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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Let’s not beat around the bush: Eye cream has a reputation for being an unnecessary step of your skincare routine. But if you grew up hearing your mom stress about her crow’s feet and dark circles, the category is worth considering. This is especially because, according to board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, the skin around your eyes needs to be treated with utmost care.
"It's important to use products that have been specifically tested for tolerability and use in the eye area,” Madfes tells Byrdie. Because with the right product, the world is your oyster. "People use eye creams to help with crepey skin, wrinkles, dark circles, and 'bags' under their eyes," Dr. Madfes says.
If you're looking to trim down your monthly skincare budget, there are lots of excellent drugstore formulas that do the trick. Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Stryke Club, says, "I don't recommend spending a lot of money on an eye cream."
Drugstore is kind of a loose term these days, as most products are purchased online, and well, Walmart now carries Estée Lauder. But the point is, we know of some wonderful wallet-friendly formulas, many of which won't run you more than 20 bucks.
With dermatologists' expert insight in mind, we conducted hours of research on the hunt to find the best drugstore eye creams, evaluating each product based on its ingredients, container, and whether it contains potentially irritating fragrance.
Without further ado, these are the best drugstore eye creams.
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Noticeable results
A little goes a long way
Lightweight
May sting eyes
Contains parabens and PEGs
Looking to address crow's feet, fine lines, and crepiness or achieve all-around smoother skin? New York dermatologist Hadley King, MD, recommends a nightly retinoid or retinol cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream to increase collagen.
The vitamin A derivative is a go-to for treating the most common concerns about the eye area, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles, and lack of elasticity. This reasonably priced anti-aging eye cream also contains a medley of soothing, plumping hydrators like vitamin E, glycerin, and panthenol (vitamin B5).
By delivering moisture to the skin, RoC Correxion will make your eye area look instantly smoother and less puffy. After several weeks, you can expect a noticeable improvement in fine lines and dark circles.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, glycerin, panthenol | Benefits: Smoothing, toning, depuffing, plumping, increases collagen | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Byrdie / Leigh Weingus
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Gentle formula
Vegan
Lightweight
Contains PEGs and triethanolamine
Most drugstore formulas are relatively affordable, but if you want to spend as little as possible, you can't go wrong with e.l.f. The brand's Holy Hydration eye cream calls on peptides, cucumber extract, and green tea to gently plump, smooth, hydrate, and boost radiance.
Active Ingredients: Peptides, cucumber extract, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, soothing, boost radiance, hydrating | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Gentle formula
Fragrance- and phthalate-free
Hygienic container
Results aren't dramatic
Reactive complexion? Reach for CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. The no-nonsense, fragrance-free formula delivers ample moisture while replenishing the skin barrier with essential ceramides. If you battle dark circles no matter how much sleep you get, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a fool-proof radiance-boosting agent.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, almond oil | Benefits: Hydrating, plumping, depuffing, replenishes the skin barrier | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Airtight container
Lightweight
Gentle formula
Fast results
Not radiance-boosting enough for some
From the K-beauty aisle, we're big fans of CosRx (as are supermodels like Emily Ratajkowski). The brand's Advanced Eye Cream contains ultra-hydrating snail mucin, plus niacinamide and peptides to firm, plump, and boost radiance—and it gets extra points for the airtight container.
Active Ingredients: Peptides, snail secretion filtrate, niacinamide | Benefits: Firming, hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.85 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Airtight container
Works well under makeup
Results are temporary
While La Roche-Posay is on the pricier end of the drugstore spectrum, you can count on gentle products that do what they say. Toleriane Ultra Eyes contains Dr. King's favorite depuffing ingredient, caffeine, along with mineral-rich spring water and radiance-boosting vitamin C.
Active Ingredients: Squalane, thermal spring water, caffeine, vitamin C | Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Generous amount
Fragrance-free
May sting eyes
"Pond's Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream contains moisturizing ingredients, as well as niacinamide to help improve tone and texture, and retinol to help stimulate collagen," Dr. King tells Byrdie. Since sun exposure is discouraged after applying retinol, we suggest using this one at night.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, glycerin | Benefits: Firming, smoothing, radiance-boosting | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No
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Dermatologist-approved
Hygienic container
Fragrance-free
Results are temporary
Not the most moisturizing
"This potent eye cream with plant-derived sodium phytate and caffeine helps you say goodbye to the look of under-eye bags, dark circles, and fine lines," says board-certified dermatologist Marie V. Hayag, MD of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics.
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, sodium phytate, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, radiance-boosting, hydrating, reduces dark circles | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Fragrance-free
A little goes a long way
Gentle formula
Unhygienic container
Contains parabens and PEGs
Does hyperpigmentation get you down? Your best bet is Olay's peptide-rich Ultimate Eye Cream. This brilliant multi-tasker contains radiance-boosting niacinamide and color-correcting pigments to tackle uneven skin tone and illuminate the eye area.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, brightening pigments | Benefits: Radiance-boosting, depuffing, smoothing, hydrating | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Hygienic container
Noticeable results
Lightweight
May sting slightly
Dr. King appreciates eye products containing retinol, like this little guy from Neutrogena's widely celebrated Rapid Wrinkle Repair Line. With ongoing use, the smoothing formula offers a noticeable improvement in fine lines, crow's feet, and uneven skin tone while targeting hyperpigmentation and dark circles with vitamin C.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, radiance-boosting | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
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Hygienic container
Lightweight
Results are temporary
If you're dealing with puffy under-eyes, Dr. King says any eye cream containing caffeine should help. From the under-$10 selection, your best bet is this little ditty by The Inkey List.
It's budget-friendly, notably lightweight, and effective. As Dr. King explains, "Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can therefore reduce the amount of fluid accumulating."
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides | Benefits: Hydrating, depuffing, smoothing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Airtight container
98.9 percent natural formula
Fragrance-free
Results aren't dramatic
Difficult to tell how much you’ve used
Partial to plant-based formulas? We suggest Burt's Bees 98.9 percent natural Eye Cream. The supremely creamy concoction comes in a hygienic airtight container, goes on smoothly, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Active Ingredients: Olive oil, cotton flower extract, shea butter | Benefits: Depuffing, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Plant-based formula
Airtight container
Results aren't dramatic
For those on the clean-beauty train, we recommend InstaNatural Youth Express. This lightweight eye gel contains a plethora of plant-based goodness, like stem cells, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to plump up parched complexions and replenish the skin barrier.
Active Ingredients: Peptides, plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, amino acids | Benefits: Smoothing, strengthening, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Hygienic container
Fragrance- and phthalate-free
Absorbs quickly
Results aren't dramatic
Eye serums are having a well-deserved moment, and our favorite from the pharmacy is this scarlet tube by Olay. The exceptionally lightweight, fast-absorbing formula works to depuff, firm, and lift the eye area with all-star ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and caffeine.
Active Ingredients: Peptides, panthenol, caffeine, niacinamide | Benefits: Resurfacing, depuffing, smoothing, firming, lifting | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
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Tightens and plumps skin
Gentle on delicate eye area
Lightweight formula
Contains PEGs and paraffin
If you often wake up with puffy skin or under-eye bags, this one's for you. No7 Lift & Illuminate Eye Cream is an ultra-lightweight formula that promises to depuff and tighten the delicate eye area while plumping the skin and delivering a heaping dose of moisture.
Active Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter | Benefits: Depuffing, plumping, brightening, smoothing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Instantly color-corrects
Long-lasting hydration
Good for no-makeup look
Limited shades
For those who like to rock a no-makeup makeup look, we highly recommend this tinted eye cream from Honest Beauty. The semi-sheer color instantly color-corrects dark under-eye circles while offering a plumping hydration boost that lasts all day.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane | Benefits: Color-correcting, brightening, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
When it comes to drugstore eye creams, RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is a diamond in the rough. The dermatologist-approved formula boosts collagen production while offering a noticeable improvement in the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet, crepiness, and dark circles. If you're looking for something even more affordable or want a retinol-free option, go with the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Eye Cream. It is a gentle eye cream that works to plump, boost radiance, and depuff the eye area.
Meet the Expert
- Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
- Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist has been a part of the Minnesota Dermatological Society since 2014. She currently teaches at the University of Minnesota.
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Marie V. Hayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.
What to Look For in an Eye Cream
Anti-Aging Ingredients
"Many of the eye creams on the shelf in the drugstore are there for anti-aging," Dr. Maguiness tells Byrdie. For this reason, they often contain skin-smoothing and wrinkle-reducing ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and retinoids, like RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream.
However, Dr. Maguiness warns, "Ingredients that help with anti-aging, like retinol, can be extremely irritating around the eye." If your skin stings or burns after applying eye cream, it's best to stop using it and consult with a dermatologist.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a top ingredient used to help fade hyperpigmentation. That means that if you have dark circles under your eyes, a cream containing niacinamide—also known as nicotinamide—may help diminish their appearance.
In addition to brightening the under eye area, Jennifer Herrmann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Byrdie that “Nicotinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays." CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is one of our favorites containing niacinamide.
Retinol
This ingredient boosts collagen production and aids skin cell turnover. By helping to thicken the skin under your eyes, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream and other formulas containing retinol can make wrinkles and fine lines look less obvious, as well as under-eye circles.
Beyond that, esthetician and skincare brand founder Renée Rouleau says that “With continued use, retinol works to fade hyperpigmentation (brown spots and patches) and give the look of smoother skin in a gentler, non-drying way than a prescription form.” For this reason, retinol serums can play an important part in your skincare regime.
Caffeine
An active ingredient in beverages meant to kickstart your morning, caffeine also has benefits for your under eye area. Caffeine boosts circulation in the skin and contains antioxidants, which are always an added bonus in skincare. With this in mind, we highly recommend The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream.
Hyaluronic Acid
This ultra-moisturizing ingredient is key for anyone who wants instant results out of their under eye cream. With its ability to bind to water, hyaluronic acid can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. It absorbs quickly into the skin, doesn’t irritate the tender area around our eyes, and is cost effective. To add this ingredient to your skincare routine, consider No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream.
Hydrating Ingredients
Since the tissue around your eye area is notably thin, crepiness and fine lines are often more visible when your skin is dry. As such, Dr. King says, "Eye creams should be hydrating and moisturizing."
Look for options containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), and plant oils, like CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. Hydration can help replenish the skin barrier and have the effect of plumping up crepey or saggy skin.
Container
When shopping around for eye creams, you should also consider the container. As with CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream, airtight containers are ideal since the products aren't exposed to air and are thus less likely to oxidize.
Additionally, eye creams that come in lidless containers can often last longer with fewer preservatives. What's more, you'll avoid contaminating the ingredients with bacteria and other potential irritants from your fingers.
Fragrance
You may want to consider the fragrance (or lack thereof), as some people are particularly sensitive to synthetic fragrances (aka parfum). As Dr. Maguiness explains, "The skin around the eye is thin and prone to irritation."
If you have a reactive complexion, the last thing you want to do is introduce a mostly unnecessary additive, especially around the delicate eye area. Pond's Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream is a great fragrance-free option for sensitive skin.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a bonafide skincare nerd and copyeditor specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she interviewed four dermatologists for their product recommendations and expertise on various formulations. Before making her selections, she referenced several peer-reviewed studies, researched various ingredients, and considered a plethora of eye creams. From the above list, Theresa has personally tried CosRx, RoC, Naturally Serious, Neutrogena, and Burt's Bees.
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