An Aesthetician Answers the Question: “Do I Really Need an Eye Cream?” (Hint: You Do!)

As a beauty writer, I believe the best anti-aging eye creams are more than deserving of their own headline. But I get it: it’s easy for an eye cream to feel like an unnecessary step in your skincare routine, and in the beauty world, it can seem like moisturizers, serums, retinoids, and sheet masks get all the attention.

Of course, it doesn’t help that eye-centric products tend to be a bit pricey. Couldn’t you just slather regular old moisturizer around this region and call it a day? The cold hard truth, however, is that the skin around our eyes is often the first to show signs of aging—and this sensitive area requires the best anti-aging eye creams in the game.

Featured image by Chelsea Francis.

Why You Need an Eye Cream

Though we’re all about embracing aging, you can still want to look your best even as you become more comfortable in your own skin. Fortunately, the best anti-aging eye creams are formulated to give the area the special, gentle attention it deserves.

“There is a lack of soft tissue to provide the eye area with support such as fat or muscle. That particular area is also excessively mobile: squinting, smiling, laughing—it’s the reason ‘resting bitch face’ was born,” says Roberta Moradfar, an advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and founder of Effacè Aesthetics in Los Angeles. “We can also add compounding factors such as excessive sun exposure, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep along to the appearance of aging skin around the eyes. It can also just be hereditary.”

Ingredients To Look For in the Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams

So what gives eye creams their unique, anti-aging powers? There are a few key ingredients to look out for:

Another advantage of eye creams is being able to target highly specific concerns like puffiness or dark circles. And though the bottles are small, a little goes a long way when it comes to the delicate (and more absorbent) skin around the eyes. So don’t let the cost deter you—plus, there are plenty of drugstore finds that come highly recommended.

To help you on the hunt for your perfect eye cream, we tapped Moradfar to share her favorites for every type of skin concern.

The Best Eye Creams for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Nourishing and effective, this eye cream features peptides that work hard to reduce puffiness and restore moisture. Instant, eye-brightening results await.

Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream

This popular cream uses retinol and hyaluronic acid to pull off its firming magic.

The Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Skinmedica Instant Bright Eye Cream

I love an eye cream that not only offers immediate results in real-time but also puts its potent ingredients to use, protecting skin health for years to come.

Olehenriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme

The cult-favorite eye cream deploys collagen and vitamin C for instant brightening. (The “banana” simply refers to its yellow tint.)

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream

This one truly harnesses the power of peptides. Featuring eight of the wrinkle-fighters and five forms of Vitamin C, this potent product delivers a much-needed boost.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel

“In addition to niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, the eye gel also has glycosaminoglycans to increase collagen support to reduce and stop dark circles under the eyes. I love that people with oily skin can use this oil-free product and still receive hydration thanks to the hyaluronic acid.” — Roberta Moradfar

Best Drugstore Finds

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

With gentle retinol and hyaluronic acid, the product provides instant rejuvenation and can reduce signs of aging over time.

Cerave Eye Repair Cream

This one contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to help repair and restore the natural skin barrier. This is a great choice for those who are more prone to skin allergies and sensitivity.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

The derm-approved drugstore find features retinol and hyaluronic acid for powerful moisturizing.

For a Solid Sun Protectant

Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream

It’s not easy to find a great eye cream with SPF, but leave it to the innovators at Supergoop! to have you covered.

Best All-Rounder

Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream

This derm-favorite brand’s eye cream tops several lists of best anti-aging eye creams, and for good reason. From dark circles to puffiness, it can seemingly target any problem you might have.

This post was originally published on August 16, 2021, and has since been updated.