17 Best Eye Creams That Give Visible Results
See to believe.
Reviewed by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab DirectorTested by Danusia WnekSenior ChemistMedically reviewed by Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D.Pediatric and Cosmetic Dermatologist
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
It’s no secret that the first signs or aging (or just life) show up on the eyes: Whether you’re a chronically exhausted new mom of a certain age or just managing everyday life, most of us have some combination of dark circles, crow’s feet, wrinkles, bags, and puffiness to show for it. And there’s proof: a Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab survey of over 1,000 women found that fine lines and wrinkles are the top eye area concern, followed by lack of firmness, dark circles, and undereye bags. That’s where eye cream comes in: "Eye creams differ from face creams because they're formulated specifically for the delicate eye area," explains GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. "It's important to use one to keep skin hydrated and smooth."
Our top picks
✔️ Best Overall: Lancôme Absolue The Eye Cream
A luxurious formula with a creamy texture, it was highly firming and moisturizing in Lab tests.
✔️ Best Value: Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream
At less than $30, this rich cream had strong hydration and firming effects.
✔️ Best Anti-Aging: Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream
A true all-in-one, it scored high with our testers for softening and tightening skin, as well as reducing the look of dark circles and lines.
✔️ Best Drugstore: Olay Super Eyes Daily Eye Serum
This fast-absorbing serum formula rated top for brightening skin and minimizing the appearance of undereye bags and puffiness.
✔️ Best for Wrinkles: No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream
Smooth stubborn creases with this cream, which diminished eye area wrinkle size and severity by 13%, one of the highest levels seen in Beauty Lab testing.
The GH Beauty Lab has a long history of testing eye creams both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumers, who report their feedback on ease of use and results. In the most recent eye cream test, Beauty Lab scientists tallied a total of 5,960 skin firmness, hydration, and before-and-after digital imaging measurements, plus consumer survey responses to find the most effective eye creams on the market.
Best Deal
Pros
- Raised skin hydration by 41% in our Lab tests
- Increased skin firmness by 29%
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Expensive
Why it stands out
Lancôme’s luxe, vitamin-packed cream won the GH Beauty Lab's latest anti-aging eye cream test, proving it's worth the splurge for hydrating and firming.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
The formula scored highest for increasing skin moisture in Lab Corneometer measures by 41% over six hours, and boosted firmness by 29% over four weeks of use in Cutometer calculations. Consumer testers rated it the best texture and it earned a perfect score for not irritating eyes, though it didn't soak into skin quickly.
What our testers said
Several testers said they could see a noticeable difference: "My bags are almost gone," one said. "The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my undereye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use," another marveled.
| Size | 0.7 oz |
| Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E, botanical extracts |
| Main benefits | Moisturizing, firming |
Pros
- Boosted skin moisturization by 21% and firmness by 18% in Lab tests
- Rich formula
- Bargain price
Cons
- May not soak in quickly
Why it stands out
A great bargain buy packed with plant extracts, this Burt’s Bees formula is luxe-feeling and rich.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
Lab evaluations with the Corneometer and Cutometer, respectively, showed it improved skin’s moisturization by 21% and increased firmness by 18%. Note that the cream may be best for applying overnight, since its thick texture takes some time to absorb into skin.
What our testers said
“It was soothing and left my eye area much more moisturized," one tester said. Another reported, "My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness."
| Size | 0.58 oz |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, botanical extracts |
| Main benefits | Hydrating, firming |
Pros
- Highest score for hydrating and softening skin
- Visibly firms and smooths lines
- Reduces appearance of dark circles
- Earned a perfect testing score for not causing stinging, burning, or redness around eyes
Cons
- Testers wished the instructions were more thorough
Why it stands out
Treat delicate skin to Shiseido’s “luxurious” double-duty formula for eyes and lips, which won a GH Beauty Award. The cream, made with vitamin C and botanical extracts, effectively treated nearly every eye-area issue in GH Beauty Lab evaluations.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
It earned the highest scores in many categories: for hydrating and softening skin around the eye area, visibly firming, and noticeably reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, and overall satisfaction. It also earned a perfect testing score for not causing stinging, burning, or redness around eyes.
What our testers said
“The cream seemed to make my wrinkles less visible. As it was a lip contour cream, I used it on the marionette lines on the sides of my mouth too, and it seemed to visibly reduce them!” one raved. “It has a great consistency and an unobtrusive scent,” a tester said.
One drawback: Testers commented that they wished the directions were more than just “apply morning and night,” particularly expanding on how to use the spatula and how to apply onto lips.
| Size | 0.6 oz |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, plant extracts |
| Main benefits | Hydrating, firming, brightening, smoothing fine lines |
Pros
- Brightens undereye skin
- Reduces bags and puffiness
- Serum formula absorbs quickly
Cons
- Below average testing score for firming
Why it stands out
Don’t let the lightweight serum texture fool you—this Olay formula packs a heavy punch to refresh, brighten dark circles, depuff, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrate.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
Popular with testers, the bargain buy received a perfect score for not causing redness around the eye area and the highest score for brightening the skin under eyes, reducing the look of undereye bags and puffiness, and absorbing quickly. It didn’t score as well for firming the undereye area, however.
What our testers said
“I was shocked at how well it worked; my undereye wrinkles were less noticeable as were the occasional bags!” a tester marveled. “It felt cool and made my eyes feel so hydrated, and after a few weeks, my eyes looked brighter.”
| Size | 0.45 oz |
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, caffeine, aloe, niacinamide, peptides |
| Main benefits | Brightening, reducing the look of puffiness and bags |
Pros
- Reduced wrinkles by 13% in Lab tests
- Boosted skin firmness 28% and moisturization 30%
- Good value
Cons
- One of our consumer testers developed irritation after use
Why it stands out
Infused with smoothing peptides, this No7 drugstore pick rose above the rest in the GH Beauty Lab testing at diminishing crow’s feet and creases.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
In digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer, the lotion minimized eye-area wrinkle size and severity by an impressive 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and 30% more hydrated. Although it was well-tolerated overall, one user did develop irritation after two days of use.
What our testers said
“This visibly reduced the lines and crepey texture of my skin,” a consumer tester reported. "It noticeably decreased my fine lines," another echoed.
RELATED: The Best Wrinkle Creams
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E |
| Main benefits | Reduces lines, firms, moisturizes |
Pros
- Reduced wrinkles by 10% in Lab imaging tests
- Raised skin firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%
- Brightens and depuffs
- Good value
Cons
- Cream texture was polarizing
Why it stands out
RoC excelled at tackling every age-related undereye issue in GH Beauty Lab anti-aging eye cream testing, from crow’s feet to dark circles, puffiness, and bags.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
In Lab instrumental tests, the cream increased skin firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%, reduced wrinkles by 10%, brightened dark circles, and depuffed undereye bags. Most testers thought the formula had an appealing texture, but a few found it "heavy" and "greasy."
What our testers said
"I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines) were diminished," one commented. A second agreed: "This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles."
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Vitamins C and E |
| Main benefits | Firms, hydrates, reduces wrinkles, brightens, depuffs |
Pros
- Showed visible improvement in undereye bags in Lab imaging tests
- Boosted skin firmness 33% and hydration 18% in Lab tests
- Minimized wrinkles 7%
- Lightweight and non-irritating
Cons
- Not as brightening
Why it stands out
Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest performer in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
It raised skin’s firmness by 33% per Cutometer measurements, more than all other products in the Lab's test, and was the only product to show visual improvement in undereye bags.
The formula also reduced wrinkles by 7% per Visia digital imaging and improved moisture levels by 18% in Corneometer testing, although it didn't have as strong brightening effects. Users rated the serum best for its lightweight texture and nearly perfect for its lack of irritation.
What our testers said
“The best eye treatment I’ve ever used and really delivered dramatic and noticeable results," a tester marveled. A second remarked, "It helped the bags under my eyes."
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Retinol, amino acids |
| Main benefits | Firming bags, hydrating, wrinkle smoothing |
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating for sensitive eye area
- Depuffs undereyes
- Blurs lines
Cons
- Small size
Why it stands out
Need an instant eye fix? Turn to Mary Kay's fragrance-free eye cream, a Good Housekeeping Seal star formulated to speedily depuff and help smooth undereye skin.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
Lab data evaluations confirmed that it works quickly to decrease puffiness and blur the appearance of fine lines without irritating eyes.
What our experts said
Beauty Lab experts were impressed by the fast-acting cream. (See before-and-after application images on GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann using the Visia Complexion Analyzer, below.) Note that the tube is on the smaller side given the price.
RELATED: What Causes Puffy Eyes
| Size | 0.35 oz |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, resveratrol, peptides |
| Main benefits | Depuffing, line smoothing |
Pros
- Boosted skin hydration by 34% in Lab testing
- Gentle formula
- Appealing texture
Cons
- May tingle when applied
Why it stands out
With this rich, luxurious Chanel eye treatment, you get what you pay for: A GH Beauty Lab test winner, the gentle formula with hyaluronic acid and peptides was one of the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluated.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab tesing
The cream increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours in Lab Corneometer tests and earned near-perfect scores for its "smooth" texture and "light" scent. Note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.
What our testers said
"This is flat-out amazing," one said. "I love the way it made the lines and wrinkles soften from around my eyes—my skin there feels baby smooth." Another commented: "My eyes did appear brighter and younger."
RELATED: The Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Peptides, hyaluronic acid |
| Main benefits | Moisturizing, smoothing |
Pros
- Minimizes crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness, and bags
- Softens skin
- Appealing texture
Cons
- A bit less firming than other formulas
Why it stands out
This GH Beauty Award-winning RoC Skincare cream works “wonders” for mature skin with illuminating, smoothing active ingredients such as retinol and niacinamide in a soothing metal applicator.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
It got the best score in a stunning 12 categories, including reducing the look of crow’s feet, dark circles, puffiness, and undereye bags, as well as hydrating skin and having a pleasant consistency and scent. The cream scored slightly lower for making skin feel firmer, however.
What our testers said
“This helped with all my issues, especially undereye darkness,” a tester remarked. Several users said they would recommend the product or continue using it.
| Siz | 0.5 oz. |
| Key ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, resveratrol, caffeine, ceramides |
| Main benefits | Line smoothing, brightening, depuffing, hydrating |
Pros
- Minimized eye area lines by 5% in Lab imaging tests
- Soaks in fast
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not as moisturizing or firming
Why it stands out
In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from La Roche-Posay made with the anti-aging gold standard ingredient retinol effectively smoothed eye area lines like crow’s feet without irritating the delicate skin.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
It reduced the appearance of wrinkles by 5% in Lab Visia imaging tests. Testers also found that the formula absorbed quickly. While retinol can sometimes cause redness or irritation, Lab testers didn’t report any issues.
It didn't perform as well at moisturizing and firming skin in testing, however. Be sure to only use this cream at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
What our testers said “I didn't really have much faith in eye creams until trying this one—very impressive,” and "this cream made my eyes appear well-rested and younger-looking," two commented.
RELATED: The Best Retinol Creams
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Retinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid |
| Main benefits | Line reduction, depuffing |
Pros
- Instantly brightens dark shadows
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized
- Fast-absorbing and not irritating
Cons
- Long-term results may not be as noticeable
Why it stands out
Turn to this gentle Eucerin treatment, a GH Beauty Award winner, to diminish dark circles and revive eyes instantly with sheer brightening pigments and a cooling metal applicator.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
Beauty Lab testers gave it points for its “smooth” consistency and swift absorption and that it hydrated eye-area skin without causing irritation.
What our testers said
They praised the soothing applicator and the “instant brightness” the eye cream imparted. A tester said it left their skin “radiant,” living up to its name. Be aware that users didn’t notice as much of a long-term reduction in dark circles with this.
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
| Key ingredients | Licorice root extract, resorcinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid |
| Main benefits | Brightening, softening |
Pros
- Instant illuminating effects
- Refreshing sensation on skin
- Portable solid balm stick
Cons
- The subtle shimmer could be too light for dark skin tones
Why it stands out
GH's beauty director keeps this unique Tula eye balm with a brightening, translucent pink tint at her desk to swipe under eyes during tired workday afternoons. (It works over makeup and is also great first thing in the morning; see her before-and-after images on bare skin, below.) The portable solid balm stick format also makes it great for on-the-go.
What our expert says
"I love this to instantly revive shadowy, sleepy undereyes—not only does it have immediate visible effects, it also gives skin a cooling, soothing effect that lasts after it's applied," she reports. Note that this formula has a slight shimmer that could be too light for dark skin tones, but it comes in other shade options.
| Size | 0.35 oz |
| Key ingredients | Caffeine, hyaluronic acid |
| Main benefits | Brightening, cooling |
Pros
- Smooths lines around the eyes
- Instantly cools and soothes skin
- Good value
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for some
Why it stands out
Roll this light serum, backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, around eyes to instantly revitalize skin and smooth creases and lines over time.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
In a 28 day split face study, the formula measurably smoothed wrinkles around and under the eyes, Beauty Lab data analysis confirmed. Note that those with dry skin may need to follow with a moisturizer for added hydration.
What our expert says
“I love how the product is dispensed through a metal rollerball applicator,” GH’s beauty director notes. “It feels cooling and refreshing on tired eyes and helps massage the product in.”
| Size | 0.68 oz. |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, peptides |
| Main benefits | Line smoothing, soothing, refreshing |
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Immediately softens and plumps skin
- Glowy finish
Cons
- May not work as well under makeup
Why it stands out
Smooth on this plush Biossance eye cream with moisturizing plant-based squalane and firming peptides to fortify delicate eye-area skin.
How it did in GH Beauty Lab testing
The GH Beauty Award winner, which is made without fragrance, a common irritant, came out on top in Lab evaluations for hydrating immediately. Testers gave it a perfect score for its "wonderful" texture; however, it takes time to absorb, so it may not work as well under makeup, one noted.
What our testers and experts said
Two commented on the "soft glow" and "dewy finish" it imparted. “It feels cushiony and my skin is plumped with hydration after applying it,” said GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler.
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Squalane, hyaluronic acid |
| Main benefits | Softening, radiance-boosting |
Pros
- Visibly smooths undereyes
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Formula can separate over time
Why it stands out
On the days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes, grab Dermalogica's lightweight eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine to quickly perk up skin.
What our expert says
"I tap this under my eyes and even on my eyelids in the morning when my eyes look exhausted, puffy, and droopy," GH's beauty director says. "Almost instantly, my eye area looks visibly smoother—I've tried many eye treatments and have never seen such noticeable results so quickly."
(See her before-and-after application images, below.) But note that over time, the formula may separate and needs to be shaken before application.
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Key ingredients | Peptides, caffeine |
| Main benefits | Depuffing, smoothing |
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 15 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and performance testing. The number one skincare rule she lives by: never go to bed with makeup on.
Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., is a native New Yorker now living in Scottsdale, Arizona. He practices in both Scottsdale and New York. Dr. Lal is the only double fellowship trained pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in the USA. He is a key opinion leader and international speaker with interests including social media medicine, LGBTQ health, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, laser surgery, melasma, and soft tissue augmentation. He is the chair of the social media committee for the Society of Pediatric dermatology and is on the ASDS DEI committee. Dr. Lal is often seen either on the news, at F45, or playing with his parrot Maui.
The Best Red Light Therapy Masks
7 Best Overnight Masks
The 9 Best Face Creams
10 Best Wrinkle Creams, Tested by Scientists
