Applying one of the best eye creams for wrinkles is probably one of the easiest steps in your skincare routine. Use your ring finger (more gentle than the index) and tap, tap, tap the hardworking cream under and around your eyes. That can be the difference between feeling hydrated and fresh — or like you need a few extra hours of beauty sleep.
Shop the Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles
Let's talk about how and why wrinkles form around our eyes. "Eye wrinkles can develop due to squinting, smiling, and even frowning," explains Omer Ibrahim, board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. "They form when you contract your facial muscles and smooth out when the face is relaxed. However, as we age and experience a loss of collagen and elastin, the skin stops unfolding and the fine lines and wrinkles remain even while the face is at rest."
Of course, we're not going to tell you to stop smiling (although, you can wear sunglasses and have your eyes checked regularly to minimize instances of squinting). Instead, consider investing in a good eye cream. Whether you're new to the world of eye creams or in search of a more targeted formula, read on for the best eye creams for wrinkles, from beloved and Bazaar-approved brands like Peter Thomas Roth, U Beauty, SkinMedica, and more. Then, stick around to learn more about top eye cream ingredients and the best application techniques.
Pros
- Caffeine, Persian silk tree extract, and St. Paul's wort addresses puffiness and uneven skin tone by adding a powerful shot of firmness and radiance
- A hyaluronic acid blend moisturizes and smooths
Cons
- High price point
Addressing hyperpigmentation by constricting blood vessels (using caffeine), this eye cream helps dark under-eye circles. Due to its richness, it effectively helps smooth out the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I really see a difference with this cream. I’ve tried many, and this is the best." —Susan
Pros
- Can help lessen puffiness around the eyes
- EWG Verified
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Should be used consistently over time to maximize results
Formulated with peptides, squalane, and niacinamide, this eye serum is very gentle. It's a great option for those who may not want to use retinol.
One satisfied customer writes: "This eye serum goes on silky smooth. I have been using it now for about 4 weeks and I am noticing fewer lines around my eyes." —Cynthia T.
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Pros
- Treats loss of firmness and elasticity, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and dehydration
- Applicator has a cooling effect
Cons
- High price point
With vitamin K to improve blood circulation, this eye cream addresses dark circles and its cooling ceramic tip also helps with puffiness.
One satisfied customer writes: "First eye cream that actually made a difference on my dark circles. It was noticeable within a couple of weeks. Amazing."—Tiffany
Pros
- Blurs imperfections and increases hydration
- Recyclable glass packaging
Cons
- Some people may prefer a cream without a tint
Editors, experts, and real customers like this eye cream for its peach shade that helps blur dark circles. It also has bakuchiol and peptides to help firm the skin and stimulate collagen production for long-term benefits.
One satisfied customer writes: "It delivers the promised impact! Bright Eyes!" —Veronica
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Most Versatile
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Eye Cream
Pros
- Results noticeable after four weeks
Cons
- Must be applied twice per day for best results
Following the success of Peter Thomas Roth's multi-tasking face cream, this eye-specific version uses a combination of peptides, plus, niacinamide and exfoliating acids, to smooth the skin around the eyes while maintaining hydration.
One satisfied customer writes: "I love this eye cream. As a mom of a newborn this has been my saving grace! I use it daily now and it's a must-have. It helps depuff my sleep deprived eyes while also giving my under eye a more firm look." —Ariana
Pros
- Ceramides improves the skin barrier
- Great for puffiness
Cons
- Not ideal for dark circles
CeraVe's Skin Renewing Eye Cream is made with sensitive skin in mind. Its fragrance-free formula is non-irritating and happens to also be packed with the brand's signature trio of ceramides to help fortify skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is a great eye cream. It’s kind of thick, like a balm. It is easily spreadable on the skin and absorbs like a dream. I kept squeezing the tube for more to apply to other areas of my face and neck. This is fragrance-free. It played well underneath a layer of sunscreen (no pilling or balling up and shedding)." —Abbey
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Expert Favorite
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Pros
- Great for puffiness and dark circles
Cons
- Results visible after eight weeks of use
This expert favorite is beloved for a good reason. The ingredient list is stacked with ingredients to tackle a range of eye concerns, but a concentrated flavonoid blend is a star that smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have really bad crowfeet on my under eyes and nothing seemed to work. I tried this for 7 days every morning and night and for the first time in years I don't need to cake on concealer!" —Sasha
Pros
- Convenient applicator
Cons
The secret to this creamy eye serum is "Inst’Tight technology", a natural ingredient blend that helps firm up the skin. The skincare favorite also contains coffee seed oil to minimize puffiness.
One satisfied customer writes: "I guess at (almost) 37, now's the time to start to be concerned about wrinkles starting and my face looking my age. This serum leaves the skin around my eyes feeling soft and rejuvenated. I put it on in the morning and leave it alone for like 30 minutes, then continue with my normal skincare." —dlloughlin
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Editors' Favorite
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Pros
- Fights discoloration
Cons
- Cannot use on the eyelids
Featuring U Beauty's proprietary siren capsule technology, diamond powder, and a wrinkle-fighting peptide, this luxe formula helps skin rebuild collagen and minimize the look of lines and wrinkles. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Double yes.
What experts are saying: "I am not a big believer in eye creams, but this is the first one that ever delivered tangible results. I don't think I'll ever use another eye cream again—it's truly that good. You can believe me because I have a one-year-old who still doesn't sleep through the night—this cream hides it!" —Jenna Rosenstein, Bazaar beauty director
Best for Smoothing
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Pros
- Protects against environmental stressors
- Brightening
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
Bazaar's associate beauty editor, Katie Intner, loves the upgraded formula of Shiseido's cult-favorite eye cream to rid dark circles and smooth fine lines. "The ginseng extract instantly wakes up my tired eyes and vitamin E gives a boost of hydration," she says. "Plus, it wears perfectly under makeup so I can top with concealer without worrying about pilling."
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Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Includes a spatula
Cons
- Over $400
La Prairie's iconic Skin Caviar is formulated for the eye area. A little goes a long way with this one, so use the silver spatula that comes with it so it lasts as long as possible.
One satisfied customer writes: "The skin under and around my eyes feels softer and looks smoother. The underbrow area looks lifted and firmer for several hours each day. This is a luxurious product that feels special, like a personal treat!" —Marl35
Best for Sensitive Skin
Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Pros
- Can be applied under makeup
- Non-greasy formula
Cons
Niacinamide and collagen peptide are just two of the anti-aging powerhouses in this multi-tasking eye cream, which addresses everything from wrinkles to crepey skin texture.
One satisfied customer writes: “This is a very nice eye cream. I am pretty allergic to most creams but not to this one or others from Kiehl's. So far I feel this cream is working well and keeps hydrated and firmer the skin around my eyes.” —Anonymous
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Best Overnight Treatment
Tula Skincare Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream
Pros
- Contains retinol alternative
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
Dry skin? Not with this super-rich eye cream, which contains bakuchiol and peptides to firm skin, as well as soothing chamomile and green algae.
One satisfied customer writes: “My eczema has literally been attacking my face recently, more especially my under eyes. It was so bad that it started making my concealer look like it was creasing when it doesn’t. This helped heal my dry skin instantly!” —shalmaxo
Best Eye Serum
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
Pros
- Contains retinol
- Potent formula
Cons
If your skin can tolerate retinol, consider Murad’s popular eye serum, which can be used 360 degrees around the eye, including eyelids.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this product for a few weeks and I am amazed at the results. My eyes look brighter and firmer already. The product is light and you only need a tiny bit to do the job. For reference, I am in my late 30s with combination skin.” —McSki
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Best Brightening Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Pros
- Also brightens under-eye area
Cons
Though it contains a slew of wrinkle-reducing ingredients—bakuchiol, rosehip oil, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich extracts—this eye cream is remarkably gentle.
One satisfied customer writes: "I bought this as I was starting to develop deep wrinkles around my eyes and almost immediately I noticed that the skin around the eyes were firm. I am now on week three and I must say I look noticeably younger!" —Jooyeon
Meet the experts
- Sara Perkins is a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims and Hers. She is also an assistant dermatology professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
- Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.
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Which ingredients should I look for in one of the best eye creams for wrinkles?
The first is retinol. "Retinol or retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are vitamin A derivatives that promote skin cell turnover and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," explains Perkins. "Their efficacy is well-supported by decades of research; however, skin irritation is a common issue. Dedicated eye creams will often contain a lower percentage of this ingredient to minimize irritation or combine it with other ingredients to soothe or hydrate the skin."
Another common ingredient is vitamin C. "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to inhibit the damaging effects of UV radiation by neutralizing free radicals and is also thought to be involved in processes that stabilize and synthesize collagen," says the derm. "In addition to helping with fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C can also help with pigmentation and brightening, making it a popular ingredient in eye creams."You'll also often see a popular hydrator, hyaluronic acid. "Finally, hyaluronic acid is a commonly used ingredient which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines," says Perkins.
What are the benefits of using a targeted eye cream over a regular moisturizer?
As Perkins said earlier on, many people can and do use moisturizer. However, "Eyelid skin is more delicate and susceptible to external injury, dryness and earlier signs of aging." Also, eye creams tested for use around the eyes, whereas most moisturizers are not.
"Creams designed for use on the rest of the face may be too irritating for eyelid use."In addition, the skin around our eyes is different than say, our cheeks or your chins. "Many eye creams are formulated to address eyelid-specific concerns, like dark circles and puffiness," Perkins says, though she adds, "Their benefits may be temporary, and the efficacy is less well studied."
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Shop more Bazaar-approved eye creams
- The Best Eye Creams for Puffiness
- The Best Eye Creams With SPF for Easy Sun Protection
- The Best Eye Creams to Address Dark Circles
- The Best Caffeine Eye Creams That De-Puff in a Flash
- The Best Drugstore Eye Creams Experts Swear By
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Lindy Segal
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
Nykia Spradley
Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.
Megan Decker
Megan Decker is a beauty and lifestyle writer and editor, and the former beauty editor at Refinery29, where she oversaw the site’s beauty trend coverage. In addition to regularly contributing to Harper's Bazaar, she also writes for Refinery29, Byrdie, PS, various newsletters, and other publications. She lives on the Upper East Side and you can often find her reading, picnicking, or strolling in Central Park.