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Taking care of the skin around your eyes can feel like a Herculean task. The skin around our eyes is prone to fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, loss of elasticity, and more. Even more, “the skin around the eye is known to sag causing droopy eyelids as we age, and the circulation decreases. Many are prone to dark circles due to the skin being thin thus more translucent,” Dara Spearman, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Indiana tells us. In layman’s terms: it’s usually one of the first spots to show signs of aging, but adding in one of the best eye creams for mature skin to your skincare routine can help.
“A medical-grade eye cream can help boost collagen production, improve elasticity, and smooth fine lines,” says Kristin Gunn, B.S., C.L.T., L.M.A., celebrity aesthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa in Austin. But different skin types and problems have different needs—so which one is right for you?
Meet the Experts: Kristin Gunn, B.S., C.L.T., L.M.A., celebrity aesthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa in Austin; Dara Spearman, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology in Indiana; Kristina Collins, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Austin Skin.
Kristina Collins, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Austin Skin helps us break it down by ingredient: “Retinoltimulates collagen and smooths fine lines,” she says of those who want to focus primarily on anti-aging benefits. But if you are in need of strengthening the skin barrier, peptides and ceramides can help. Hyaluronic acid is great for deep hydration. “Caffeine reduces puffiness by constricting blood vessels and Vitamin C brightens dark circles and boosts collagen,” she also adds.
Still not sure where to start? We tapped leading dermatologists to find out exactly which eye creams they think are best suited for mature skin—and rounded up the top picks to help you maintain a smooth, even, and glowing complexion.
Pros
Helps strengthen skin barrier to increase elasticity
Highly moisturizing
Good for all skin types
Easy to use, dispense bottle
Cons
Pricey
Every single one of our experts recommended this pick as one of the best eye creams for mature skin for its skin barrier-supporting formula. “This one is a powerful treatment with peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients, as well as skin barrier support,” Gunn says of the cream. “It’s lightweight, ideal for all skin types and can be used both morning and night,” she adds. Dr. Collins found it to be effective in strengthening the skin barrier for firmer skin and increasing elasticity to help eliminate sagging and fine lines.
What a reviewer says: “I was skeptical because it is very expensive, but I have noticed a BIG difference. My hooded, tired looking eyes with some puffiness and lots of darkness around them are looking much less saggy and wrinkly. I didn’t notice a big color change yet, hoping after several uses the dark circles lighten some too. I feel like this has turned back the clock at least 10 years maybe more in the appearance of wrinkles around my eyes.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
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Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ursolic acid, peptides |
Pros
Affordable
Restores and hydrates skin-barrier
Combats dark circles
Cons
Might not be moisturizing enough for some
Can’t splurge right now? Not a problem. Dr. Spearman loves this “budget-friendly option” for its key ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide—and so do over 66,000 reviewers on Amazon. The formula “helps restore and brighten the skin. This is a great product to add hydration and if you suffer from dark circles,” she says.
What a reviewer says: “The cream is lightweight and smooth, not greasy at all. It absorbs quickly into the skin, so I don’t have to wait long before applying makeup or going to bed. It really helps with puffiness and dark circles. My under-eye area looks more refreshed, and the bags under my eyes have definitely reduced. It also feels really hydrating, which is a bonus. I love this eye cream! It works well for puffiness and bags and leaves my under-eyes looking brighter and smoother.”
Size | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
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Pros
Good for all skin types
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Hydrating formula helps texture, puffiness, and crepey skin
Cons
Pricey
Gunn calls this overnight cream “a fave for all skin types,” for its gentle but super-packed formula, chock full of ingredients for nearly every under-eye concern in the book. “It blends a gentle retinoid with lactic acid to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture,” she says. “EyeMax not only contains hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and peptides but is also designed to address puffiness, dark circles, dryness, and crepiness. This one has it all.”
What a reviewer says: “I’ve been using this eye cream for three years. I’m 55 and always have people comment on the fact that I don't even have crow’s feet around my eye. I’ve never even used Botox. It does everything it says it does.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | AlphaRet (retinoid and AHA combination) |
4
Best Hydrating Eye Cream for Mature Skin
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Pros
Moisture-rich formula good for dry skin and dehydration
Lightweight
Affordable
Cons
Some reviewers complain it’s too heavy for sensitive skin
Gunn explains that not all of the best eye creams for mature skin are expensive. “Mario Badescu has great budget-friendly eye creams, with ingredients specific to whatever your skin needs,” she says—and her favorite is this one, which is highly moisturizing. “Its lightweight and the rich hyaluronic acid it contains will keep the skin around your eyes soft, smooth, and hydrated. It’s ideal for those looking to address dryness and fine lines caused by dehydration.”
What a reviewer says: “I’ve been using this eye cream for...too long. 15 years? It’s basic, but so hydrating, and every time I try something different, I don’t get the same all day/all night hydration. This also wears well under makeup. I think I need to stop looking around because I’m 52 and have n0 wrinkles under or around my eyes. None. No crows feet. Nothing. This is the only product I use on my eyes—in the morning and at night.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, eyebright extract |
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5
Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin With Dark Circles
LaRoche-Posay Pigmentclar Anti-Dark Circle Brightening Care
Pros
Combats both blue and brown dark spots and circles
Brighten skin with light-reflecting formula
Cooling applicator helps de-puff skin
Cons
Might be irritating to sensitive skin
This eye cream from LaRoche-Posay is a crowd-pleaser for its ability to combat dark circles. Dr. Spearman comments she “love[s] this product because it contains caffeine and niacinamide, which are great for debugging the under eye area.” Reviewers also love the applicator, which isn’t just easy to use but is also cooling, adding the benefit of depuffing, as well. But be warned, it might not be suitable for sensitive skin, as it does contain retinol, which can be drying.
What a reviewer says: “I’m a hospice nurse and I work 12hr night shifts. This literally made me look like I had 12hrs of sleep, not just come home from work!!! Worth every penny, and I will be subscribing to never run out!!!!!”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Retinol, vitamin E, caffeine |
Pros
Affordable
Long-lasting hydration with instant results
Great for wrinkles and anti-aging
Cons
Some reviewers complain of a scent
Dr. Spearman calls this retinol cream “a great product for those with more mature skin,” as it contains retinol and is known to smooth skin overnight. In addition to being “great for wrinkles and anti-aging,” she says it is also very affordable. While many retinol creams can be irritating to the sensitive eye skin, reviewers agree that the hydration from niacinamide and vitamin E in the formula soothe it instantly—and lasts up to 24 hours.
What a reviewer says: “I’m in my 60s and one thing that made me feel old was that I had developed wrinkles in my eye lids. Using this cream, in a matter of days, I saw firmness! Weeks later and my wrinkles were gone, and my under eyes are less puffy and wrinkled! I ran out and decided to use another product...the wrinkles came back. This eye cream is very nice, smooth, not greasy, and very little goes a looong way! I just lightly dab my finger in it and it’s more than enough.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Retinoid complex, vitamin E, niacinamide |
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Pros
Hydrating formula plumps skin to hide fine lines and wrinkes
Increases elasticity
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Cons
Pricey
Both Dr. Collins and Dr. Spearman recommend this advanced eye cream from SkinCeuticals for its ability to combat fine lines. Collins says the magic of its abilities lies in the formula’s pro-xylene, which targets glycation—a major cause of aging—to restore elasticity. Dr. Spearman adds it also “has peptides which are great for firming the skin.”
What a reviewer says: “I used the A.G.E eye complex cream, and it’s the best. Hides fine lines and wrinkles and creates a luminous younger under eye area. Looks pearly and very moisturizing. Lasts all day, looks and feels great.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Proxylanetm, glycrrhetinic acid, peptides, caffeine |
8
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Mature Skin
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
$64 at Prevention Shop$76 at Nordstrom$64 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
Suitable for all skin types
Brightening Vitamin C combats discoloration
Firming
Good base under makeup
Cons
Some reviewers dislike the strong scent
If brightening your under eyes is your predominant concern, Dr. Spearman thinks this pick from Drunk Elephant is a “great product to brighten and firm the skin.” That’s mostly due to its Vitamin C forward formula, along with peptides and ceramides can help “combat discoloration and overall help with the appearance of the skin,” she tells us.
As someone who has dark circles and generally dull under eye skin from a lack of sleep, I can attest to this cream’s brightening powers. I particularly enjoy putting it on under makeup and find that I actually need less concealer when I use it as my base.
What a reviewer says: “I have pretty sensitive skin and love this stuff. I’ve purchased maybe six times. It just eliminates that tired dull look my skin gets as I am maturing. pricy but highly recommend.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Vitamin C complex, peptides, cucumber |
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Pros
Not much needed to see results
Good for normal, combination, and dry skin
Reduces wrinkles and fine lines via deep skin repair
Cons
Might not be compatible with oily skin
“Dermatologists love this eye cream for mature skin because it uses growth factors and caffeine for deep skin repair,” Dr. Collins tells us of Neocutis’s science-backed, cutting edge skincare. In addition to repairing the skin, it also features a potent combination of proprietary peptides, which help hydrate the skin and appear firmer, nearly instantly.
What a reviewer say: “I’ve become pretty self conscious about my eye area. I have crows feet and some bags/wrinkles under my eyes. This eye cream is the most effective I’ve been able to find. It isn’t a cheap product, but you only need a little and the container lasts a long time. A bottle lasts me almost 6 months with both am and pm use.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | PSP growth factors, hyaluronic acid |
10
Best Eye Cream for Mature and Sensitive Skin
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
$65 at Prevention Shop$65 at Amazon
Pros
Ultra hydrating formula
Ginseng root good for irritated and sensitive skin
Long-lasting
Cons
Some reviewers complain it is too heavy for oily skin
Skin can often become drier and more sensitive with age, which is why our experts recommend looking for moisture-rich formulas, like this ultra hydrating eye cream from Shiseido. Using a potent combination of barrier-strengthening peptides and soothing ginseng root, this cream is gentle enough for daily use but effective enough to stay moisturized all day long.
What a reviewer says: “I have been using this eye cream for years! It is so rich and moisturizing and, most importantly for me, gentle and soothing! I never run out of this product!!”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Peptides, ginseng root |
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Pros
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Combat fine lines, crepey texture, and puffiness
Caffeine reduces puffiness and dark circles
Supports collagen and elastin production
Cons
Pricey
Looking for an anti-aging superstar? According to the brand, Alastin’s unique TriHex technology supports the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen, which is why Dr. Collins recommends it as her anti-aging eye cream choice. She notes that this patented ingredient is especially effective for fine lines, crepey texture, and puffiness.
What a reviewer says: “I cannot say enough about this product. I developed horrible eczema around my eyes as I got older, and was so worried that my skin was permanently damaged. This completely healed my skin and I am no longer breaking out with patches of eczema. I feel so lucky to have found this product.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | TriHex technology, niacinamide, green tea extract |
12
Best De-Puffing Eye Cream for Mature Skin
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
$128 at Prevention Shop$89 at Amazon
Pros
Non-irritating, even for sensitive skin and eyelids
Retinol helps firm skin and combat fine lines
Hydrating formula helps de-puff
Cons
Some reviews complained the pump broke quickly
Finding retinol that is safe for sensitive skin isn’t always easy, but Dr. Collins has found it in this option from Murad. She recommends this “gentle, fast-acting retinol formula that minimizes irritation,” while still firming skin, reducing dark circles, and combating fine lines and puffed lids. And unlike many other formulas, this retinol is even safe to use on the thin skin of your eyelids.
What a reviewer says: “This product is really gentle. It does not irritate my sensitive eyes. And....you can see an improvement when you put it on.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Retinol, swertia flower extract, marine kelp complex |
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13
Best Color Correcting Eye Cream for Mature Skin
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy, SPF 35
Pros
Three products in one
SPF 35 for sun protection
Hydrating formula helps reduce puffiness and dark circles
Cons
Shade range is limited
Less product than other options
If you are looking for an eye cream for mature skin that also doubles as a concealer and an SPF—no, it’s not too good to be true. Dr. Collins loves this formula from Colorescience for its combination of “brightening, hydration, and SPF in one.” We all know that sun protection is essential, but having one that can also combat dark circles and puffiness sounds good to us. Available in four shades, it also layers well with makeup for those that prefer more coverage.
What a reviewer says: “I have genetically dark circles under my eyes. This product not only sinks into my skin and blends immaculately, but it also has worked as skin care and brightened up my under eye. I went to remove my makeup and kept wiping and wiping because it looked like the makeup was still there—and it was my clean skin, I didn't recognize my undereye tone.”
Size | 0.33 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, peptides |
14
Best Plumping Eye Cream for Mature Skin
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Crem
$56 at Prevention Shop$56 at Sephora
Pros
Highly moisturizing formula
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Wears well under makeup
Cons
Some reviewers complain of a scent
Sagging and sunken eyes can benefit from a highly moisturizing formula, like this one from Biossance. Dr. Collins loves it because it is “lightweight but deeply nourishing for dry skin,” meaning that it likely won’t sit heavily on sensitive or oily skin, either. She also adds that it is excellent at “plumping fine lines” and doling out “deep hydration.”
What a reviewer says: “I live in high altitude and my skin gets so dry for makeup. I tried everything before I had a sample of this! It sat so nice under my makeup. I can see visible changes, it’s helping my dark circles as well.”
Size | 0.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Active Ingredients | Squalane, marine algae, paracress extract |
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How to choose and use the best eye creams for mature skin
Prioritize moisture. When it comes to choosing a formula, different ingredients have different benefits, but all our experts agree that hydration is key. “Most of us need hydration for smoothing fine lines, which means ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help draw moisture into the delicate skin around the eyes.”
Look for specific ingredients. Depending on your major concerns, you are going to need different ingredients. For those who want something brightening, “opt for vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract, which work to even skin tone and reduce discoloration,” says Gunn. For those who want to reduce puffiness, caffeine can be helpful in reducing swelling. Peptides and ceramides can help repair the skin barrier, but for the best anti-aging benefits, Gunn recommends retinol specifically made for under-eye to help with fine lines and overall texture by encouraging cell turnover.
Apply with care.“Be careful when applying skincare products or makeup to this sensitive area; never tug or pull the skin as it can increase risk for damage,” says Dr. Spearman. “Use your ring finger to apply the least pressure. Apply a pea size amount of product and gently pat the product around the eye area.”
Prevent under eyes from further damage with protective measures like SPF. “I recommend wearing a moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF daily to protect the skin around the eyes,” explains Dr. Spearman. “I also recommend wearing sunglasses especially if you are planning on being out in the sun for long periods of time,” she adds. Plus, getting enough sleep and hydrating can also help avoid puffiness and dark circles.
How we chose
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Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Charlotte Lewis Finigan
Senior Commerce Editor
Charlotte Lewis Finigan is the Senior Commerce Editor at Prevention. After a decade of working in Hollywood writers’ rooms and contributing pop culture writing to ETOnline, Bustle, TVGuide, and CBS, she underwent bariatric surgery and changed her focus to health and wellness. Previously, Charlotte was the Sexual Health & Wellness Writer for Refinery 29. There, she wrote and edited shopping content about new wellness trends, beauty launches, and sex-positive products. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her girlfriend—and the love of her life, her senior dog, Rory. All three can typically be found perusing the Fort Green farmer’s market for fresh produce or curling up on the couch to watch Survivor.