Crow’s feet, fine lines, and sagging skin are all common concerns as you age, which raises the question: What are the best eye tightening creams? There’s a lot to consider, but the first thing to note is that, according to Dr. Nathan Newman, a board-certified dermatologist, eye-tightening creams provide temporary firmness by reducing puffiness and smoothing wrinkles. “They work by creating a film over the skin that tightens as it dries, resulting in a firming and lifting effect that lasts for four to eight hours,” he says.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles:
- Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex, $105
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream,
$92, $74 - Best Eye Serum for Wrinkles: Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Eye Serum, $75
- Best for Hydration: Retrouvé RevitaliZing Eye Concentrate, $215
- Best for Hooding and Droopiness: Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream, $118
- Best for Firming: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, $89
- Best for Exfoliation: iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex, $155
- Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalene + Ceramides, $44
- Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, $64
- Best for Dark Circles: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, $26
- Best Drugstore Pick: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream,
$20, $14
With long-term use, the best eye tightening creams can help maintain, renew, and restore your skin’s healthy glow and firmness. For expert-backed recommendations, we turned to trusted dermatologists to share which ingredients to look for and the formulas they actually recommend for plumping, nourishing, and depuffing the delicate under-eye area.
In this article
Best Anti-Aging Cream: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
- Why We Love It: If you picked up this SkinCeuticals formula to target dark circles, you’re in luck because it’s also a winning pick to target fine lines and crow’s feet. Dr. Corey L. Hartman previously told Vogue that this is a stellar choice for mature skin if lack of elasticity is of concern. The rich cream is powered by a blend of peptides, blueberry extract, caffeine, and matrixyl 3000 that work together to firm, tone, and replenish the under-eye area.
- Key Ingredients: Concentrated Proxylane™, Wild Fruit Flavonoid Blend, Matrixyl 3000, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Caffeine
- When to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, apply this under the eyes and around the brow once or twice daily.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz.
- Notable Features: 24-hour hydration
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: The SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream has all the qualities of a good eye cream: luxurious texture, powerhouse ingredients, and the ability to leave skin firm and radiant. According to Dr. Engelman, this product “combines key ingredients from the brand’s award-winning Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum and HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator to instantly improve the appearance of lines while working overtime to correct the appearance of darkness and shadows.” What’s more, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and botanical extracts are included to ensure the under-eye receives the moisture and protection it needs.
- Key Ingredients: Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Hyaluronic Acid Blend, Marine Extracts, Caffeine, Vitis Flower Stem Cell Extract, Persian Silk Tree Extract and St. Paul’s Wort.
- When to Apply: SkinMedica recommends applying a thin layer twice daily along the eye area.
- Size: 0.5 Oz / 14.2 g
- Notable Features: Dye-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, paraben-free
Best Eye Serum for Wrinkles: Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Eye Serum
- Why We Love It: Expect a bouncy and supple under-eye with Perricone MD’s eye serum that comes at Dr. Love’s recommendation. “This gentle and lightweight eye serum contains growth factors to increase hydration and firmness of the skin,” she says. “[Additionally], niacinamide helps to improve the appearance of dark circles.”
- Key Ingredients: Triple Retinol Blend, CoQ10, Beta-carotene.
- When to Apply: According to Perricone MD, apply this formula to the eye area morning and night.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz.
- Notable Features: Cruelty-free, paraben-free
Best for Hydration: Retrouvé RevitaliZing Eye Concentrate
- Why We Love It: Retrouvé’s eye cream’s main goal is to supply dry skin with hydration, though its silky balm texture is an added bonus. The concentrate, which counts Zoë Kravitz as a fan, is infused with a blend of squalene, vitamin E, glycerin, and botanical oils to quench thirsty skin. Resveratrol and vitamin C help brighten dark- and dullness as well.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, Cholesterol Esters, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Retinyl Palmitate, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, and Padina Pavonica.
- When to Apply: Because of its thicker balm-like texture, Retrouvé recommends applying this eye cream at night, unless experiencing intense dryness. If you’re planning to use before makeup, allow up to 15 minutes for the formula to absorb first.
- Size: 1 oz / 30 mL
- Notable Features: Cruelty-free, farm-sourced ingredients, airless packaging, One Tree Planted artners, dermatologist- tested formula
Best for Hooding and Droopiness: Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: Although the cooling applicator of Revision Skincare’s eye cream is certainly part of its draw, it leaves a lasting impression due to the ease with which it tackles eye sagging and drooping. This elixir is powered by a blend of antioxidants (including goji fruit extract), cucumber fruit water, prebiotic and postbiotic extracts, and a handful of other intelligent ingredients to provide visible firming and hydration while helping shield and balance skin from within.
- Key Ingredients: Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Amino Acid Copper Complex, Goji Fruit Extract
- When to Apply: Revision Skincare recommends applying one pump of this formula around the eye area twice daily.
- Size: 0.5 oz / 14 g
- Notable Features: Skin-neutral pH Formula
Best for Firming: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
- Why We Love It: A Vogue-editor favorite for daily use, the formula harnesses retinol, plant extracts like swertia flower, a marine kelp complex, and glycerin to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid
- When to Apply: According to Murad, apply this eye cream at night to the under-eye and lids.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 oz
- Notable Features: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free
Best for Exfoliation: iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex
- Why We Love It: Smoothing, hydrating, and brightening are three of the targeted benefits of iS Clinical’s eye cream to reveal a youthful-looking under-eye. Growth factors, peptides, extracts, centella asiatica, and vitamin K are the stars of the Youth Eye Complex. All of which come together to not only diminish fine lines and spur collagen production, but simultaneously de-puff and condition. Hyaluronic acid, white willow bark and mixed fruit acid extracts are also in the formula.
- Key Ingredients: Copper Tripeptide Growth Factor, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Mixed Fruit Acid Extracts
- When to Apply: According to iS Clinical, a small amount of this is best tapped along the eye area, avoiding the inner corners.
- Size: 1 oz
- Notable Features: Cruelty-free, hypoallergenic
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalene + Ceramides
- Why We Love It: One of Dr. Green’s top picks, this eye cream has been found to notably replenish the under-eye, even for those with sensitive skin. “This contains hyaluronic acid and caffeine to bring hydration to the skin around the eyes for a plumping effect and to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet and fine lines,” Dr. Green explains. “[Furthermore], caffeine has been shown to stimulate blood circulation, aiding in reducing under-eye bags and the appearance of dark circles.” Encapsulated retinol for slow release and squalene (to counteract any potential retinol-induced dryness) are also in the formula.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, Squalane
- When to Apply: According to First Aid Beauty, this cream is best applied to the orbital area morning and night. For a cooling treatment, feel free to store this in the fridge.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz.
- Notable Features: Clean, Cruelty-free, No artificial fragrances
Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: Drunk Elephant’s oft-talked-about vitamin C–infused eye cream has long been a beauty-enthusiast staple, and it comes as a recommendation of Dr. Green as well to combat fine lines. “[This] contains potent vitamin C along with vitamin E and peptides to brighten the eye area and help the delicate skin repair from environmental stress,” Green says. “Peptides aid in collagen synthesis for firmer, younger-looking skin.” There’s also cucumber extract, ceramides, and plant oils to round out this complexion-boosting formula.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Peptides, Cucumber
- When to Apply: According to Drunk Elephant, pat one pump of this cream to the under-eye using your ring finger.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 oz
- Notable Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, clean
Best for Dark Circles: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
- Why We Love It: Not only does this iconic eye gel-cream brighten, hydrate, and fight the effects of free radical damage, but it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it doesn’t get all over your pillow as you sleep. Hyaluronic acid works to plump and lock in moisture, promoting a more radiant and refreshed appearance for your eyes. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, aiding in the defense against free-radical damage, especially from electronic devices and blue light.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Peptides
- When to Apply: As per Estée Lauder’s recommendation, apply this firming eye cream both in the morning and at night, covering the entire eye area.
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 oz
- Notable Features: Free of synthetic fragrance, free of parabens, phthalates, sulfites, sulfate, drying alcohol, mineral oil, and paraffin
Best Drugstore Pick: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
- Why We Love It: Available at nearly every drugstore, this budget-friendly eye treatment is suitable for all skin types. It works to reduce dark circles and puffiness while providing moisture and plumping benefits. CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream contains three essential ceramides, aiding in the restoration of the skin barrier and resulting in improved reduction of dark circles and puffy eyes. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin are featured in the formula as well.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin
- When to Apply: CeraVe suggests applying small dots around the eye area once or twice a day, in the morning and/or evening.
- Size: 0.5 oz / 14.2 g
- Notable Features: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic
Best for Exfoliating: Image Skincare Ageless Total Eye Lift Crème
- Why We Love It: A favorite of board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, this eye cream is an excellent option for tightening as it combines powerful exfoliants like glycolic acid to revitalize the skin and vitamin A, an encapsulated form of retinol, to help prevent and treat signs of aging. Additionally, a peptide complex works to plump the skin and reduce puffiness.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Shea Butter, Squalane, Glycolic Acid
- When to Apply: Apply nightly to eye area
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz
- Notable Features: Formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, or synthetic dyes.
Best for Smoothing & Contouring: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Eye Cream with Retinol
- Why We Love It: If Pillow Talk is a staple in your routine, why not give Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare a try too? “I like this tightening eye cream because it contains time-released retinol to visibly smooth and contour the under-eye area, along with winter daphne stem cell extract to help tighten and firm,” says Dr. Graf. It’s also infused with vitamin C, so no matter how little sleep you got the night before, you’ll still look bright-eyed and refreshed. The texture is rich, so a little goes a long way—use a spatula to keep things hygienic and scoop out the necessary amount. Plus, the brand offers refills, so when you run out, you can simply swap out the pot.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, vitamin C
- When to Apply: Apply nightly to eye area
- Size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz
- Notable Features: Refills available, gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Which ingredients to look for in the best eye wrinkle cream
Your eye creams should both help stimulate the production of collagen and give the under-eye a moisture boost. With this in mind, consider retinol and vitamin C as key ingredients. “Retinol is the gold-standard anti-aging ingredient in skin care, and using eye creams with retinol can help soften fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes,” Dr. Michele Green, a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic treatments explains, emphasizing its usefulness in improving skin texture and radiance. Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist also notes retinol’s particular efficacy to rejuvenate skin by helping increase cellular turnover and rebuild skin’s structural support from within.
As for the derm-loved vitamin C, this powerful antioxidant can protect skin from environmental stress, encourage collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, and help improve overall brightness under the eyes. Similarly, caffeine is useful for its ability to energize and tighten skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles. For moisture-related skin concerns, the customary hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and peptides will work wonders in the short term. (These are also common ingredients featured in the best under-eye patches.) “Hyaluronic acid is great in an eye cream to lock in moisture, minimize the dehydration lines that can form, and increase the skin’s natural glow,” Dr. Engelman says.
What can cause wrinkles around the eye area?
“Our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin with age, which are important proteins in the skin that provide structure and elasticity,” Green, says. “With the loss of collagen and elastin, the skin loses the ability to bounce back and becomes dull, thin, and loose, leading to the formation of wrinkles, especially in the delicate eye area.” Aside from aging, she notes that genetics, smoking, sun damage, and even pushing your face against your pillow while sleeping can contribute to wrinkle development.
