Fake a Full Night's Sleep With These Collagen Eye Creams

Elle

30-05-2025

In skin care, signs of aging are commonly characterized by visible changes like fine lines and wrinkles. Those pesky markers don't emerge simply because we're getting older, but rather because our skin lacks a vital element: collagen. The reason we envy babies' cheeks is due to their supple, bouncy nature—that's what collagen does to our skin.
'Collagen is a protein found naturally in our skin, bones, and connective tissues. It gives skin firmness, structure, and elasticity,' says Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Fort Wayne, Indiana. But there's a caveat: As we age, 'our natural collagen production slows down, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of volume, especially around delicate areas like the eyes.'
If you peruse the buzziest skin care products closely, you'll quickly see that everyone is pursuing the youthful bounce of our formative years. However, thanks to a number of collagen eye creams, we can restore some (not all) of what's lost. 'Collagen became all the rage because people started using skin care products with collagen to help boost the production and slow aging,' she adds. Most collagen eye creams are coupled with other wrinkle- and line-busting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid for plumping and peptides for firming.
Ahead, we tapped Dr. Spearman and ELLE editors to learn about collagen's benefits and determine which collagen eye creams are truly worth the money.
Alastin's eye cream aims to restore elasticity and firmness around the eyes and the bulk of the work falls upon its patented TriHex Technology—a combination of peptides and botanical extracts to boost collagen. Coupled with green tea extract, which reduces the appearance of dark circles, not only is elasticity restored, but brightness as well.
Key ingredients: TriHex Technology, green tea extract, niacinamide
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: 'The Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment is packed with peptides that help support the skin's own collagen and elastin production. It is definitely on the pricier side, but it works wonders.'—Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist
Packed in this compact jar are seven types of collagen that do exactly what their name suggests: firm. In addition to its firming qualities, the fast-absorbing, creamy treatment smooths crow's feet, improves the look of lines and wrinkles, and brightens dulled under-eyes.
Key ingredients: Collagen, squalane, hyaluronic acid, caffeine
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our expert says: 'The Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Collagen Eye Cream includes seven types of collagen and hydrating ingredients to visibly plump the under-eye area.'—Dr. Spearman
Dehydration makes the skin around your eyes look drab, which ultimately breeds wrinkles and lines. Olay's eye cream is the surge of hydration your under-eyes need, delivered through collagen peptides and niacinamide.
Key ingredients: Collagen peptide, niacinamide
Olay rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: 'For a more accessible pick, Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream is lightweight, fragrance-free, and effective at hydrating and smoothing fine lines. These all work well to visibly refresh the eye area and offer a blend of science-backed ingredients.'—Dr. Spearman
The cult-favorite suppleness of Laneige's Sleeping Mask now comes tailored for the eyes. Collagen and peptides keep the area firm and nourished as caffeine and niacinamide brighten.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, collagen, peptides, niacinamide
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Laneige's sleeping mask line was already a sensorial experience for my face—from the cooling, bouncy formula to its light-to-the-touch texture. I love how it maintains those same powers to revive my tired eyes after doomscrolling, making them appear more awake and smooth each morning.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Where many eye creams on the market rely on go-to anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, this one harnesses the power of nature—flowers, to be exact. Elderflower extract, jasmine essence, and Japanese artemisia capillaris are just a few of the botanicals offering the eyes radiance, rejuvenation, and revival.
Key ingredients: Elderflower extract, jasmine essence, Japanese artemisia, Padina pavonica
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I hadn't really been one for eye creams before. I tried a few cheaper brand ones before but noticed no difference whatsoever. I got a travel-size Vitality eye cream included with a travel kit, and I have to say it was a joy to use. It was easy to apply, and I could feel the difference all day. It definitely makes my eyes feel more awake and less fatigued, so I now include it as part of my daily routine.'
Here's an eye serum chock full of peptides and antioxidants to tackle puffiness and darkness head-on. With glycerin added to the mix, this serum conditions the eye area to create a smooth, soft base making it harder for fine lines and wrinkles to settle in.
Key ingredients: Peptides, algae extract
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: 'Literally the only eye product I've ever used that I see a NOTICEABLE difference with. My eyes are brighter, plumper, just more revived all the way around. Will never be without it.'
In this cream, a powerhouse team of the best skin care ingredients joins forces to ward off pesky fine lines and wrinkles. The main mission is nourishment, achieved via squalane and vitamin E, while ginseng extract and peptides work on brightening and smoothing the under-eye area.
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, squalane, peptides, ginseng extract
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I have noticed a huge decrease in the wrinkles around my eyes. Other people have noticed too. Love this product!'
Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
'In skin care, collagen is often used to hydrate and plump the skin, giving it a smoother appearance,' Dr. Spearman begins. While collagen is all the rage right now, from skin care formulas to supplements, it's worth noting that we 'can't directly replace what we lose over time. Collagen-rich formulas help create a moisture barrier and improve skin texture. Some products also include ingredients that stimulate your skin's own collagen production; those tend to be the most effective, she explains.'
'Collagen itself is too large to deeply penetrate the skin, but many eye creams use hydrolyzed collagen (broken down into smaller peptides) to help with surface hydration and plumping. The real magic often comes from complementary ingredients like peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C, which support the skin's own collagen synthesis and improve elasticity over time,' she adds.
The main character (collagen) is always important, but sometimes the supporting stars do the heavy lifting, too. In most cases, collagen-infused products carry other ingredients that deliver impressive results. 'Look for ingredients that do more than just sit on the surface. Peptides, retinol (in lower concentrations safe for the eye area), and antioxidants like vitamin C are great at supporting collagen production. Hydrating agents, like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, are also important to keep the under-eye skin smooth and soft. Bonus if the formula is fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes,' Dr. Spearman says.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist about the benefits of collagen in skin care. She used her research and tested formulas to determine the best collagen eye creams on the market.
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