No matter your stance on eye cream, the reality is that the skin around our eyes is up to six times thinner than the skin around the rest of our face. The area also has fewer sebum glands compared to the rest of the face, meaning it’s fragile and more prone to damage, and naturally lacks natural moisturisation.
Factor in the hundreds and thousands of times this delicate area is tugged, pulled, and stretched with each expression made and it is no wonder this is the area where signs of ageing like poor microcirculation and wrinkles start to become visible. Whether you’re experiencing first signs of ageing like dark circles and fine lines or advanced signs like sagging and deep wrinkles, here are the 14 anti-ageing eye products to try:
Ideal for those with first signs of ageing, this refreshing gel-serum texture is enriched with vitamin E, caffeine, and humectants to strengthen the delicate area, replenish moisture and reduce the appearance of water retention for an instantly more energised eye contour area. It comes with a bendy massage applicator which cools the eye contours, alleviating the appearance of puffiness and improving microcirculation so you look more awake. For a super cool application, store this in a fridge before using it. If your eye area is extremely dry, feel free to layer on another eye cream of your choice.
With the addition of peat extract, this eye cream tightens pores that are sagging or enlarged and promotes skin regeneration. This eye treatment is powered by antioxidant-rich ingredients that smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles with its velvety-texture. Rich in mineral and organic acids—such as humic and fulvic acids—the cream deeply hydrates the skin with its blend of natural apothecary herbs and as rich as it is, it absorbs just as quickly around the contours of the eye.
The delicate formula melts into the skin when applied and acts like liquid silk, blurring the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As a bonus, it forms a protective veil of moisture as the first line of defense for the skin. Infused with Japanese white peony, it helps boost your skin’s natural barrier function and a signature trio of pure Japanese superfoods reduce any and all visible signs of ageing.
With more than 25 years of research under its belt, Elizabeth Arden’s iconic Ceramide Eye Capsule formula is now better than ever. Rich in essential fatty acids that not only nourish the fragile eye contour area, it also plumps fine lines and wrinkles and fortifies the skin’s natural barrier so the skin becomes stronger and more resilient over time. Each golden capsule contains just the right amount of product sufficient for both eyes so you never have to worry about using too much or too little product. Simply twist off the tab and apply the serum on the skin around your orbital bone for a smoother, plumper appearance.
If the work from home arrangement is getting to you, consider an eye cream that will work double-time to refine the lines around the eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles. Lightweight and multi-action, the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream de-puffs and smoothens the delicate eye area for a radiant and resilient look. Using their special Super Lotus formula, the eye cream boosts radiance and strengthens the eye area for a natural defense.
Infused with panax ginseng, fermented pomegranate, and vitamin C, this biocellullose eye mask is packed with nutrient-filled active ingredients that nourish the skin instantly. Its unique fishtail shape provides an all-rounded attentive care for your upper and lower eye. Perfectly designed for Asian eye shapes, the mask hugs the skin snugly and stays put so you can move about your daily routine. Using an exclusive liposome intensive delivery, the ingredients are able to penetrate deeper into the skin to revitalise it from within.
Perfect for an instant moisture boost, these eye patches are ideal to use prior to makeup application. Refreshing and cooling to the under-eye area, each cucumber-extract-infused patch nourishes skin with hyaluronic acid to plump skin surface and hold moisture in. The nutrient-dense blend of aloe, chamomile, and allantoin softens the skin around the eye. Other active ingredients like caffeine, arnica, ceramide, and collagen also work in synergy to improve microcirculation, reduce water retention, soothe irritation, and reinforce skin barrier function.
Following the success of its Water Sleeping Mask, which replenishes parched skin with much need moisture overnight for a revitalised mien by the time you wake up in the morning, it is only a matter of time before the K-beauty giant applies the same concept to an eye product. Designed to intensely hydrate dehydrated eye contours, this night-use eye cream features the same Moisture Wrap technology that is present in the Water Sleeping Mask, which continuously moisturises the skin without forming an occlusive layer so it is allowed to breathe. Caffeine is also found in the formula and when coupled with the gentle massage action of the ceramic applicator ball, puffiness is also reduced for supple, revitalised eye contours.
As the brand’s most advanced anti-ageing range, this nourishing eye salve combats all signs of ageing, including dark circles, eye bags, loss of elasticity, and deep crow’s feet. Key ingredients like Natecium DHC and Lys De Mer infuse skin with potent antioxidants and hydration, instantly energising and brightening the eye area. Over time, the combination improves skin resilience against external sources of damage to restore skin firmness. The formula is also non-fragranced, making it safer for those prone to irritation from artificial fragrances.
This eye cream re-energises the delicate under-eye area, which is where the first signs of ageing often occur first, and reinvigorates the skin. Using Winter Daphne Stem Cell extract, Botanical Eye Contour Complex, and Second Skin Red Algae Marigel, the trio promotes anti-ageing benefits that nourish and increase the collagen content in the skin to make your eyes appear more radiant. Hydrating and gentle on the skin, this is suited for all skin types and perfect for daily use.
If you have irritation-prone skin, finding a suitable eye cream that works and doesn’t aggravate your skin and eyes can be difficult. Which is why this eye cream from Avène is so highly regarded by fans. Not only is it packed with no-nonsense ingredients that accelerates collagen production, plumps skin, speed up cellular repair and visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness, it does so without stinging the delicate eye area. Active ingredients are carefully screened to ensure maximum efficacy and minimum irritability while thermal spring water also help counter inflammation.
Founded on the belief that beauty products should not only make women look good but also feel good, IT Cosmetics products have all been developed with leading plastic surgeons to make sure that formulas are safe and efficacious. And the same goes for this eye cream. Best for those with early signs of ageing like fine lines and dark circles, this mild but powerful eye cream combines visible results with a comforting texture so you are also guaranteed the best of both worlds. It is also formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, giving you complete peace of mind.
This eye mask is an intensive anti-wrinkle treatment that contains a concentrated power of pure vitamin A that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and even dull skin. The formula easily protects the skin with a veil of hydration and leaves a 24-hour moisturising effect that reveals a firmer and brighter look.
Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Contour Repairing Concentrate is a serum that cancels out those late office nights and promises brighter eyes that look well-rested. Formulated with medical-grade active ingredients such as Dermochlorella and pure caffeine, this power-packed serum promises to lighten dark circles and keep your eyes looking awake.
The highly concentrated hyaluronic acid infused in the formula also ensures the depuffing of eye bags and the re-plumping of hydration lines. Most importantly, this fragrance- and alcohol-free serum is also dermatologically tested to be safe on sensitive skin, yet effective in treating fine lines.
Read Next
Text: Joyce Cheo, Additional reporting: Arissa Ha & Farisia Thang
This post was first published on December 20, 2019, and updated on July 4, 2020.
All products are carefully handpicked by our editors, and we may earn money from links on this post.