For many people, the under-eye area yields a host of concerns, including dryness, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Since this particular area is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, you’ll need to be extra cautious when trying to find a solution.
There are a number of eye creams on the market designed to help most under-eye concerns, but keep in mind that no cream is a one-size-fits-all solution, according to dermatologists. To help you find the right one, I consulted with board-certified dermatologists about how to properly incorporate an eye cream into your skin care routine, what to consider when shopping for one and how to best target your specific under-eye concerns.
How I picked the best eye creams
When shopping for the best eye cream, experts I spoke to recommend considering the following factors:
- Under-eye concern: Consider what you want to address and how an eye cream can help. If you notice fine lines around your eyes, you may want a cream that smooths lines using specific ingredients like retinol. To target overall dryness, consider an eye cream that is thick and creamy with highly moisturizing ingredients, such as humectants like hyaluronic acid and emollients like ceramides. If you want to combat puffiness around your eyes, you’ll want a formula that will reduce inflammation from allergies and fluid buildup. For dark under-eye circles, consider a brightening cream or one that helps with hyperpigmentation.
- Skin type: Consider a noncomedogenic eye cream if you have oily or acne-prone skin because it won’t clog pores or cause unwanted breakouts. For dry skin, look for an eye cream that has hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
- Ingredients: Each eye cream will have different key ingredients to target specific concerns. Look for eye creams with vitamin C or vitamin K, which help with discoloration and dark circles. You can also consider formulas with caffeine (which helps depuff), and retinol (which reduces the appearance of fine lines). Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great for combatting common under-eye dryness.
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The best eye creams of 2026
Below, I rounded up dermatologist-recommended eye creams, plus options that NBC Select editors have tested and love.
Best hydrating eye creams
What we like
- Absorbs quickly
- Reduces puffiness
- Good for eczema/sensitive skin
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Finding an eye cream that won’t irritate your eyes can be tricky, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd. In her experience, people who are sensitive around the eye area can tolerate this Cerave formula well. It has ceramides that calms the skin and help with texture, hyaluronic acid to add moisture and niacinamide to brighten, according to the brand.
What we like
- Lightweight consistency
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Allergy-tested
Something to note
- Pump packaging can be messy
This gel-cream has niacinamide, shea butter and glycerin to help reduce irritation associated with dryness and sensitivity around the eyes and eyelids, according to the brand. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses this eye cream daily in the winter to hydrate her dry under eyes. “It adds a great amount of hydration that I need during the colder months, and it doesn’t irritate my super sensitive skin,” she says.
What we like
- Crease-resistant
- Reduces fine lines
- Supports the skin barrier
This cream, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 1,500 reviews on Amazon, is suitable for all skin types and helps moisturize the under-eye area without feeling too thick on the skin, according to the brand. It has glycerin, squalane and ceramides to help retain moisture and support your skin barrier, according to the brand. Reviewers also say it soothes sensitive skin and doesn’t cause any irritation.
What we like
- One bottle lasts 90 days
- Brightens under eyes
- Reduces fine lines
Something to note
- Expensive
- Pump can be difficult
This Colorescience eye cream has humectants like glycerin and emollients like squalane to improve texture on the under-eye skin, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. Not only does this help combat dryness, but it also helps firm the skin under the eyes, improve discoloration and reduce overall puffiness, she says.
What we like
- Easy to dispense
- Reduces chance of milia
- Fast absorbing
Something to note
- Can feel sticky after applying
This Glossier eye cream is meant to go on both your under-eye area and eyelids. “I love how creamy and lightweight this eye cream is — it absorbs quickly into my skin and feels instantly hydrating,” says Godio. “It also sits really well under makeup and never feels heavy on the thin skin around my eyes.” The gel-cream has a combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to brighten and smooth out the area, according to the brand.
In the morning, Godio uses a pea-sized amount and gently pats it on her skin until it fully absorbs.Courtesy Mili Godio, NBC Select Editor
What we like
- Brightens under eyes
- Free of common irritants
- Doesn’t move into your eyes
Kiehl’s is an editor-favorite brand for those with very dry, flaky skin. This eye cream, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 800 reviews at Ulta, is great for those who prefer a thick, creamy consistency or one they can wear to sleep. Despite being one of the thicker eye creams on this list, reviewers say it absorbs quickly. It has a blend of several hydrating ingredients, including avocado oil and shea butter.
What we like
- Allergan-free
- Soothing on the skin
- Can use morning and night
Something to note
- Can pill if using too much
The moment I experience an eczema flare-up, my skin seems to lack all moisture; I use this eye cream because it doesn’t irritate my skin and instead has soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and cucumber extract. I apply a pea-sized amount of this cream daily to my under eyes and eyelids, and I notice my skin immediately looks less dull and feels much more hydrated and plump.
Aside from hydrating the skin, this eye cream also helps combat fine lines and reduce puffiness when I massage it in.Courtesy of Bianca Alvarez
Best brightening eye creams
What we like
- Reduces puffiness
- Hydrating
This eye cream targets dark circles with ingredients like vitamin C, caffeine and peptides, according to the brand. Plus, it has growth hormones, which are proteins that help regulate good collagen processes to restore the skin and prevent collagen production from decreasing (which can contribute to thin, sagging skin), says Woolery-Lloyd. (Collagen keeps the structure of your skin firm and provides underlying support, according to experts.)
What we like
- Reduces fine lines
- Available in multiple sizes
- Only need a small amount
This cream comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lily Talakoub for anyone looking to combat dark circles because it has vitamin C to brighten. Not only does the eye cream help with discoloration, but it also has hyaluronic acid, which helps prevent crepey skin, says Talakoub.
What we like
- Soothing
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Avoid using with acne products
This lightweight cream is a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin because it has vitamin C and caffeine to brighten and depuff her under eyes. Malin, who dabs less than ¼ of a teaspoon onto the skin, says a little goes a long with this eye cream, too.
Malin stores this cream in her fridge to provide an instant cooling effect when she applies it in the morning.
Courtesy Zoe Malin, NBC Select Editor
What we like
- UVA/UVB protection
- One bottle lasts 60 days
- Primes under eyes for makeup
This Colorscience eye cream is a tinted SPF for those who want to brighten and color correct the eye area while also protecting their skin from UVA and UVB exposure, says Talakoub. The cream, which comes in four shades (fair, medium, tan and deep), also has a cooling applicator to help reduce puffiness, according to Colorscience.
What we like
- Crease-resistant
- Very creamy
- Fragrance-free
This eye cream has vitamin C and orange extract to help brighten the under-eye area. “I use this every morning because it makes a huge difference on my dark circles,” says Godio. “I’ve gotten multiple compliments on how bright my skin looks when I apply this eye cream, even without makeup on.” It also has jojoba seed oil, shea butter and beeswax, which are all gentle for the eye area and hydrate the skin, says Woolery-Lloyd.
This creamy eye cream has natural light-reflecting mineral pigments to color-correct and brighten the under-eye area.Courtesy Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select Reporter
What we like
- Safe for all skin types
- Moisturizing
When I want a makeup-free day or need help combatting discoloration, I apply this eye cream because it instantly brightens up my under-eye area. Unlike other eye creams I use, this one is a thick mousse, which is easy to blend and feels lightweight on my skin. It comes in two shades — light/medium and medium/dark — and it has buildable coverage, so it reduces darkness without feeling too heavy or drying.
Best depuffing eye creams
What we like
- Can go in the fridge
- Brightens under eyes
- Smooths fine lines
This serum has a cooling applicator that has an instant calming effect and helps reduce puffiness, says Garshick. It also has a blend of caffeine and peptides, which leaves the under-eye area looking smoother, brighter and more refreshed, she says.
What we like
- Protects skin from damage
- Smooths fine lines
- Safe for eyelid application
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This eye gel, which is a favorite of former NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider, is suitable for all skin types, according to the brand. “As an editor, I try out a ton of products — specifically eye creams quite regularly — and this Dr. Loretta gel is the one I always come back to time and time again,” says Schneider. “I’ve never tried another product that matches the feel of this gel; it’s incredibly cooling and lightweight on the skin. It’s also not sticky so I can wear it on its own or layer on makeup or concealer on top with no issue.”
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Brightens under eyes
- Safe for eyelids
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
For Malin, this cream (which also comes recommended by Garshick) is a staple for the winter season because of its thick consistency that helps seal in moisture and boost hydration. “I like that it’s a nongreasy formula made with oatmeal, I always find it soothing,” she says. The eye cream also has a cold metal applicator that Malin uses to help blend the product into her skin.
What we like
- Non-sticky
- Soothing
- Safe for all skin types
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This eye cream is one of my newest obsessions, and my morning routine doesn’t feel complete without it. The pump dispenses a perfect, pea-sized amount of the product, and I massage it into my skin using the applicator; the ceramic tip and gel combination instantly depuffs, and my skin feels more awake because it has a cooling sensation.
My under eyes instantly absorb this gel and feel less puffy, hydrated and primed for the next stages of my skin care and makeup routinesCourtesy Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select Reporter
What we like
- Allergy tested
- Reduces fine lines
- Non-greasy
Malin recommends this fragrance-free eye serum because it absorbs quickly and brightens her under-eye area almost immediately. “The applicator is my favorite part of using this product,” she says. “The wand has three little metal balls that stay cold and help you roll the serum into your skin. It’s like giving your under-eye area a little massage.”
For the best results, gently massage the applicator over your eyelids, work it in small circles under the eye all the way to your temples and repeat this four times before tapping in any excess with your fingers, according to the brand.
Courtesy Zoe Malin, NBC Select Editor
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Cooling effect
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This drugstore option is one of our favorite treatments for under-eye puffiness. It has caffeine to help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags by constructing the blood vessels, as well as vitamin C to brighten the under-eye area, according to Garshick. The cool roll-on applicator also works to reduce puffiness, says Garshick.
Best smoothing eye creams
What we like
- Non-greasy
- Safe for daily use
- Hypoallergenic
Something to note
- Retinol can irritate/dry skin
Even though this eye cream has retinol, it’s specifically made for the delicate skin around the eyes, making it a great option for all skin types, says Garshick. Experts recommend using it at night and, like all retinol products, avoid pairing it with AHAs and BHAs because it may cause irritation.
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Rich consistency
- Lifts and firms skin
Talakoub recommends this Isdin overnight eye cream because it’s hydrating and great for dry and sensitive skin. The rich cream has caffeine to minimize the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand. Plus, it comes with a cooling applicator to help massage the product into your skin.
What we like
- Allergy-tested
- Absorbs quickly
- Safe for all skin types
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
If you’re looking for a multipurpose eye cream that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while still being gentle on the skin, consider this Cerave option recommended by Garshick. The lightweight cream has caffeine to target puffiness, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and peptides and niacinamide to help combat fine lines, says Garshick.
What we like
- Moisturizing
- Safe for all skin types
- Primes under eyes for makeup
Something to note
- Has light-reflecting pigments
This Ilia cream, which is a personal favorite of mine, has a plant-based retinol alternative to smooth the under-eye area, plus avocado extract and caffeine to depuff and brighten the skin around the eyes, according to the brand. I use this cream every other morning because it’s safe for my sensitive skin and doesn’t make my under eyes more prone to sun damage like other retinol products do. I also like how cooling the ceramic tip feels.
What we like
- Refillable
- Safe for all skin types
- Cooling effect
Former NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg originally received this eye cream, which has retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines, as a gift from the brand and is now on her way to purchase a refill. “It is by far the most moisturizing one I have tried, which is tricky with under-eye skin since it doesn’t absorb product as easily as other areas,” says Ginsberg. “It also has such a luxurious texture.”
What we like
- Depuffs under eyes
- May reduce milia
- Improves skin texture
This solid-to-liquid eye balm uses a granactive retinoid, a more gentle and less irritating retinoid than most traditional options like retinol, says Garshick. The balm also has hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, glycerin and black currant seed oil, according to Versed. The following morning after applying this eye cream, make sure to apply an SPF because retinoids may cause sun sensitivity, according to experts in our guide to building a skin care routine.
What we like
- Moisturizing
- Easily spreads
- Safe for eyelid application
Something to note
- Pot packaging
- Small container
This Jones Road eye cream comes recommended by Schneider, who says it has a creamy, easily blendable consistency. “Unlike some other options I’ve tried, you don’t have to try too hard to pat it into your skin,” she says. “It absorbs quickly, so it’s great in the morning when I’m in a rush.”
What we like
- A little goes a long way
- Firms the skin
- Evens skin tone
While many of the eye creams on our list are safe to apply on your eyelids, this option heavily prioritizes this area. The thick cream minimizes the appearance of fine lines all around the eye while simultaneously lifting the eyelid to reduce eyelid folds, according to the brand. The eye cream has a 4.8-star average rating from over 200 reviews at Sephora.
How to shop for an eye cream
Below, I break down how to decide which eye cream is best for you based on your specific skin concern.
If you want to add hydration
One factor that most eye creams have in common is that they add hydration, so when targeting dryness, look for one that’s thick and creamy, says Talakoub. When any moisturizer has a thicker consistency, there are more lipids in the formula that lock in moisture, experts say. You may also want a thicker balm that will help lock in moisture rather than a lightweight serum, says Garshick.
These creams and balms tend to have ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to add hydration, draw in moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier, according to Garshick. Because you’re preventing dryness from worsening, the increased moisture and hydration from an eye cream will prevent the skin from becoming crepey, according to Talakoub. Other ingredients that may be helpful to soften and moisturize the skin include squalane and vitamin E, says Garshick.
If you want to brighten and reduce discoloration
For those hoping to brighten the under-eye area, look for vitamin C, which is a lightening agent that can help prevent discoloration and dark circles, according to Talakoub. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient in skin care, because it’s an antioxidant that has skin brightening properties so it protects and treats [the skin],” says Woolery-Lloyd. For those with purple and blue undertones around the eyes, Talakoub recommends products with vitamin K since it can brighten and make skin look firmer.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is another key ingredient to look for since it helps reduce hyperpigmentation by brightening the skin and improving its overall appearance, says Woolery-Lloyd. However, it can be drying, so make sure there are other moisturizing components like a humectant or emollient in it, she says.
If you want to depuff
Various factors, including allergies, fluid buildup and dietary reasons, can all cause puffiness around the eyes, says Talakoub. One of the main ingredients to depuff is caffeine, which helps keep the skin taut so it doesn’t get stretched, she says. It also constricts the blood vessels — by doing this, it increases circulation and acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce puffiness under the eyes, says Woolery-Lloyd.
If you want to smooth out fine lines
An eye cream with retinol can help smooth fine lines by increasing collagen production and decreasing collagen breakdown, according to experts. It can also increase cell turnover by replacing dead skin cells with newer and healthier ones, experts say. However, eye creams need to have a very mild and micronized version of retinol to actually smooth out these lines. Otherwise, it can irritate the under-eye area or make these fine lines worse, says Talakoub.
Frequently asked questions
Do eye creams actually work?
Eye creams can address specific concerns, but they’re not the answer to everything. “You can expect between 10% to 30% improvement in dark circles and improvement in textural changes,” says Woolery-Lloyd.
Speak with your dermatologist about alternate solutions if you find your eye cream is not addressing your concerns. For example, if you have dark circles, which may be due to genetic vascular issues, or are struggling with hollowing or sunken skin, experts say.
Eye creams can show improvement, but specific concerns sometimes require additional assistance. An alternative solution like filler may be an option for issues with hollowing or sunken pockets. You may need a procedure like a lower blepharoplasty if an eye cream cannot help the puffiness around your eyes. If an eye cream is not improving your dark circles, it may be because the discoloration or vascular issue is due to genetics and may require alternative treatments done by a dermatologist, according to experts.
Can you use a moisturizer as an eye cream?
It depends. A regular facial moisturizer can help hydrate your skin, but won’t address specific eye-related concerns like volume loss, dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, says Garshick.
When should you start using eye creams?
Most people start using an eye cream in their 20s and 30s, experts say. That’s because your mid 20s and 30s is when your body typically starts decreasing collagen, says Woolery-Lloyd. Collagen production is crucial for the under-eye area because it helps keep your skin firm, reducing the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin, says Talakoub.
How do you apply an eye cream?
Gently tap a pea-sized amount on your under-eye area until it’s fully absorbed, starting from the innermost part of your under eye to the outermost area, says Garshick. Dabbing gently is key since the eye area is delicate and you don’t want to stretch the skin, says Talakoub.
When do you apply an eye cream?
You can apply your eye cream in the morning and at night. When using an eye cream in the morning, apply it after cleansing but before moisturizer and sunscreen, says Woolery-Lloyd.
At night, cleanse your skin and remove any makeup before applying your eye cream. If the eye cream has a thin consistency, apply it before your facial moisturizer; if it’s thick, you can apply it after your moisturizer since the cream can act as a seal and lock in moisture, says Garshick.
Talakoub recommends having two eye creams: one for the day with SPF to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays and another at night that is thick and creamy to prevent fine lines and dryness.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is board-certified dermatologist and is the director of the Skin of Color division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology. Her areas of expertise include skin of color, cosmetic dermatology, pigmentary disorders and more.
- Dr. Lily Talakoub is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mclean & Potomac Dermatology and Skincare Center. Her areas of expertise include pediatric and adult skin disorders, skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatology among others.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Her areas of expertise include pediatric and adult dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Select who covered beauty and wellness, gift guides and new launches. For this story, she interviewed three dermatologists and included their recommendations for the best eye creams to shop, as well as NBC Select staff favorites that align with their guidance.
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