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Article updated on January 31, 2024 at 2:00 AM PST

The 12 Best Eye Creams of 2024

Looking for a new eye cream to add to your skin care routine this year? Here are the best eye creams for 2024, according to our experts.

Our Experts

Written by 
Caroline Igo
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Caroline Igo Editor, Sleep
Caroline Igo (she/her/hers) is a wellness editor and holds Sleep Science Coach and Stress Management certificates from the Spencer Institute. She received her bachelor's degree in creative writing from Miami University and continues to further her craft in her free time. Before joining CNET, Caroline wrote for past CNN anchor, Daryn Kagan.
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Our Picks

$115 at Skinbetter
Skinbetter Science's InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye on colorful background
Best overall eye cream
Skinbetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye
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$9 at Walmart
Fortify De-Puffing and Protecting eye cream on colorful background.
Best affordable eye cream
Fortify De-Puffing and Protecting Eye Cream
View details
View details
$65 at Dermstore
Dr. Loretta eye cream on top of colorful background
Best eye cream for under-eye bags
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
View details
View details
$30 at Beauty Pie
Beauty Pie's tinted eye cream on top of a colorful background.
Best eye cream for dull under-eyes
Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius
View details
View details
$75 at Amazon
Perricone MD CCC and Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream on a colorful background.
Best eye cream for dark circles
Perricone MD CCC and Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream
View details
View details
$54 at Amazon
Osea Malibu Ocean Eyes Serum on a colorful background.
Best eye serum for wrinkles and fine lines
Osea Malibu Ocean Eyes Serum
View details
View details
$17 at Amazon
Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Caffeine Eye Gel Cream on colorful background.
Best drugstore eye cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
View details
View details
$24 at Amazon
First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream on colorful background.
Best hydrating eye cream
First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream
View details
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$18 at Amazon
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Best retinol eye cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
View details
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$89 at Sephora
Murad Renewing Eye Cream on colorful background.
Best multitasking eye cream
Murad Renewing Eye Cream
View details
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$34 at Amazon
Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream on colorful background
Best brightening eye cream
Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream
View details
View details
$44 at DRMTLGY
DRMTLGY Brightening Eye Masks on colorful background
Best under-eye masks
Drmtlgy Brightening Eye Masks
View details
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We tell the world a lot about ourselves with our eyes, even without realizing it. If we're stressed, not getting enough sleep or feeling run down, our eyes are usually the first giveaway. If you need a little pick-me-up, a good eye cream can help you feel, and look, revitalized. 

I tested and reviewed over 30 eye cream products, and I landed on the Skinbetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye as the best eye cream for the money, its ingredients and skin concerns the cream targets. My other favorite eye creams that I believe are worth the money made this list. I also spoke to a board-certified dermatologist to shed light on what causes things such as puffiness and dark circles and what exactly to look for in an eye cream. 

Take care of your eyes with some of the best eye creams on the market.

How we chose the best eye cream

12 of the best eye creams on a bathroom counter.
Caroline Igo/CNET

I tested about 30 products from 25 different popular brands. I then narrowed it down to the best of the best. When I was personally testing each eye cream I took into account the product's ingredients, smell, feel, concerns it claims to target and price. The products on this list didn't irritate my skin and met my expectations for the price tag.     

Each eye cream was tested on my sensitive under-eyes, under my everyday moisturizer. Not every cream on this list will work for everyone. It should be noted that I didn't test these eye cream consistently enough to see significant, long-term results. However, I did see some short-term results such as hydrated skin and de-puffed, brightened under-eyes.  

Best eye cream of 2024

$115 at Skinbetter

Best overall eye cream

Skinbetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles, crow's feet and dry skin 

When to use: Morning/evening

The best eye cream on this list is Skinbetter Science's Interfuse Treatment Cream for eyes. This brand consistently tops beauty lists with its luxury, ingredient-driven products. The Interfuse Treatment Cream contains a blend of collagen-supporting peptides, plum extract (vitamin C), jojoba, caffeine, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The peptides help to smooth wrinkles, antioxidants brighten the skin, caffeine de-puffs the under-eyes, and niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help lock-in moisture. 

I love this cream (not because it is the most expensive) -- it feels buttery and smooth on my skin. It left my under-eyes feeling refreshed, and of all the creams I tested, this one seems to contain all the right ingredients. This is the cream I can see myself using most consistently.

 Pros:

  • Contains peptides, vitamin C, caffeine, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
  • Won the 2021 Prevention Beauty Award
  • Ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free and cruelty-free

Cons:

  • Most expensive on this list
$9 at Walmart

Best affordable eye cream

Fortify De-Puffing and Protecting Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles, crow's feet and dry skin

When to use: Morning/evening

The next eye cream on this list is a much more affordable option. Fortify De-Puffing and Protecting Eye Cream is under $10 but acts like a luxury product. It leaves a slightly dewy finish and contains aloe vera, collagen, shea butter, willow bark extract, lavender oil, grapefruit peel oil, orange peel oil and lime oil. All Fortify products contain zeolite -- a natural, antimicrobial volcanic mineral.

I like that this cream was inexpensive and sensitive enough on my under-eyes to not cause irritation.   

Pros:

Cons:

  • Doesn't contain retinol or caffeine
$65 at Dermstore

Best eye cream for under-eye bags

Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles, crow's feet and dry skin

When to use: Morning/evening

Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel tops beauty lists year after year. It contains peptides that help to de-puff eyes and lessen dark circles, and algae extract helps to tighten the skin and support collagen levels. This gel is safe for all skin-types and has added antioxidants that help fight damage from free radicals.  

I like that this eye serum is intended to be patted all around the eye area (avoiding the lash line) instead of just the under-eyes. The gel also contains minimal ingredients and is sensitive enough for my eyes.   

Pros:

  • Contains algae extract, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides
  • Works for acne-prone, combination, dry, mature, normal, oily and sensitive skin
  • Clean, fragrance-free, gluten-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free and vegan

Cons:

  • Doesn't contain caffeine or retinol 
$30 at Beauty Pie

Best eye cream for dull under-eyes

Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius

Targets: Dark circles and dull skin 

When to use: Morning

If you are looking for a product to reduce the appearance of your dark circles, Beauty Pie Superluminous Under-Eye Genius is for you. There are three shades to choose from: light/medium for blue-toned dark circles, medium/deep for brown-toned dark circles and deep for blue/purple-toned dark circles on darker skin tones. The cream is light with a little shimmer and blends into my skin with ease. It also contains sunflower and castor oil and antioxidants to moisturize and smooth skin.  

I recommend first applying a heavier eye cream before using this under-eye concealer to help boost hydration and treat puffiness and fine lines.  

Pros:

  • Affordable 
  • Can use on under-eyes and other imperfections 
  • Clean, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and formaldehyde-free

Cons:

  • Acts more like makeup than a rich eye cream
$75 at Amazon

Best eye cream for dark circles

Perricone MD CCC and Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles, firmness, dull skin and dry skin 

When to use: Morning/evening

This ophthalmology-tested brand is popular in the skin care industry. Perricone MD's brightening eye cream is one of its most popular. 

The serum uses three forms of vitamin C and an oat protein to fight free radicals, brighten and smooth under-eyes, reduce redness and other discoloration and neutralize sensitive skin. I love that the formula absorbs into my skin quickly and has a pleasant smell. 

Pros:

Cons:

  • Expensive
$54 at Amazon

Best eye serum for wrinkles and fine lines

Osea Malibu Ocean Eyes Serum

Targets: All signs of aging, dark circles and puffiness 

When to use: Morning/evening

Osea Malibu is a clean skin care brand inspired by the sea. Its Ocean Eyes Serum uses seaweed, hyaluronic acid and plant-based peptides to smooth out fine lines such as crow's feet. The metal roller ball helps depuff eyes, as well as the added caffeine. I love the cooling sensation that the serum has on my skin. It is clinically and dermatology-tested. 

This serum claims to be safe for all skin types except for sensitive skin. Although, I have sensitive skin and haven't had any irritation. 

Pros:

Cons:

  • On the expensive side
$17 at Amazon

Best drugstore eye cream

Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Caffeine Eye Gel Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles and fine lines

When to use: Morning/evening

Oftentimes, drugstore eye creams are just as popular as luxury brands. This new Neutrogena Hydro Boost and Caffeine Eye Gel Cream is a step-up (in my opinion) from the brand's ever-popular . While I still really like the original Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream, this new formula with added caffeine and peptides takes the product to a whole new level. 

I found that the gel absorbed quickly into my skin and left it feeling hydrated and plump. 

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Contains hyaluronic acid, caffeine and a peptide complex
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free and not tested on animals  

Cons

$24 at Amazon

Best hydrating eye cream

First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, fine lines and dry skin

When to use: Morning/evening

Especially dry under eyes can pave the way for the creation of fine lines. And if you are looking for an eye cream that will address your fine line concerns, a hydrating eye cream is what you need. I found First Aid Beauty's Hydrating Eye Cream to be the most moisturizing. It contains hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, apricot kernel oil, mango seed butter, squalane oil, oat extract, licorice root extract and orange peel extract. 

In addition to boosting hydration, the cream also smoothes the look of fine lines and reduces puffiness with added caffeine. 

Pros:

  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Clean, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, no artificial fragrance
  • Contains hyaluronic acid, caffeine, cucumber extract, mango seed butter and oat extract

Cons:

  • Won't address dark circles
$18 at Amazon

Best retinol eye cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles and crow's feet 

When to use: Morning/evening

Eye creams that contain retinol can be expensive. Thankfully, the well-known French skin care brand offers affordable retinol products. RoC Retinol Correxion is hydrating and light on the skin and made with a slow-release retinol and a retinol booster. According to RoC, you can expect to see immediate results to the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reduced dark circles and puffiness after four weeks and reduced crow's feet after 12 weeks of consistent use. 

Begin applying this product every other day and then gradually increase frequency to every day. 

Pros:

  • Affordable retinol
  • Dermatologist-tested/recommended anti-aging brand
  • Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and paraben-free

Cons:

$89 at Sephora

Best multitasking eye cream

Murad Renewing Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin

When to use: Morning/evening

Murad is a dermatologist-developed brand that I have trusted for years. It offers products that are friendly for acne-prone, sensitive and oily skin. Murad's Renewing Eye Cream utilizes peptides and retinol to give skin anti-aging properties such as de-puffing the eyes, reducing dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and hydrating the skin.
If you are looking for an eye cream that can do almost everything and meet almost all your skin goals, this Murad eye cream is for you.  

Pros:

  • Firms, brightens and hydrates under-eyes
  • Contains retinol, peptides, phytoestrogens including iris root extract and RepleniCell™, Murad's patent-pending, proprietary technology
  • Clinically-tested independently and found to be safe for sensitive skin 

Cons:

  • Expensive
$34 at Amazon

Best brightening eye cream

Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream

Targets: Puffiness, dull skin, fine lines, dark circles and dry skin

When to use: Morning/evening

Live Tinted is a certified-clean, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and vegan brand. I'm a huge fan of the beauty brand because it offers luxury products without the luxury price tag. Its Superhue Brightening Eye Cream is no exception. 

The cream contains niacinamide, caffeine, chamomile extract, turmeric extract, shea butter and vitamin C. The metal tip of the applicator helps de-puffy eyes and the vitamin C, niacinamide and caffeine target fine lines and dark circles. I found the cream to be rich and hydrating, and I especially like that the product is slightly tinted. It blends into my skin well and leaves behind a slight glow and sparkle that brightens my undereyes. 

Pros:

  • Clean beauty brand
  • Brightens under-eyes
  • Active ingredients include caffeine, vitamin C and niacinamide

Cons:

  • Small tube 
$44 at DRMTLGY

Best under-eye masks

Drmtlgy Brightening Eye Masks

Targets: Puffiness, dark circles and fine lines  

When to use: Morning/evening

Eye masks or under-eye patches are a fun way to hydrate and smooth out the skin, and Drmtlgy's Brightening Eye Masks do just that. The pink eye masks contain caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract, blueberry extract, watermelon extract, licorice extract, cucumber extract, peptides, seaweed extract, red algae extract and sunflower seed oil. Leave one pair of patches on for 10 to 15 minutes and pat the remaining serum into the skin once the masks have been removed. Use these daily or often as you want. 

I loved how my skin felt refreshed after one use, and the masks stayed in place while I went about my day. I recommend storing the eye masks in the fridge for the maximum depuffing effect. 

Pros:

  • One tub contains 30 pairs of eye masks
  • Contains caffeine, niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid
  • Only have to leave on for 10 to 15 minutes 

Cons:

  • A bit expensive compared with cheaper eye masks
  • Eye masks are not reusable

Best eye cream for your skin concern

According to dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, eye creams can provide real benefits if you choose the right product and ingredients.

"In my opinion, you really should invest in the product you're putting on your eyes daily because [the eye area] is the thinnest skin on our body and is super sensitive to allergens/irritation and you want it to work and have science to back it up -- especially for the anti-aging/fine lines targeting ones," Farhang said.

There are so many different concerns to address when it comes to an eye cream, so should you expect to find one that can do it all? Probably not, according to Farhang. "While some eye creams can address a few issues at once I haven't found one that is an all-in-one targeting every single issue, and that's OK," she said. Depending on your concern, you'll want to look for specific types of products and ingredients to target issues, which Farhang breaks down below.

Puffiness: The first thing Farhang recommends for puffiness is products that have a cooling effect -- either from placing them in a fridge before use or some have metal applicators that help with the cooling sensation. The second key ingredient that you'll find in many products for under eye puffiness is caffeine. "I recommend looking for ingredients such as green tea or caffeine as they help constrict the vessels causing the water retention in the area," she said.

Fine lines: "For fine lines -- I recommend looking for an eye cream that has retinol or peptides and growth factors. These actively help treat and prevent," Farhang said. "While hyaluronic acid is not really an active anti-aging ingredient, it will help fade some of those fine lines because the ingredient attracts water and almost 'fill them in' temporarily," she said.

Dark circles: Lots of people think you get dark circles from lack of sleep -- but the issue is a lot more complicated than that. "Dark circles are caused by several things -- one reason for this may be just thinner or duller skin in the area as a result of aging, so using an anti-aging route with retinol can help strengthen the skin," Farhang said.

"Another reason for dark circles may be the vessels showing underneath, so in that case caffeine may help. If the dark circles are from hyperpigmentation, skin brightening ingredients such as vitamin C may be helpful," Farhang said.

Other factors like allergies and skin conditions like eczema can also come into play with dark circles. "If hyperpigmentation is from chronic rubbing from allergies or eczema then lots of hydration and moisturization is needed, or antihistamines," she said.

If you think dark circles are due to a shadowing from hollowness in the eye area, Farhang recommends focusing on strengthening the skin with anti-aging products like those with retinol to help. 

Best eye cream FAQs

What is the best eye cream to use around your eyes?

After testing and reviewing over 30 eye cream products, I found that the best eye cream was Skinbetter Science's Interfuse Treatment Eye Cream. However, depending on your budget and skin goals, this might not be the best for you. Ultimately, the best eye cream to use will be one that you want to invest money and time into.    

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Are eye creams worth the hype?

After testing eye creams for about a month, I do believe that eye creams are worth the hype. I found that it was an easy step to add into my skincare routine. Eye creams are especially worth it if you have under-eye skin concerns that you want to address such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and dry, dull skin.  

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What is the best treatment for puffy eyes?

The best way to treat puffy under-eyes is with a cooling sensation. Look for eye creams with a metal applicator or products that can be refrigerated before use. According to dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, eye creams that contain caffeine are also great at de-puffing eyes, because the ingredient causes the blood vessels to constrict. 

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