The 22 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles and Crow's Feet

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Of the many or few steps in your skincare routine, using one of the best eye creams for wrinkles is probably among the easiest. According to Sara Perkins, dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims and Hers, a hardworking eye cream can mean the difference between looking hydrated and fresh, or being in need of extra beauty rest.

"A separate eye cream isn’t an absolute necessity for everyone, but if you have specific concerns—dryness, wrinkles, puffiness, pigmentation—a well-formulated eye cream can help," says Perkins. "However, not all eye creams are the same, nor do they all contain ingredients with proven efficacy." The expert recommends retinol as a key ingredient for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but there are equally as effective products on the list below with retinol alternatives for those who can't tolerate the ingredient.

If you're firmly on Team Eye Cream (or you're thinking of joining), read on for the best eye creams for wrinkles, from trusted brands like U Beauty, Olay, and Dieux. Then, stick around for more of Perkins's thoughts on top eye cream ingredients and the best application techniques.

Related: The Best Under-Eye Patches to Minimize Puffiness, Dryness, and More

Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Eye Cream

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 eyes while maintaining hydration.

LXP Ultimate Revival Eye Cream

In addition to niacinamide and peptides, SK-II also looks to a propriety blend of antioxidants and amino acids to boost its line-smoothing power.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"Amazing formula. Noticed a true difference in my eye area within days. Soft to the touch and felt great on skin." — japayuki83

Skin Renewing Eye Cream

For starters, CeraVe's eye cream is made for sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula won't irritate delicate skin and it's also packed with the brand's signature trio of ceramides to help fortify compromised skin.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"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

A.G.E. Advanced Eye

This expert favorite is beloved for 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.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"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

Beam + Glow Eye Serum

The secret to this creamy serum is Inst’Tight Technology, a natural ingredient blend that helps firm up the skin, along with puffiness-targeting coffee seed oil.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"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

Super Eye Lift Serum

This cream works on the skin's surface to diminish the look of fine lines but also doubles as Botox in a bottle. Neuropeptides in the formula cuts down muscle movement around eyes to prevent deeper and future wrinkles from forming.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"This eye serum has become part of my morning routine. I love the applicator tube, and that I can just squeeze out a bit of product and use the applicator to rub it in. I never liked using my fingers to apply eye products, and this applicator is nice and cool, which helps with morning under-eye puffiness. I assume the serum itself is also helping in that area. It does seem to lessen the appearance of the tiny lines under my eyes." — ChristiJo

The Return Eye Concentrate

Featuring the brand’s proprietary SIREN capsule technology, diamond powder, and a wrinkle-fighting peptide, this luxe formula helps skin rebuild collagen as it minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Double yes.

What Our Beauty Director Says:

"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, beauty director, Harper's Bazaar

The Eye Cream

A combo of Augustinus Bader's TFC8 complex, vitamin C, and niacinamide creates a trifecta for taking down crow's feet and keeps skin actively fighting future lines away.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"I actually do not hesitate to purchase this very pricy potion. I have noticed a big difference in makeup application, less puffiness, greater hydration, smoothing of wrinkles, and absolutely no eye irritation. I actually use this cream on my eyelids as well." — Jojosa

Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

Olay is always one of our go-tos for effective, affordable products. For just $30, you get a retinol cream that reduces wrinkles over time and helps brighten thanks to niacinamide.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“This and the matching face cream are my first ever exposures to retinol. I am using it to prevent wrinkles and other issues in the future, so I can only speak for the formula. It is so light and velvety and gentle on my skin. I have been using it nightly for almost a month and I have experienced no irritation or sensitivity.” —rsb_95

Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

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."

The Absolute Restoring Eye Cream

Noble Panacea’s eye cream targets wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness as it provides serious hydration, thanks to the brand’s patented OSMVTM technology. Plus, single-dose packaging ensures that the ingredients stay as active as possible.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“The best eye cream I have used! Instantly felt hydrated, and my eye area is more firm. Great for traveling!” —Sara

Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

The brand’s signature squalane is part of what helps make this eye cream both hydrating and lightweight.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“I’ve tried $$$ stuff and less expensive stuff and always come back to it. Try it. It’s a great value and you see results in days.” —becks4257

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

La Prairie's iconic Skin Caviar, 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.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"The skin under and around my eyes feels softer and looks smoother. The under brow area looks lifted and firmer for several hours each day. This is a luxurious product that feels special, like a personal treat!" —Marl35

Auracle

Fans of Dieux’s reusable eye masks have long awaited an eye product to use with them. Finally, they got their wish with Auracle, a gel made with algae complex, peptides, and glycerin that helps diminish the look of wrinkles and puffiness (and yes, works great with the masks).

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“I’ve used eye creams for 10 years now and I didn’t know what a good one was until I tried this and noticed a huuuge difference to any product I’ve ever used. My under-eye area immediately started looking more hydrated. I’ve been using it for 3 months now and I don’t wanna use anything else again.” —Betty

Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream

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.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“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.”

Wrinkle Expert 55+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment

Formulated specifically for those 55 and up, this rich cream is made with calcium to actually help thicken and smooth thinning skin.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“I love your 55+ face cream. I turn 69 in 4 weeks and my skin looks better now than it did in my 30s. I always make sure I have extra jars do I don’t run out.” —Judy

All In Eye Cream

For those who prefer lightweight eye creams, don’t miss this Eight Saints option. Made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane, it maintains a cloud-like texture as it plumps up fine lines.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“Best eye cream I've ever used…A tiny dab goes so far, so a jar goes a long way, and it works magic! I'm 60, and it took 10 years off my eyes! It fades darkness, moisturizes away fine lines, makes undereyes smooth, even, bright, it's amazing.” —Christine

Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream

To minimize potential irritation, this wrinkle-reducing treatment is made with both time-released retinol and rambutan, a retinol alternative.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“After continued use, I look like I've had Botox around my eye and get tons of compliments!” —Nadine

Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème

A blend of bakuchiol, orchid stem cell, and peptides help firm skin and reduce the appearance of lines in this retinol alternative eye cream.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“I LOVE this product!! I can totally tell a difference in the firmness of my under eye. Works so much better then other creams I’ve tried. Also love the applicator! Not having to dig my long nails into a pot is always a plus!” —AMMJ88

Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm Overnight Eye Cream

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.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“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

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

If your skin can tolerate retinol, consider Murad’s popular eye serum, which can be used 360 degrees around the eye, including eyelids.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

“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

Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

Though it contains a slew of wrinkle-reducing ingredients—bakuchiol, rosehip oil, ceramides, and antioxidant-rich extracts—this eye cream is remarkably gentle.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"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

• Dr. Sara Perkins is a dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims and Hers. She is also an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

Which ingredients should you look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?

The first one 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.

Why should you use a targeted eye cream instead of 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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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.

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