- Airless pump dispenser
- Cooling gel formula
- Hydrating vitamin E, jojoba oil, and an amino acid blend
Cons
- Some users report a sticky feeling if heavily applied
With over 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this eye gel is definitely worth adding to your skincare lineup. Designed for use morning and night, this eye gel helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. It has a lightweight texture that glides smoothly over the skin, and it includes vitamin E for moisture and elasticity. Plus, jojoba oil and an amino acid blend offer smooth hydration.
What a reviewer says: “Give it time and use it religiously—this thing really works. As a mother of four in her 30s, I’m always running on minimal to no sleep, don’t eat right, and am always on the go. This actually helped take away the dark circles I was spending so much money on expensive makeup to conceal.”
Size | 1.7 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Peptides, vitamin E, jojoba oil |
Benefits | Hydrates, smoothes |
Usage | Morning and night |
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11
Best AM and PM Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
Pros
- For morning and night
- Contains brightening vitamin C and lactic acid
- Fast-absorbing
Cons
- Pricey
This brightening eye cream includes three forms of vitamin C, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid (a brightening agent). The pump bottle dispenses a silky formula that’s fast absorbing, so you can apply it day or night and get on with the next step in your makeup or skincare routine right away.
What an editor says: “I rely on this eye cream to help me look more awake first thing in the morning,” says Prevention’s senior commerce editor, Christie Calucchia. “It instantly helps with dark circles and puffiness, and I love that the ingredients target wrinkles over time.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, lactic acid, tranexamic acid |
Benefits | Hydrates, brightens, firms |
Usage | Morning and night |
12
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles with SPF
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
Pros
- Available in four shades
- Cooling applicator reduces puffiness
- Offers SPF 35
Cons
- Small amount of product
“I like multitasking products, and this is three things: It’s a concealer and a sunscreen, and it has anti-aging properties,” Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, previously told Prevention. “Eyes age quickly, so when it is used as a concealer, you’re getting ample SPF in that area.” (That’s why it earned a spot in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards!)
What a reviewer says “Why didn’t I know about this sooner,” wrote one customer. “Not only does it cover my dark circles, but it doesn’t crease and even minimizes the appearance of fine lines!”
Size | 0.23 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Titanium dioxide, glycerin zinc oxide |
Benefits | Protects against UV rays, smoothes, cools, brightens |
Usage | Morning |
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13
Best Tightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
Pros
- Calming Swertia flower extract
- Effective retinol that’s still gentle on skin
- Plumping hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Pricey
Packed with retinol, Swertia flower extract, and hyaluronic acid, this is one of the best eye creams for wrinkles. It’s effective at tightening loose skin around the eyes and improving the appearance of under-eye bags, according to GH Beauty Lab testing.
What a lab tester says: “It really tightened my skin, smoothing it out.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, Swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid |
Benefits | Firms, hydrates, smoothes |
Usage | Night |
14
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Brightening optical effect
- Leaves skin feeling tight
Cons
- Expensive
Products from SkinCeuticals tend to be pricey, but they are effective, and this new release from the brand is no exception. An eye cream for dark circles and wrinkles, it delivers 24 hours of moisture while targeting elasticity, puffiness, tone, and wrinkles, according to the brand. It contains concentrated proxylane to address visible signs of aging, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and inclusive optical effects to disperse light and improve the look of dark circles.
What a reviewer says: “The crows feet at the corners of my eyes have diminished. In addition, my under eyes are less puffy, and the dark circles have lightened.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, Matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine |
Benefits | Firms, brightens, soothes, minimizes look of dark circles, de-puffs |
Usage | Morning and night |
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15
Best Overnight Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream
Pros
- Time-released microencapsulated retinol
- Caffeine targets puffiness
- Has moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Need to gradually build up use
With 1.5% time-released microencapsulated retinol, this eye cream works to diminish the look of wrinkles and dark circles overnight. It also includes caffeine to target puffiness and shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E to moisturize the delicate skin near the eyes.
What an editor says: “I recently tested out a sample of this eye cream and found it offers immediate hydration and absorbs quickly into skin,” said Calucchia. “I like knowing that it’s working overnight to target wrinkles and puffiness.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, caffeine, shea butter, squalane, vitamin E |
Benefits | De-puffs, moisturizes, treats wrinkles |
Usage | Night |
16
Best Lightweight Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Gentle retinol formula
- Hydrates and moisturizes
- Contains vitamins C and E
Cons
- Not suitable for daytime use
Glow Recipe is a cult favorite beauty brand. Among the greats is its Avocado Melt Retinol eye cream, a fluffy nutrient-rich eye cream made with potent ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. The formula works to reduce the appearance of dark circles while de-puffing the eye area.
What a reviewer says: “It’s super moisturizing but lightweight and very lightly scented. I have seen a visible improvement in my fine lines and circles in just two weeks!”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamins C and E |
Benefits | Smoothing, moisturizing, de-puffing, brightening |
Usage | Night |
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17
Most Luxurious Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains moisturizing ingredients
- Works without retinol
Cons
- Expensive
This velvety eye cream is luxuriously hydrating. Suitable for all skin types, its main benefits are moisturizing dry skin and taming puffiness around the eyes for an overall firmer look. The formula contains peony and honeysuckle extracts to boost elasticity, Okinawa red algae and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and Hadasei-3, a blend of superfoods, to give skin a radiant glow.
What a reviewer says: “I’ve tried many eye creams over the years, but this beats them all—hands down. Very light and velvety but extra moisturizing at the same time, [it] soaks in nicely and feels great all day or evening.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid, Okinawa red algae, peony and honeysuckle extracts, Hadasei-3 |
Benefits | Moisturizes, tightens, smoothes wrinkles |
Usage | Morning and night |
18
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles with Bakuchiol
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Contains bakuchiol
- Absorbs well
Cons
- Users may not see a drastic difference right away
This brightening and tightening eye cream from Peach & Lily differentiates itself from other products with its retinoic complex containing 0.5% bakuchiol (a retinol alternative). Less likely to cause irritation than standard retinol, bakuchiol is naturally derived and plant-based, yet it still helps boost cell turnover to make room for new, healthy ones.
What a reviewer says: “Smooth, melts into my skin, and is gentle enough my eyes do not itch or get red. I have sensitive skin and I am always hesitant purchasing eye creams, but the Retinoic Eye Cream is magic!”
Size | 0.67 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Bamboo extract, niacindamide, peach extract, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, bakuchiol |
Benefits | Gently brightens, firms, smoothes, and hydrates |
Usage | Night |
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19
Best Peptide Booster for Wrinkles
Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Pros
- Lightweight feel
- Aimed to put bounce back into skin
- Can be used all over the face and neck
Cons
- More of a serum than a cream
While not exactly a cream, this Paula's Choice pick feels more like a lightweight gel or serum.
Still, it features a vegan formula with a blend of pro-collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and amino acids for firming. I like that you can use it beyond the eye area, including the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
What a reviewer says: “One of the best serums I ever used. Gives me glowy and bouncy skin I ever dreamed of. It really helps my skin elasticity!”
Size | 0.67 oz |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Peptides, hyaluronic acid, amino acids |
Benefits | Increases elasticity and builds collagen |
Usage | Morning and night |
How to choose the best eye creams for wrinkles
What makes an eye cream anti-aging? Tara Rao, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Dr. Zeichner named a few key ingredients to look for regardless of your skin type or tone.
✔️ Hyaluronic acid: Found naturally in the skin, hyaluronic acid draws in water, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Many times, under-eye wrinkles are a result of dryness, Dr. Rao says, and hyaluronic acid is well-studied and shown to help reduce the signs of aging. (Check out these eye creams for dry skin if hydration is your main problem.)
✔️ Peptides: Copper peptides, polypeptides, and oligopeptides are thought to penetrate the skin and help build hyaluronic acid and collagen. These structural proteins hold cells and tissues together like glue, diminishing the look of wrinkles.
✔️ Retinol: This vitamin A derivative stimulates collagen production and promotes cell turnover to help reduce the signs of aging. Because the skin under the eyes is so sensitive, the dermatologists we spoke to recommended products with relatively low concentrations of retinol.
✔️ SPF: “This one’s a no-brainer,” says Dr. Rao. Without proper protection, UV rays break down collagen and age your skin. (Unfortunately, SPF can be tough to find in eye creams, so supplement with your face sunscreen if necessary!)
✔️ Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and berry extracts help reduce oxidative stress due to UV rays or pollutants, explains Dr. Rao. Antioxidants also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Shannen Zitz
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
Shauna Beni
Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.
Shanon Maglente
Contributing Editor
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.