Dark circles, puffy skin, under-eye bags, fine lines, and full-blown wrinkles – just how many eye issues can one handle? The eye area is thin and fragile as the skin doesn’t produce as much oil, collagen, and elastin compared to the rest of our face, making it more susceptible to sun damage and irritation. Our lifestyle habits, hormonal changes, and pesky genes also exacerbate any under-eye issues, making us look like extras out of a zombie apocalypse movie.
There are hundreds of eye creams on the market today, yet we continue to mockingly hear that these little pots and tubes of eye cream are a waste of money. The problem is that we’re a generation that seeks immediate, self-gratifying results without patiently trusting the longer-than-anticipated process. A process that should also be combined
with an adequate night’s sleep, hydration, correct sleep positions, daily sunscreen use, and so on.
So even if your eye woes don’t magically disappear overnight, I can assure you that with proper self-care, the following non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) eye creams genuinely make a difference in combating dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and providing essential hydration for your delicate under-eye area.
1. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
This restorative and preventative serum is the perfect armor against aging skin. It’s infused with Dr. Murad’s wrinkle-fighting Retinol Tri-Active Technology, a blend of three advanced retinol technologies, with one of the derivatives being time-released retinol that increases cell turnover. To increase elasticity, the retinol trio combines with skin-tightening Swertia flower extract and red algae to gently lift, firm, and smooth crepey skin. Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum has got a creamy, non-greasy formula that’s sure to deliver results and is undeniably one of the best treatments for those struggling with the first signs of aging.
2. Ole Henriksen Banana BrightTM Eye Crème
No, bananas aren’t on the ingredient list, however, this Danish eye cream is inspired by ‘banana powder’ – the yellow-hued, universally flattering makeup must-have powder. This eye cream essentially mimics the effect of banana powder but in skincare form. It color-corrects dark circles and immediately brightens the eye area. The small but mighty pot is packed with powerful vitamin C to maintain a youthful, radiant complexion over time. It’s also boosted with collagen to revive elasticity and keep skin looking smooth as ever. Its texture is light, uncomplicated and fast absorbing, which makes for a beautiful under-eye base prior to makeup application.
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
Eye creams don’t need to break your bank. From its name, it’s clear that the gel-cream helps to lock intense hydration into thirsty skin thanks to its hyaluronic acid-based formula. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost has a cool water-gel texture that is refreshing and hydrating, leaving your skin looking supple and smooth. It also helps to fade away signs of fatigue from all that binge-watching on Netflix. The lightweight, gentle formula is great for everyday use both alone and under makeup, with its moisture effect lasting up to 24 hours. As for skin compatibility, it suits all skin types since it’s free of chemical fragrances and oils. If you’re looking for that quick boost of deep hydration at a reasonable price, then this is the tube for you!
4. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
This serum is a cup of coffee for your sleep-deprived eyes, boasting a potent concentration of caffeine that instantly wakes us up and minimizes dark circles and puffiness. The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution does its magic by constricting blood vessels, increasing circulation, and targeting discoloration. The other star ingredient is Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, or EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant derived from green tea leaves with anti-inflammatory, age-defying properties. If, like me, you spend much of your time with eyes glued to a screen, be it a laptop, mobile phone or television, then consider this inexpensive de-puffing option.
5. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
A cult-favorite that strengthens the skin’s natural barrier with its moisture-boosting hyaluronic acids and moisture-locking ceramides for prolonged hydration. This gentle eye cream by CeraVe is best for those with sensitive skin as it’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, with a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. All in all, it’s a no-fuss product with an affordable price tag that visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles, leaving skin smooth and supple.
6. Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged
Complex An old but gold option seeing as it was one of the first skincare products to incorporate hyaluronic acid. It’s a gel-cream treatment that can be used both in the morning and overnight to combat key signs of aging eyes, such as dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, and fine lines. Estée Lauder’s revolutionary ChronoluxCB Technology is at your defense, stimulating the skin’s natural repair and renewal process to produce results that can potentially be seen in a month. It also bolsters skin after being poorly victimized by the effects of sleep deprivation, pollution, UV damage, and even blue light emitted from electronic devices. After using this luxurious 8-hours-worth-of-interrupted-sleep in a pot, you wake up with instantly brighter, renewed skin.
7. Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Though it’s more known for being a hydrating de-puffer, Dr. Loretta’s Tightening Eye Gel also successfully targets dark circles and crow’s feet. Under-eye bags are easily deflated and the tiniest of fine lines are tightened by peptides and collagen-boosting algae extract. Dr. Loretta’s proprietary Chromabright complex fades dark circles, discoloration, and uneven skin tone, all while protecting the delicate under-eye area from external premature aging factors such as free-radical damage from UV radiation and pollution.
8. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream
This is an evening correcting cream which focuses on effectively diminishing blue and brown dark undereye circles caused by sluggish circulation and hyperpigmentation, respectively. It’s infused with caffeine to depuff, niacinamide to even out skin tone, and light-reflective pearl pigments to illuminate the sensitive eye contour area. The lightweight cream is applied with a cooling metal applicator which dispenses the product perfectly so that it effortlessly melts into the skin for easy absorption.
