These Drugstore Eye Creams Might Be Better Than Your Luxury Version

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You might be looking for an eye cream for a variety of reasons: maybe you’ve developed dark circles from too many late nights, or perhaps you’re starting to see lines where they weren’t before. Whatever the reason, we commend you—regular eye cream use is often the first layer of defense between you and premature signs of aging. Even if you’re not ready to shell out the big bucks for luxury skin care, you can rest assured that one of the best drugstore eye creams is sure to do the trick.

“Eye creams are a game changer in skincare. It does take time, however, so give them at least three months to see a difference. Drugstore creams are just as effective as luxury brands–it’s about consistency,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. In other words, actually applying an eye cream every day is more important than the price tag of the one you choose, especially when drugstore skin care brands are upping their game each year. Plus, there are lots of different kinds of eye creams at the drugstore, from retinol eye creams and peptide eye creams for fine lines to caffeine eye creams for de-puffing.

We spoke to dermatologists, looked inside our own bathroom cabinets, and read through hundreds of online reviews to find the 14 best affordable drugstore eye creams. They’re at your fingertips—just keep scrolling!

Healthy Renew Hydrating Eye Gel Serum

Every skin lover knows how powerful and effective retinol is, but sometimes it can be too strong to use around the eyes. “I love Cetaphil’s new Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum. The formula contains gentle yet effective retinol alternative to help minimize the look of dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue around the eye area. The lightweight formula also incorporates Vitamins B3 and B5 to help hydrate, soothe and repair skin’s moisture barrier while botanical extracts help target dullness and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Engelmen.

Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin B3, vitamin B5

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve usually had good experiences with Cetaphil products, so when I found this Hydrating Eye Gel Serum I had to give it a try. I have sensitive and aging skin with more fine lines around my eyes and some puffy, dark circles under eyes. As with other Cetaphil products I’ve used, this continues the trend of being gentle and effective.”

Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream

Cold winter air can cause uncomfortable dryness around the eyes, which is why it’s important to use a hydrating eye cream. Not only does it calm and moisturize the area, but it also doubles as a glowing makeup primer.

Key ingredients: Cucumber extract, shea butter, green tea extract

Best for: Dryness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Let’s not sleep on e.l.f’s Holy Hydration line, people! This past summer, I took the mini version of the hydrating collection on a European vacation, and the eye cream was the first product in the line I used to the last scrape. I’m a fan of how hydrated and plumped my under-eye area looked once I woke up, especially since I devoured several glasses of wine the night before, thanks to a nourishing cocktail of hyaluronic acid and peptides.” –Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com Beauty Commerce Editor

Skin Renewing Eye Cream

“This has peptides and ceramides which help hydrate the eyelid skin,” says Dr. Lal. Along with these ingredients, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream also utilizes caffeine and hyaluronic acid to revitalize, plump, and hydrate the under eyes.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, puffiness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An expert reviewer says: “They say you never forget your first….eye cream? Mine was this beauty, and it was a strong staple in my skincare routine throughout high school and college. You get a great amount for the price tag, which was (and still is!) a dream come true.” –Bianca Rodriguez, Commerce Manager

Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum

No7 is a brand that’s earned its reputation for being effective yet affordable. This one does it all: plumping and moisturizing ingredients take on puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, shea butter

Best for: Puffiness, fine lines, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I remember going to a Target with my mom in my youth and triumphantly returning with tubes of No7 Eye Cream. We had read online that an independent study had shown that this particular eye cream was sold out everywhere in Europe after a study showed that it reduced wrinkles. Since then, I’ve favored No.7 eye creams, including this one, because they’re reliably creamy and moisturizing. This one in particular uses the brand’s form of peptide technology, which is a form of technology used by pricier brands to improve elasticity and hydrate the skin.” –Kathleen Hou, ELLE Beauty Director

Soothing Eye Contour Cream

The eye area is an especially sensitive one, and this pick from Avène assures you that you can rest easy. The soothing, gentle formula combats puffiness while also infusing the skin with plenty of hydration using the brand’s signature thermal spring water.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract, thermal spring water

Best for: Puffiness, dryness

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I originally bought this during a bout with eyelid dermatitis but now use it all the time. It’s moisturizing and does not irritate my very sensitive eyelid skin.”

Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream

If fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are your main concern, this powerful cream can tackle them. “This is an OG with both retinol and peptides. This is great for wrinkly skin and dark circles,” says Dr. Lal. This product comes with two different formulations, one for the lid and one for the under-eyes. With consistent use, you won't believe the results. With efficacy like this, we understand why this skincare line is a favorite of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Key ingredients: Retinol, kelp extract, squalane

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m pretty impressed with this cream. I feel like I can feel the creams tightening my eyes when I first apply it. And this makes my eye area look really smooth the next morning and I’m over 50. I have sensitive eyes and haven’t had any problems from using this.”

Stem Cell Eye Lifting Treatment

This dermatologist-approved drugstore eye cream firms the skin around your eyes thanks to its copper peptides. Its tightening effect results in a smoother and lifted look

Key ingredients: Copper peptides, plant stem cells

Best for: Fine lines, dullness, puffiness

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “This eye cream is good for sensitive eyes. It doesn’t sting or make my eyes watery. I do see a slight lift in my upper eyelids, and the skin around my eyes is moisturized.”

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream

If you want visible results, the Neutrogena eye cream is a classic for a reason. “This is a great agent with hyaluronic acid and retinol to hydrate the plump the skin,” says Dr. Lal. It’s also a favorite for anyone looking to prevent or soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, dryness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been buying Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair for 5 years. I use it under my eyes, corner of eyes, and for lip lines. It works wonderfully and I highly recommend it. Sometimes, I dab it all over my face and the results never disappoint. I am 72 years old and people think I look 10-12 years younger than my stated age. I don’t bother with other brands, because in my humble opinion, the others can’t compare.”

Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Eye Cream

Retinol can be irritating, but this eye cream is made to be gentle on even the most sensitive of skin. The formula brings together retinol and caffeine to create a dynamic duo that reduces both puffiness and the appearance of fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, thermal spring water, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have tried lots of eye creams over the years and, though many have been great for moisturizing and reducing puffiness, this is the first one that actually lightens under eye circles too. (Many claim to, but this one works!) This product is amazing! It leaves my skin feeling smooth, reduces the appearance of fine lines, AND lightens the shadows under my eyes. I’m so glad my dermatologist recommended this product!”

Multi-Peptide Anti-Aging Eye Serum

If you’re not a fan of heavier formulas, it might be time to try a serum. This one is packed with peptides and caffeine to plump and de-puff at the same time to help you look wide awake (even when you aren’t).

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I didn’t have high hopes for this product simply because I thought I needed medical intervention for my under eye area. It was looking so crepey, and lines were showing a lot with makeup on, even with eye creams. I now use this day and night, I noticed the result the first day! I am actually blown away. My under eye looks smooth and hydrated. Not crepey at all. I will continue to buy this!”

Renew Eye Gel

If you use a vitamin C serum on your face for its brightening effects, it may be time to use that same ingredient to reduce the look of dark circles around the eyes. This eye cream has a gel-like consistency that also hydrates and plumps at the same time.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m ordering this product for the fourth time. It seems to work on fine lines and dullness under the eyes within minutes, and I do see an improvement overall in the skin quality around my eyes where I was seeing more than just fine lines developing. I’m a 51 year-old woman with problematic skin– eczema, psoriasis, allergic to more lotions than not–and this doesn’t trigger any reactions. It’s not the cheapest you can buy, but personally I think it works as well as much more expensive products that I have tried.”

Dermo-Expertise Eye Defense Eye Cream

This affordable cream combines hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce dark circles and puffiness, all in a lightweight gel. Because it sinks in quickly, it’s a great option to wear underneath concealer during the day.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This eye gel smooths on so beautifully that it is a pleasure to apply. My skin loves it and my eyes have no objection. Great stuff!”

Eye Cream

If this eye cream looks familiar, it's probably because it’s gone viral on TikTok, thanks to its gentle and effective ingredients. With hydrating oils, soothing extracts, and anti-aging ingredients, this is a must-have.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, vitamin B, aloe leaf juice

Best for: Dark circles, dryness, puffiness

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Delighted with this product which arrived promptly and was well packaged. I have been using this product once a day for 2 months now and it has exceeded expectations. Skin around the eye is much smoother and brighter. I received unexpected praise from two friends separately who wanted to know what I had done! Cream is light, silky and easily absorbed. Worth every penny and I will definitely order again. Would make a fabulous gift.”

Meet the Experts

Dr. Karan Lal is a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Dendy Engelmen is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in New York City.

Why should you use an eye cream?

Even if your skin care cabinet is full of serums and moisturizers, it’s very important to invest in products specifically formulated to use around the eyes. “It’s important to focus on caring for the area around your eyes, as it is 40 percent thinner than the rest of your face, and can be the first to show signs of aging. Having a dedicated eye product is very important for people especially after the age of 25,” says Dr. Engelmen.

What are the best ingredients to look for in an eye cream?

The most common complaints people have about their eye area include fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. Depending on what you’re looking to treat, you should try to find products with different ingredients. “You want to look for peptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid when looking at ingredients in an eye cream,” says Dr. Lal.

These are ingredients that Dr. Engelmen also loves. “I look to skin care formulas that are science-based and harness effective and powerful ingredients. Some of the best ingredients for your under eye and lids include peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Peptides smooth fine lines and wrinkles, ceramides fortify the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid adds moisture and an instant plumping effect,” she says.

Are drugstore eye creams as effective as luxury ones?

Good news–you don’t have to break the bank to get great results from your eye cream. “It’s very possible to find great, evidence-based products at all price points–over the counter and at mass,” says Dr. Engelmen. For Dr. Lal, measuring effectiveness less about price point and more about ingredients and how the product is used. He adds, “Skin topical therapies can do wonders for the eyes. It does take time, however, so give them at least three months to see a difference. Drug store creams are just as effective as luxury brands–it’s about consistency!”

Why trust ELLE?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about drugstore eye creams. Freund and Carol Lee also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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