These powerhouse formulas are proven to be the best on the market.
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When it comes to eyes, fine lines and wrinkles are the biggest concern for 85% of women, followed closely by lack of firmness, dark circles and undereye bags, according to a Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab survey of over 1,000 readers.
Eye-area skin ages faster than the rest of the face, which can make you look up to 20 years older, Olay research found. Since the area around the eyes has the thinnest skin with the lowest elasticity and moisture, it's important to invest in an eye cream tailored to address these stubborn issues.
Ahead, the GH Beauty Lab's top-tested, dermatologist-recommended and editor-approved best eye creams on the market that really work for every concern, whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond.
"Eye creams differ from face creams because they're formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. It's important to use one to keep skin hydrated and plump," explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "Plus, some also contain brighteners to mask undereye darkness and help you look more awake." An effective eye treatment can help prevent and treat signs of aging around the eyes, including crow's feet lines, wrinkles, dark circles, dryness, bags and puffiness.
The GH Beauty Lab tests thousands of skincare products every year, including eye creams. Formulas are tested both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumers, who report their feedback on product ease of use and results. In the most recent eye cream test, Beauty Lab scientists collated more than 5,900 data points to find the winners. Some of the eye creams below have also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, a money-back guarantee that they work as claimed.
Here, read all about how the GH Beauty Lab rigorously tests eye creams and deep dive into the results of the winners for anti-aging, sensitive and mature skin and more — including drugstore buys.
Lancôme’s luxe, vitamin-packed cream won the GH Beauty Lab's latest anti-aging eye cream test, proving it's worth the splurge for hydrating and firming.
The formula scored highest for increasing skin moisture in Lab Corneometer measures, by 41% over six hours, and boosted firmness by 29% over four weeks of use in Cutometer calculations. Testers rated it the best texture and it earned a perfect score for not irritating eyes, though it didn't soak into skin quickly.
Several users said they could see a noticeable difference: "My bags are almost gone," one said. "The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my undereye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use," another marveled.
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 may 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."
Smooth on this plush Biossance eye cream with moisturizing plant-based squalane and firming peptides to fortify delicate eye-area skin. The GH Beauty Award winner, which is made without fragrance, a common irritant, came out on top in Lab evaluations for hydrating immediately.
Testers also gave it a perfect score for its "wonderful" texture, however it takes time to absorb so may not work as well under makeup, one noted. Two commented on the "soft glow" and "dewy finish" it imparted. “It feels cushiony and my skin is plumped with hydration after applying it,” said Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
The dermatologist gold standard sunscreen brand EltaMD has now created an SPF just for the eye area. This formula is made with only mineral sunscreen active ingredients, which are gentle for the sensitive eye area, including zinc oxide, known for its soothing properties. It has a sheer tint that blends into skin, giving a "subtle blurring and skin tone-evening effect," GH's Beauty Director says.
RoC excelled at tackling every eye-area issue in GH Beauty Lab anti-aging eye cream testing, increasing firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%, reducing wrinkles by 10%, brightening dark circles and depuffing — all with a price below the average treatment! Testers said the vitamins C and E formula had an appealing texture, but a few thought it was "heavy" and "greasy."
"I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles and fine lines) were diminished," one said. A second agreed: "This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles."
In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from La Roche-Posay absorbed quickly and reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 5% with powerhouse anti-aging ingredient retinol. It didn't perform as well at moisturizing and firming skin, though. 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 "this cream made my eyes appear well-rested and younger-looking," two commented. Be sure to only use this cream at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
Made with smoothing peptides, this No7 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 30% more hydrated.
Although it was overall well-tolerated, one tester did develop irritation after two days of use. “This visibly reduced the lines on and crepey texture of my skin,” a tester reported. "It noticeably decreased my fine lines," another echoed.
Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes. It raised skin’s firmness by 33%, more than all other products in the Lab's test, and was the only product to show visual improvement in undereye bags. It also reduced wrinkles by 7% and improved moisture levels by 18%, although it didn't have as strong brightening effects.
Users rated the formula best for its lightweight texture and nearly perfect for lack of irritation. “The best eye treatment I’ve ever used and really delivered dramatic and noticeable results," a tester marveled. A second said: "It helped the bags under my eyes."
Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients, this Isdin formula is a favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Despite its higher price, "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.
Need an instant eye fix? Turn to Mary Kay's fragrance-free eye cream, a GH Seal star formulated to speedily reduce puffiness and help smooth undereye skin. GH Beauty Lab data evaluations confirmed that it works quickly to decrease puffiness and blur the appearance of fine lines without irritating eyes. While Beauty Lab experts were impressed by the fast-acting cream, the tube is on the small size given the price.
For days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes (or just for every day!), grab 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 more expensive than some other options out there for a relatively small amount of product.
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, plus raised skin hydration levels by 24% and firmness by 20% (though not as much as other formulas).
The treatment also earned high marks among testers for decreasing puffiness and undereye bags. “No more morning puffiness,” a tester revealed. “A magical product!” Another reported: "I do feel like my undereyes look smoother and less dark."
The powerful eye serum from Alastin includes actives like peptides and niacinamide, which are designed to support the production of new collagen in skin. GH's Beauty Assistant loves it for treating 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." A drawback: It can sting a little when applied.
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 one of the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluated. It increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours and earned near-perfect scores for its "smooth" texture and "light" scent.
"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." Another commented: "My eyes did appear brighter and younger." 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 splurge 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."
No7’s great value eye treatment, a 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. Note that it takes daily use over a longer time period to see results with the formula.
A GH Seal star, Mary Kay's eye cream 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 the product and gently use its metal applicator tip to smooth the cream onto skin. The immediate cooling sensation helps depuff eyes. However, some users said they thought the texture was a bit too thick.
When testing eye creams and treatments, GH Beauty Lab scientists recruit consumer testers across the country to help evaluate formulas across price points, from drugstore to luxury brands. Each tester tries a label-masked product as part of their daily skincare routine for four weeks, then provides feedback on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.
In the Lab, experts track changes in skin attributes like lines and wrinkles using the Visia Complexion Analyzer after four weeks of eye cream use. Skin firmness is assessed using the Cutometer, a device that measures skin's elasticity. Hydration effects are also measured over six hours using a Corneometer machine, which gauges skin's moisture content.
To determine the best eye creams, 163 testers completed the study, with 1,793 survey questions submitted. There were 2,334 Cutometer data points recorded and 3,000 Corneometer data points taken. Finally, all the data points are compiled and results are tallied to determine the the best eye creams you can buy.
It depends on the eye area issue you are aiming to address. To treat multiple eye area issues, look for a combination of ingredients targeted to your needs.
✔️ For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas that include peptides and retinol.
✔️ For puffiness, look for caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
✔️ For dark circles, "vitamin K can help," says Dr. Robinson. You can also seek out niacinamide or vitamin C, which "help brighten dark pigmentation," Wizemann adds.
✔️ For dryness, Dr. Mraz suggests looking for "hyaluronic acid [to help] with hydration." Glycerin also "temporarily plumps papery skin," Wizemann notes.
April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
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