What is the Best Eye Cream?

By Jeremy Allen | Published on April 26, 2023
A selection of eye creams from different brands
Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

No matter the cause of your dark circles and puffy eyes, an eye cream can make all the difference. There are various options available ranging from rich balms to lightweight gels that may help.

Begin your search for effective products by selecting those which contain only high-grade ingredients tailored specifically to your individual needs, while being eco-friendly in their production and use.

1. Retinol

Retinol has become one of the most sought-after ingredients in modern skin care, helping unclog pores, strengthen collagen levels and speed up cell turnover for smoothing dark circles and discolorations.

But because this solution may irritate the skin, start by applying smaller concentrations initially and gradually increase them until reaching desired results.

Retinol comes both over-the-counter and with a valid valid prescription from your dermatologist. These latter forms are known as tretinoin or adapalene and require medical clearance prior to usage.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the premier skincare ingredients designed to revitalize skin’s appearance, acting as a water-retaining molecule capable of holding 1000x its weight in water – meaning it’s highly efficient at maintaining moisture balance and helping your body retain it.

Eye creams containing this ingredient can help alleviate dry eyes. Furthermore, it may also be effective at treating cataracts and osteoarthritis.

If you want to try Hyaluronic acid on your face, the most effective way is through products containing this ingredient in serum or cream form. This is also one way of applying it directly.

3. Peptides

Peptides are an effective ingredient that can reduce puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles while simultaneously moisturizing and strengthening skin.

Peptides are an integral component of high-quality eye creams that contain them to stimulate skin cell production and make the area appear youthful. Peptides help improve firmness and elasticity under-eye area as well as being effective remedies for dry skin types.

The Derma E Advanced Peptides and Collagen Eye Cream offers an enriching formula designed to promote antioxidants and collagen production, with plant-based collagen, peptides, vitamin C and green tea extracts to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant that protects skin from UV rays while also contributing to collagen synthesis – helping maintain firm, youthful-looking skin.

As part of its many benefits, AHAs are widely recognised for brightening skin by fading hyperpigmentation and improving dark circle appearance. A great addition to any skincare regime.

A top eye cream should contain Vitamin C in liquid or gel form for easy application and absorption.

An ideal packaging is a tube or airless pump which reduces bacteria exposure as well as air exposure that could compromise the effectiveness of Vitamin C and other volatile ingredients.

Drunk Elephant offers an eye cream that’s both gentle and effective – the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream. Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and packed with brightening, firming, and hydrating ingredients essential for maintaining youthful and hydrated eyes.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is an effective anti-inflammatory agent, helping reduce puffy and dark circles around your eyes. Plus, its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-aging properties may keep your skin looking young!

Reflexology can also provide effective relief from eye disease such as cataracts, age related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory benefits help hydrate delicate skin surrounding your eyes as well as relieve any tension that might exist there.

This Innisfree Green Tea Seed Eye Cream is an all-in-one solution, providing your skin with ample moisture while also working to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, its brightening qualities help minimize dark circles for an immediate increase in eye alertness.

This formula of retinol and hyaluronic acid has been clinically shown to depuff baggy eyes while keeping skin bright for up to eight hours at a time.