Get rid of dark circles and puffiness without breaking the bank
Our eyes can reveal a lot about us, including how well we care for our skin. While pricey treatments may seem more effective, many of the best drugstore eye creams work just as well—if not better—to smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, and minimize dark circles. As with most of your skincare go-tos, hardworking ingredients are typically what distinguish more expensive eye creams from those found at your local drugstore. However, many options contain similar ingredients, like caffeine and retinol, to combat dark circles and eliminate fine lines.
“Puffiness under the eyes caused by variation in fluid retention and lymphatic flow is also a reason to choose a dedicated eye cream that contains things like caffeine or potent antioxidants like arnica or vitamin C,” board-certified dermatologist and TRNR Skin co-founder Ryan Turner tells Bazaar. “Treatment of dark circles is challenging, so look for dedicated active ingredients that focus on hyperpigmentation or fragile blood vessels.”
And while you could dab on a little more of your daily moisturizer to treat the area, eye creams typically contain specialty formulas that target the area, separating them from your favorite all-over hydrators. “Eye creams are formulated somewhat differently from other facial skincare, in that they typically lack or contain reduced amounts of certain active ingredients, making them gentler and more tolerated around the delicate eye area,” Turner explains. “They also tend to be thicker, to deliver deep nourishment to thin skin.”
Whether you’re looking to treat specific concerns or need daily hydration that won’t cause irritation, round out your facial routine with one of the best drugstore eye creams from the list ahead, all of which come dermatologist-approved.
BEST FOR DEEP HYDRATION
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Margarita Lolis counts CeraVe’s peptide, caffeine, and ceramide eye cream among her favorites. It sinks into the skin to deliver deep hydration that reduces the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles over time.
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this eye cream! It is great for tired eyes! I can put it on before bed and wake up looking refreshed no matter how little sleep I had. I’ll definitely be buying it again!” —Amber
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream
Dermatologists recommend this top-rated formula from Avène for sensitive under-eyes, since it contains soothing ingredients like chamomile and thermal spring water to keep the area hydrated while calming irritation. Plus, it’s also approved by the National Eczema Association to minimize itchy, dry skin.
“Avène’s Soothing Eye Contour Cream is great, especially for patients with ocular rosacea or sensitive skin that becomes easily irritated,” Lolis says. “It heals and soothes the area while reducing puffiness at the same time.”
One satisfied customer writes: “This eye cream is very light but hydrating. I have eczema on my eye lid and this helped soothe that area very well. It is worth it.” —Erika R.
BEST VALUE EYE CREAM
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
Experts and Bazaar editors agree: The Inkey List’s Retinol Eye Cream is a steal at under $15, based on its level of potency. Both Lolis and Turner recommend its slow-release retinoid formula to smooth under-eye skin without irritation.
One satisfied customer writes: “Really nice product, excellent value with everything you expect from a retinol. I have sensitive skin and this is non-irritating; easily used on a daily basis as part of night time regimen.” —Cherie67
BEST WITH FAST-ACTING FORMULA
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment
A trio of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C work in tandem in this expert favorite from L’Oréal Paris to brighten and tighten under-eyes in no time. “Revitalift’s formula contains a form of retinol to treat signs of aging, caffeine to help depuff, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate,” Turner says. “What’s particularly special is the cooling tip. In addition to being refreshing, this helps facilitate fluid drainage to keep the area looking taut.”
One satisfied customer writes: “I didn’t even realize it was working until about two weeks in. Then I just had a no makeup day so I really looked. Amazing! A really big line under my eye has smoothed out. I'm impressed!” —6will7
BEST FOR PUFFINESS
Acure Brightening Eye Contour Gel
You’ll need only a pea-size amount of Acure’s Brightening Eye Contour Gel to cover both eyes. Its barely-there formula combines seaweed extract and hibiscus for supreme hydration. It also uses soothing witch hazel and cooling aloe cool to quickly reduce puffiness.
One satisfied customer writes: “The skin around my eyes is softer and brighter, as the product promises. I’ve only been using it about a month and there is a noticeable difference.” —Angelina C.
BEST FOR COOLING
Versed Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel
As its name suggests, Versed’s under-eye formula has a lightweight texture that doubles nicely as a primer for eye makeup to reduce discoloration. It also happens to cool on contact, which helps keep the area feeling refreshed.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used every fancy eye cream and gel on the market and nothing has worked this well and this fast to both brighten and tighten up around my eyes.” —Jaime R.
BEST RETINOL ALTERNATIVE
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum
Here’s an eye gel serum that aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines in two weeks, and uses purified peptides as a retinol alternative to avoid skin irritation. It also features ingredients like edelweiss and rice lees to reduce dullness and discoloration that can make eyes look tired.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have sensitive eyes and this eye gel did not bother them. The gel rubbed in easily and wasn’t greasy feeling afterward.” —Lillya
BEST FOR ENTIRE EYE AREA
RoC Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream
The skin on your eyelids is slightly different from what’s below the eye, and thankfully, this popular purchase includes two creams, one to address each type. The upper lid option focuses on lifting, while the under-eye cream simultaneously tackles dark circles and fine lines.
One satisfied customer writes: “I saw improvement in about a week both on my eyelids as well as under-eye. It has really helped under-eye puffiness as well as dark circles and my eyelids seem to be less ‘baggy’. Highly recommend!” —Cheryl S.
BEST FOR FIRMING
CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
We’re betting you’re already familiar with CosRx’s viral Snail Mucin Essence. Its eye cream version is just as effective, and contains a hefty dose of mucin—which contains collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and allantoin—to soothe and tighten skin, along with niacinamide to brighten it.
One satisfied customer writes: “It is very light weight, goes on easily and is absorbed quickly so there is no creeping into my eyes. I have already noticed a reduction in allergy eye irritation and morning swelling. Another added benefit is no perfumes or odor.” —Kate F.
BEST FOR DARK CIRCLES
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Anti-Dark Circle Brightening Care
Depending on your skin tone, dark circles can appear as either blue or brown—this brightening treatment from La Roche-Posay tackles both types. It uses phe-resorcinol as a main ingredient to reduce the melanin production that causes under-eye darkness, along with caffeine to stimulate blood circulation.
One satisfied customer writes: “I use this nightly on a clean face before bedtime. It goes on easily and doesn’t have a scent. I have sensitive skin and it doesn’t irritate at all. I notice a difference in the puffiness and circles under my eyes. The tube lasts awhile so it’s worth the price.” —Alysia T.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream
If you’re new to using eye cream on a regular basis, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream is a great place to start. The fragrance-free favorite contains a low percentage of retinol and hyaluronic acid to brighten and plump under-eyes, with a featherweight texture that doesn’t feel greasy.
One satisfied customer writes: “I like this product. It goes on smoothly. My eyes do look more radiant after applying Neutrogena retinol eye cream. I recommend this product if you have dryness or slight lines under your eye. It moisturizes and smooths my under eye area, and it’s lightweight.” —K. Williams
BEST FOR LASTING HYDRATION
Vichy Minéral 89 Eyes
Over 16,000 Amazon shoppers love this gel cream from Vichy, which aims to lock in hydration for up to 24 hours. Its formula also helps strengthen fragile skin around the under-eyes, with a blend of volcanic water, hyaluronic acid, and firming caffeine.
One satisfied customer writes: “Have been majorly insecure about my hereditary dark circles as long as I can remember. Been using this for a month and see a dramatic difference. I now feel comfortable going to work without any concealer/corrector. Has not irritated my sensitive skin and is great under eye cream or makeup.” —Lauren G.
BEST FOR MAKEUP PREP
e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
E.l.f.’s entry-level eye cream combines hyaluronic acid and peptides to keep your under-eyes hydrated. A few dollops of the moisturizer are all that’s needed to leave your skin looking more rejuvenated while diminishing lingering darkness.
One satisfied customer writes: “This product is not too thick and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue which is really nice. It makes my eyes appear brighter and on those nights I don’t get the best sleep I can count on ELF eye cream to help. Thank you for working your magic.” —S. Bowlin
How is eye cream different from other skincare essentials?
According to experts, the skin around our eyes is thinner than what’s found on the rest of the face, which also makes it more sensitive. “Eye creams are specially formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. Therefore, they have a gentler formulation, lower concentration, and strength of certain active ingredients—such as retinol and vitamin C—and less irritants,” Lolis explains.
Eye creams can be especially beneficial if you have eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, rosacea, or a similar skin condition, since their formulas are generally more gentle. (Of course, check with your dermatologist first.)
Which ingredients should you look for in the best eye creams?
While many ingredients in the best eye creams are also found in other skincare staples, eye creams contain lower concentrations of them, making eye creams safer for sensitive skin. Eye creams also use highly targeted ingredients (such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and vitamins) specifically chosen to treat dark circles, fine lines, and more, Lolis adds.
One of the most common ingredients you’ll find in eye creams is caffeine. “Caffeine is an antioxidant, so it helps to provide defense against free radicals that hasten the skin aging process,” Turner says. “It also helps promote circulation and temporarily constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness caused by fluids pooling in the tear troughs.”
Another frequent component of eye cream is vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidants used in skincare, which not only defends the skin against free radical damage but also promotes collagen production (for firming and smoothing) and inhibits tyrosinase, preventing hyperpigmentation and brightening the skin.
Finally, hyaluronic acid is an ideal ingredient for under-eye treatments, because it doesn’t irritate most skin types and helps draw water into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. “This can be especially valuable under the eyes, where the skin is so thin. Plumping it up with hyaluronic acid can really improve the appearance of fine lines,” Turner says.
