The 12 Best Eye Creams of 2024

According to dermatologist Doctor Sheila FarhangCertified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, eye creams can provide real benefits if you choose the right product and ingredients.

“I think you really need to invest in the product you put on your eyes every day, because [the eye area] is the thinnest skin on our body and is super sensitive to allergens/irritants. You want it to work and have science to back it up, especially when it comes to fighting aging and fine lines,” Farhang says.

There are so many different concerns to address when it comes to an eye cream, so should you expect to find one that can do it all? Probably not, according to Farhang. “While some eye creams can address a few concerns at once, I haven’t found one that is an all-in-one that addresses every concern, and that’s fine,” she said. Depending on your concern, you’ll want to look for specific types of products and ingredients to target issues, which Farhang breaks down below.

Swelling: The first thing Farhang recommends for under-eye bags is products that have a cooling effect, either by putting them in the fridge before use or using metal applicators that help with the cooling sensation. The second key ingredient that you’ll find in many under-eye bags products is caffeine. “I recommend looking for ingredients like green tea or caffeine because they help constrict the blood vessels that cause fluid retention in the area,” she said.

Fine lines: “For fine lines — I recommend looking for an eye cream with retinol or peptides and growth factors. These will actively help treat and prevent them,” Farhang said. “While hyaluronic acid isn’t really an active anti-aging ingredient, it will help to fade some of those fine lines because it attracts water and almost ‘plumps’ them up temporarily,” she said.

Dark circles: Many people think that you get dark circles from lack of sleep — but the problem is much more complicated than that. “Dark circles are caused by a number of different things — one reason could be that the skin in the area has become thinner or duller due to aging, so going with an anti-aging route with retinol can help strengthen the skin,” Farhang said.

“Another reason for dark circles could be the blood vessels that are visible underneath, so in that case caffeine can help. If the dark circles are from hyperpigmentation, skin lightening ingredients like vitamin C can be helpful,” Farhang said.

Other factors such as allergies and skin conditions like eczema can also play a role in dark circles. “If hyperpigmentation is due to chronic friction from allergies or eczema, then lots of hydration and moisturizer is needed, or antihistamines,” she said.

If you think dark circles are caused by hollows around the eyes, Farhang recommends strengthening the skin with anti-aging products, such as those containing retinol.