Eye cream 101: when to start, how to apply, and what to look for

Key takeaways: 

• Eye creams can be an effective way to prevent or improve signs of under-eye aging.

• Some ingredients to look for in eye creams include retinol, peptides, caffeine, and vitamin C. 

• When applying eye cream, be sure not to pull or tug at your skin and use a small amount of product. 

There are endless eye creams to choose from between drugstores, retailers like Ulta and Sephora, and online skincare brands. The options can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for, or whether you need it at all. Keep reading to understand the benefits of eye creams, when to start using one, and which ingredients can actually make a difference—plus, how to apply it for the best results.

What are the benefits of eye cream?

As their name suggests, eye creams are specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, making them better suited for eye-area concerns than a regular moisturizer or serum. They can help address a number of concerns, including: 

• Crow's feet and fine lines

• Dark circles and under-eye bags

• Sagging, delicate eye-area skin

• Puffiness

• Hydration and brightness 

• Environmental aging factors, such as sun exposure and air pollution

What products to use in conjunction with eye cream?

Depending on your under-eye concern and its severity, you may want to use other products or treatments in conjunction with a quality eye cream to enhance your results. For example, it’s recommended to use a regular moisturizer alongside eye cream. You might also opt for specially-formulated serums targeting fine lines, wrinkles, or discoloration. 

Additionally, eye creams can complement anti-aging cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Juvéderm®. 

When to start using eye cream?

You might wonder: am I too young or too old to start using eye cream? The answer is that now is the best time to start. For younger people, incorporating an eye cream into your skincare routine can serve as a preventative measure against crow’s feet, fine lines, and sagging skin. 

For those whose under-eye area is already showing signs of aging, eye cream may help reduce the appearance of those signs.

What to look for in an eye cream

As with any skincare product, it’s important to choose high-quality products with ingredients that actually make a difference. Skincare experts recommend an eye cream that contains some combination of the following ingredients:

• Retinol: Boosts cell turnover and can help reduce signs of aging. 

• Vitamin C: Helps brighten, improve texture, and protect skin from UV exposure and pollution.

• Peptides: Peptides contain amino acids, which may help skin stay stronger and more flexible.

• Exosomes: Support skin repair and overall rejuvenation, known as “cellular messengers.”

• Caffeine: Antioxidant properties help reduce puffiness and dark circles.

• Ceramides: Keep the skin barrier under your eyes healthy and balanced.

• Hyaluronic acid: Promotes hydrated, flexible skin.

How to choose the right eye cream for you

The right eye cream for you will depend on your unique under-eye concerns and what ingredients best work for your skin. A board-certified dermatologist or aesthetician can give you personalized recommendations. That said, here’s a breakdown of what ingredients may work best for specific concerns, plus some of our favorite products. 

Note that most eye creams are designed to treat multiple concerns, so if you have more than one, these products can likely address all of them. 

Tips for applying eye cream

The most important thing to know about applying eye cream is not to pull or tug at your skin. Dab the product on the under-eye area and tap or use light sweeping strokes until it’s absorbed. The other rule of thumb is to use only a small amount of product—think pea-sized. Using too much product can cause it to creep toward your eyes and irritate them, or to not absorb as well. 

Some eye creams are intended for once-daily use, while others are intended for twice-daily use. Follow the product’s instructions for the best results. As far as when to apply it among the rest of your skincare routine, it’s generally recommended to apply products in order from lightest to heaviest. 

Eye creams can typically be applied after toners and serums and before your regular moisturizer for optimal absorption. 

The bottom line about eye cream

Eye creams can be an effective method to treat concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness, and sagging—and less invasive than cosmetic injectables. However, with so many products available, be sure to choose one that has ingredients that can actually make a difference. Additionally, apply eye cream delicately, use a small amount, and apply it in the right order among the rest of your skincare routine.