Hot Tip: These Drugstore Eye Creams Are Just as Good as the $$$ Stuff (2024)

If you're a dedicated Cosmo beauty reader (which, um, you clearly are, right?), you already know we worship at the altar of retinol, which is why this cult-favorite formula from RoC has earned the top spot on our list. As a refresher, retinol (a form of vitamin A) speeds up your skin’s collagen production, which, in turn, subtly plumps fine lines and wrinkles over time. And, when it comes to this eye cream, Dr. Lal says, “it’s the closest thing you're going to find to a prescription-strength retinoid that’s gentle enough to use around the eyes.”

• Key ingredients: Retinol (smoothing and firming)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “I've tried a lot of products and think this is finally THE ONE!” writes one tester. “I've noticed a definite reduction in my dark circles and under-eye bags in just the two weeks I've used this cream. So far I'm loving it!!”

Wanna be look woke tf up? Put a lil bit of this caffeine-filled eye cream on, which reduces puffiness and boosts circulation thanks to temporarily restricting your blood vessels, Dr. Henry says. Made with all skin types in mind, this formula is also an incredible base for undereye concealer. Seriously—every time I apply my makeup, I notice that this eye cream actually lessens the amount of makeup creasing under my eyes.

• Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: "This eye cream is non-greasy, unscented, and very light but effective, especially if the skin around your eyes is puffy," reads one review. "I really like that it is in a small tube and I can squeeze out the tiniest bit without putting my finger into the container.”

If you haven't heard all the buzz around superstar skincare ingredient snail mucin—which can be attributed to K-beauty—where have you been? Though there's not a ton of research behind it, it's been said to contain hyaluronic acid, allantoin, antioxidants, zinc, manganese, glycosaminoglycans, and growth factors, which are all great for hydrating and plumping your skin, resulting in smooth, awake-looking under eyes.

• Key ingredients: Snail mucin, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.84 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: "I have been using cos Rx for about six months now," one tester notes. "It's lightweight and wears under makeup perfectly, with no piling or anything like that. It can be applied 2x daily and has made a nice improvement on the bags under my eyes."

Did you know that under-eye patches are like a 10- to 15-minute potent shot of superstar ingredients for your eyes? So, if your eye area could use some brightening and your wallet could use a little break, try these super affordable under-eye patches from Pacifica. They're loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fade anything from acne scars and dark spots for brighter-looking skin.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: Two patches
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: "Cools, brightens, and smooths puffy under eye area," one tester writes. "Noticeable difference in reducing the appearance of wrinkles as well!"

This retinoid-spiked eye cream is formulated with two MVP anti-agers—retinol (pure and simple) and retinyl propionate (a gentler, less-intense form of retinol)—to help churn out smoother, tighter skin with fewer lines over time. It’s definitely on the stronger side (so use it every few nights to build up tolerance), but the formula’s soothing niacinamide and hydrating glycerin help to offset some of the initial irritation.

• Key ingredients: Retinol (exfoliating), niacinamide (soothing), and glycerin (hydrating)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “This product has become indispensable for my under eye area,” writes one reviewer. “I’m 62 and have never had plastic surgery, and this eye cream immediately makes the skin under my eyes very smooth. It erases the lines and looks firmer.”

With nearly 30,000 five-star ratings, it’s clear that this drugstore eye cream is a 10/10 pick for sensitive skin. Its ingredient list is simple yet effective—brightening niacinamide; soothing aloe vera and jojoba oil; plumping hyaluronic acid; and hydrating fatty acids and ceramides. It's my go-to recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a "basic" eye cream that can be used morning and night without irritation (hi to you sensitive-skinned babes).

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide (soothing and smoothing) and hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “I've struggled with sensitive skin around my eyes and many special eye area formulations cause redness and make my eyes puffy,” writes one product reviewer. “This product is fluid and contains no drying alcohol, fragrance, or heaviness to make my eyes puffy in the morning. I won't go without it now that I found it.”

K, so this one’s not technically an eye cream, but on blah mornings (see: summers, all-nighters, hangovers), I personally prefer the thinner, more ~refreshing~ texture of a gel to a rich cream. And this best-seller from Amazon uses a powerhouse blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane, brightening vitamin C, firming caffeine, and collagen- and elastin-boosting peptides. The result? Less-intense fine lines over the course of a few months.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine (firming); vitamin C (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory); squalane, hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: “A friend of mine recommended this to me for my fine lines,” one reviewer writes. “I've used expensive brands, and non expensive brands with no results at all. This is the first gel that I have used and actually been able to see a difference.”

If the thought of adding yet another cream formula to your face makes you want to skip eye cream altogether, try this gel-cream hybrid from Neutrogena. It's like a glass of water for your skin, loaded with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to curb dryness and temporarily smooth lines. And if you’re someone who is particular about texture, rest assured that reviewers swear by its weightless, cooling finish.

• Key ingredients: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “This is so great if you don’t want a heavy cream for your eyes but still need a lot of moisture,” writes one one reviewer. “My under eye area was so dry I couldn’t wear foundation or concealer over it without having crinkles, flakes, and patchiness.”

If you’re looking for a hydrating eye cream that doubles as a sheer concealer, this tinted formula from Honest Beauty will be your new BFF. The formula has a mix of plumpers and soothers (basically, exactly what you want in an eye cream), along with subtle, light-reflecting pigments that brighten your under-eyes immediately.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin E (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), and glycerin (hydrating)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: “This is my go to for quick on-the-go makeup for a natural look,” reads one tester’s review. “This cream perfectly brightens under my eyes and makes it look fresh and youthful. Just a little goes a long way. It provides a sheer coverage. This cream is not oily but provides good moisture around my eye area and really brings my eyes to life.”

Fwiw, this cream is totally safe to use morning or night, but you'll get the strongest benefits from it if you layer it on in the daytime. Why? Because its hero ingredient is pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, or LAA), an antioxidant that helps neutralize the many skin-damaging free radicals—from UV rays, pollution, blue light, the environment, etc.—that wreak havoc on your cells throughout the day. Layer it under your sunscreen (ahem, SPF 30 or more, as you always do) for some of the best under-eyes of your life. Really.

• Key ingredients: vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening) and hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “I cannot believe how great this product is,” writes one reviewer. “I have used eye moisturizer for over 10 years, all high-end products. This is by far the best I have ever used, and the cost is a third of what I paid for the last product I used. After less than a week of use, I can see a difference in the skin around my eyes.”

When I think of E.l.f, I get flashbacks to 2017, when I wore the brand’s $3 liquid eyeliner on repeat (I was, and still am, obsessed). But these days—and this age—I’m hooked on the brand’s best-selling eye cream because it’s so. freakin’. hydrating. Seriously. Just a little bit—like, a literal dot under each eye—smooths dry patches and softens lines with a combo of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and fatty emollients.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (hydrating and plumping), peptides (protecting and firming)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: “My super-dry, extremely sensitive skin LOVES this eye cream since this has zero fragrance, extra peptides and collagen, and very moisturizing ingredients,” writes one tester in their review. “I use this every day and it is a staple in my skincare routine.”

This eye cream doubles as a cute lil self-care moment for your under-eyes, thanks to its cooling metal-tip applicator that acts like a mini cryo wand to help massage away some of the built-up fluid contributing to your puffiness. As for the formula itself, this serum uses hydrating and soothing ingredients (hi, shea butter and oat extract) to help plump fine lines and soften skin, without causing irritation from harsh actives.

• Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal (soothing), glycerin (hydrating), shea butter (moisturizing)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: “The formula is super creamy and hydrating (almost balmy but not thick thick,” one reviewer writes. “The metal applicator is PERRRRFECTION, great to dispense the product, apply it and it's cooling and depuffing at the same time.”

I'll be honest: Eye cream is something I kinda side-eye. Like, what's the difference between this tiny jar and my rich facial moisturizer? But with this eye balm, I'm wholly convinced. It has an emollient, ointment-like texture (ty, shea butter) that really seals in any moisture you have underneath. Plus, it's got granactive retinoid, which is a potent form of retinol that's gentle-ish on your sensitive eye area.

• Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid (firming); shea butter and sunflower seed oil (moisturizers)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.42 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, "The skin around my eyes used to be tight and dry when I woke up each morning, but not with this balm. The balm is buttery and melts into my skin."

If the only reason you’re looking for a drugstore eye cream is to smooth fine lines and firm your skin, then grab this cult-favorite cream that uses a mix of retinol (to trigger collagen and elastin production), hyaluronic acid (to plump lines immediately and over time), and vitamin C (to brighten and protect). The result? Healthier and firmer-looking under-eyes as long as you use it—which, ahem, should be every night or every other night.

• Key ingredients: Retinol (collagen producing), vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), and hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? No

THE REVIEWS: “I’ve been using this for about 3 weeks now and really enjoy how it makes the skin around my eyes look and feel,” writes one tester. “The dark areas around my eyes have lightened subtly but noticeably. The skin around my eyes that would usually be a little loose feels tighter and more firm.”

Annoying fact: No matter how much sleep, water, or eye cream you throw at your body, you still can’t permanently get rid of vascular undereye circles (i.e., when you can see your blood vessels through the thin skin around your eyes). Only genetics—or professional procedures—can truly help under-eye bags. However, some products can make dark circles look less noticeable, like this eye cream that’s filled with brightening niacinamide and tightening caffeine, which, according to Dr. Henry, temporarily constricts your blood vessels so there's less visible discoloration.

• Key ingredients: Caffeine (antioxidant and tightening) and hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
• Fragrance free? Yes
• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Cruelty free? Yes

THE REVIEWS: “This caffeine eye cream reduces dark circles and depuffs my eyes instantly,” one tester writes.

Um, yes! There are many eye creams that work—it just depends on your expectations (i.e., No eye creams can erase all lines and wrinkles or totally get rid of dark circles). In general, “when applied daily, eye creams can be extremely effective, but it usually takes at least six weeks to see any results,” says Dr. Engelman.

So, how can you tell if the formula you picked is right for you? “You’ll notice an eye cream working if the under-eye area appears more hydrated, plump, and has diminished lines and wrinkles,” notes Dr. Engelman. Just be sure to manage your expectations: “These changes can be subtle,” she says, especially if your formula doesn’t contain active ingredients, like retinol.

Sry, but there’s no one best eye cream of all time, which is why I’ve introduced you to the top 15 drugstore eye creams from this year. However, the best creams do have a lot in common, including “nourishing and hydrating ingredients, like ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Engelman.

This ingredient combo is crucial because “the skin under your eyes is the thinnest on the body, meaning it gets easily dry and irritated,” Dr. Engelman continues. Other ingredients to look for in a good drugstore eye cream?

• Antioxidants: Help protect your skin from environmental damage to prevent premature signs of aging (like dark spots, fine lines, and skin laxity).
• Vitamin E: Helps prevent swelling and UV damage, while also soothing inflammation.
• Retinol: Builds collagen and elastin, both of which keep your under-eyes firm and smooth.

Consider your skin type

“Knowing your skin type is extremely important in choosing any skincare product,” says Dr. Engelman, “but it’s especially important when choosing an eye cream because the skin under your eyes is particularly sensitive.”

What does that mean? If you’ve got dry or crepey skin, Dr. Henry recommends looking for formulas spiked with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to heal your skin barrier. Sensitive skin will be BFFs with soothing aloe and calming niacinamide, while oily skin (or any non-sensitive skin type) should look for retinoid-based formulations.

Figure out what you want to target

Eye creams aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why it’s vital you figure out what you even want from your future formula. Trying to lighten dark circles? Go for tinted, iridescent, or shimmery formulas. Want to plump fine lines? Look for creams or gels high in hyaluronic acid. Soothe puffiness? Make sure your eye cream has caffeine.

Knowing what you want from your eye cream is the first step in narrowing down the ~hundreds~ of options lining the shelves of your drugstore (or, um, Amazon cart).

Think about when you want to use it

Do you plan to use your eye cream in the morning, evening, or both? “Typically, morning and evening eye creams serve different purposes and contain slightly different ingredients,” says Dr. Engelman. “Daytime eye cream, for example, often has a purpose of hydrating and protecting, whereas night cream’s purpose is to restore and build collagen and elastin.”

• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York, NY. Dr. Engelman is an expert in injectables, lasers, and chemical peels.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and founder of the Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan.
• Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin of color.

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and the best anti-aging cream. She regularly tests drugstore eye creams for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new treatments, formulas, and products.

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan with over five years of experience researching and writing about makeup, skin, and hair, ranging from skin-tightening cream to face fillers. She discussed drugstore eye creams with the three dermatologists featured in this story and dove into reviews and research to recommend the best products.