7 Dermatologist-Approved, Anti-Aging Under-Eye Creams
1. Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream
Fine lines and sagging skin under the eyes calls for a cream that will provide elasticity and firmness to the area. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner suggests a peptide cream to gently treat the under eye area.
“Peptides are signals that tell your skin to do a specific job. It's like dangling a carrot in front of their nose,” he explains.
For this skin type, Zeichner recommends the Alpha H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream because it, “contains 2 specific peptides that help strengthen the skin and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin.”
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream ($80)
2. SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel
Dark circles, fine lines and pigmentation under the eyes can make someone look even more tired and aged than they might be, so a Vitamin C serum will brighten the area and lighten harsh shadows.
Zeichner explains: “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage, brightens dark spots to even skin tone, and supports production of healthy collagen.” For this, he recommends the Skinceuticals AOX Eye Gel to battle bags and brighten the face.
SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel ($95)
3. Eye Fuel All Skin Types
Puffiness under the eyes can be due to a lack of sleep, so a caffeine infused cream is the way to go. “Caffeine both has a constricting effect to eliminate excess fluid and also encourages your body to break down fat,” Zeichner says.
If this sounds familiar to you, try the Kiehl’s Eye Fuel to depuff under the eyes and enhance your overall appearance!
Eye Fuel All Skin Types, including Sensitive Skin ($24)
4. The A Method Collagen Boost Peptide Eye Cream
We also checked in with skincare expert Madelyn Cusimano, esthetician for The A Method, who explained how this eye cream is from celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Tina Alster, and a product that features peptides.
This aforementioned, powerful skincare ingredient can moisturize, hydrate and soothe the skin around your eyes.
It's dubbed an "all-in-one" cream, meaning that it targets anti-aging goals like drawing attention away from wrinkles and fine lines while also preventing dreaded puffiness.
In addition, it can brighten dark eye circles and aims to "tighten and tone the appearance of skin around the orbital rim," as noted on the brand's website, where you can purchase the highly raved $78 cream.
The A Method Collagen Boost Peptide Eye Cream ($78)
5. RoC Max Daily Hydration Crème
Fine lines and sagging skin under the eyes calls for a cream that will provide elasticity and firmness to the area. Zeichner explains, “If you have crepey skin under the eyes, look for an eye cream that contains retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen and elastin to firm and strengthen the skin.”
According to Zeichner, the Roc Retinol Max Correxion Eye Cream (available via Walmart for $26.76) will be your best bet as it “contains a stabilized form of retinol in a specialized formula designed for the under eye area.”
6. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
This "thick, creamy moisturizer" is a "popular beauty pick" in French pharmacies, and can also be found for $40 via the brand site, Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, says.
"Its soothing properties aid in the restoration and rebalancing of dry skin, and it prevents skin water evaporation by strengthening cell cohesion," she adds.
Chacon also notes that this $40 product can effectively "remove dehydration lines" to help your skin look supple and more nourished, as its shea butter ingredient "helps to reduce signs of aging, dryness, and dehydration."
7. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream (Customer Reviews)
The viral LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream, priced at $22.99, promises to be an anti-aging marvel that hydrates the under-eye area, banishes dark circles, reduces puffiness, and softens the look of wrinkles. Though these claims might seem lofty, customer reviews attest to its effectiveness.
We delved into the research behind this acclaimed product to determine its value for your skincare regimen. Suitable for all ages and skin types, the LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream (paid link) is an excellent addition to any routine aimed at combating aging signs. Crafted with vegan and clean ingredients, it is free from sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum. Upon application to the under-eye area, this cream swiftly penetrates the skin, delivering a rejuvenating lift, deep hydration, and a firmer texture.
One customer said, “My husband and I have been using this eye cream for a little over a year and just love it! A very tiny amount goes a long way – I use approximately a 1/4 pea size amount around my eyes. Plumps up the skin around the eyes to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Good absorption. Non-greasy feel once absorbed. No strong fragrances.” Another shopper said, “I found the LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to be effective at brightening the under-eye area and reducing puffiness. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.”
The Bottom Line
Overall, while these are seven go-to and often praised eye cream ingredients, our experts suggest visiting your dermatologist for more personalized and specific recommendations.
Cusimano concludes that eye creams work best when paired with another retinol product (your dermatologist can help you find one that suits your needs).
Retinol, she says, will help "feed the collagen and encourage cell turnover, while the peptide will help support all the progress the skin is making." Both, she stresses, "work on collagen stimulation and strengthening the skin."