20 Best Eye Creams 2023 for Wrinkles, Bags and Dark Circles

In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from dermatologist-recommended brand La Roche-Posay absorbed quickly, reduced the appearance of fine lines and diminished under-eye puffiness with powerhouse anti-aging ingredient retinol. While the active can sometimes cause redness or irritation, Lab testers didn’t report any issues. “I didn’t really have much faith in eye creams until trying this one — very impressive,” and “the skin around my eyes looks better and feels firmer; my eyes look younger,” two commented. However, some users found the formula to be liquid-y. Be sure to only use this at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

Made with smoothing peptides, this drugstore pick rose above the rest in the GH Beauty Lab testing at diminishing crow’s feet and creases. In digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer, the lotion minimized eye-area wrinkle size and severity by 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and more hydrated by 30%. “This visibly reduced the lines on and crepey texture of my skin,” a tester reported. “It noticeably decreased my fine lines,” another echoed. Note that one tester did develop irritation after two days of use.

L’Oréal’s affordable eye cream performed well across the board in GH Beauty Lab testing, moisturizing, firming and decreasing the look of fine lines over four weeks. Testers loved that the formulation with caffeine and botanical oils was so gentle that it didn’t cause any redness or irritation. “I’ve never had an eye cream work as effectively as this one,” a tester said. “My skin is very sensitive and most eye products irritate it. This one didn’t bother my skin at all!” Many consumer reviews noted that the product dispenser is difficult to use, though.

With its makeup-like effects (thanks to light-reflecting minerals), GH Beauty Lab test winner and GH Seal star Olay blurs eye-area imperfections in seconds. “This was like a primer, quickly diminishing the wrinkles at the corners of my eyes that can interfere with makeup,” one reported. “It even lifted my upper eyelids, which had started to sag,” another said. The most liked formula among testers, it firmed skin long-term by an impressive 29%, though it wasn’t as hydrating as others in Lab calculations.

Brighten up and deflate bags with this GH Seal star Mary Kay cream containing skin tone-evening niacinamide and resveratrol, also a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s eye cream test. It received the highest marks in Lab digital imaging analysis for improving the look of dark circles, though it didn’t show stellar results in other Lab tests. The treatment also earned high marks among testers for decreasing puffiness and undereye bags, upping hydration 24% and firmness 20%. “No more morning puffiness,” a tester revealed. “A magical product!” Another reported: “I do feel like my under eyes look smoother and less dark.”

For days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes (or just for every day!), turn to Dermalogica’s eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine. “I tap this under my eyes and even on my eyelids in the morning when my eyes look exhausted, puffy and droopy,” GH’s beauty director says. “Almost instantly, my eye area looks visibly smoother — I’ve tried many eye treatments and have never seen such noticeable results so quickly.” However, note that this pick is pricier than some other options out there for a relatively small amount of product.

The powerful eye serum from Alastin includes the brand’s TriHex Technology, which is designed to support the production of new collagen in the skin. Our Beauty Assistant loves it for treating fine lines and puffiness: “I can see a distinct improvement in the fine lines under my eyes since I started using this,” she said. “My undereyes also look brighter in photos and in person.” However, she also noted that it can sting a little when applying, but that sensation only lasts for a few seconds.

Retinol can be tricky to apply to the eyes due to potential irritation, but this GH Seal star Olay eye cream with retinol, part of the brand’s highly-rated Retinol24 line, was specially formulated for the delicate area. GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the fragrance-free formula produced visible benefits in those with moderate to severe eye area wrinkles and even kept skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. “Has done wonders for my fine lines around my eyes,” a Walmart reviewer said. “They’re all unnoticeable or gone.” However, some users noted burning and irritation when using this product.

A great drugstore buy packed with plant extracts, this Burt’s Bees formula is luxe-feeling and rich. GH Beauty Lab evaluations showed it improved skin’s moisturization by 21% and increased firmness by 18%. You’ll likely want to apply it overnight, since its thick texture takes some time to absorb into skin. “It was soothing and left my eye area much more moisturized,” one tester said. Another reported, “My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness.” However, some shared that the product doesn’t absorb very quickly.

Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes. The light formula raised skin’s firmness by 33%, more than all other products in the Lab’s test, and moisture levels by 18%. It also reduced wrinkles by 7% and improved the appearance of bags. Users rated the formula nearly perfect for lack of irritation. “Finally, an eye treatment that actually delivered on its promises,” one tester raved. “The best I’ve ever used.” Another said: “It really tightened my skin, smoothing it out.” Take note that it is a pricier option.

From a dermatologist go-to brand, this Isdin formula is a favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients, she’s a fan of this pricey pick. “I suggest this for my patients concerned with undereye circles, as it contains peptides to help build collagen, vitamin K to help with darkness and visible blood vessels, and antioxidants to help protect the delicate eye skin in a hydrating hyaluronic acid base,” she says.

Formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, this SkinCeuticals sunscreen, a past GH Beauty Award winner, is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. The gentle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral formula not only offers UVA and UVB protection, but also helps hide dark circles with its sheer tint. “No stinging, tears or irritation,” GH Beauty Lab evaluators reported. “It makes the skin around my eyes appear brighter,” a reviewer said. Some, however, felt the design of the tube was sub-optimal.

No7’s great value eye treatment, a 2022 GH Beauty Award winner, provides the wrinkle-diminishing effects of retinol in a formula infused with soothing ingredients that’s safe for use around the delicate eye area. After six weeks of nightly application, 80% of consumer testers thought their wrinkles were reduced and their skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, 91% said the product was gentle on skin, a study found. However, other reviewers noted they didn’t see any noticeable change to their eyes after using the product.

With this rich, luxurious Chanel eye treatment, you get what you pay for: A GH Beauty Lab test winner, the gentle formula with hyaluronic acid and peptides was the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluted. It increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours and earned near-perfect scores for texture and fragrance. “This is flat out amazing,” a tester raved. “I love the way it made the lines and wrinkles soften from around my eyes — my skin there feels baby smooth.” This product is pricier than many other options, however, and note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.

A GH Sustainable Innovation Award winner, this pricey featherweight BL+ serum formula helps minimize eye area puffiness, thanks to ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, plus a built-in rollerball dispenser. “So light and hydrating, it keeps my skin plump and tight during the day,” GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann reports. “I also like the roller applicator as it cools the undereye and helps depuff eyes.”

No7’s cream visibly improves three of the top signs of aging in the eye area: wrinkles, lack of firmness and uneven skin tone. Loaded with active ingredients like peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, a study showed that consumers noticed improvements in as little as two weeks. “I have been using this for about one week and it has already started fading my crow’s feet and tightening the drooping skin under my eyes,” a reviewer said. Other reviewers shared that they hadn’t seen a significant improvement in their eye area after use, though.

This Good Housekeeping Seal star from Mary Kay reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and moisturizes dry, crepey mature skin for up to 12 hours. The tube also has a smart design; squeeze out some product and gently use its metal applicator tip to smooth onto skin. The immediate cooling sensation helps depuff eyes. However, some consumers have noted that they don’t love the texture.