10-03-2025
These are the best eye creams of 2025, tested and reviewed
In a skin care landscape dominated by anti-aging retinol serums and deluxe face moisturizers, eye creams can seem superfluous. But as it turns out, they serve an important purpose: "Although you may think you can use any facial moisturizer, the truth is the active complexes needed to treat the more delicate area around the eye are in fact different," says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "This area specifically is prime for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines, which should be addressed differently than other areas of the face."
While reporting this story, every dermatologist and esthetician I spoke with echoed Shamban's sentiment, explaining that using a high-quality eye cream is a good idea no matter your age: "Women as young as 18 should be using eye creams!" says Kimberly Austin, an aesthetician at the Los Angeles-based 7QSpa (Kim Kardashian is a client). "They promote a smoother, plumper and firmer appearance [to the area]. Plus, it's easier to maintain great skin than to reverse aging."
The best eye creams of 2025, tested and reviewed
Honorable mentions
How we tested
Factors to consider when choosing an eye cream
Eye creams we tested but didn't include
Eye cream FAQs
Meet the experts
Update, Mar. 10, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best eye cream remains unchanged.
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Over the course of a year, I tested 20 of the top-rated eye creams on the market. I rated them on hydration, absorption, value, texture, ease of use, scent and results.
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Primary concerns: Before choosing an eye cream, ask yourself: Are you looking to eradicate puffiness, improve skin texture or brighten (and potentially lighten) dark circles? Once you have an answer, choose a product that addresses your primary concern.
Ingredients: Look for high-quality, clinically-proven ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C and retinol in concentrations powerful enough to be effective (i.e. they should be listed in the first five-ten ingredients).
Skin type: Is your skin oily or dry? Do you have sensitive skin? Understanding your skin type will help you choose the appropriate eye cream for you.
Price: Eye creams need to be used consistently in order to be effective. Choose a product you can afford to buy and replace regularly.
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I tried two famous eye creams that make all the best lists — Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream and Augustinus Bader the Eye Cream — and, at $120 and $225, I found neither lived up to the hype, especially at their respective price points.
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Eye creams aren't just there to prevent skin issues like fine lines and discoloration, they also help to treat them: As we age, the orbital area becomes a veritable cornucopia of "mature skin" problems — from puffy under-eye "bags" to dark circles to crepey eyelids to wrinkles, the best eye creams work not only triple, but often quadruple, duty. Research on the efficacy of eye creams shows that our skin responds to consistent application of targeted ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. All skin is different, but, in concentrated doses, these ingredients have been shown to improve the texture and appearance of the under- (and over-) eye area over time.
If your skin concerns include treating puffy eyes and improving skin elasticity: "Generally look for antioxidants [like vitamin C] to protect and actives [like retinol] to correct," says Shamban. "You want to improve circulation and oxygenation in this area. Retinol, peptides/peptide complexes and ceramides — along with brighteners like niacinamide, vitamins C, E and K — are all top ingredients. Also look for tightening ingredients like caffeine and/or calming ingredients like green tea, calendula and chamomile. Any combination of these can be great for eye cream." Whatever cream — or gel — you choose, it should be thick and/or dense so it doesn't run into the eyes. Lastly, look for a gentle formulation without harsh ingredients like acids: "Some moisturizers may have concentrations of acids that are not as suitable for the eye area and can cause irritation," says Shamban.
Eye creams should mainly be applied to the area under the lash line (but not too close to the eyes), continuing to right above your cheekbone. You can — and I for sure do — use eye creams on your upper lids and on the sides of your eyes to treat the wrinkles there (also known as crow's-feet).
Eye creams are used in place of moisturizer in the areas I mentioned above, so it doesn't matter which goes first.
Every pro I spoke with recommended applying a pea-sized amount — eye creams tend to be concentrated, so you don't need a lot — dotted and dabbed carefully under the eye and along the top lid with the soft top of your ring finger. The most important rule to follow with eye cream: Never rub the area or sweep the product on in a way that drags or tugs at the skin in this area of the face, which is delicate and can be damaged more easily than you'd think. For best results, apply eye creams in the morning and at night.
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Dr. Ava Shamban, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist
Kimberly Austin, aesthetician at 7QSpa in Los Angeles
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