The 12 best eye creams for all skin needs, per years of testing

Mixed into your cleansing, serum-ing, moisturizing and SPF-ing routine should be a good eye cream to make you look awake.

While some believe eye creams play dress-up as miniature moisturizers, the small but mighty formula is designed specifically for the delicate skin on your under-eyes.

Specifically, an eye cream should be applied after your serum, according to Dr. Libby Rhee, and it’s a superstar product for brightening, depuffing and disguising the less than eight hours of sleep you had last night.

Along with vitamin C serums, an effective, skin-smoothing eye cream can help skin look more refreshed than ever. Trust me, my bathroom’s product cart speaks for itself; for my dry and sensitive skin, my under-eye area has never been more hydrated and refreshed. Not to mention, any of these fare well as precursors to your favorite wrinkle cream (three cheers for anti-aging!)

Let’s cut to the chase — I’ve been testing eye creams for three years, so you can rest assured the 12 top picks below have been dabbed and dolloped.

Below, you’ll find the only list of eye creams you’ll need — from $10 to $300 options to suit your skin concern and budget. From those keen on anti-aging to the A+ for those with dry skin, I have an option for your concerns. And hey, you may want to pick up one of the best under-eye patches we reviewed to upgrade your routine even more.

Plus, check out the in-depth FAQ section where board-certified dermatologists tell all.

When there’s an eye cream you can’t stop thinking about — especially after testing 50+ — then it’s all-deserving of making the cut as “the best eye cream tested”: a tall order, but one Sunday Riley significantly deserves.

It’s safe to assume that, regardless of your skin type or concern, a little brightening couldn’t hurt. This formulation not only does that but also makes the skin glisten. Once applied, I forewent applying makeup because it made me look that healthy and good.

Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream for Dark Circles contains caffeine (the universally known de-puffing agent) and Brazilian ginseng root extract to rapidly reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. It also helps you appear less tired. Simply put, it’s phenomenal and worth every. single. penny.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Ginseng

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CeraVe Eye Repair Cream has earned a cult following for good reason — it’s basically the unsung hero of the drugstore skincare aisle. While flashy brands promise miracles in tiny jars, CeraVe quietly delivers real results without the frills or fragrance.

It was developed with dermatologists and packed with powerhouse ingredients. In short, it’s a no-nonsense, effective solution for tired, puffy eyes and stubborn dark circles. And, the best part? It won’t break the bank. This little tube punches well above its price tag, making it a smart pick for anyone serious about skincare without the luxury price point.

Let’s talk ingredients, because that’s where this cream really shines. Ceramides are the backbone of CeraVe’s entire line, and for good reason: they restore and protect the skin barrier, which is especially important around the delicate eye area. Add in hyaluronic acid, the ultimate hydration magnet, and you’ve got a recipe for plump, dewy skin that looks instantly refreshed. Niacinamide, another MVP, helps calm and brighten, gradually fading the look of dark circles.

There’s a marine and botanical complex tucked in there, subtly working to de-puff and soothe the under-eye area without any irritation.

When it comes to application, less is definitely more. I use a small amount — about the size of a grain of rice — and gently pat it around your eye area using my ring finger (it applies the least pressure). Do this twice a day, morning and night, and you’re golden.

It layers beautifully under makeup, so you don’t have to worry about your concealer slipping off halfway through the day. Over time, with consistent use, you’ll notice that your under-eye area looks smoother, brighter and more awake (even if you didn’t get eight hours of sleep).

One of the reasons CeraVe’s eye cream stands out is its versatility. Whether your skin leans dry, oily or somewhere in between, it just works. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and feels lightweight enough to wear year-round. Plus, it’s free of fragrance and known irritants, making it a safe bet for even the most sensitive skin types. If your current eye cream stings or makes your eyes water, this might just be the gentle alternative you’ve been searching for.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

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From the very first application, this brightening powerhouse practically shouts wake‑up energy. Its signature peach‑yellow hue, infused with light‑reflecting pigments inspired by banana powder, provides a soft-focus instant correction that neutralizes bluish shadows. It’s like concealer in a jar: it makes me feel well-rested after some late nights, and I noticed a tangible difference in my under-eye brightness levels after about three weeks of consistent use.

What elevates this eye crème above mere makeup prep is its exceptional vitamin C trifecta: pure ascorbic acid complexed with gold, plus stable derivatives like 3‑O‑ethyl ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, all teamed with citrus bioflavonoids to defend against free radicals. Its long‑term ability to fade dark pigmentation levels and fine lines is apparent.

And here’s the clincher: it’s genuinely inclusive. The fragrance‑free reformulation is clean, vegan and cruelty‑free, so it’s suitable for most skin types. That said, it’s a hero product that marries instant radiance with potent care.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Triple Vitamin C Complex

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If your under-eyes are sending out daily SOS signals (hello puffiness, bags and those “I swear I slept” shadows), RoC’s Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream might just be your new holy grail.

This isn’t your average one-size-fits-all product. It’s a smart, dual-chambered powerhouse with two distinct formulas: a cooling gel for the upper lid to visibly lift and tighten (yes, your eyelids can look more awake), and a plush cream for the under-eye zone to de-puff, smooth and brighten. It’s like having two expert treatments in one sleek little jar — because your upper and lower eye areas are not the same, and RoC knows it.

Now, let’s talk results, because that’s what we really care about. In just one week, I saw a noticeable difference in puffiness and fine lines. Two weeks in, and my lids felt a smidge more lifted, brighter and refreshed. It’s a unique, ingredients-first eye cream that’s less than $15. I’m still wrapping my head around it.

But, what makes this eye cream truly next-level is how it feels. The upper eye gel is refreshingly light, perfect for that de-puffing a.m. wake-up call, while the under-eye cream is rich but never greasy, so it layers beautifully under concealer. It’s luxe but not fussy. Essentially, it’s a glow-up in a jar.

Size: 0.68 ounces | Key ingredients: Peptides, Retinol

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If you’re on a mission to fake eight hours of sleep in 30 seconds flat, The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream might just be your new morning MVP. You’ve probably heard people rave about eye creams with caffeine, and this little tube is like a double espresso for your under-eye area — minus the jitters.

Caffeine aside, this budget-friendly eye cream also teams up with Matrixyl 3000, a fancy peptide duo that smooths out fine lines while the caffeine tackles puffiness and dark circles. Translation: I look wide awake whenever I use it.

What really makes this eye cream stand out is how it just works. It’s void of fragrance and delivers an alluringly silky, fast-absorbing formula that fares well with my concealer. It’s that rare drugstore gem that feels like it belongs in a luxury skincare lineup. Plus, your wallet won’t cry when it’s time to repurchase.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Peptides

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It’s a two-fer: retinol and caffeine. This Korean beauty formula knows what’s up.

If you’re looking for a retinol eye cream that strikes the perfect balance between power and gentleness, the Anua Retinol 0.1% + Caffeine Revitalizing Eye Cream is your new skincare essential. Thoughtfully formulated with a low-dose 0.1% retinol, it smooths fine lines and encourages collagen production without overwhelming delicate under-eye skin. I love how it’s paired with caffeine to brighten, de-puff and make my tired eyes look instantly more awake.

Add to that the silky texture and fast absorption, and you’ve got a product that works beautifully under makeup or on its own. But what I love the most is how it’s good for retinol beginners. With the support of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane, it cushions skin in long-lasting hydration while minimizing irritation — a rare feat in the retinol world. After just a few weeks, users report visible softening of fine lines and dark circles, all without redness or dryness.

With the support of niacinamide to help balance my skin, it visibly softens fine lines and dark circles, all without redness or dryness.

Size: 1.05 ounces | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Niacinamide, Retinol

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First off, the texture of the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is *everything.* Picture opening a tiny pot of buttery-smooth, avocado-rich goodness that feels like a spa hit you can scoop right under your eyes. It’s thick and luxe, yet once you tap it in, it magically transforms into this silky, hydrating veil that locks in moisture all day long.

A little goes a super long way, and if you have dry under eyes, that’s only another reason why this eye cream belongs in your cart. The rich avocado oil is the star of the show, packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that help plump the skin and smooth out those pesky lines without overwhelming sensitive under-eyes. It’s like the skincare equivalent of drinking green juice (but way more satisfying).

I’ll be honest, so many wrinkle treatments come at you with aggressive ingredients with that “burn now, smooth later” energy, but not this one. Kiehl’s eye treatment is gentle: intensely hydrating, non-migrating (so it stays put, even on a sleepy morning), and somehow still lightweight enough to wear under makeup. When it comes to banishing fine lines with kindness and a whole lot of moisture, this avocado dream earns its cult status one smooth blink at a time.

Size: 0.95 ounces | Key ingredients: Avocado Oil, Shea Butter

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ALPYN’s Instant Bright Eye is basically the fairy godmother your tired peepers have been begging for — and it shows up with a magical peachy-pink glow that instantly blurs dark circles like it’s waving a little wand. If you’ve been following my beauty coverage for a while, you know I’m obsessed with this brand.

Forget filters; this cream is the real-life glow-up hero that wakes me up, and one I look forward to using. It’s like a little ray of sunshine trapped in a jar, giving me that bright-eyed, fresh-faced vibe from the very first swipe. Simply put, it’s instant gratification and skincare goodness all rolled into one.

But don’t be fooled by the glow-up magic alone. This cream packs serious skincare muscle. Loaded with niacinamide to fade darkness, peptides to boost firmness and bakuchiol (nature’s chill retinol alternative) to smooth fine lines, it’s like an all-star team for my under-eyes. Plus, caffeine perks things up while chamomile chills out any irritation, so my eyes look and feel better than when I started.

What really makes Instant Bright Eye the queen of brightening is its whole vibe: it’s clean, conscious and seriously chic. Sourced from wildcrafted mountain botanicals, this cream is free from nasties like parabens and sulfates. It’s one of my favorite beauty brands (dare I say my favorite?) and one I can’t recommend enough.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Peptides, Reneseed (Retinol Alternative)

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Biossance’s Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is a true anti-aging powerhouse. Imagine a hydrating cocktail of super-smooth squalane and marine algae peptides swooping in like your skin’s personal bodyguards, fighting fine lines and puffiness while leaving your under-eyes plumped and glowing like you just woke up from an 8-hour beauty sleep (even if you didn’t).

Plus, the paracress extract gives an instant “lift and glow” moment that makes your eyes look like they’ve had a mini spa day — no appointment needed.

What’s really fun? This cream doesn’t just perform, it plays nice with every skin type — even the super sensitive or pregnancy-prone crew — because it’s fragrance-free, gentle, and all about clean, cruelty-free vibes, sans retinol.

Bottom line? If your eyes had a playlist, this cream would be on repeat — delivering both instant wow moments and long-term results with a silky texture that’s a joy for me to apply. I love using it and find it has a lovely firming effect without the tightening. Yes, please.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Pink Marine Algae, Squalane

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If your under-eyes are showing signs of aging — wrinkles, dark circles and that tired look — Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Wrinkle & Dark Circle Eye Cream is the luxurious solution you’ve been waiting for.

It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth it. It’s powered by Bifidus Prebiotic and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and fortify delicate skin, leaving my eyes looking brighter, softer, and more radiant in just a few weeks. It’s like a daily dose of rejuvenation that feels as indulgent as it is effective.

Plus, hyaluronic acid is a top ingredient recommended by a litany of board-certified dermatologists I interviewed, so this is one to snag. With consistent use, it visibly firms and lifts the under-eye area, smoothing away fine lines and reducing dark circles for a refreshed, youthful appearance. Ophthalmologist-tested and gentle, it’s one I love using for both day and nighttime, and a seamless addition to anyone’s skincare routine.

Size: 0.67 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C

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Picture this: your under-eyes just scored the skincare equivalent of first-class tickets. That’s the best way to describe how my new current favorite eye cream feels. Sarah Creal’s Firm Offer Ultimate 4-in-1 Peptide Eye Cream is the ultra-luxe lounge.

It’s not your average dab-and-hydrate deal; this cream is a four-headed powerhouse that brightens, smooths, hydrates and primes all at once. Packed with peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and jasmine flower extract, it kicks my dark circles to the curb, plumps fine lines and leaves my eye area softer than a literal cloud.

Here’s the best part: it’s smart luxury that actually earns its price tag. The texture is lightweight yet lush, slipping on like silk and doubling as a flawless makeup primer so my concealer doesn’t cake or settle where it doesn’t belong. It locks in moisture for a long time, works fabulously underneath makeup and is even refillable! A nod to both your under-eye and eco-conscious sensibilities.

Finally, behind every chic tube is Sarah Creal herself — a beauty vet who’s worked with Estée Lauder, Victoria Beckham, and Tom Ford before launching a line that celebrates women over 40 with sass and substance. It’s incredible and worth snagging for your elevated skincare routine.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides

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If your under-eyes are crying out for a wake-up call, the Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is the kind of skincare SOS they’ve been waiting for. This cooling gel is powered by yerba mate extract, a natural source of antioxidants and caffeine that instantly perks up dullness and fatigue.

The texture is light-as-air and absorbs in seconds, leaving no residue behind — just smoother, fresher-looking skin that feels as energized as it looks. From the first time I used this product, I was blown away. It’s the product you reach for on those mornings when the snooze button wins and you need to fake wide-awake in five minutes flat.

What sets this brightening eye gel apart is its clean, targeted formula. It boasts caffeine to de-puff, peptides to firm and smooth and yerba mate to energize and protect — all working in harmony to revive the delicate eye area without overwhelming it. It layers beautifully under concealer, doesn’t pill and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. Plus, it’s affordable enough to repurchase without flinching, which feels like a small luxury in a world where eye creams can cost more than a fancy dinner out.

This isn’t the kind of product that screams for attention; it quietly earns your loyalty with every early morning and late night. It’s effortlessly effective, refreshingly straightforward, and perfectly designed for real life. The silky texture is unbelievable, and it leaves an impressive glow that’s worth screaming about (seriously).

Size: 0.5 ounces | Key ingredients: Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid (3 forms!), Peptides, Yerba Mate

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An FAQ on Eye Creams

Ahead, Naissan O. Wesley, MD, an aesthetic and surgical dermatologist, gave us the 411 on all things related to eye cream.

What is an eye cream?

“An eye cream is a cream that’s specifically designed to give support and address issues of the delicate eyelid skin,” Wesley told The Post. Like any other skincare product, eye creams come in an array of options — differing in formulation, skin concern target area and ingredients.

What should I look for in an eye cream?

“I like to look for eye creams that actually have good data behind their results; otherwise, any cream could be substituted as an eye cream,” Dr. Wesley added. “Eyelid skin is thin and often more sensitive compared to the skin on the rest of our face and body, so I would look for creams that are non-comedogenic (meaning they’ve been tested so they won’t clog pores and cause little cysts called milia) and hypoallergenic.”

When and how do I apply eye cream?

“Most eye creams may be applied day and night,” Dr. Wesley said. “However, those that include sunscreen ingredients in them may be more appropriate for daytime use.

What ingredients should I look for in an eye cream?

Dr. Wesley recommends “eye creams with peptides, growth factors, or other non-irritating ingredients (such as ceramides) that help support and build collagen are helpful for eyelid skin.”

“For those who are looking for an effect to aid with puffiness, dark circles, or a tightening effect, caffeine as an ingredient can sometimes be helpful.”

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Some Other Eye Creams Tested

Below are some of the eye creams I enjoyed using, though didn’t make the final list compared to other formulations:

• Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream ($225): This eye cream helped refresh and bring vitality to my eye area, with a milky consistency that glides on.
• belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb Cream ($48): This eye cream is ideal for severely dry skin or if you’re looking for a formulation with incredible cooling properties.
• Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream ($64): This eye cream has a great dolloped consistency to help your eyes appear radiant and glossy.
• Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream ($14): This eye cream is great for de-puffing and smoothing.
• CHANEL Sublimage La Creme Yeux ($22): This eye cream is incredibly nurturing for sensitive skin and feels like a taste of luxury, to say the least.
• Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream ($38): This eye cream is apt for sensitive skin and soothes, refreshes and partially awakens the under-eye area.
• Dior Capture Totale Cell Energy Eye Cream ($80): This eye cream is luxurious to the touch and offers suitable moisture and refreshment to the under-eye area.
• Drunk Elephant C-Tango ($64): This eye cream helps brighten, smooth and soften the under-eye area.
• Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream ($45): This eye cream is suitable for dry skin types and feels lovely on the skin.
• First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid ($21): This eye cream has a serum-cream consistency and helps correct redness and dark circles while moistening the skin.
• Herbivore Botanicals SUPER NOVA 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream ($48): This eye cream is strong in moisturizing and brightening with a well-balanced consistency.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream ($30): This eye cream is incredibly rich, doubles as a moisturizer and helps soothe dry and sensitive skin.
• LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream ($43): This eye cream is wealthily dewy and ideal for slugging, if you so choose.
• Mario Badescu Caffeine Eye Cream ($18): This eye cream is one of the smoothest and a quality pick to target de-puffing.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream ($10): This eye cream is a good drugstore pick with a clear gel consistency that’s lightweight and melts into the skin.
• Olay Vitamin C + Peptide24 Brightening Eye Cream ($30): This eye cream has a clear consistency when applied and is incredibly soft.
• Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and De-Puff ($37): This eye cream has a clay-like consistency that offers a “second skin” look and is wonderful underneath makeup.
• OSEA Malibu Advanced Repair Eye Cream ($68): This eye cream is extremely thick, though great for dry skin with an anti-aging focus.
• Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener ($38): This eye cream is a bit *too* keen on anti-aging, though I liked the treatment overall. You’ll certainly feel tightening.
• ReVive Skincare Intensité Les Yeux Firming Eye Cream ($230): This eye cream has a bouncy, cloud-like, luxury texture and is great for both awakening and smoothing the under-eye area.
• ReVive Skincare Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream ($150): This eye cream is equally wonderful for moisturizing and soothing lines, if you’re in the mood to splurge a bit.
• RoC Retinol Correction Eye-Soothing Eye Cream ($22): This eye cream, while extremely runny, helps smooth lines and glides under the eye area nicely.
• SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles ($116): This eye cream has a waxy feel though soothes lines well and blends beautifully.

How I tested

Ahead, here’s the criteria I rigorously followed with each eye cream I reviewed in the past 4+ years:

• Hydration Effectiveness: I assessed how well the product moisturizes the delicate under-eye area, helping to reduce dryness and flakiness.
• Anti-Aging Benefits: I evaluated the presence and performance of ingredients like peptides or retinol in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet.
• Texture and Absorption: I looked at how easily the cream spreads and absorbs without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
• Sensitivity and Irritation: I checked whether the formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and doesn’t cause redness, stinging or puffiness.
• Packaging and Dispensing: I considered how hygienic, travel-friendly, and easy to use the packaging is (i.e. pump vs. jar).

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This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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