![The 12 Best Drugstore Eye Creams, Hands Down](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/lMZXpaMaiiC9DRiRrNNhMOhneQY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-drugstore-eye-creams-46c36074fc9a417bbc5c72b64161948c.jpg)
Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Let’s not beat around the bush: Eye cream has a reputation for being an unnecessary step of your skincare routine. But if you grew up hearing your mom stress about her crow’s feet and dark circles, the category is worth considering. This is especially because, according to board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, the skin around your eyes needs to be treated with utmost care.
Meet the Expert
Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
"It's important to use products that have been specifically tested for tolerability and use in the eye area,” Madfes tells Byrdie. Because with the right product, the world is your oyster. "People use eye creams to help with crepey skin, wrinkles, dark circles, and 'bags' under their eyes," Dr. Madfes says.
If you're looking to trim down your monthly skincare budget, there are lots of excellent drugstore formulas that do the trick. Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Stryke Club, says, "I don't recommend spending a lot of money on an eye cream."
Meet the Expert
Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist has been a part of the Minnesota Dermatological Society since 2014. She currently teaches at the University of Minnesota.
Drugstore is kind of a loose term these days, as most products are purchased online, and well, Walmart now carries Estée Lauder. But the point is, we know of some wonderful wallet-friendly formulas, many of which won't run you more than 20 bucks.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Marie V. Hayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.
Without further ado, these are the best drugstore eye creams.
Best Overall
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
![RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/KytY4vuHhOxkDfvEh-r550dVOJY=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RoCRetinolCorrexionLineSmoothingEyeCream-0da4a38ee0a24c9e86834be36977ee02.jpg)
Amazon
Noticeable results
A little goes a long way
Lightweight
May sting eyes
Contains parabens and PEGs
Who else recommends it? The Strategist, Prevention, and Today all picked the RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.
What do buyers say? 83% of 27,800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Looking to address crow's feet, fine lines, and crepiness or achieve all-around smoother skin? New York dermatologist Hadley King, MD, recommends a nightly retinoid or retinol cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream to increase collagen.
The vitamin A derivative is a go-to for treating the most common concerns about the eye area, including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark circles, and lack of elasticity. This reasonably priced anti-aging eye cream also contains a medley of soothing, plumping hydrators like vitamin E, glycerin, and panthenol (vitamin B5).
By delivering moisture to the skin, RoC Correxion will make your eye area look instantly smoother and less puffy. After several weeks, you can expect a noticeable improvement in fine lines and dark circles.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, glycerin, panthenol | Benefits: Smoothing, toning, depuffing, plumping, increases collagen | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
![e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/BOWmtPh6gH7D2kJsCLMNlLh6_0Y=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/e.l.f.CosmeticsHolyHydrationEyeCream-e338afad3b9d4b549f15f5fc304337b0.jpeg)
Ulta
Gentle formula
Vegan
Lightweight
Contains PEGs and triethanolamine
Most drugstore formulas are relatively affordable, but if you want to spend as little as possible, you can't go wrong with e.l.f. The brand's Holy Hydration eye cream calls on peptides, cucumber extract, and green tea to gently plump, smooth, hydrate, and boost radiance.
Price at time of publish: $10
Active Ingredients: Peptides, cucumber extract, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, soothing, boost radiance, hydrating | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
![CeraVe Eye Repair Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/xeaix4OGFQxaQREKnDo03Z7f3Yo=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71saAo1QqJL._SL1500_-37e075540d8048eca3a3b8db0623be9f.jpg)
Amazon
Gentle formula
Fragrance- and phthalate-free
Hygienic container
Results aren't dramatic
Reactive complexion? Reach for CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. The no-nonsense, fragrance-free formula delivers ample moisture while replenishing the skin barrier with essential ceramides. If you battle dark circles no matter how much sleep you get, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a fool-proof radiance-boosting agent.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, almond oil | Benefits: Hydrating, plumping, depuffing, replenishes the skin barrier | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best K-Beauty
CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
![CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/hWDIP4Ie7UfAgo4W_6PwTXL_VTQ=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/416RrQuNFAL._SL1000_-488a95bb4c3b48e4bfc405ae094bd0da.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Airtight container
Lightweight
Gentle formula
Fast results
Not radiance-boosting enough for some
From the K-beauty aisle, we're big fans of CosRx (as are supermodels like Emily Ratajkowski). The brand's Advanced Eye Cream contains ultra-hydrating snail mucin, plus niacinamide and peptides to firm, plump, and boost radiance—and it gets extra points for the airtight container.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Peptides, snail secretion filtrate, niacinamide | Benefits: Firming, hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.85 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Daytime
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Eye Cream
![La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Mfj9nCiFH0S33kLifqKFCc-jZZI=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2539630-f3187e632b9746ada32ea297d6788ce8.jpg)
Courtesy of Ulta
Airtight container
Works well under makeup
Results are temporary
While La Roche-Posay is on the pricier end of the drugstore spectrum, you can count on gentle products that do what they say. Toleriane Ultra Eyes contains Dr. King's favorite depuffing ingredient, caffeine, along with mineral-rich spring water and radiance-boosting vitamin C.
Price at time of publish: $27
Active Ingredients: Squalane, thermal spring water, caffeine, vitamin C | Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, depuffing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Nighttime
Pond’s Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream
![Ponds Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/XzUgNvkZofkBOAD-J0AdMsAHbqg=/fit-in/1500x1244/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Facial-Skincare-Ponds-Rejuveness-Eye-Cream-412c2765cfdc4130aaab7889dd8a99e5.jpg)
Pond's
Generous amount
Fragrance-free
May sting eyes
"Pond's Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream contains moisturizing ingredients, as well as niacinamide to help improve tone and texture, and retinol to help stimulate collagen," Dr. King tells Byrdie. Since sun exposure is discouraged after applying retinol, we suggest using this one at night.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol, glycerin | Benefits: Firming, smoothing, radiance-boosting | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Dark Circles
Naturally Serious Zero Baggage Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream
![Naturally Serious Zero Baggage Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/duOjdUmck8wAsa0-T3s4j5u93-U=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NaturallySeriousZeroBaggageAnti-DarkCircleEyeCream-7f20a4a3f2e34b6287c56eed573888cb.jpg)
Amazon
Dermatologist-approved
Hygienic container
Fragrance-free
Results are temporary
Not the most moisturizing
"This potent eye cream with plant-derived sodium phytate and caffeine helps you say goodbye to the look of under-eye bags, dark circles, and fine lines," says board-certified dermatologist Marie V. Hayag, MD of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, sodium phytate, hyaluronic acid, green tea | Benefits: Depuffing, radiance-boosting, hydrating, reduces dark circles | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Brightening
Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream
![Olay Ultimate Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/m4RWt7jtCn1EfKw2o2dDAMuLcPY=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2303793-88bbc63dedcf45fd98f28dd37ac03015.jpg)
Ulta
Fragrance-free
A little goes a long way
Gentle formula
Unhygienic container
Contains parabens and PEGs
Does hyperpigmentation get you down? Your best bet is Olay's peptide-rich Ultimate Eye Cream. This brilliant multi-tasker contains radiance-boosting niacinamide and color-correcting pigments to tackle uneven skin tone and illuminate the eye area.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, brightening pigments | Benefits: Radiance-boosting, depuffing, smoothing, hydrating | Size: 0.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Retinol
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
![Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Z9b6DhInAmhSt1vBG3PpkFTeN1c=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2225741-206c012c37c348208e23a15b53c373ae.jpg)
Ulta
Hygienic container
Noticeable results
Lightweight
May sting slightly
Dr. King appreciates eye products containing retinol, like this little guy from Neutrogena's widely celebrated Rapid Wrinkle Repair Line. With ongoing use, the smoothing formula offers a noticeable improvement in fine lines, crow's feet, and uneven skin tone while targeting hyperpigmentation and dark circles with vitamin C.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, radiance-boosting | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best With Caffeine
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
![The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/WVIVS31FvlNQyF91bBj4lslvWEU=/fit-in/1500x700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheInkeyListCaffeineEyeCream-38be292c88864796be7f77e48201b357.jpg)
Sephora
Hygienic container
Lightweight
Results are temporary
If you're dealing with puffy under-eyes, Dr. King says any eye cream containing caffeine should help. From the under-$10 selection, your best bet is this little ditty by The Inkey List.
It's budget-friendly, notably lightweight, and effective. As Dr. King explains, "Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can therefore reduce the amount of fluid accumulating."
Price at time of publish: $12
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides | Benefits: Hydrating, depuffing, smoothing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Natural
Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Cream
![Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Cream](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/A2jUXxeitCkTQpF3_7SAlHc-iHc=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BurtsBeesSensitiveEyeCream-7b7fd8cb452048d0997a3acf0db43c64.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Airtight container
98.9 percent natural formula
Fragrance-free
Results aren't dramatic
Difficult to tell how much you’ve used
Partial to plant-based formulas? We suggest Burt's Bees 98.9 percent natural Eye Cream. The supremely creamy concoction comes in a hygienic airtight container, goes on smoothly, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $13
Active Ingredients: Olive oil, cotton flower extract, shea butter | Benefits: Depuffing, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Clean
InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel
![InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/669bfdh0ukLMAvNfTru-B1ptAyo=/fit-in/1500x650/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/InstaNaturalYouthExpressEyeGel-0a8f2e7c457d48b595e59a1f5077802a.jpg)
Amazon
Plant-based formula
Airtight container
Results aren't dramatic
For those on the clean-beauty train, we recommend InstaNatural Youth Express. This lightweight eye gel contains a plethora of plant-based goodness, like stem cells, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to plump up parched complexions and replenish the skin barrier.
Price at time of publish: $12
Active Ingredients: Peptides, plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, amino acids | Benefits: Smoothing, strengthening, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Serum
Olay Eye Lifting Serum
![Olay eyes](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/HYrD-LzBQmRpvuf0VosWmChVyT4=/fit-in/1500x800/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OLAY-cef0049b7c8c4bcf9e1ad15d1cb0f16e.jpg)
Hygienic container
Fragrance- and phthalate-free
Absorbs quickly
Results aren't dramatic
Eye serums are having a well-deserved moment, and our favorite from the pharmacy is this scarlet tube by Olay. The exceptionally lightweight, fast-absorbing formula works to depuff, firm, and lift the eye area with all-star ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, vitamin B5, and caffeine.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Peptides, panthenol, caffeine, niacinamide | Benefits: Resurfacing, depuffing, smoothing, firming, lifting | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
When it comes to drugstore eye creams, RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is a diamond in the rough. The dermatologist-approved formula boosts collagen production while offering a noticeable improvement in the appearance of fine lines, crow's feet, crepiness, and dark circles. If you're looking for something even more affordable or want a retinol-free option, go with the e.l.f. Holy Hydration Eye Cream. It is a gentle eye cream that works to plump, boost radiance, and depuff the eye area.
What to Look for in an Eye Cream
Anti-Aging Ingredients
"Many of the eye creams on the shelf in the drugstore are there for anti-aging," Dr. Maguiness tells Byrdie. For this reason, they often contain skin-smoothing and wrinkle-reducing ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and retinoids.
However, Dr. Maguiness warns, "Ingredients that help with anti-aging, like retinol, can be extremely irritating around the eye." If your skin stings or burns after applying eye cream, it's best to stop using it and consult with a dermatologist.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a top ingredient used to help fade hyperpigmentation. That means that if you have dark circles under your eyes, a cream containing niacinamide—also known as nicotinamide—may help diminish their appearance. In addition to brightening the under eye area, Jennifer Herrmann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Byrdie that “Nicotinamide helps restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays."
Retinol
This ingredient boosts collagen production and aids skin cell turnover. By helping to thicken the skin under your eyes, retinol can make wrinkles and fine lines look less obvious, as well as under eye circles. Beyond that, esthetician and skincare brand founder Renée Rouleau says that “With continued use, retinol works to fade hyperpigmentation (brown spots and patches) and give the look of smoother skin in a gentler, non-drying way than a prescription form.”
Caffeine
An active ingredient in beverages meant to kickstart your morning, caffeine also has benefits for your under eye area. Caffeine boosts circulation in the skin and contains antioxidants, which are always an added bonus in skincare.
Hyaluronic Acid
This ultra-moisturizing ingredient is key for anyone who wants instant results out of their under eye cream. With its ability to bind to water, hyaluronic acid can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. It absorbs quickly into the skin, doesn’t irritate the tender area around our eyes, and is cost effective.
Hydrating Ingredients
Since the tissue around your eye area is notably thin, crepiness and fine lines are often more visible when your skin is dry. As such, Dr. King says, "Eye creams should be hydrating and moisturizing."
Look for options containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, ceramides, panthenol (vitamin B5), and plant oils. Hydration can help replenish the skin barrier and have the effect of plumping up crepey or saggy skin.
Container
When shopping around for eye creams, you should also consider the container. Airtight containers are ideal since the products aren't exposed to air and are thus less likely to oxidize.
Additionally, eye creams that come in lidless containers can often last longer with fewer preservatives. What's more, you'll avoid contaminating the ingredients with bacteria and other potential irritants from your fingers.
Fragrance
You may want to consider the fragrance (or lack thereof), as some people are particularly sensitive to synthetic fragrances (aka parfum). As Dr. Maguiness explains, "The skin around the eye is thin and prone to irritation."
If you have a reactive complexion, the last thing you want to do is introduce a mostly unnecessary additive, especially around the delicate eye area.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a bonafide skincare nerd and copyeditor specializing in cosmetics. For this roundup, she interviewed four dermatologists for their product recommendations and expertise on various formulations. Before making her selections, she referenced several peer-reviewed studies, researched various ingredients, and considered a plethora of eye creams. From the above list, Theresa has personally tried CosRx, RoC, Naturally Serious, Neutrogena, and Burt's Bees.