Is an eye cream necessary, really? This might be one of beauty’s most burning questions. And the answer is a definitive “yes”. In fact, many experts would argue that a good eye cream is one of the most important products in your skincare routine.
But why is an eye cream necessary in addition to a face cream, you may ask? Because the skin under the eyes is thinner than anywhere else on the face, with fewer oil glands and less collagen, making it prone to dryness, fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. Eye creams are therefore formulated to deliver the same results as face creams, but with ingredients targeted specifically for the eye area at more suitable concentrations.
As we all know, the eyes are the window to the soul, and as we smile and squint, this constant movement of the eyes also causes the appearance of those wrinkles commonly known as crow’s feet, while fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles.
Read on for our definitive guide with tips on how to choose an eye cream and how to incorporate this skincare essential into your routine.
What does an eye cream do?
Unlike face creams, eye creams are formulated specifically to target these issues with particular ingredients and actives more suitable for the delicate skin around the eyes. This targeted approach aids the reduction of a multitude of issues like discoloration, puffiness, and fine lines, while avoiding heavy ingredients that can trigger milia (tiny white cysts) or irritation.
How to apply your eye cream?
When it comes to eye creams, a little can go a long way. When applying, it is important to keep in mind that the skin surrounding the eye is much finer than the rest of the face, so apply your eye cream gently by dabbing around the eye area using the 4th finger and never rub, as that can irritate and damage the delicate skin. Eye cream should be applied before your SPF, daily moisturizer, or night cream to ensure the ingredients can penetrate and do their work most effectively.
When to apply your eye cream?
If you’re looking to reduce puffiness or brighten, apply in the morning so you will be able to see results throughout the day. If you want to drench your under eyes in a formula that focuses on hydration, a night time application would probably be best.
When shopping for an eye cream, ask yourself these questions: Are you using an under-eye concealer to cover up dark circles? Is your morning puffiness more like all day puffiness? Does your makeup always crease in the fine lines around your eyes?
Here, a list of the best clean eye creams for every concern.
The best eye creams for dark circles
Dark circles can often feel impossible to get rid of, especially if you find yourself in a position where a good night's sleep is not always on the menu. But a lack of sleep is not the only cause of dark under eyes; you may be dealing with underlying redness or hyperpigmentation.
If your dark circles are due to an underlying redness in the skin, reach for eye creams that contain Vitamin K or Caffeine to boost circulation under the eye, which reduces redness and discoloration. If you're struggling with hyperpigmentation, look for creams containing Niacinamide, Retinol, or Vitamin C. These products help brighten the under eye area and may permanently reduce pigmentation with continued use.
Rose Inc Eye Revival Brightening Eye Cream
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Eye Creme
Furtuna Skin Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalizing Cream
The best eye creams for under eye puffiness
You can implement many tactics to help depuff your eyes in the morning and throughout the day. A tall glass of water, a cool compress, or even an ice cube are all great tools to refresh tired eyes, but those methods alone aren't a surefire way to keep the puffiness down all day long. Do you see Caffeine on the list of ingredients? Add it to the cart. Topical Caffeine is the best product for under eye puffiness, as this ingredient has been found to constrict the blood vessels under the eye, which aids in the reduction of fluid accumulation. Other ingredients, such as Nigella Damascena, also have bioactive properties that depuff and rejuvenate under-eye skin.
Symbiome The Luminary Replenishing Eye Cream
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Eye Creme
The best eye creams for fine lines and wrinkles
As we get older, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to loose, crepey-looking skin that is even more apparent around the eyes. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is essential to look for ingredients that help to boost collagen production. That includes ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Squalane, and Retinol.
Hyaluronic Acid also pulls in moisture to hydrate and plump up skin. Vitamin C is packed full of antioxidants that help protect the delicate skin around our eyes from harsh environmental stressors and aids in collagen production. Retinol–a hero anti-aging ingredient–softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for good, while Squalane locks in moisture.
Kat Burki Pro B Eye Crème Complex
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream