The best eye creams for wrinkles help smooth skin texture around the area. While aging is natural and tell a unique story—from the crow’s-feet that appear from smiling and the fine lines from laughter—it’s never too late or too early to add a wrinkle cream to your routine. It can be used “as part of a pre-juvenation regimen” as early as your 20s, says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, while picks meant for mature skin can target more deeply set grooves.
Yet, considering the sheer amount of options available—addressing every possible concern—narrowing down the right formula for you can feel like a massive game of trial and error. That’s where we come in.
To help you find the very best options, we asked dermatologists and our resident Glamour testers for their recommendations. After testing a few dozen formulas for several months, we built this comprehensive list. Our top pick is Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream because it’s backed by experts, decreases eye puffiness, and brightens dark circles—all while spot-treating wrinkles. Oh, and it’s sensitive-skin-friendly. Other winners stood out for their ability to de-puff, address crow’s-feet, and more.
The best eye creams for wrinkles, at a glance
.png)
Best Overall: Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream
- Pros: Extremely moisturizing; great for sensitive skin; addresses multiple skin concerns at once
- Cons: Not the best option for those with oily skin
Best for: Dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles, irritation
The aptly named Wake Up Honey Eye Cream from Farmacy is a formula that Diane Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, swears by for treating the delicate skin around the eye. “With long-term use, the peptides in this increase collagen and antioxidant production in the skin,” she says, adding that she likes that honey is the moisturizing base for this lightweight cream. The natural ingredient helps soothe irritation and puffiness, making this a great option for sensitive-skin types.
Testing notes: Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says this cream single-handedly evened out her skin tone and texture in the undereye area. “I’ve been using this eye cream for about two months now and have noticed that the area under my eyes looks a lot firmer. My usually very dark circles look a bit more even toned and brighter too. I also really love the texture of this eye cream because it’s super creamy and absorbs quickly. My undereyes look silky smooth and hydrated after every single application.”
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Under Eye Cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Under Eye Cream
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Under Eye Cream
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Under Eye Cream
.png)
- Pros: Lightweight texture; affordable; made specially to minimize eye wrinkles
- Cons: Can feel slightly tacky, but that sensation fades quickly
Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin
This drugstore eye gel offers a major bang for your buck. The potent formula contains the same high-end ingredients as products triple the price: hyaluronic acid and glycerin to plump and moisturize the undereye area, plus retinol to zap lines and even out skin tone and texture.
Testing notes: “I’m huge on texture, and this eye cream really hit the mark in that aspect,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It’s soft and silky and goes on very smoothly with no pilling. It does take a few minutes to fully absorb, but I liked that because it felt nice and cool on my tired eyes. Once it dried down, it did leave a slightly tacky finish, but the traditionally dry (and sometimes itchy) skin around my eyes felt super hydrated.”
Best for Puffiness: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
- Pros: Affordable; quickly de-puffs; applicator makes it easy to apply exactly where you want it
- Cons: Might not be hydrating enough for those with dry undereyes
Best for: Puffiness and dark circles
If you constantly feel puffy when you wake up in the morning, eye creams with caffeine can help. “Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it helps reduce swelling by tightening blood vessels. This can temporarily minimize puffiness and improve the appearance of dark circles caused by fluid retention,” Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, previously told Glamour. So if you’re unable to get a full night’s rest, this handy eye cream will help you fake it.
Testing notes: “I tested it for three weeks and noticed that my eyes looked brighter, my puffy eyes were less apparent, and my undereye concealer glided on without a skip,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “The texture is lightweight and fluffy, and a little goes a long way—if you pack on too much, it takes a little time to dry down. The results of this one were comparable to other more expensive eye creams on this list, which makes it a steal.”
Best With Retinol: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment
.png)
- Pros: Encapsulated retinol minimizes the risk of irritation; works to reverse sagginess; plush texture
- Cons: We wish it came in a tube rather than a jar
Best for: Sagging skin, loss of firmness, fine lines, wrinkles
Retinol can be used in the undereye area, but you have to be very particular about what type you choose to dab onto the delicate skin. One way to avoid irritation is to opt for formulas made with encapsulated retinol—an innovative advancement that coats the ingredient with soothing polymers to reduce the chance of redness and dryness—like this one from Murad.
Testing notes: Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle likes the rich, smooth texture and applies it in the evening. “I’m in my 30s, so I like to use a retinol-based eye cream a few days a week to target lines. This one absorbs nicely, and I’ve noticed I wake up with my eyes hydrated and less puffy in the morning.”
“I took a break from using retinol eye creams after some serious itchiness and redness, so I was a bit apprehensive to try out this formula,” says Glamour contributor Mary Honkus. “I’m happy to report that I’ve experienced no adverse effects from using this plush eye cream a few nights a week. I can’t speak to the firming claims (I’m still in my 20s), but this does enliven my eye area and make me feel more awake. I’ve also been taking a break from Botox for crow’s-feet, and I feel like this has made a difference in lessening the look of them.”
Best for Fine Lines: Caudalie Premiere Cru the Eye Cream
.png)
- Pros: Applicator produces a cooling sensation; sinks right in to skin; quickly plumps fine lines
- Cons: Not the most affordable
Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, makeup prep
Caudalie’s eye cream has long been touted as a favorite among editors for its nourishing, grape-powered formula that seemingly reverses the signs of aging. One of the first indications of aging in the eye area is fine lines, and this not only smooths them out instantly, but also helps to reduce them over time, according to our testing.
Testing notes: “I’ve been noticing itty-bitty fine lines cropping up around my eyes, even at the young age of 28. I don’t typically use an eye cream, but after a few weeks of swiping this on every day, I don’t want to live without this,” says Honkus. “The metal applicator provides a soothing cooling sensation, while the velvety formula blends right in. This instantly plumps any lines and makes a solid base for makeup. I’ve even noticed my eye makeup lasting longer when I apply this first.”
Best Smoothing: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream
.png)
- Pros: Firms and plumps; helps makeup glide on more smoothly
- Cons: Slow to absorb
Best for: Makeup prep, smoothing lines
When wrinkles and fine lines start to develop, your makeup doesn’t apply as seamlessly as it used to, making it more likely to settle into creases. A smoothing eye cream can help solve that, and this pick from Clinique is a great option.
Testing notes: “This eye cream has earned a permanent place in my daily skin care routine. The thin skin around my eyes, especially in the inner corners, which sags down a little bit, looked firmer and plumper after almost two weeks of using this product. This cream does take a while to absorb, so I was careful how much I used at a time. I would just dot a little on the tips of my fingers and tap the product on,” says Glamour copy manager Charlotte Twine.
Best for Wrinkles and Dark Circles: CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
- Pros: Dermatologist favorite; gentle yet effective; low price
- Cons: Less potent formula
Best for: Wrinkles, dry skin, dark circles
CeraVe is renowned for its gentle formulas, and Dr. Madfes calls this an “excellent product” for addressing darkness under your eyes. Ceramides lock in moisture while caffeine treats puffiness. And if you really struggle with dark circles, niacinamide brightens and tightens skin as it reduces inflammation.
Testing notes: “After trying this CeraVe eye cream for a few weeks, I’ve noticed a definite improvement in the appearance of my undereye area,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar. “The formula is lightweight and nongreasy, and it absorbs quickly, which makes it easy to use every morning and night. The blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide feels soothing and moisturizing, and I’ve found this eye cream really helps with puffiness and hydration. While I didn’t see a drastic change in dark circles, my undereye area definitely looks a bit brighter and feels more refreshed overall. Plus, it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin, which is a big plus.”
Best Firming: Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Eye Cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary before testing Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Eye Cream
- Original image by Alanna Martine Kilkeary after testing Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Eye Cream
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream
.png)
- Pros: Silky soft texture; multitasking; not a bad price
- Cons: Testers say it’s difficult to get every last drop of product out of the bottle
Best for: Crow’s-feet, eye wrinkles
If you’re looking for something soothing, we love this silky-textured cream that helps rejuvenate and de-puff the undereye area. It features a blend of bio-retinol, peptides, and amino acids that quickly help retexturize and firm sagginess.
Testing notes: “When I say I’ve tried dozens of eye creams on the market, and this is by far one of the best, I’m not kidding. After using it for about two months, this creamy formula has managed to minimize the appearance of fine lines around my eyes, and has also made my dark circles way less noticeable. I have a hunch that it has something to do with the peptides and amino acids, which work to de-puff and lift, and compared to other picks on the market that promise to do the same thing, this one actually works. The texture of this eye cream is also dreamy—it’s soothing, instantly hydrates, and serves as a great base for primer and undereye concealer. I can’t stop using it, and neither will you,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tata Harper Bio-Barrier Anti-Aging Eye Cream
- Pros: Safe for the most sensitive skin; testers saw a reduction in eye wrinkles in less than two months
- Cons: Very pricey (but worth it)
Best for: Sagging skin, puffiness, wrinkles, brightening
According to Dr. Madfes, this cream helps balance the skin’s microbiome and puffiness. “This will improve the texture of skin, but the power of this product is in its blend of nonirritating botanicals, like shea butter, evening primrose oil, and calendula-flower extract,” which makes this a wonderful pick for those with sensitive skin, she says.
Testing notes: “I was seduced by Tata Harper Superkind BioBarrier Eye Crème from the moment I opened the tasteful packaging—inside was an expensive-looking, weighty glass bottle with a green cast that looks like stained glass,” says Twine. “The ‘crème’ is more of a silky, slippery liquid with a wonderful scent—an earthy, maple-y, woodsy smell that makes me think of the concoctions used by, say, an amazing facialist at an exclusive spa. I really enjoy taking a moment to enjoy the scent and put it on. Yes, it’s pricey—$130 a bottle. But trust me, a little goes a long way. And it’s so worth it. I do see a reduction in the web of lines and crepiness under my eyes.”
Best for Mature Skin: No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum
- Pros: Tester saw a difference in three days; reverses deep-set wrinkles
- Cons: It’s a bit thick, so give it time to sink in
Best for: Mature skin, deep wrinkles
When you’re hoping to reverse deep-set wrinkles caused by aging, Hope Mitchell, MD, founder of Mitchell Dermatology, recommends this eye serum because it contains a potent mix of peptides and niacinamide. “These ingredients work to repair and strengthen the delicate undereye skin, and will reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines over time,” she says.
Testing notes: For Twine, this eye cream has been a game changer. “I tried the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum for just three days—and if these are the results in that short amount of time, it blows my mind to think of what daily use would do,” she says. “As you can see in my ‘before’ photo, I have wrinkles and sagging skin around my eyes—normal for age 54. And to be clear, I’ve had no ‘work’ done. So for three days and nights, I cleansed my face and put on my No7—and the results are clearly shown in the ‘after’ photo. The formula plumped up my skin, so the wrinkles are less defined. Also, the glow from the cream gives a vibrant look. Consider me an eye-serum convert. This is an inspiration for me to put aside my lazy beauty habits and keep going with a skin care regimen.”
Best for Undereye Bags: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Jenifer Calle before testing RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Original image by Jenifer Calle after testing RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
- Pros: Affordable; works to tighten eye bags; absorbs quickly
- Cons: Overuse can result in dry skin (only use it once or twice a week)
Best for: Dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness
RoC’s multitasking eye cream features a fast-acting formula that tightens eye bags and comes with Dr. Madfes’s stamp of approval. It has a creamy yet lightweight texture and works to firm skin with nonprescription-strength retinol while simultaneously hydrating with glycerin.
Testing notes: “Retinol transformed my skin’s texture a few years ago, but I never thought of incorporating it into my eye cream,” says Glamour tester Niyati Patel. “I was starting to notice some lines and crow’s-feet around my eyes once I gave birth to my second child, but after just about three months of using this, that area is smoother and I’m even wearing less concealer now too.”
Glamour’s Calle also uses this lightweight eye cream a couple times a week on her combination skin. “It absorbs quickly and keeps my eye area hydrated. I’m in my 30s now, so keeping this sensitive area smooth is my goal. Plus, it’s affordable and a great for retinol beginners.”
Best K-Beauty: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream
.png)
- Pros: Utilizes natural botanical ingredients; addresses a variety of skin concerns
- Cons: Pricey
Best for: Mature skin, smoothing, fine lines
This K-beauty skin care staple firms the skin, smooths out fine lines, and helps boost your skin’s natural radiance.
Testing notes: Glamour contributor Audrey Noble recommends this K-beauty eye cream because of the hero ingredient ginseng. Noble likes that it’s super lightweight and blends smoothly into the skin for easy application. Yes, it’s a splurge, but Noble says it’s worth the price.
Best for Crow’s-Feet: Clarins Total Eye Lift
- Pros: Works fast; addresses all eye-area concerns
- Cons: Pricey
Best for: Crow’s-feet, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness
Crow’s-feet are one of the most difficult eye concerns to address, yet this new innovation from Clarins somehow manages to reduce their appearance, along with remedying an array of issues, including dark circles, puffiness, deep set wrinkles, and sagging. The key is in the biotechnology-powered formula that utilizes a mix of natural active ingredients—like caffeine and organic horse chestnut—to penetrate deep into the skin and produce a noticeable effect in just minutes.
How we chose the best eye creams for wrinkles
What we looked for
Dr. Camp says that you’ll want to look for an eye cream that has ingredients like retinol or vitamin C—the latter of which is in our top pick from Farmacy. He says that retinol can improve collagen production, which helps to tighten and firm wrinkled skin around the eye area. “Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that protect skin from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals, which contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Camp says. Howard Sobel, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, adds that niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help improve hydration, which makes fine lines less visible.
How we tested
We tested over two dozen eye creams for wrinkles, and carefully evaluated the formulations based on the ingredients, texture, and the difference they made in our skin over time.
By ingredients: Our winners include hydrating, plumping, brightening, and wrinkle-reducing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin E, vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinoids that have been proven to smooth out the skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
By texture: Because the eye area is so delicate, we made sure to only select formulas that melted into the orbital area, feeling cushiony and never irritating.
By efficacy: The best eye creams for wrinkles needed to make a difference when it came to smoothing lines. The options on our list visibly softened crow’s-feet and creases, while also leaving our undereyes looking brighter and less dull.
Frequently asked questions
How do eye creams work?
Dr. Madfes tells Glamour that when formulated with the right ingredients, eye creams enhance your entire skin care routine by targeting specific fine lines. As mentioned, peptides and retinol help support collagen production, as well as smooth crow’s-feet and firm sagging skin. If you have dry or aging skin, look for an emollient formula (made with shea butter and squalane) to boost hydration. If you deal with puffiness, opt for formulas with caffeine. As for brightening, seek out antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
How to use an eye cream
“The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and signs of aging often first become apparent in this delicate tissue,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. That’s why it’s key to pat—not rub—eye cream gently onto the undereye area. Allow the product to completely absorb before applying other skin care products like face moisturizer and SPF.
What do dermatologists recommend for eye wrinkles?
There’s an eye cream that can address every concern, from puffiness and discoloration to loss of firmness and crow’s-feet. If your main goal is to minimize the look of wrinkles, Ben Johnson, MD, founder of skin care brand Osmosis, recommends using products made with retinol because it “generates the most collagen while being the least irritating for a sensitive area like the eyes,” as well as niacinamide due to its collagen-boosting functions.
Do eye creams really help with wrinkles?
According to Dr. Johnson, they can, but many only provide a plumping temporary fix, rather than significant results. Diminishing eye wrinkles takes consistent application, as well as a discussion with your dermatologist to develop a wrinkle minimization plan unique to your skin and needs.
Can you put retinol under your eyes?
Yes, Dr. Camp shares that retinol is safe to use under your eyes and can improve collagen production, which helps tighten and firm wrinkled skin around the eye area. Just like with any retinol product, you’ll want to slowly introduce a retinol eye cream into your routine, especially since the ingredient is known to cause sensitivity and the eye skin is thinner than other parts of your face. Start by applying a retinol eye cream once a week and work your way up to two or three times a week.
Meet the experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Howard Sobel, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon
- Diane Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai
- Hope Mitchell, MD, founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)