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The Best Eye Creams to Look Like You’ve Had a Full Night’s Sleep

Say goodbye to concealer.

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Rosdiana Ciaravolo//Getty Images

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If the eyes are the windows to the soul, right now my soul is looking tired, lined, puffy, and a little distressed. Along with genetics, it seems like everything can affect that sensitive under-eye area in some way. Too little sleep, stress, wine (oops), or excess time spent in front of a screen can all contribute to your under-eyes looking a bit worse for wear. Selfie-worthy eye treatments can help when you're feeling like a lost cause, but what about eye creams? To answer our burning questions–like, "Do they even work?"–we turned to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, for insight.

Why is eye cream so popular?

"Eye creams have become popular in the past two years because our eyes are the only things people see due to masking," says Dr. Lal. "I have had a five-fold increase in people asking for eyelid rejuvenation treatments and eye creams."

Do eye creams work?

"I believe eye cream is necessary in a skincare routine because the eye sockets and eye skin change dramatically as we age," says Dr. Lal. "The issue with eye creams is people think they work quickly when in reality the creams should be used for at least 12 weeks before making any judgment about their effectiveness. I make patients take selfies at baseline and after 12 weeks of daily use to compare." If after 12 weeks you're still not seeing a huge improvement, you might prefer to opt for an in-office treatment. "Eye rejuvenation includes procedures such as platelet-rich plasma to improve crepey skin, tear trough filler for hollow under-eyes, vascular laser treatment for darkness from blood vessels, or ablative resurfacing for overall skin laxity."

What ingredients are good to look for in an eye cream?

"Most people want to get rid of dark circles and crepey skin," says Dr. Lal. " I love eye products that have arnica in them, which helps with darkness and pigmentation from fragile under-eye blood vessels. I also love products that have peptides that stimulate collagen production. One of my favorite peptides in argireline, because it tightens the skin similar to how Botox works."

What ingredients should you avoid in an eye cream?

"I avoid eye creams that have a lot of fragrance because eyelid skin is very thin—one of the thinnest parts of our body—and this can lead to irritation, which can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Lal.

Here are 16 eye creams that your delicate under-eye will thank you for.

1

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
1

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

Now 42% Off
$17 at Amazon

Sleepless nights might be the cause of your under-eye crinkling. If so, this product taps retinol to combat those lines. Over time, your eye area will start looking brighter, with more even skin tone, and fewer crow's feet.

2

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Eye Repair Cream
2

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Now 37% Off

Our eyes go through a lot, which is why they need a little bit of extra protection and nourishment. with a combination of moisture building and sealing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this eye cream forms a barrier that will help minimize the effect of stress and reduce and prevent puffiness.

3

NATURIUM Multi-Peptide Eye Cream

Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
3

NATURIUM Multi-Peptide Eye Cream

With the help of argireline and squalane, Naturium's treatment visibly tightens the skin around your eyes, while also delivering plenty of hydration and nourishment. You'll look so refreshed and awake that people will think you actually sleep eight hours every night.

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4

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal C Eye Perfector

Universal C Eye Perfector
4

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal C Eye Perfector

Vitamin C is renowned for its brightening capabilities, and if any area of our faces can use a little help in that department, it's under-eyes. Not only does this cream combat dark circles and puffiness, but it also has the texture of a blurring primer, making imperfections harder to notice.

5

Clarins Total Eye Lift Eye Cream

Total Eye Lift Eye Cream
5

Clarins Total Eye Lift Eye Cream

No need to book that appointment with your friendly plastic surgeon. This eye cream works double-time to eliminate signs of aging like crow's feet and other fine lines. Plus, it works fast. In just one application, you'll notice a definitive difference in your eye's contour.

6

Revision Skincare Revox™ Line Relaxer

Revox™ Line Relaxer
6

Revision Skincare Revox™ Line Relaxer

Like Botox in serum-form, this powerful product mimics the effect of in-office treatments by not only reducing lines and wrinkles but also by minimizing the lasting impact that line-causing facial expressions can make. If you're thinking about going in with needles, try this first.

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7

Payot The 3-in-1 Anti-Fatigue Stick

The 3-in-1 Anti-Fatigue Stick
7

Payot The 3-in-1 Anti-Fatigue Stick

Using natural ingredients like pomegranate, goji, and açaí, this lightly pigmented stick helps soothe the under-eyes while providing intense relief from the tell-tale signs of fatigue, like puffiness and dark circles. The stick also has a gentle cooling effect, so you'll feel like you're getting a facial as you apply it.

8

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Eye Cream

Advanced Retinol Eye Cream
8

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Eye Cream

Odds are you're already aware of using retinol on your face, but this product uses the ingredient to specifically target many of the same skin concerns around your eyes more gently. In addition to reducing fine lines, the cream also plumps and hydrates for a firmer appearance.

9

Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Intensive Eye Renewal Cream
9

Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Using peptides, ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide, this product works to reduce dark circles. Plus, it also fights against puffiness and imparts crucial hydration to the under-eyes.

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10

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
10

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

The trick to looking younger, for longer? Intense hydration. This eye cream uses squalane and soothing marine algae to make the under-eyes look smooth and radiant by diminishing dark circles and puffiness. Over time, the treatment can also help fade fine lines.

11

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème

Banana Bright Eye Crème
11

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème

The skin under our eyes can start looking dull when they're not properly cared for, emphasizing dark circles and puffiness. This brightening cream uses collagen and vitamin C to help your eyes look younger, brighter, and more contoured.

12

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
12

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

RoC's eye cream works both in the short term and long term, to reduce signs of aging, puffiness, and dark circles. Immediately after using the formula, you'll notice your under-eyes looking smoother and more nourished. With continued use, dark circles and fine lines don't stand a chance.

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13

Clinique All About Eyes Rich

All About Eyes Rich
13

Clinique All About Eyes Rich

Nothing says "I haven't slept" more than puffy under-eyes. This cream helps reverse that look to well-rested—even if you spent the night drinking wine instead of sleeping. Plus, it's also a great primer for under-eye concealer to prevent creasing while covering dark circles.

14

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Eye Cream

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Eye Cream
14

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Eye Cream

As the name suggests, peptides and vitamin C in this eye cream promise to brighten and firm the under-eyes, alleviating dark circles and hyperpigmentation. For people with sensitive skin, the formula is also fragrance-free.

15

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream

Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream
15

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream

If your under-eyes desperately need some soothing hydration, this eye cream brings all that and more. Using hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, and green tea extract, eyes will feel completely rejuvenated like a day at the spa.

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16

SUNDAY RILEY Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream

Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream
16

SUNDAY RILEY Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Cream

You need coffee to look like a functioning adult in the morning, but why leave your eyes out of the fun? This eye cream uses caffeine, shea butter, and natural extracts to brighten and de-puff your sleepy under-eyes.

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