• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Pros: Works well on dark circles, according to reviewers; relatively affordable
Cons: Some reviewers dislike that the aluminum tube can dent and crease

RoC has definitely made a name for itself in the realm of affordable retinol products. Reviewers say this is one of the most effective drugstore options out there for dark circles and fine lines, especially if you use it consistently. “This is the best stuff ever, the results are out of this world!” one Amazon shopper wrote. Another reviewer noticed an improvement in the dark circles they’ve had since they were a teenager after only a few weeks of use.

• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Other notable ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol

La Roche Posay Redermic R Eye Cream

Pros: Improves skin texture and tone, fragrance-free
Cons: On the pricier side, some reviewers have issues with the tube’s cap

This La Roche Posay option is infused with vitamin C and caffeine to brighten skin and tackle dark spots. It also has retinol to encourage collagen growth and plump any fine lines. At the same time, glycerin and dimethicone (a silicone-based occlusive ingredient) seal in moisture, Dr. Rodney says.

• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Other notable ingredients: Hydrating hyaluronic acid

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment

Pros: Relatively affordable, cooling applicator, works quickly
Cons: Not great for sensitive skin

Dr. Huang’s number one pick is this L’Oréal eye treatment, which has also gained a ton of praise from Amazon reviewers who say it works almost instantly. “I have never seen an eye cream give such fast results as this one does. My undereyes are brighter and more hydrated within two weeks of using this day and night,” one wrote. Its formula includes a killer combo of vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to improve skin texture and tone. Bonus: It has a metal tip that makes the application process feel like a spa treatment.

• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, glycerin, and niacinamide

It’s easy to find skin care that promises miraculous-sounding anti-aging results—what’s harder is finding something that actually works. To make shopping a little easier, we’re breaking down the most important factors to consider when searching for an eye cream for mature skin.

Ingredients

Naturally, skin care is only as good as its ingredients. To know which ones you should look for, think about your skin type and concerns.

• Hyaluronic acid: This is a go-to hydrating ingredient that works for most skin types. It holds 1,000 times its weight in water to make sure your skin stays moisturized and plump.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a do-it-all ingredient, but when it comes to your undereyes, it’s especially helpful for reducing inflammation and shrinking dark circles.
• Ceramides: Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier while smoothing and softening the skin.
• Glycerin: This humectant absorbs water from the air to help your skin stay moisturized.
• Retinol: A type of retinoid, retinol makes your skin cells turn over faster, which helps increase collagen to reduce fine lines and texture under your eyes. But it can cause flaking and irritation—so if your skin is dry or sensitive, you may want to try peptides instead.
• Peptides: Often referred to as a retinoid alternative, peptides encourage the production of collagen and elastin (two of the major proteins that make up the skin) to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
• Vitamin C: If your goal is to brighten up your eye area, vitamin C can get the job done. It can also help smooth fine lines and offer some sun protection (although you’ll still need to layer SPF over your eye cream).
• Caffeine: Sipping an overpriced latte won’t make a difference on your undereyes (sad), but applying caffeine on the skin can constrict the blood vessels in the eye area to make dark circles less noticeable.

Packaging

Certain ingredients in skin care (like retinol and vitamin C) can degrade with exposure to light or air. To protect your investment, choose a product in an opaque tube or bottle, Dr. Rodney says. Also key: Storing your skin care in a cool, dark, dry place, which will keep the ingredients as fresh as possible, according to Dr. Huang.

You only need a pea-sized amount of eye cream. Dr. Penzi suggests using your ring finger to gently dab it into the skin directly under your eye and out to the orbital bone. “Most eye creams can be used twice daily (morning and night), or once every 12 hours,” Dr. Rodney says. “Some products, like retinol-based creams, should be used once a day or every other day, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.” Most products with retinol are also designed to be used only at night, so she recommends reading the manufacturer’s instructions before you dive in.

Not seeing results right away? Don’t give up just yet. “Consistency is key,” Dr. Penzi says. “It can take three to six months to see the full effects of the eye cream, so be sure to use daily, long term.”

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