The Best Eye Creams to Hydrate Dry Patches and Revive Tired-Looking Skin

Dry skin can be a struggle year-round, but fall and winter can be especially brutal. As soon as the temperature drops, the lack of humidity can lead to redness, itching, and flaky patches on your face—yes, under-eyes included. That’s not exactly something you want to deal with if you’re already battling dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines or wrinkles.

It’s totally normal, though. A sudden change in seasons is one of the most common causes of dry under-eyes, explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules. But, there are so many other factors that contribute to under-eye dryness, adds Tara Rao, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. That’s why finding the best hydrating eye creams for dry skin is so key. Simply getting older means your skin gets thinner, so it has a harder time holding onto moisture. What’s more, colder weather is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups, a condition that can make the skin rough, dry, itchy, and cracked.

Your day-to-day struggles may play a role, too. “When we are sick, under a lot of stress, or not getting enough sleep, we can also become very dehydrated, and the skin around the eye is one of the first places for that to show up,” says Dr. Rao.

But you don’t have to battle dry, flaky skin forever. In addition to staying hydrated and getting enough rest, a moisturizing eye cream can make all the difference when your under-eyes are in desperate need of some TLC.

How to choose the best hydrating eye cream for dry skin

• Know the difference between an eye cream and a moisturizer. For starters, eye creams should be tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure they are safe to apply near the eyes. The skin underneath your eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it prone to irritation, says Dr. Jaliman. “Using a moisturizer or cream not targeted for the eyes can make your eyes puffier or even irritate them,” she says.
• Look for moisturizing ingredients. Some standout ingredients to look for in a moisturizing eye cream include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalene, antioxidants (often found in botanical oils or certain vitamins), and aloe vera.
• Keep it simple. While retinol products can certainly help fight the signs of aging, they can also dry out the skin and cause peeling, so skip this ingredient if you have dry under-eyes, says Dr. Rao. Simple formulas are your best bet here, so avoid eye creams that are heavy in chemicals, fragrances, dyes, or preservatives.

To make the search even easier, we rounded up several hydrating eye creams—from drugstore to high-end—that fit the bill. Pick your favorite and lightly dab it on during the morning and night with your ring finger to ensure you’re not pulling or tugging at the skin. We promise your skin will look brighter, moisturized, and so refreshed.