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best eye creams for wrinkles
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The 16 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles and Crow's Feet

So good, they can convert even the most eye cream averse.

By Lindy Segal

In the world of skincare, there tends to be two camps: those who believe in eye creams, and those who don't. But according to Sara Perkins, dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers, using an eye cream can be beneficial—especially for signs of aging.

The Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles

  • The Return Eye Concentrate

    Best New Drop

    U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

    $148 at ubeauty.com
    Read more
  • Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

    Best Budget-Friendly

    Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

    Read more
  • The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream

    Best Single Use Packaging

    Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream

    Read more
  • Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

    Best Clean Formula

    Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

    Read more
  • Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

    Best Luxe Eye Cream for Wrinkles

    La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

    Read more


"A separate eye cream isn’t an absolute necessity for everyone, but if you have specific concerns—dryness, wrinkles, puffiness, pigmentation—a well-formulated eye cream can help," says Perkins. "However, not all eye creams are the same, nor do they all contain ingredients with proven efficacy." Perkins name-checks retinol as a key ingredient if you're looking to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, but there are products on the below list for those who can't tolerate the ingredient, too.

If you're firmly on Team Eye Cream (or you're thinking of joining), read on for 16 of the best eye creams for wrinkles, from trusted brands like U Beauty, Olay, and Dieux. Then, stick around for more eye cream wisdom from the derm.


Best New Drop

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

The Return Eye Concentrate
Best New Drop

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

$148 at ubeauty.com
Credit: U Beauty
Pros
  • Tech-forward formula
  • Also fights discoloration
Cons

    Featuring the brand’s proprietary SIREN capsule technology, diamond powder, and a wrinkle-fighting peptide, this luxe formula helps skin rebuild collagen as it minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Double yes.

    What Our Beauty Director Says:

    "I am not a big believer in eye creams, but this is the first one that ever delivered tangible results. I don't think I'll ever use another eye cream again—it's truly that good. You can believe me because I have a one year old who still doesn't sleep through the night—this cream hides it!" - Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR beauty director

    Size15 ml / 0.5 fl oz.
    Best Budget-Friendly

    Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

    Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
    Best Budget-Friendly

    Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

    Credit: Olay
    Pros
    • Fragrance-free formula
    • Contains retinol
    Cons

      Olay is always one of our go-tos for effective, affordable products. For just $30, you get a retinol cream that reduces wrinkles over time and helps brighten thanks to niacinamide.

      What the Reviews Are Saying:

      “This and the matching face cream are my first ever exposures to retinol. I am using it to prevent wrinkles and other issues in the future, so I can only speak for the formula. It is so light and velvety and gentle on my skin. I have been using it nightly for almost a month and I have experienced no irritation or sensitivity.” —rsb_95

      Size0.5 fl oz.
      Best Single Use Packaging

      Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream

      The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream
      Best Single Use Packaging

      Noble Panacea The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream

      Credit: Nordstrom
      Pros
      • Great for travel
      • Also targets dark circles
      Cons

        Noble Panacea’s eye cream targets wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness as it provides serious hydration, thanks to the brand’s patented OSMVTM technology. Plus, single-dose packaging ensures that the ingredients stay as active as possible.

        What the Reviews Are Saying:

        “The best eye cream I have used! Instantly felt hydrated, and my eye area is more firm. Great for traveling!” —Sara

        Size30 single-use sachets
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        Best Clean Formula

        Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

        Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
        Best Clean Formula

        Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

        Credit: Sephora
        Pros
        • Hydrating formula
        Cons

          The brand’s signature squalane is part of what helps make this eye cream both hydrating and lightweight.

          What the Reviews Are Saying:

          “I’ve tried $$$ stuff and less expensive stuff and always come back to it. Try it. It’s a great value and you see results in days.” —becks4257

          Size0.5 oz/ 15 mL
          Best Luxe Eye Cream for Wrinkles

          La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

          Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream
          Best Luxe Eye Cream for Wrinkles

          La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

          Credit: Nordstrom
          Pros
          • Jar lasts a long time
          Cons

            La Prairie's iconic Skin Caviar, formulated for the eye area. A little goes a long way with this one, so use the silver spatula that comes with it so it lasts as long as possible.

            What the Reviews Are Saying:

            "The skin under and around my eyes feels softer and looks smoother. The under brow area looks lifted and firmer for several hours each day. This is a luxurious product that feels special, like a personal treat!" —Marl35

            Size0.68 oz.
            Best Eye Gel

            Dieux Auracle

            Auracle
            Best Eye Gel

            Dieux Auracle

            Credit: Dieux
            Pros
            • Pairs well with reusable eye masks
            • Refreshing gel texture
            Cons

              Fans of Dieux’s reusable eye masks have long awaited an eye product to use with them. Finally, they got their wish with Auracle, a gel made with algae complex, peptides, and glycerin that helps diminish the look of wrinkles and puffiness (and yes, works great with the masks).

              What the Reviews Are Saying:

              “I’ve used eye creams for 10 years now and I didn’t know what a good one was until I tried this and noticed a huuuge difference to any product I’ve ever used. My under-eye area immediately started looking more hydrated. I’ve been using it for 3 months now and I don’t wanna use anything else again.” —Betty

              Size20 ml
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              Best for Sensitive Skin

              Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream

              Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream
              Best for Sensitive Skin

              Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream

              Credit: Kiehl's Since 1851
              Pros
              • Can be applied under makeup
              • Non-greasy formula
              Cons

                Niacinamide and collagen peptide are just two of the anti-aging powerhouses in this multi-tasking eye cream, which addresses everything from wrinkles to crepey skin texture.

                What the Reviews Are Saying:

                “This is a very nice eye cream. I am pretty allergic to most creams but not to this one or others from Kiehl's. So far I feel this cream is working well and keeps hydrated and firmer the skin around my eyes.”

                Size0.5 fl oz.
                Best for Mature Skin

                L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment

                Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment
                Best for Mature Skin

                L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment

                Credit: Amazon
                Pros
                • Strengthens skin
                • Affordable price point
                Cons

                  Formulated specifically for those 55 and up, this rich cream is made with calcium to actually help thicken and smooth thinning skin.

                  What the Reviews Are Saying:

                  “I love your 55+ face cream. I turn 69 in 4 weeks and my skin looks better now than it did in my 30s. I always make sure I have extra jars do I don’t run out.” —Judy

                  Size0.5 fl oz.
                  Best Lightweight

                  Eight Saints All In Eye Cream

                  All In Eye Cream
                  Best Lightweight

                  Eight Saints All In Eye Cream

                  Now 10% Off
                  Credit: Eight Saints
                  Pros
                  • Soothing ingredients
                  Cons

                    For those who prefer lightweight eye creams, don’t miss this Eight Saints option. Made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane, it maintains a cloud-like texture as it plumps up fine lines.

                    What the Reviews Are Saying:

                    “Best eye cream I've ever used…A tiny dab goes so far, so a jar goes a long way, and it works magic! I'm 60, and it took 10 years off my eyes! It fades darkness, moisturizes away fine lines, makes undereyes smooth, even, bright, it's amazing.” —Christine

                    Size0.5 fl oz.
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                    Best With Retinol

                    strivectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream

                    Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream
                    Best With Retinol

                    strivectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream

                    Credit: Ulta
                    Pros
                    • Contains gentle retinol
                    Cons

                      To minimize potential irritation, this wrinkle-reducing treatment is made with both time-released retinol and rambutan, a retinol alternative.

                      What the Reviews Are Saying:

                      “After continued use, I look like I've had Botox around my eye and get tons of compliments!” —Nadine

                      Size0.5 oz
                      Best Retinol Alternative

                      Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème

                      Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème
                      Best Retinol Alternative

                      Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème

                      Credit: Sephora
                      Pros
                      • Also evens skin tone
                      Cons

                        A blend of bakuchiol, orchid stem cell, and peptides help firm skin and reduce the appearance of lines in this retinol alternative eye cream.

                        What the Reviews Are Saying:

                        “I LOVE this product!! I can totally tell a difference in the firmness of my under eye. Works so much better then other creams I’ve tried. Also love the applicator! Not having to dig my long nails into a pot is always a plus!” —AMMJ88

                        Size0.5 fl oz.
                        Best Overnight Treatment

                        Tula Skincare Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream

                        Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream
                        Best Overnight Treatment

                        Tula Skincare Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream

                        Credit: Sephora
                        Pros
                        • Contains retinol alternative
                        • Deeply hydrating
                        Cons

                          Dry skin? Not with this super-rich eye cream, which contains bakuchiol and peptides to firm skin, as well as soothing chamomile and green algae.

                          What the Reviews Are Saying:

                          “My eczema has literally been attacking my face recently, more especially my under eyes. It was so bad that it started making my concealer look like it was creasing when it doesn’t. This helped heal my dry skin instantly!” —shalmaxo

                          Size.5 oz / 15 mL
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                          Best Eye Serum

                          Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

                          Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
                          Best Eye Serum

                          Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

                          Credit: Ulta
                          Pros
                          • Contains retinol
                          • Potent formula
                          Cons

                            If your skin can tolerate retinol, consider Murad’s popular eye serum, which can be used 360 degrees around the eye, including eyelids.

                            What the Reviews Are Saying:

                            “I have been using this product for a few weeks and I am amazed at the results. My eyes look brighter and firmer already. The product is light and you only need a tiny bit to do the job. For reference, I am in my late 30s with combination skin.” —McSki

                            Size0.5 oz/ 15 mL
                            Best for Firming

                            Relevant Skin Beam + Glow Eye Serum

                            Beam + Glow Eye Serum
                            Best for Firming

                            Relevant Skin Beam + Glow Eye Serum

                            Credit: Thirteen Lune
                            Pros
                            • Convenient applicator
                            Cons

                              The secret to this creamy serum is Inst’Tight Technology, a natural ingredient blend that helps firm up the skin, along with puffiness-targeting coffee seed oil.

                              What the Reviews Are Saying:

                              "I guess at (almost) 37, now's the time to start to be concerned about wrinkles starting and my face looking my age. This serum leaves the skin around my eyes feeling soft and rejuvenated. I put it on in the morning and leave it alone for like 30 minutes, then continue with my normal skincare." —dlloughlin

                              Size0.5 fl oz.
                              Best Brightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles

                              Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

                              Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
                              Best Brightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles

                              Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

                              Credit: Ulta
                              Pros
                              • Also brightens under-eye area
                              Cons

                                Though it contains a slew of wrinkle-reducing ingredients—bakuchiol, rosehip oil, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich extracts—this eye cream is remarkably gentle.

                                What the Reviews Are Saying:

                                "I bought this as I was starting to develop deep wrinkles around my eyes and almost immediately I noticed that the skin around the eyes were firm. I am now on week three and I must say I look noticeably younger!" —Jooyeon

                                Size0.67 oz
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                                Best for Dry Skin

                                Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

                                Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
                                Best for Dry Skin

                                Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

                                Credit: Ulta
                                Pros
                                • Works quickly
                                Cons

                                  Three types of algae, aqua peptide, and squalane contribute to this cream's effectiveness, which shows results in as little as one week.

                                  What the Reviews Are Saying:

                                  "I have been using this eye cream for decades—for as long as I can remember. I am 58 years old, and people tell me I look twenty years younger than I am. Honestly, this eye cream is a big part of the reason that my eyes look and feel great at my age." —wendycali

                                  Size0.50 oz

                                  Frequently Asked Questions

                                  thick line break

                                  What ingredients should you look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?

                                  The first one is retinol. "Retinol or retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are vitamin A derivatives that promote skin cell turnover and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," explains Perkins. "Their efficacy is well-supported by decades of research; however, skin irritation is a common issue. Dedicated eye creams will often contain a lower percentage of this ingredient to minimize irritation or combine it with other ingredients to soothe or hydrate the skin."

                                  Another common ingredient is vitamin C. "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to inhibit the damaging effects of UV radiation by neutralizing free radicals and is also thought to be involved in processes that stabilize and synthesize collagen," says the derm. "In addition to helping with fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C can also help with pigmentation and brightening, making it a popular ingredient in eye creams."

                                  You'll also often see a popular hydrator, hyaluronic acid. "Finally, hyaluronic acid is a commonly used ingredient which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines," says Perkins.

                                  Why should you use a targeted eye cream instead of a regular moisturizer?

                                  As Perkins said earlier on, many people can and do use moisturizer. However, "Eyelid skin is more delicate and susceptible to external injury, dryness and earlier signs of aging." Also, eye creams tested for use around the eyes, whereas most moisturizers are not. "Creams designed for use on the rest of the face may be too irritating for eyelid use."

                                  In addition, the skin around our eyes is different than say, our cheeks or your chins. "Many eye creams are formulated to address eyelid-specific concerns, like dark circles and puffiness," Perkins says, though she adds, "Their benefits may be temporary, and the efficacy is less well studied."

                                  Meet the Expert

                                  thick line break

                                  Dr. Sara Perkins is a dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

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                                  Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

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                                  For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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                                  Lindy Segal


                                  Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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