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17 Best Eye Creams That Really Work

These powerhouse formulas are proven to be the best on the market.

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When it comes to eyes, fine lines and wrinkles are the biggest concern for 85% of women, followed closely by lack of firmness, dark circles and undereye bags, according to a Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab survey of over 1,000 readers.

Eye-area skin ages faster than the rest of the face, which can make you look up to 20 years older, Olay research found. Since the area around the eyes has the thinnest skin with the lowest elasticity and moisture, it's important to invest in an eye cream tailored to address these stubborn issues.

Ahead, the GH Beauty Lab's top-tested, dermatologist-recommended and editor-approved best eye creams on the market that really work for every concern, whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

    Best Overall Eye Cream

    Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

    $135 at Macy's
    Read more
  • 2
    Renewal Firming Eye Cream

    Best Value Eye Cream

    Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

    Read more
  • 3
    Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

    Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

    Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

    Read more
  • 4
    UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

    Best Eye Cream with SPF

    EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

    Read more
  • 5
    Instant Puffiness Reducer

    Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

    Mary Kay Instant Puffiness Reducer

    Read more

"Eye creams differ from face creams because they're formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. It's important to use one to keep skin hydrated and plump," explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "Plus, some also contain brighteners to mask undereye darkness and help you look more awake." An effective eye treatment can help prevent and treat signs of aging around the eyes, including crow's feet lines, wrinkles, dark circles, dryness, bags and puffiness.

The GH Beauty Lab tests thousands of skincare products every year, including eye creams. Formulas are tested both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumers, who report their feedback on product ease of use and results. In the most recent eye cream test, Beauty Lab scientists collated more than 5,900 data points to find the winners. Some of the eye creams below have also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, a money-back guarantee that they work as claimed.

Here, read all about how the GH Beauty Lab rigorously tests eye creams and deep dive into the results of the winners for anti-aging, sensitive and mature skin and more — including drugstore buys.

1
Best Overall Eye Cream

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream
1
Best Overall Eye Cream

Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

$135 at Macy's$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Bloomingdale's
Credit: Lancome
Pros
  • Highly moisturizing
  • Measurably firms skin
  • Non-irritating
Cons
  • Not as fast-absorbing

Lancôme’s luxe, vitamin-packed cream won the GH Beauty Lab's latest anti-aging eye cream test, proving it's worth the splurge for hydrating and firming.

The formula scored highest for increasing skin moisture in Lab Corneometer measures, by 41% over six hours, and boosted firmness by 29% over four weeks of use in Cutometer calculations. Testers rated it the best texture and it earned a perfect score for not irritating eyes, though it didn't soak into skin quickly.

Several users said they could see a noticeable difference: "My bags are almost gone," one said. "The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my undereye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use," another marveled.

Size0.7 oz.
Key ingredientsVitamins C and E, botanical extracts
Primary benefitsMoisturizing, firming
2
Best Value Eye Cream

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

Renewal Firming Eye Cream
2
Best Value Eye Cream

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

Credit: Burt's Bees
Pros
  • Effectively moisturizes and firms
  • Good value
Cons
  • Thicker formula doesn't soak in as fast

A great drugstore buy packed with plant extracts, this Burt’s Bees formula is luxe-feeling and rich. GH Beauty Lab evaluations showed it improved skin’s moisturization by 21% and increased firmness by 18%. You may want to apply it overnight, since its thick texture takes some time to absorb into skin.

“It was soothing and left my eye area much more moisturized," one tester said. Another reported, "My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness."

Size0.58 oz.
Key ingredientsVitamin E, botanical extracts
Primary benefitsHydrating, firming
3
Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream
3
Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

Credit: Biossance
Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Immediately softens and plumps skin
  • Glowy finish
Cons
  • May not work as well under makeup

Smooth on this plush Biossance eye cream with moisturizing plant-based squalane and firming peptides to fortify delicate eye-area skin. The GH Beauty Award winner, which is made without fragrance, a common irritant, came out on top in Lab evaluations for hydrating immediately.

Testers also gave it a perfect score for its "wonderful" texture, however it takes time to absorb so may not work as well under makeup, one noted. Two commented on the "soft glow" and "dewy finish" it imparted. “It feels cushiony and my skin is plumped with hydration after applying it,” said Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsSqualane, hyaluronic acid
Primary benefitsSoftening, radiance-boosting
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4
Best Eye Cream with SPF

EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30
4
Best Eye Cream with SPF

EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

Credit: EltaMD
Pros
  • Gentle mineral sun protection
  • Tinted to color correct undereye area
Cons
  • Pricey for the size

The dermatologist gold standard sunscreen brand EltaMD has now created an SPF just for the eye area. This formula is made with only mineral sunscreen active ingredients, which are gentle for the sensitive eye area, including zinc oxide, known for its soothing properties. It has a sheer tint that blends into skin, giving a "subtle blurring and skin tone-evening effect," GH's Beauty Director says.

Size0.4 oz.
Key ingredientsZinc oxide sunscreen
Primary benefitsSun protection, tone-evening
5
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

Mary Kay Instant Puffiness Reducer

GH Seal
Instant Puffiness Reducer
5
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

Mary Kay Instant Puffiness Reducer

Credit: Mary Kay
Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-irritating for sensitive eye area
Cons
  • Small size

Need an instant eye fix? Turn to Mary Kay's fragrance-free eye cream, a GH Seal star formulated to speedily reduce puffiness and help smooth undereye skin. GH Beauty Lab data evaluations confirmed that it works quickly to decrease puffiness and blur the appearance of fine lines without irritating eyes. While Beauty Lab experts were impressed by the fast-acting cream, the tube is on the small size given the price.

Size0.35 oz.
Key ingredientsNiacinamide, resveratrol, peptides
Primary benefitsDepuffing
6
Best Gentle Eye Cream

No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream

Pure Retinol Eye Cream
6
Best Gentle Eye Cream

No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream

Credit: No7
Pros
  • Visibly reduces wrinkles
  • Noticeably increases firmness
  • Gentle formula
Cons
  • May take more time to see results

No7’s great value eye treatment, a GH Beauty Award winner, provides the wrinkle-diminishing effects of retinol in a formula infused with soothing ingredients that’s safe for use around the delicate eye area. After six weeks of nightly application, 80% of consumer testers thought their wrinkles were reduced and their skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, 91% said the product was gentle on skin, a study found. Note that it takes daily use over a longer time period to see results with the formula.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsRetinol
Primary benefitsFirmness, wrinkle-reducing
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7
Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines

Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment

Restorative Eye Treatment
7
Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines

Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment

Credit: Alastin Skincare
Pros
  • Smooths fine lines
  • Brightens and depuffs undereyes
Cons
  • Can sting slightly

The powerful eye serum from Alastin includes actives like peptides and niacinamide, which are designed to support the production of new collagen in skin. GH's Beauty Assistant loves it for treating lines and puffiness: "I can see a distinct improvement in the fine lines under my eyes since I started using this," she said. "My undereyes also look brighter in photos and in person." A drawback: It can sting a little when applied.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsNiacinamide, peptides
Primary benefitsSmooths lines, reduces puffiness and dark circles
8
Best Eye Cream for Tired Eyes

Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
8
Best Eye Cream for Tired Eyes

Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

Credit: Dermalogica
Pros
  • Visibly smooths undereyes
  • Delivers quick results
Cons
  • Pricey

For days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes (or just for every day!), grab Dermalogica's eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine. "I tap this under my eyes and even on my eyelids in the morning when my eyes look exhausted, puffy and droopy," GH's beauty director says. "Almost instantly, my eye area looks visibly smoother — I've tried many eye treatments and have never seen such noticeable results so quickly." However, note that this pick is more expensive than some other options out there for a relatively small amount of product.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsPeptides, caffeine
Primary benefitsDepuffing, smoothing
9
Best Eye Cream for Aging Skin

RoC Skincare Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Eye Cream

On Sale
Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Eye Cream
9
Best Eye Cream for Aging Skin

RoC Skincare Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Eye Cream

Now 38% Off
Credit: RoC
Pros
  • Firms and hydrates skin
  • Measurably reduces wrinkles
  • Brightens and depuffs
  • Good value
Cons
  • Texture was polarizing

RoC excelled at tackling every eye-area issue in GH Beauty Lab anti-aging eye cream testing, increasing firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%, reducing wrinkles by 10%, brightening dark circles and depuffing — all with a price below the average treatment! Testers said the vitamins C and E formula had an appealing texture, but a few thought it was "heavy" and "greasy."

"I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles and fine lines) were diminished," one said. A second agreed: "This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles."

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsVitamins C and E
Primary benefitsFirms, hydrates, reduces wrinkles, brightens, depuffs
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10
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles

No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream

Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream
10
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles

No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream

Credit: No7
Pros
  • Measurably reduces wrinkle size
  • Effectively firms and hydrates skin
  • Good value
Cons
  • One tester developed irritation after use

Made with smoothing peptides, this No7 drugstore pick rose above the rest in the GH Beauty Lab testing at diminishing crow’s feet and creases. In digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer, the lotion minimized eye-area wrinkle size and severity by 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and 30% more hydrated.

Although it was overall well-tolerated, one tester did develop irritation after two days of use. “This visibly reduced the lines on and crepey texture of my skin,” a tester reported. "It noticeably decreased my fine lines," another echoed.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsPeptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Primary benefitsReduces lines, firms, moisturizes
11
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream

GH Seal
TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream
11
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream

Credit: Mary Kay
Pros
  • Visibly improves dark circles
  • Decreases bags and puffiness
  • Measurably moisturizes skin
Cons
  • Not as firming as other formulas

Brighten up and deflate bags with this GH Seal star Mary Kay cream containing skin tone-evening niacinamide and resveratrol, also a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s eye cream test. It received the highest marks in Lab digital imaging analysis for improving the look of dark circles, plus raised skin hydration levels by 24% and firmness by 20% (though not as much as other formulas).

The treatment also earned high marks among testers for decreasing puffiness and undereye bags. “No more morning puffiness,” a tester revealed. “A magical product!” Another reported: "I do feel like my undereyes look smoother and less dark."

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsPeptides, resveratrol, vitamin B3
Primary benefitsReduces dark circles, minimizes puffiness
12
Best Eye Cream for Dry Skin

Chanel Le Lift Crème Yeux

Le Lift Crème Yeux
12
Best Eye Cream for Dry Skin

Chanel Le Lift Crème Yeux

Credit: Chanel
Pros
  • Highly hydrating
  • Gentle formula
  • Great texture
Cons
  • May tingle when applied

With this rich, luxurious Chanel eye treatment, you get what you pay for: A GH Beauty Lab test winner, the gentle formula with hyaluronic acid and peptides was one of the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluated. It increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours and earned near-perfect scores for its "smooth" texture and "light" scent.

"This is flat out amazing," a tester raved. "I love the way it made the lines and wrinkles soften from around my eyes — my skin there feels baby smooth." Another commented: "My eyes did appear brighter and younger." This product is pricier than many other options, however, and note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsPeptides, hyaluronic acid
Primary benefitsMoisturizing, smoothing
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13
Best Eye Cream for Undereye Bags

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
13
Best Eye Cream for Undereye Bags

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Credit: Murad
Pros
  • Firms skin and minimizes bags
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Effectively hydrates
Cons
  • Not as brightening

Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes. It raised skin’s firmness by 33%, more than all other products in the Lab's test, and was the only product to show visual improvement in undereye bags. It also reduced wrinkles by 7% and improved moisture levels by 18%, although it didn't have as strong brightening effects.

Users rated the formula best for its lightweight texture and nearly perfect for lack of irritation. “The best eye treatment I’ve ever used and really delivered dramatic and noticeable results," a tester marveled. A second said: "It helped the bags under my eyes."

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsRetinol, amino acids
Primary benefitsFirming bags, hydrating, wrinkle smoothing
14
Best Retinol Eye Cream

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
14
Best Retinol Eye Cream

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Credit: La Roche-Posay
Pros
  • Reduces lines
  • Soaks in fast
  • Non-irritating
Cons
  • Not as moisturizing or firming

In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from La Roche-Posay absorbed quickly and reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 5% with powerhouse anti-aging ingredient retinol. It didn't perform as well at moisturizing and firming skin, though. While the active can sometimes cause redness or irritation, Lab testers didn’t report any issues.

“I didn't really have much faith in eye creams until trying this one — very impressive,” and "this cream made my eyes appear well-rested and younger-looking," two commented. Be sure to only use this cream at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

Size0.5 oz.
Key ingredientsRetinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid
Primary benefitsLine reduction, depuffing
15
Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin

Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream

GH Seal
TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream
15
Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin

Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream

Credit: Mary Kay
Pros
  • Smooths lines
  • Hydrates and depuffs
  • Cooling applicator
Cons
  • Some didn't love the thicker texture

A GH Seal star, Mary Kay's eye cream reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and moisturizes dry, crepey mature skin for up to 12 hours. The tube also has a smart design; squeeze out the product and gently use its metal applicator tip to smooth the cream onto skin. The immediate cooling sensation helps depuff eyes. However, some users said they thought the texture was a bit too thick.

    Size0.5 oz.
    Key ingredientsPeptides, plant stem cells
    Primary beneiftsReduces crepiness, refreshes
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    16
    Best Eye Cream with Vitamin C

    BL+ Eye Serum

    Eye Serum
    16
    Best Eye Cream with Vitamin C

    BL+ Eye Serum

    Credit: BL+
    Pros
    • Softens and plumps skin
    • Depuffs eye area
    • Cooling applicator
    Cons
    • Expensive for a small amount of product

    A GH Sustainable Innovation Award winner, this splurge BL+ serum formula helps minimize eye area puffiness, thanks to ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, plus a built-in rollerball dispenser. “So light and hydrating, it keeps my skin plump and tight during the day," GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann reports. "I also like the roller applicator as it cools the undereye and helps depuff."

    Size0.33 oz.
    Key ingredientsVitamin C, hyaluronic acid, caffeine
    Primary benefitsDepuffing, cooling
    17
    Best Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Cream

    Isdin K-Ox Eyes Cream

    K-Ox Eyes Cream
    17
    Best Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Cream

    Isdin K-Ox Eyes Cream

    Credit: Isdin
    Pros
    • Contains proven active ingredients
    • Minimizes dark circles
    Cons
    • Pricey

    Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients, this Isdin formula is a favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Despite its higher price, "I suggest this for my patients concerned with undereye circles, as it contains peptides to help build collagen, vitamin K to help with darkness and visible blood vessels, and antioxidants to help protect the delicate eye skin in a hydrating hyaluronic acid base," she says.

    Size0.5 oz.
    Key ingredientsPeptides, vitamin K, hyaluronic acid
    Primary benefitsMinimizes dark circles, smooths, hydrates

    How we test the best eye creams

    linebreak

    When testing eye creams and treatments, GH Beauty Lab scientists recruit consumer testers across the country to help evaluate formulas across price points, from drugstore to luxury brands. Each tester tries a label-masked product as part of their daily skincare routine for four weeks, then provides feedback on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.

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    a black, silver, and white visia complexion analyzer device used in gh beauty lab eye cream testing

    In the Lab, experts track changes in skin attributes like lines and wrinkles using the Visia Complexion Analyzer after four weeks of eye cream use. Skin firmness is assessed using the Cutometer, a device that measures skin's elasticity. Hydration effects are also measured over six hours using a Corneometer machine, which gauges skin's moisture content.

    To determine the best eye creams, 163 testers completed the study, with 1,793 survey questions submitted. There were 2,334 Cutometer data points recorded and 3,000 Corneometer data points taken. Finally, all the data points are compiled and results are tallied to determine the the best eye creams you can buy.

    What to look for when shopping for the best eye cream

    "

    It depends on the eye area issue you are aiming to address. To treat multiple eye area issues, look for a combination of ingredients targeted to your needs.

    ✔️ For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas that include peptides and retinol.

    ✔️ For puffiness, look for caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

    ✔️ For dark circles, "vitamin K can help," says Dr. Robinson. You can also seek out niacinamide or vitamin C, which "help brighten dark pigmentation," Wizemann adds.

    ✔️ For dryness, Dr. Mraz suggests looking for "hyaluronic acid [to help] with hydration." Glycerin also "temporarily plumps papery skin," Wizemann notes.

    Headshot of April Franzino
    April Franzino
    Beauty Director

    April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

    Headshot of Catharine Malzahn
    Catharine Malzahn
    Beauty Assistant

    Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

    Headshot of Danusia Wnek
    Tested byDanusia Wnek
    Senior Chemist

    Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. 

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