11 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles & Wrinkles for 2024
It's giving, 'I got eight hours of sleep'
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Our Top Picks
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
- Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream
- Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream
- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Under eyes in need of a pre-summer miracle? We’ve scoured the shelves for the fastest (and hardest) working under-eye products money can buy.
The eyes are the window to the soul, and when that soul is tired, they show it. Whether a full eight hours of sleep is something of a myth in your life right now, or the privilege of ageing gracefully is feeling a little less graceful, an eye cream can help you feel a little brighter.
Dr Cara McDonald of Complete Skin Specialists says that while controversial, specifically formulated under-eye products do have benefits. “Eye products generally target signs of ageing and deliver intense hydration,” she explains.
But the eye area is a delicate one, so we've got to be seriously mindful about what we use in the precious region.
With this in mind, we’ve scoured the shelves for the fastest (and hardest) working under-eye products money can buy. From the cult eye cream flaunting over 1.2k five-star reviews, to the Dr Naomi eye cream that we've decided lives up to the hype, here are the best eye creams up for grabs right now.
OUR TOP PICKS
Best eye creams for fine lines and wrinkles
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, $119 (down from $140) at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Light consistency that's easy to add into a skincare routine
Worth noting: Retinol should only be used by those over 25 years old, unless otherwise advised
Formulation: Lightweight cream/serum | Skin types: Over 25 years old | Size: 15ml
Tried and tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor:
Containing three types of retinol, the holy grail ingredient in the fight against ageing, this eye serum does what it says - it helps minimise fine lines, evens out skin tone, and firms the skin around the eye area. As someone in their mid-30s, I always make sure my eye products contain retinol as I find it’s the most effective ingredient in combating those pesky fine lines. Plus, the marine kelp extract complex helps with brightening dark circles. Unlike a cream, the serum is a light consistency that’s easy to put on and super hydrating. It’s pricey but I find a little goes a long way. Highly recommend.
Go-To De-Crease Retinal Eye Serum, $55 at Go-To Skincare
Why we love it: Reasonable price point for a retinol and peptide eye cream.
Worth noting: This eye serum may leave an orange pigment after spreading under the eye.
Formulation: Gel | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15ml
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, news.com.au checkout Social Media Producer
As soon as I heard Zoe Foster Blake (my Queen) had come out with an eye serum I immediately needed to know more. My first impression of the De-Crease is how beautiful the product is itself.
Just one pump (that’s all you need according to the instructions) and the golden gel comes right out. On the skin it feels like a combination of melted butter and your favourite serum. It truly just glides right across your skin, no pulling, no dragging.
While I’ll have to wait to see if the results measure up to the Zoe’s promises (anti-aging, lifted eye area, an improvement in dark circles, etc), the actual process of putting the product on feels like self-care in itself. It’s relaxing, it feels lovely on the skin and makes me feel like my life’s in order.
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, Health and Wellness eCommerce Writer:
I have always been a huge fan of anything Go-To Skincare, so was super excited to test out this eye cream Zoe Foster Blake herself swears by. One pump of this serum is more than enough to spread gently around the whole eye area, and this juicy little eye treatment has a bright orange pigment, so you know there's absolutely retinol at work here.
I've always struggled with dark under eye bags, no matter the hours of beauty sleep I clock in, so am endlessly keen to see if there's something to plump out that delicate area. I'm yet to use this eye serum in my skincare routine for a long enough period of time to see major results yet, but I could swear that after the first night of using this cream, my under eye area was seriously brightened and lifted- as was my mood upon such discovery.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream, $122 at Myer
Why we love it: Non-irritating and moisture-boosting for skin
Worth noting: Pricey
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Over 25 years old | Size: 15ml
What you need to know:
A legend in the beauty space, it's safe to say Elizabeth Arden is one to rely one when it comes to anti-ageing products. This eye cream comes in a tub that disperses the right amount needed in a pump, meaning each dose is exact and fresh. Retinol, peptides, and barrier-boosting ceramides work to soften visible signs of ageing, plump the skin and take all-round gentle care of the delicate eye area.
Best eye creams to brighten dark circles
Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream, from $89 at Dr Naomi
Why we love it: Fun packaging
Worth noting: Can leave a shiny cast
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15ml
What you need to know:
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
OK, full disclosure: I was very sceptical about whether eye creams really worked until I tried this eye cream from Dr Naomi. I bought it after seeing multiple beauty influencers rave about it on Instagram and can definitely say it lives up to the hype and actually works.
In the last few years I’ve developed fine lines under my eyes and while I know that ageing is normal (and a privilege) it’s something I’ve felt self-conscious about at times, as my makeup now doesn’t sit quite as well as it used to.
Catfish Blurring Eye Cream not only smooths out your lines instantly thanks to its balm texture (making it a great under-eye makeup primer), but with consistent use I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of my fine lines and skin firmness in general. This eye cream also helps to brighten those pesky dark circles, thanks to Dr Naomi's brightening cocktail of hyaluronic acid and peptides.
It’s also the best performing eye cream for targeting fine lines that I’ve used and I’ve tried a lot. So if it’s a concern of yours and within your budget, I can’t recommend it enough.
Tried and tested by Jessica Smith, Health and Wellness eCommerce Writer
I've only been using Dr Naomi's Catfish Blurring Eye Cream for a short time now, but I am obsessed with the double-whammy power of this eye cream. Not only is it formulated with powerful ingredients like Hexapeptide-8 and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and work on your fine lines, the cream is also pigmented and blurring, helping to make your under eye area appear instantly plumped and brightened. This is a must in my morning and night routine from now on.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, $48 (down from $64) at The Iconic
Why we love it: This illuminating eye cream does a fantastic job at hydrating and brightening dark circles.
Worth noting: This vitamin C eye cream may feel too thick for some.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
When it comes to searching for the right eye cream, Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème has icon status for good reason.
The yellow undertones of the eye cream promise to counteract dark circles, and that’s exactly what it does. It's also formulated with gold complexed vitamin C which helps to treat the delicate under eye skin.
After immediate application, my under eye looks brighter and more illuminated. Dull skin be gone!
I also love how hydrating and nourishing the formulation is, it really does a great job at prepping my under eye before makeup.
fresh Black Tea Age Renewal Eye Cream, $118 at Sephora
Why we love it: Doesn't contain retinol
Worth noting: Some reviewers say it doesn't absorb super well
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15ml
What you need to know:
Flaunting over 1,200 five-star reviews on Sephora alone, the fresh Black Tea Age Renewal Eye Cream is one to be mentioned. The eye cream has retinol-like results despite containing no retinol, and instead uses antioxidant black tea and rambutan leaf extracts to achieve a firmer, brighter under eye area.
One reviewer raved, "This eye cream is amazing. I like that it has great ingredients. It leaves my skin brighter and moisturized. I use it morning and night. It feels great on my skin, it is not greasy. I highly recommend it."
The Max Eye Cream, $134.95 at Image Skincare
Why we love it: Instantly brightening
Worth noting: On the pricier side
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Ageing skin | Size: 15ml
Tried and tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
In my opinion, Image Skincare is one of the most underrated brands on the market right now. I've tried a lot of beauty products over the years and Image is right up there with the best. Not once have I been disappointed with an Image product so I was very excited to try this eye cream. I do have to mention that I am only 25 and right now when it comes to my eyes my biggest issues have more to do with puffiness and dark circles rather than fine lines which is what this eye cream targets. However, despite that, I still did find it did wonders for me. It felt super nourishing to put on and I noticed an instant brightness after application. It is on the pricier side but if you're looking for an eye cream that actually makes a difference, this is the way to go.
Best firming eye creams
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Cream, $78 at Jurlique
Why we love it: Feels super luxurious
Worth noting: Contains fragrance
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All | Size: 15ml
Tried and Tested by Stephanie Yip, Travel eCommerce Writer:
Being a woman in her late 30s, somehow sometime dark circles and crow’s feet crept in around my eyes and haven’t budged, prompting me to reconsider my beauty regime. Recently, I’ve added this luxurious herbal recovery eye cream and am loving how it feels on my skin. The cream is silky smooth and, though relatively thick, is absorbed quickly, and instantly brightens my face. There’s only the faintest hint of a scent, which I personally prefer as I don’t like anything too obnoxious smelling, and is free from a lot of irritants and nasties like PABA, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens and artificial colours. It also comes in a gorgeous glass jar - bonus!
Best hydrating eye creams
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $16.79 (down from $20.99) at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Affordable price point and works great for very dry skin types, thanks to the hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Worth noting This eye cream does not have an immediate brightening effect.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types, especially dry skin and sensitive skin types | Size: 14ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au Shopping Writer
I’ve been religiously using CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream on and off for about three years. It’s my holy grail eye cream for when the temperature drops because it does a fantastic job at hydrating the skin and keeping it smooth and soft.
Like most of us, dry skin is a super annoying issue for me come winter time, and for some reason, I suffer it worst on my eyelids.
To combat the dry, flaky and sometimes painful skin, I use the Eye Repair Cream every night and all my problems are solved. The blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help to treat the delicate skin under the eye and improve my skin barrier.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the sort of eye cream that’s going to magically brighten dark circles and firm fine lines and wrinkles. It does exactly what it says it’s going to do – which is to hydrate the delicate under eye area.
It’s suitable for all skin types and formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
The eye cream is super lightweight and fast absorbing. I especially like the price tag sitting at just $20, because I’m not looking to spend loads of cash on a simple eye cream.
Charlotte Tilbury, Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum, $95 at Charlotte Tilbury
Why we love it: Doubles as massage roller
Worth noting: Pricey
Formulation: Serum | Skin types: All | Size: 15ml
What you need to know:
Wim Hoff your under-eye region with this cryotherapy-inspired serum. Containing caffeine, peptides and Swiss ice wine essence (no, not like the wine on the back bar at your Christmas party), this serum leaves skin instantly tightened, silky and smooth. A fairy-dust blend of crushed moonstone, ruby, rose quartz, and amethyst will deflect attention from any blemishes you’d rather obscure.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum,$39.50, Myer
Why we love it: Super affordable
Worth noting: Free shipping over $99
Formulation: Serum | Skin types: All | Size: 15ml
What you need to know:
If you want an eye cream but don't want to take out an additional loan, The Ordinary will save you, every. single. time. Formulated with peptides and niacinamide, this serum works to reduce the appearance of crow's feet and under eye fine lines and wrinkles, while hydrating the skin.
One reviewer writes, "You can feel the effect immediately. Good product."
What to look for when buying an eye cream:
According to dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald, "eye creams are ideally designed for extra hydration and plumping of the thin eyelid skin."
"Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide are excellent for around the eyes. They should also minimise fragrances and ingredients which could cause irritation around the eye. Preferably eye creams do contain ingredients to target wrinkles, such as retinoids and peptides, but at low concentrations to avoid irritation."
Which is the best eye cream?
"Eye creams are not essential for everyone," explains Dr McDonald, "but the eyelid skin does differ from the rest of the face as it is very thin and closely adhered to the underlying muscle which means that it is exposed to more movement than almost anywhere else in the face."
"For this reason, the skin around the eye shows signs of ageing earlier than elsewhere on the face with fine lines, wrinkles and crepiness. On top of this, the skin is also less robust and more prone to irritation or allergy than elsewhere on the face. Having said that, good quality skincare can also be extended to use around the eyes if tolerated. I tend to recommend specific eye creams to target specific problems around the eyes, but the choice varies with each individual."
Is eye balm or eye cream better?
One is not necessarily better than the other, according to Dr McDonald.
"Balms are generally thicker and more occlusive than creams and may be better for those with dry or sensitive skin. Creams may contain more active ingredients designed to help target signs of ageing, but this varies greatly. The best eye product for any individual will be determined by selecting the right ingredients and consistency for their individual concerns and skin type."
How we chose these products:
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by reading studies, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
Want more great beauty recommendations? Check out the best vitamin C serums for brighter skin, and the top anti-wrinkle serums we're loving right now.
Originally published as 11 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles & Wrinkles for 2024
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