Brighter, more youthful-looking eyes ahead.
Let’s not beat around the bush: Eye cream has a reputation for being an unnecessary step of your skincare routine. But if you’re stressed about the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles, the product is worth considering. This is especially because, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, M.D., FAAD, the skin around your eyes needs to be treated with utmost care. “It’s important to use products that have been specifically tested for tolerability and use in the eye area,” Dr. Madfes tells Byrdie. Because with the right product, the world is your oyster. “People use eye creams to help with crepey skin, wrinkles, dark circles, and ‘bags’ under their eyes,” Dr. Madfes says.
If you’re looking to trim down your monthly skincare budget, there are lots of excellent drugstore formulas that do the trick. Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Stryke Club, says, “I don’t recommend spending a lot of money on an eye cream.” We know of some wonderful wallet-friendly formulas, many of which won’t run you more than 20 bucks.
With dermatologists’ expert insight, we conducted hours of research on the hunt to find the best drugstore eye creams, evaluating each product based on its ingredients and benefits to give you these top picks.
Best Overall
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, glycerin, panthenol | Benefits: Smoothing, toning, depuffing, plumping, increases collagen | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Looking to address crow’s feet, fine lines, and crepiness or achieve all-around smoother skin? New York dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., recommends a nightly retinoid or retinol cream like the RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream to increase collagen. The vitamin A derivative is a go-to for treating the most common concerns about the eye area, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles, and lack of elasticity.1 This reasonably priced anti-aging eye cream also contains a medley of soothing, plumping hydrators such as vitamin E, glycerin, and panthenol (vitamin B5). By delivering moisture to the skin, RoC Correxion will make your eye area look instantly smoother and less puffy. After several weeks, you can expect a noticeable improvement in fine lines and dark circles.
Best Budget
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Peptides, cucumber extract, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, soothing, boost radiance, hydrating | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Most drugstore formulas are relatively affordable, but if you want to spend as little as possible, you can’t go wrong with e.l.f. The brand’s Holy Hydration eye cream calls on peptides, cucumber extract, and green tea to gently plump, smooth, hydrate, and boost radiance.234 We love this product for nighttime use, as it has a thick consistency that still feels lightweight and nourishing on the skin. It’s also an effective hydrator for all ages, so you’ll still see a difference even if you have yet to develop deep dark circles or lines.
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, almond oil | Benefits: Hydrating, plumping, depuffing, replenishes the skin barrier | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Reactive complexion? Reach for CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. The no-nonsense, fragrance-free formula delivers ample moisture while replenishing the skin barrier with essential ceramides.5 If you battle dark circles no matter how much sleep you get, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a foolproof radiance-boosting agent.6 With continued use of this eye cream, expect to feel comfortable enough leaving home without any under-eye concealer.
Best K-Beauty
CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Peptides, snail secretion filtrate, niacinamide | Benefits: Firming, hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.85 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
From the K-beauty aisle, we’re big fans of CosRx (as are supermodels like Emily Ratajkowski). The brand’s Advanced Eye Cream contains ultra-hydrating snail mucin, plus niacinamide and peptides to firm, plump, and boost radiance—and it gets extra points for the airtight container, which helps to limit contact with bacteria.7 While no eye cream can completely banish fine lines and wrinkles, this product can help diminish their appearance over time. This eye cream is also long-lasting; a little goes a long way when it comes to application.
Best Daytime
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Squalane, thermal spring water, caffeine, vitamin C | Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
While La Roche-Posay is on the pricier end of the drugstore spectrum, you can count on their gentle products that do what they say. Toleriane Ultra Eyes contains Dr. King’s favorite depuffing ingredient, caffeine, along with mineral-rich spring water and radiance-boosting vitamin C.89 This eye cream is also considered a holy grail for sensitive skin types, especially if you’re looking for an under-eye makeup primer. Simply apply under the eyes, and let the product sit for five minutes before applying your concealer. This will help keep any under-eye makeup from settling into fine lines.
Best for Dark Circles
Naturally Serious Zero Baggage Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, sodium phytate, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, radiance-boosting, hydrating, reduces dark circles | Size: 0.67 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
“This potent eye cream with plant-derived sodium phytate and caffeine helps you say goodbye to the look of under-eye bags, dark circles, and fine lines,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie V. Hayag, M.D. of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics. Tested and approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists alike, this fast-absorbing option is specifically formulated to wake up tired eyes. Some reviews liken it to an easy and effective eye lift—without going under the knife.
Best Illuminating
Olay Ultimate Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, brightening pigments | Benefits: Radiance-boosting, depuffing, smoothing, hydrating | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Does hyperpigmentation get you down? Your best bet is Olay’s peptide-rich Ultimate Eye Cream. This brilliant multitasker contains radiance-boosting niacinamide and color-correcting pigments to tackle uneven skin tone and illuminate the eye area. To cover deep dark circles, it’s slightly pigmented to add a bit of coverage on a variety of skin tones. We also love that it doesn’t feel cakey under makeup that’s applied on top, and that it keeps the under eye looking bright and smooth all day. This eye cream boasts a hint of concealer that works well with all skin tones. It is also fragrance-free, making it an ideal option for those looking to limit their exposure to fragrances.
Best Illuminating, Runner-Up
Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes Cream
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine | Benefits: Brightens, smooths | Size: 1.17 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you have dark circles and are looking for a bit of a boost in the morning, look no further than Hero Cosmetics Bright Eyes. This illuminating eye cream has a subtle fragrance and is lightly tinted with a yellow hue, which helps color-correct and complements any skin tone, making for a seamless skincare routine that’s refreshingly effective. We love that it has a thick and smooth texture without being greasy.
Best With Retinol
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, radiance-boosting | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Dr. King loves retinol eye creams, like this little guy from Neutrogena’s widely celebrated Rapid Wrinkle Repair Line. With ongoing use, the smoothing formula offers a noticeable improvement in fine lines, crow’s feet, and uneven skin tone while targeting hyperpigmentation and dark circles with vitamin C. Reviewers say this eye cream, which also helps with puffiness, has exceeded their expectations, citing significant results within two weeks of usage.
Best With Caffeine
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides | Benefits: Hydrating, depuffing, smoothing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re dealing with puffy under eyes, Dr. King says any eye cream containing caffeine should help. From the under-$12 selection, your best bet is this little ditty by The Inkey List. It’s budget-friendly, notably lightweight, and effective. As Dr. King explains, “Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can therefore reduce the amount of fluid accumulating.” We love this pick due to its moisturizing properties and nongreasy feel. Just like other eye creams on this list, the best results come from using it consistently on a nightly basis.
Best Natural
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Olive oil, cotton flower extract, shea butter | Benefits: Depuffing, hydrating | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Partial to plant-based formulas? We suggest Burt’s Bees 98.9% natural Eye Cream. The supremely creamy concoction comes in a hygienic airtight container, goes on smoothly, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. This standout offering is as gentle as they come. Whether you’re looking for a depuffing eye cream to use the morning after a sleepless night, or looking for a lightweight formula to help calm irritation, this eye cream gets the job done.
Best Clean
Amara Beauty Eye Cream Gel
Key Ingredients: Peptides, plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, amino acids | Benefits: Smoothing, strengthening, hydrating | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For those on the clean-beauty train, we recommend Amara Beauty. This lightweight eye gel contains a plethora of plant-based goodness, such as stem cells, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to plump up parched complexions and replenish the skin barrier.10 Since you need only a little product when you apply, this eye cream can last for a long time. It’s able to improve dryness and breakouts around the eye area, and you can even use it on the rest of your face and hands.
Best Serum
Olay Eye Lifting Serum
Key Ingredients: Peptides, panthenol, caffeine, niacinamide | Benefits: Resurfacing, depuffing, smoothing, firming, lifting | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Eye serums are having a well-deserved moment, and our favorite from the pharmacy is this scarlet tube by Olay. The exceptionally lightweight, fast-absorbing formula works to depuff, firm, and lift the eye area with all-star ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and caffeine. We like this pick for its shimmery application, which helps to minimize the appearance of dark circles. After a few weeks of use, you’ll notice that your eyelids are more soft, supple, and hydrated.
Best Serum, Runner-Up
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Eye Serum
Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, vitamin C | Benefits: Plumps, hydrates, anti-aging | Size: 0.67 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While not technically a cream, this eye serum from L’Oreal does what some of the other eye creams on this list do (aka diminish the appearance of dark circles and fine lines). What really makes it a standout, aside from delivering a more youthful-looking appearance, is its triple roller applicator that effectively spreads the serum while also providing a full eye contour massage. Think of it as a spa treatment without the hefty price tag.
Best Depuffing
No7 Lift & Luminate Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter | Benefits: Depuffing, plumping, brightening, smoothing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you often wake up with puffy skin or under-eye bags, this one’s for you. No7 Lift & Illuminate Eye Cream is an ultra-lightweight formula that promises to depuff and tighten the delicate eye area while plumping the skin and delivering a heaping dose of moisture. It also helps to treat telltale signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Since the formula might cause irritation to those with sensitive eyes, we recommend using this only once a day.
Best Tinted
Honest Tinted Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane | Benefits: Color-correcting, brightening, hydrating | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For those who like to rock a no-makeup makeup look, we highly recommend this tinted eye cream from Honest Beauty. It’s not a concealer per se, but it does offer light coverage. The semi-sheer pigment instantly color-corrects dark under-eye circles while offering a plumping boost. The formula is said to deliver 24 hours of hydration, making it an ideal eye cream for the cold weather. We also love that it’s able to stay on for hours without creasing or irritation.
Best Nighttime
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
Key Ingredients: Retinoid, vitamin E, black currant seed oil, shiitake mushroom extract | Benefits: Firms, strengthens, anti-aging | Size: 0.42 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Reserving thicker, more restorative products for bedtime is a must. Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm satisfies the need for a little something extra at night, thanks to its thoughtful blend of nourishing and conditioning ingredients that includes granactive retinoid—the anti-aging base of this eye cream—vitamin E, black currant seed oil, and shiitake mushroom extract. You’ll fall asleep feeling moisturized and wake up looking well-rested. This pick from Versed is easy to use daily because it has a deeply hydrating balmy texture that melts into the skin.
Best Gel
Garnier SkinActive Anti-Puff Eye Roller
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peppermint, caffeine | Benefits: De-puffing, radiance-boosting, soothes | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Rolling away tired, puffy under eyes is possible with Garnier’s all-time classic (and incredibly hygienic) product. We love that this eye serum is packed with ingredients—such as antioxidant-rich vitamin C, peppermint, and caffeine—that reenergize, soothe, and hydrate the eye area. We love the cooling effect from the stainless steel roller, and you can even place the gel roller in the fridge overnight for an extra refreshing start to your morning.
What to Look for in an Eye Cream
- Anti-aging ingredients: “Many of the eye creams on the shelf in the drugstore are there for anti-aging,” Dr. Maguiness tells Byrdie. For this reason, they often contain skin-smoothing and wrinkle-reducing ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide, and retinoids. However, Dr. Maguiness warns, “Ingredients that help with anti-aging, like retinol, can be extremely irritating around the eye.” If your skin stings or burns after applying eye cream, it’s best to stop using it and consult with a dermatologist.
- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a top ingredient used to help fade hyperpigmentation.11 That means that if you have dark circles under your eyes, a cream containing niacinamide—also known as nicotinamide—may help diminish their appearance. In addition to brightening the under-eye area, Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, tells Byrdie that “Nicotinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays.”
- Retinol: This ingredient boosts collagen production and aids skin cell turnover.1 By helping to thicken the skin under your eyes, formulas containing retinol can make wrinkles and fine lines look less obvious, as well as under-eye circles. Beyond that, aesthetician and skincare brand founder Renée Rouleau says that “With continued use, retinol works to fade hyperpigmentation (brown spots and patches) and give the look of smoother skin in a gentler, nondrying way than a prescription form.” For this reason, retinol serums can play an important part in your skincare regime.
- Caffeine: An active ingredient in beverages meant to kickstart your morning, caffeine also has benefits for your under-eye area. Caffeine boosts circulation in the skin and contains antioxidants, which are always an added bonus in skincare.
- Hydrating ingredients: Since the tissue around your eye area is notably thin, crepiness and fine lines are often more visible when your skin is dry. As such, Dr. King says, “Eye creams should be hydrating and moisturizing.” Look for options containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), and plant oils.12 Hydration can help replenish the skin barrier and add plumpness to crepey or saggy skin.
- Container: When shopping around for eye creams, you should also consider the container. Airtight containers are ideal since the products aren’t exposed to air and are thus less likely to oxidize.13 Additionally, eye creams that come in lidless containers can often last longer with fewer preservatives. What’s more, you’ll avoid contaminating the ingredients with bacteria and other potential irritants from your fingers.
- Fragrance: You may want to consider the fragrance (or lack thereof), as some people are particularly sensitive to synthetic fragrances (aka parfum). As Dr. Maguiness explains, “The skin around the eye is thin and prone to irritation.” If you have a reactive complexion, the last thing you want to do is introduce a mostly unnecessary additive, especially around the delicate eye area.
FAQ
What are the benefits of drugstore eye creams?
In addition to being affordable and widely available, there are several benefits of drugstore eye creams. According to Dr. Madfes, “Eye creams work by two modalities: extreme hydration and tensor to tighten.”
In other words, they can plump up the eye area with hydrating ingredients, which has the effect of smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Then there are eye creams formulated to tighten the skin to minimize crepiness, reduce under-eye bags, and create a lifted look.
Additionally, many drugstore eye creams address dark circles and hyperpigmentation by boosting the eye area with niacinamide, antioxidants, or color-correcting pigments.
How do you apply drugstore eye creams?
Dispense a small amount of eye cream onto your ring finger (your weakest and, therefore, gentlest finger). Lightly tap the cream all around the eye area, including your under-eye, crow’s feet, and up the brow bone.
Some formulas can be applied to the eyelids as well, but be mindful of potential irritation—if it stings, don’t try to power through. Additionally, Dr. Madfes says, “Always apply to clean skin.”
How often should you use drugstore eye creams?
Generally speaking, an eye cream can be used once daily and as often as twice a day, depending on the formula. For instance, some over-the-counter retinol products can technically be applied both morning and night—but unless you’re coating the area with sunscreen afterward, we wouldn’t recommend it.
Gentler formulas that focus mainly on hydration can be applied twice a day. On the other hand, sometimes it’s just fun to have designated morning and evening eye creams in your arsenal. And as always, if the product starts to sting, burn, or become itchy, stop using it and check in with a dermatologist.
Can I use drugstore moisturizer as eye cream?
While you may be tempted to apply your facial moisturizer under your eyes, it isn’t always the best choice. Because face creams and moisturizers aren’t specifically designed for use around the eyes, many may cause irritation. Drugstore eye creams are typically reasonably priced and safe for use around your eyes, so they’re a better choice.