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If you, like us, see any combination of dark circles, bags, dry skin, crow's feet and puffiness staring back at you in the mirror every day, you're not alone. A Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab survey of over 1,000 women found that fine lines and wrinkles are the top eye area concern, followed by lack of firmness, dark circles and undereye bags.
Eye-area skin ages faster than the rest of the face, Olay research has found, and the skin around the eyes is the thinnest with the lowest elasticity and moisture. So while you can apply many face creams around your eyes, choosing an eye-specific treatment is key — and not just for those with mature skin. "Eye creams differ from face creams because they're formulated specifically for the delicate eye area," explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "It's important to use one to keep skin hydrated and smooth."
The GH Beauty Lab has a long history of testing eye creams from luxury brands to drugstore bargains 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 anti-aging eye cream test, Beauty Lab scientists tallied 5,960 total skin firmness, hydration and before-and-after digital imaging measurements and consumer survey responses to find the products that really work. Take a look at the best rated eye creams you can buy for all skin types, as tested by the GH Beauty Lab and recommended by dermatologists.
Pros
Raised skin hydration by 41% in our Lab tests
Increased skin firmness by 29%
Non-irritating
Cons
Not as fast-absorbing
What made it a winner: 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 said: Users rated it the best texture and it earned a perfect score for not irritating eyes, though it didn't soak into skin quickly. Several testers 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.
Size | 0.7 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E, botanical extracts |
Main benefits | Moisturizing, firming |
Pros
Boosted skin moisturization by 21% and firmness by 18% in Lab tests
Rich formula
Bargain price
Cons
May not soak in quickly
What made it a winner: 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%.
Testers said: The cream may be best for applying overnight, since the cream's 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."
Size | 0.58 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamin E, botanical extracts |
Main benefits | Hydrating, firming |
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3
Best Anti-Aging
RoC Skincare Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Eye Cream
Now 27% Off
Pros
Reduced wrinkles by 10% in Lab imaging tests
Raised skin firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%
Brightens and depuffs
Good value
Cons
Texture was polarizing
What made it a winner: 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."
Testers said: "I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles and fine lines) were diminished," one commented. A second agreed: "This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles."
RELATED: Best Anti-Aging Creams
Size | 0.5 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E |
Main benefits | Firms, hydrates, reduces wrinkles, brightens, depuffs |
Pros
Reduced wrinkles by 13% in Lab tests
Boosted skin firmness 28% and moisturization 30%
Good value
Cons
One tester developed irritation after use
What made it a winner: Infused 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 an impressive 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and 30% more hydrated.
Testers said: Although it was well-tolerated overall, one user 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.
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E |
Main benefits | Reduces lines, firms, moisturizes |
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5
Best for Undereye Bags
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
Pros
Showed visible improvement in undereye bags in Lab imaging tests
Boosted skin firmness 33% and hydration 18% in Lab tests
Minimized wrinkles 7%
Lightweight and non-irritating
Cons
Not as brightening
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: 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 remarked: "It helped the bags under my eyes."
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Retinol, amino acids |
Main benefits | Firming bags, hydrating, wrinkle smoothing |
Pros
Fragrance-free
Non-irritating for sensitive eye area
Depuffs undereyes
Blurs lines
Cons
Small size
What made it a winner: Need an instant eye fix? Turn to Mary Kay's fragrance-free eye cream, a Good Housekeeping Seal star formulated to speedily depuff and help smooth undereye skin.
Experts said: GH Beauty Lab data evaluations confirmed that it works quickly to decrease puffiness and blur the appearance of fine lines without irritating eyes. (See before-and-after application images on GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann using the Visia Complexion Analyzer, below.) While Beauty Lab experts were impressed by the fast-acting cream, the tube is on the smaller side given the price.
RELATED: What Causes Puffy Eyes
Size | 0.35 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Niacinamide, resveratrol, peptides |
Main benefits | Depuffing, line smoothing |
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Pros
Boosted skin hydration by 34% in Lab testing
Gentle formula
Appealing texture
Cons
May tingle when applied
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: "This is flat out amazing," one 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 more expensive than many other options, however, and note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.
RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Size | 0.5 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Peptides, hyaluronic acid |
Main benefits | Moisturizing, smoothing |
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Pros
Minimized eye area lines by 5% in Lab imaging tests
Soaks in fast
Non-irritating
Cons
Not as moisturizing or firming
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: “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.
RELATED: Best Retinol Eye Creams
Size | 0.5 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid |
Main benefits | Line reduction, depuffing |
9
Best for Brightening
Tula Skincare Rose Glow & Get It Cooling Brightening Eye Balm
Pros
Instant illuminating effects
Refreshing sensation on skin
Portable solid balm stick
Cons
The subtle shimmer could be too light for dark skin tones
What makes it a winner: GH's beauty director keeps this unique Tula eye balm with a brightening, translucent pink tint at her desk to swipe under eyes during tired workday afternoons. (It works over makeup and is also great first thing in the morning; see her before-and-after images on bare skin, below.)
Expert says: "I love this to instantly revive shadowy, sleepy undereyes — not only does it have immediate visible effects, it also gives skin a cooling, soothing effect that lasts after it's applied," she reports. Note that the formula has a slight shimmer that could be too light for dark skin tones.
Size | 0.35 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Caffeine, hyaluronic acid |
Main benefits | Brightening, cooling |
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10
Best for Sensitive Skin
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream
Pros
Fragrance-free
Immediately softens and plumps skin
Glowy finish
Cons
May not work as well under makeup
What made it a winner: 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 said: They 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 GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
RELATED: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
Size | 0.5 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid |
Main benefits | Softening, radiance-boosting |
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Pros
Visibly reduces wrinkles
Noticeably increases firmness
Gentle formula
Cons
May take more time to see results
What made it a winner: No7’s overnight 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.
Testers said: 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.
RELATED: Best Night Creams
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Retinol |
Main benefits | Firmness, wrinkle-reducing |
Pros
Smooths lines
Hydrates and depuffs
Cooling applicator
Cons
Some didn't love the thicker texture
What made it a winner: 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.
Testers said: The immediate cooling sensation helps depuff eyes. One drawback: Some users said they thought the texture was a bit too thick.
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Peptides, plant stem cells |
Main benefits | Reduces crepiness, refreshes |
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Pros
Visibly smooths undereyes
Fast-acting
Cons
Formula can separate over time
What makes it a winner: On the days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes, grab Dermalogica's lightweight eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine to quickly perk up skin.
Expert says: "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." (See her before-and-after application images, below.) But note that over time, the formula can possibly separate and need to be shaken before application.
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Peptides, caffeine |
Main benefits | Depuffing, smoothing |
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Pros
Gentle mineral sun protection
Tinted to color correct undereye area
Cons
Pricey for the size
What makes it a winner: 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.
Expert says: Although it's a splurge especially for the small size, the sunscreen has a sheer tint that blends into skin, giving a "subtle blurring and skin tone-evening effect," GH's beauty director notes.
RELATED: Best Sunscreens for Face
Size | 0.4 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Zinc oxide sunscreen |
Main benefits | Sun protection, tone-evening |
Pros
Contains proven active ingredients
Minimizes dark circles
Cons
Pricey
What makes it a winner: Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients that target dark circles, this eye cream is recommended by Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
Expert says: 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 explains.
Size | 0.5 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Peptides, vitamin K, hyaluronic acid |
Main benefits | Minimizes dark circles, smooths, hydrates |
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Pros
Softens and plumps skin
Depuffs eye area
Cooling applicator
Cons
Expensive for a small amount of product
What makes it a winner: This splurge BL+ serum formula, a GH Sustainable Innovation Award winner, helps minimize eye area puffiness, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine and vitamin C, plus a built-in rollerball dispenser.
Expert says: “So light and hydrating, it keeps my skin plump and tight during the day," Wizemann reports. "I also like the roller applicator as it cools the undereye and helps depuff."
RELATED: Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums
Size | 0.33 oz. |
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Key ingredients | Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, caffeine |
Main benefits | Depuffing, cooling |
Pros
2-in-1 treatment for eyelids and undereyes
Lifts and firms
Softens and smooths
Cons
Some users complained about the small amount of product
What made it a winner: Unlike many eye creams that are meant only for undereye use, this GH Beauty Award-winning dual-sided RoC jar holds two formulas to treat all around eyes. One side contains a firming retinol gel for eyelids and the other, a nourishing peptide cream to smooth lower-eye lines and brighten. (Some users complained about the small amount of product, however).
Expert said: “After the first application, we noticed a slight lift and smoothing of the lids and refreshed feeling from the gel and skin softening from the cream,” Wizemann reported. "The cream texture appears rich, but when applied melts into skin with no trace of residue."
Size | 0.68 oz. |
---|---|
Key ingredients | Retinol, peptides |
Main benefits | Firming, smoothing, brightening |
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.
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.
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.