There are times when I look in the mirror, see a dark circle, and panic. Not in a catastrophic way, of course (I know how to pick my battles), but in that very occasional vain way that we all sometimes experience. And when that happens, I know it’s time to take a closer look at my eye care regimen. It wasn’t all that impressive until a few years ago, when, in my early thirties, I realized my youthful visage would one day be a memory.
Note that even in my twenties, I was smearing on eye cream—but it was almost an afterthought, a little addition to my routine that I felt good about without really knowing why. Now that I’m approaching forty, I spend more time focusing on the ingredients that make an eye cream effective.
What to look for in an effective anti-aging eye cream:
Retinol: Fine lines and weakened skin are major concerns as we grow older. While there isn’t much we can do to completely stop them in their tracks, retinol can rejuvenate the delicate skin around the eyes and give it a more youthful appearance. It also stimulates the production of collagen and diminishes the appearance of slight imperfections.
Caffeine: Just as it jolts you awake on a dreadfully early commute, caffeine also works wonders on aging skin—in much the same way, actually. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, and is especially effective on puffy, swollen skin around the eyes.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essentially the king antioxidant and should be a major part of any anti-aging skin care regimen. Not only does it prevent free radical damage and environmental distress, it also firms skin, diminishes sun damage, and improves the skin’s overall condition.
Hyaluronic Acid: Dryness is another concern which can result in older looking skin. Thank goodness for hyaluronic acid, the super-charged ingredient that locks in moisture, plumps the skin, and leaves it softer and smoother.
You’ll find many eye creams that contain some combination of these ingredients, or at least one of these ingredients combined with other skin-loving agents. I’ve put many to the test over the years, but these are the nine anti aging eye creams that stand out as the most impressive. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Eye Creams to Try:
- Splurge vs. Steal: Experts Weigh in on the Best Eye Creams for Sleepless New Moms
- Controversial Anti-Aging Stem Cell Cream: Is It Right for You?
- Splurge vs. Steal: 6 Celeb-Approved Eye Creams That’ll Erase Dark Under Eye Circles
Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams
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To fight wrinkles...
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, $19.99
By far your wrinkles’ most mortal enemy, the retinol in this eye moisturizer works gradually to improve the overall appearance of the eye area. Within four weeks, puffiness is reduced and those dreaded lines (including pesky crow’s feet) are diminished.
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For de-puffling...
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, $25
You down cup after cup of coffee without a second thought, but have you ever considered that its most potent ingredient could be a wonder drug for your skin? Infused with caffeine, this eye cream de-puffs the eye area while reducing dark circles and smoothing lines.
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For firming and brightening...
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Eye, $162
Absolutely lovely on my sensitive skin, this hyper-moisturizing eye cream contains vitamin C ester to strengthen and firm skin. Bonus points for brightening those telltale dark areas that reveal just how little I slept last night.
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For the ultimate lift...
Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel, $42
Even if you typically use creams on your face, a gel formula feels especially decadent on tired eye skin because it’s so cooling and refreshing. This gel is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, and cucumber extract, which tightens.
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To banish dry spots...
REN Keep Young and Beautiful Firm and Lift Eye Cream, $40
I’ve always had good luck with REN, and this eye cream was no exception. It contains a natural lightener in alpha-linoleic acid, ceramides to lock in moisture, and plant collagen, which delivers natural hydration to crepey, dry spots.
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To revive dull skin...
Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment, $38
I had a great experience with Maracuja C-Brighter, which seemed to naturally brighten my eye area almost overnight. It contains a menu of pampering ingredients that really care for the skin, like antioxidant-rich mango and coconut, plus the ever-important vitamin C to revive dull skin.
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To reduce puffiness and fine lines...
Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Eye Cream, $51
Designed to work all day long, this multipurpose eye cream does it all—it moisturizes skin while reducing the look of puffiness and fine lines. A shot of algae extract brightens up the eye area and gives you a more awake appearance.
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To banish bags...
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye, $38
Ideal for all types of skin, this lightweight cream is packed with antioxidants (including vitamins C and E), plus Eye Regener, which zeroes in on bags that may come as the result of exhaustion, allergies, or mere heredity.
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For an ultra moisturizing (but not greasy) boost...
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream, $18
If you’re like me, dryness is one of your biggest concerns. It can make those fine lines even more noticeable, so it’s important to choose a cream that focuses on both concerns. This one is incredibly hydrating, yet doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. (If you use it during the day, wait ten minutes for it to settle before applying makeup.)
