If there’s one question that we tend to be asked more than any other as beauty editors, it’s whether using an eye cream is worth it. We get it—when you’re already investing money in a decent cleanser, a serum tailored to your skin’s needs, and the best moisturiser for you, then an eye cream feels like just another step in a skincare routine. But, we hate to break it to you, the best eye creams really are necessary because your face serum and moisturisers aren't formulated for the fragile thin skin that sits just below your lower lash line.
And according to Lee Etheridge, Vice President Global Education & Consumer Experience at bareMinerals, we should be taking every precaution to treat the eye area if we want to delay the visible signs of ageing.
"The skin here is thin. It's made up of less collagen and elastin compared to the rest of the face," she says. "When you consider the average person blinks 23,000 times, it’s not surprising that the eye area is susceptible to wrinkling."
Eye creams are used to target a range of concerns - from dark circles and puffiness to firming and fine lines - however it's important to note that whilst using one is encouraged, each has its limits and shouldn't be considered a miracle worker. Formulation and ingredients are key, but things like diet, sleep, water intake, genetics, inflammation, pigmentation, stress and age are all contributing factors.
"While ageing plays a large part with the decrease in collagen resulting in loose skin in those areas, and the weakened muscles and tendons causing it to sag," says Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Elizabeth Hawkes. "Stress can speed up this process significantly. This coupled with the effects of outside factors such as more exposure to the sun, alcohol, smoking and poor nutrition can speed up the signs of ageing and result in heavy or sagging upper lids and wrinkles around the eyes and on the eyelids."
Best eye creams of 2024 at a glance:
- Best affordable eye cream: No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum | £16.99 at Amazon
- Best eye cream for dark circles: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème | £38 at Sephora
- Best eye cream for fine lines and wrinkles: iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex | £115 at Amazon
- Best eye cream to tackle puffiness: Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer | £64 at Sephora
- Best brightening eye cream: Embryolisse Radiant Eye Cream | £22.85 at Sephora
- Best hydrating eye cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream | £14 at Sephora
What to look for in an eye cream that works
Dr Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon, Facial Aesthetics Doctor and founder of MZ Skin says, "The periorbital skin is the thinnest and most delicate on the body. Because of this, dilated blood vessels can be seen through the skin, giving the appearance of dark circles. With the use of topical agents such as caffeine, we can constrict these blood vessels, diminish their appearance and therefore decrease the appearance of dark circles. As an anti-inflammatory, caffeine can also help with the puffy appearance under the eyes.
"Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid help moisturise the skin and ceramides can be added to lock in hydration. Peptides are also an excellent ingredient to help stimulate collagen production. Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract helps to detoxify and to strengthen capillaries to help reduce dark circles and puffiness while also lifting and firming the delicate skin to reduce fine lines."
"It should also be high in antioxidants to fight free radical damage from pollution," Etheridge adds.
"In the morning, your main issue is puffiness caused by water retention from laying flat all night," explains Etheridge. Gel textures tend to be more cooling, especially when kept in the fridge. Also look for an eye cream that comes with a smooth applicator as the cold sensation will instantly de-puff. Cryo ice globes are having something of a moment right now and they are incredibly effective at reducing puffiness.
At night time your skin is in recovery mode, so switch to a richer cream to really nourish and lock in moisture.
Avoid overly oily formulas at all costs – especially those containing mineral oils and petroleum, which can swamp the skin and easily travel up into the eye.
How to find the best eye cream for you
"If you have thin, dry skin with fine lines and wrinkles, look for deep hydration that will be locked in to help moisturise the skin,' recommends Dr Zamani. 'Peptides and other collagen boosting ingredients help to thicken the skin. In those with puffy eyelids, look for ingredients that help detoxify and improve lymphatics while boosting collagen production. Stay away from deep hydration because that will increase puffiness. As most people complain of dark circles, any ingredients that help improve microcirculation and constrict blood vessels improve the appearance of dark circles."
Dr Zamani created a quick ingredient cheat sheet for us:
- If you have fine lines, look for ceramides, peptides, vitamin c, retinol, hyaluronic acid
- If you are looking for collagen stimulation, look for retinol, vitamin c, niacinamide, arbutin, peptides
- If you have discolouration, look for caffeine, bark extract, vitamin c, arbutin, retinols
- If you suffer from puffiness, look for caffeine, green tea, vitamin k
We completely understand that finding an eye cream that works is difficult in a market as saturated as this, which is why we have spent years trialling and testing each and every eye cream that lands on our desks so that we can be sure that we have done our research to create the best eye creams of 2024 list.
During the testing process we paid close attention to texture, ingredients, price and of course, the results - how did the eye area look and feel after using each one. Find out more about how we test our products.
These were our findings...
1. Olay Vitamin B3 24 + Vitamin C Eye Cream
We start our roundup with a well-loved, heritage brand: Olay. The brand's products are reliable and won't break the bank. There's quite an impressive concoction in this formula - vitamin B3 (niacinamide) for brightening, vitamin C to help with pigmentation and free-radical damage and peptides to work on those fine lines. Tick, tick, tick.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "What a hero of an eye cream - or should that be eye gel? It's a beautiful lightweight texture so doesn't feel heavy - I love it. Just enough actives to feel like it's doing something, but not too much that you have any irritation. A tiny bit is all you need and once I've applied it, I like to use my jade roller for extra depuffing."
2. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Ever since CeraVe hit UK shores, it has been a favourite among the beauty elite. Most people are devout followers of the CeraVe cleansers, but this eye cream should be high on your shopping list. The brand is developed by dermatologists at low prices. Now available at Cult Beauty, this eye cream is non-sticky, fast-absorbing and moisture-boosting, while also not aggravating sensitive skin.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I recommend this eye cream to everyone, because it's a great way to hydrate the area as a starting point in your eyecare routine. It's a great price point and hydrates without adding any extra puffiness. Ideal for using in the morning alongside something a little more active in the evenings. I love the fine nozzle applicator to dot the product around my orbital bone, which ensures I don't use too much."
3. iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex
Proteins, peptides, antioxidants and key growth factors - iS Clinical doesn’t mess around with unnecessary filler ingredients. Just ones that give a really good result on lines. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but a tiny bit goes a long way so you don’t need to use it a lot to see a difference in your skin texture.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is a brilliant eye cream, but it is an expensive eye cream. Do I think it's worth the £105? If you can afford it and you are desperate to tackle fine lines around your eyes, then 100% yes. It has incredible clinical trials that convinced me I needed to give it a go and I'm so glad that I did. I noticed a softening of creases around the corners of my eyes. My main eye concern is dark circles, so I choose to use another eye cream on a daily basis, but I will return to this when I start seeing a few more lines appear."
4. Roc Dual Eye Cream Advanced Retinol & Peptides
This is a rather genius product. The scientists at Roc know that sometimes we have more than one concern when it comes to our eyes, which is why they have created this dual eye cream. The white cream works on your lower eye reducing the appearance of dark circles and taking down puffiness. The peachy coloured gel is to be used on the upper eye to lift and tighten.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I think this is such a clever product and I have loved using it. I particularly love the gel for the upper eye as that's where I saw the biggest difference."
5. Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream
If your dark circles are the result of lifestyle factors, like lack of sleep or a poor diet (rather than genes, pigmentation or skin structure), then the good news is you can do something about them. Sunday Riley's first eye cream nourishes, thanks to cocoa butter, while caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root smooth the skin and reduce puffiness, making it easier for light to bounce off. Bright eyes, ahoy.
Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "My dark circles are the bane of my beauty existence, and this eye cream is one of the few that I find actually makes a difference. It's rich, making it great for dry skin, and it's also impressively brightening."
6. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
The magic happens as soon as this Ole Henriksen eye cream, which is yellow by the way, touches your skin. Working on the same premise as 'banana powder', a yellow powder used by make-up artists to eradicate sallowness, dark circles are immediately conquered.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is like a skincare-make-up hybrid product - it's all about colour correcting and my deep, deep blue dark circles quiver in their tiny little boots whenever I get this out. The yellow minimises the appearance of the darkness and it's super glowy so brightens instantly."
7. Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dark Circle Illuminating Eye Cream
Eucerin's Anti-Pigment range is legendary and this is the brand's latest addition. The formula is made from a winning combination of a patented ingredient, Thiamidol, which is proven to reduce hyperpigmentation, illuminating pigments to brighten, hyaluronic acid to plump and a cooling metal applicator to soothe. If you already a fan of the Anti-Pigment range and use it daily, the brand recommends limiting the use of products with Thiamidol to four applications per day.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I have tenacious dark circles that I have inherited from my family. I also have two small children. So it's safe to say that the bags under my eyes are a pretty permanent fixture on my face. I have been using this eye cream for about three weeks and I am so impressed with how the blue tone under my eyes has softened."
8. Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream
Kate Somerville fans rejoiced when this cult product made a much-anticipated jump across the pond. Using two powerhouse ingredients - vitamin A and a blend of peptides - it smoothes fine lines and lifts the entire eye area for a more youthful, wide-awake look. You'll also find antioxidants, vitamin C and E in the formula.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "It's not great to admit, but I very rarely get to the end of beauty products, such is the nature of my job or trialling newness. But I used every last drop of this. My eyes look more hydrated and lines look diffused. As it has vitamin A in, I keep this for the evenings."
9. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum
No7's Future Renew range has garnered a lot of interest since it launched earlier this year and with good reason. People had seen amazing results from using the range that features a brand new peptide blend, which is proven to reverse signs of skin damage.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "My friend text me the other day to tell me that she had never used an eye cream as good as this one. She sent me her before and after shots and the visible creases under her eyes had vanished. I, of course, had to try it and wasn't disappointed. The brand's new peptide blend worked wonders at helping me look less tried. She has since stockpiled and I suggest you do the same."
10. Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night Eye Serum
The ultimate powerhouse for eyes, this serum contains souped-up age-defying ingredients including a vitamin A derivative to plump skin, visibly fade fine lines and help with dark circles. Bonus: it's gentle enough to use day and night.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I would trust Medik8 with my life. Anything they tell me to put on my eyes I'll do it. The combination of retinal and caffeine means that my eye area is brighter and more even toned."
11. Curél Moisturising Repair Eye Cream
This eye cream is great for dry and sensitive skin. The lightweight formula reduces fine lines by helping to fill up the skin's ceramide reservoir. It is fragrance-free, pH balanced and colourant free, too.
Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor says: "When my sensitive skin has a flare up, my eyes are one of the first things to show it. The skin gets crepey in some areas and tight in others. This eye cream soothes instantly. It hands down the best eye cream I've used for sensitive skin."
12. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
You are going to love this night eye cream. It not only bolsters skin after exposure to pollution, UV and lack of sleep, but it also has special repair technology to tackle the effects of blue light from your phone and computer screen.
Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor says: "I'm a huge fan of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum thanks to its protective, glow-boosting abilities. This eye cream version is, in my opinion, one of the best eye creams out there. Until I tried this stuff, I didn't realise just how much difference an eye cream could make—my whole face simply looks more alive thanks to it."
13. Embryolisse Radiant Eye Cream
Embryolisse is the brand that you'll find in so many make-up artist's kit - its Lait-Crème Concentré is legendary at providing instant hydration. It's eye stick is just as useful. It's a cooling formula, which adds radiance and stops you looking tried quickly.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "This is the eye cream I grab when I've had a heavy night - whether that means I've been up late dancing, drinking wine until the wee hours with friends around the dinner table or trying to coax a crying child back to sleep. It's cooling so depuffs nicely and it has a slight iridescence to it, which instantly brightens."
14. Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer
Murad's latest eye cream has been developed for the sole purpose of depuffing. So if you are someone who wakes in the morning, even after a long night's sleep this might just be the one for you. It utilises peptide to tone, life and brighten, ginseng, lily and caffeine to brighten dark circles and a light reflecting formula to illuminate.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor says: "I often will apply an eye cream, then go over the area with a jade roller to help depuff. This eye cream means I don't have to. The smooth applicator does the same job and the brightening formula means I don't have to use as much concealer. My tip is to leave this in the fridge overnight for extra coolness."
15. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
All too often brightening eye creams compromise hydration in favour of luminosity and more moisturising formulations focus on tackling dehydration and forget about the appearance of the eye area. Luckily, this cult favourite eye cream from Drunk Elephant does all of it—and does it well—via a potent blend of five forms of brightening vitamin C, eight firming peptides, and a dash of cooling cucumber extract. Along with ceramides, antioxidants and plant oils, under-eyes will be left more radiant, smooth and even. Forget what you’ve seen on TikTok of children rushing out to buy this—it’s a decidedly grown-up product with results you’d want in your 30s and beyond.
Mica Ricketts, Freelance Beauty Editor and Marie Claire contributor says: “I was never loyal to an eye cream before I used this product which has been a near-permanent fixture in my skincare routine for the last few years. As someone that is permanently sleep deprived (and looks it!) brightness is the number one thing on my list for an eye cream. However, now that I’m in my mid-30s I also want something that’s going to tackle dryness and restore a little bounce to the skin that’s starting to thin beneath my eyes. This eye cream truly delivers—restoring life to grey under-eye bags and giving the skin a little more bounce than it would otherwise have.”
Where to apply eye cream?
As the under-eye area is so delicate, you also want to avoid any vigorous rubbing. "Put a small amount of product on your ring finger (your weakest in terms of exerting pressure) and smooth below the eye, over the crow’s feet area and pat onto the brow bone just below your eyebrows," says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk.
