These 19 Eye Creams for Wrinkles Are Better Than Botox

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Our eyes say a lot about ourselves, and there are so many things that can affect how they look. Stress, not drinking enough water, one too many late nights, and plain old genetics are all possible culprits behind the wrinkles and fine lines that crop up as we age. “Wrinkles form from loss of collagen and elastin around the thin eyelid skin. Squinting and smiling also contribute to crow’s feet around the eyes,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.

In other words, fine lines and wrinkles are perfectly normal and a reflection of the life we’ve led thus far. They may not bother you, and that’s totally fine! However, if you’re looking to prevent or soften their appearance, there are plenty of methods you can employ, including a quick under-eye mask session, purchasing an under-eye wrinkle filler, or incorporating one of the best eye creams for wrinkles into your daily skincare routine.

We have to admit that there are so many formulas with powerful ingredients out there, from peptide eye creams to retinol, that can make it tough to sift through all the choices. Luckily, we tried dozens of options ourselves and pored over hundreds of customer reviews to bring you the 19 best eye creams for wrinkles and fine lines that actually do the job. Take a gander at the list below—your under eyes will thank you.

Skin Renewing Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, niacinamide

Size: 0.5 fl oz

When it comes to anti-aging skincare, expensive is not always better. “This is an affordable product with peptides that help hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Lal. Investing in hydrating eye creams can help plump and smooth the under eyes and reduce fine lines.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “CeraVe has used ceramides in their formulas before it was popular within the skin care market. Containing both peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and caffeine—you get great ingredients for an even better price.” — Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Moisture Repair Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Ceramides

Size: 0.88 fl oz

Consider this cream a fresh glass of water for your under eyes. The fast-absorbing formula melts into your skin like butter to disperse a hydrating, cooling formula that reduces dryness and dullness.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ll sing the praises of Curel to anyone who will listen—it’s just that good. The eye cream is my little secret to hydrated, younger-looking eyes. It creates a smooth base for my under-eye makeup and soothes dry areas.”— Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Key ingredient: Avocado

Size: Size 0.95 fl oz

Avocado is great on toast but even better as a superfood staple in skin care for its nourishing benefits. Kiehl’s utilizes avocado to boost hydration and brighten around the eyes.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I like a thick under eye cream and this one is top notch. It’s hydrating and helps my under eye makeup not dry out. Perfect for the cold, dry, winter months or anytime you can use a little extra hydration (which for me, is always).” — Danielle James

Total Eye Lift Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Harungana extract, shea butter

Size: 0.5 fl oz

This eye cream was designed to work quickly, and it absolutely does the job. In just a minute, you’ll notice tightening and reduction in fines lines. With consistent use, the benefits only get better.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Not only did this eye cream hydrate and tighten, but it was also the only eye cream that cleared up a patch of eczema I had on my eyelid a couple years ago. This is a product I can trust to do right by me each and every time I use it—I’ve finished two bottles, and I’m sure I’ll go back to it again eventually.” — Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce writer

Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides

Size: 0.05 fl oz

If you have sensitive skin, using retinol–particularly around the delicate eye area–can be terrifying. However, this gentle eye cream uses ingredients that mimic the anti-aging and brightening effects of retinol, without the side effects.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “The flat, ceramic tip is a treat for my puffy eyes in the morning because it feels like I’m giving my under-eye area a cooling massage. I love that there’s a tiny opening where the product dispenses, so I can control how much cream I put on. Plus, the tinted cream gives a brightening effect that lasts well after the product melts into your skin.”—Nerisha Penrose

A.G.E. Advanced Eye For Dark Circles

Key ingredients: Caffiene, wild fruit extracts

Size: 0.5 fl oz

SkinCeuticals is the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging skincare. “This product has unique technology that fights glycation end products that occur with aging. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles,” says Dr. Lal.

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “One of my most luxurious eye creams is the A.G.E Advanced Eye by Skinceuticals. After a week of consistent use, I noticed how much brighter my eyes and smoother my eyes appeared. No more dry patches or dullness—this cream is an instant reviver.”— Nerisha Penrose

Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener

Key ingredients: Peptides

Size: 1 fl oz

Skincare and instant results shouldn’t go together, but this eye gel changes all that. Immediately, you’ll feel your under eyes tightening while the product dries. With time and consistency, fine lines fade thanks to a trio of peptides.

Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The instant results are truly remarkable. Upon application, the Eye Tightener works its magic, visibly tightening and lifting the delicate skin around my eyes. Fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness seem to vanish, leaving a smooth and revitalized appearance. It’s like having an instant facelift specifically tailored for the eyes.”

Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Key ingredient: Retinol

Size: 0.5 fl oz

A favorite amongst dermatologists, the RoC Retinol Eye Cream is packed with age-defying ingredients. “This has retinol, which helps fight wrinkling over time,” says Dr. Karan Lal. Not only does retinol help combat signs of aging, but it also improves discoloration and dark circles when used consistently.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This has changed my baggy, puffy, dark eyes for the better. I apply every night and instead of waking up to ugly eye bags I wake up to soft smooth undereyes. I saw a difference in 4 days using this eye cream and even went to every other night after 3 weeks and still it keeps my undereyes in shape. An essential!”

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Retinol is an incredibly effective anti-aging ingredient, but its potency can also cause dryness in some forms. This eye cream makes that a thing of the past, by combining retinol with hydrating hyaluronic acid.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this daily for years now. It works great on wrinkles!”

Redermic C Eyes Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Filler

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Oftentimes, using multiple active ingredients helps combat fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by various factors. This eye cream covers the bases by utilizing the powers of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to plump, brighten, and reduce fine lines.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “I’ve been using it for years and haven’t found anything that works better to keep the lines and crow’s feet at bay around my eyes.”

Age Smart Age Reversal Eye Complex

Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides

Size: 0.5 fl oz

If you want to use an eye cream that’s universally adored, this one from Dermalogica is it. It is packed with active ingredients like retinol and niacinamide to help fade fine lines and wrinkles while also evening out your skin tone.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have used this product for years now as part of my nightly routine. Before going to bed, I use this under my eyes after cleansing and tap gently around the orbital bone. Creamy serum that goes on so smoothly, softens fine lines and helps decrease those under-eye bags while you’re getting your beauty sleep!”

AluminEye Brightening Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide

Size: 0.5 fl oz

“The AluminEye Brightening Eye Cream reduces all signs of aging and dark under eyes. It is fortified with potent peptides and vitamins that work synergistically to combat the signs of aging and to revitalize the skin, as well as tremella mushroom extract, niacinamide, and murumuru butter,” says Dr. Chilukuri.

Alumier MD rating: N/A

An Alumier reviewer says: “After about a month of using this eye cream, I have definitely noticed a reduction in puffiness. My undereye area also looks a little lighter. As I mentioned, ensure that you are applying this cream an inch away from your eyes as it can sting!” — Dominique Baker, Blogger, Style Domination

Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream

Key ingredient: Peptides

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair system is a staple in skincare, and this eye cream should be just as revered. It’s incredibly hydrating and plumping.

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely love this eye cream. I really see a difference in puffiness and fine lines around the eyes.”

Tightening Eye Gel

Key ingredient: Marine algae

Size: 0.67 fl oz

This eye cream is lightweight yet packed with effective, botanical ingredients. It helps contour around the eyes, tightening loose areas so the skin is plumped and fine lines are reduced.

Dermstore rating: 4/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “As soon as I apply it any puffiness disappears, overtime my under eyes don’t look as dark. It has some amazing ingredients to not only help with puffiness but dark circles and fine lines as well. Lots of antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage as well. Great product and worth the price.”

Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Eye Cream Intense at Nordstrom

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter

Size: 0.5 fl oz

When your late nights turn into swollen, dull, tired eyes, reach for the Repair Eye Cream Intense by Bobbi Brown. The creamy mixture takes hydration seriously, thanks to hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin, which create a nourishing shield to reduce any evidence of fatigue.

Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This was the first eye cream I ever used and I still keep it stocked in my skin care collection to this day. Anytime I feel like my eye area could use a instant burst of hydration or I want to wake up looking extra refreshed, the Repair Eye Cream does the job.”—Nerisha Penrose

Refillable Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Key ingredients: Retinol, shea butter

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Charlotte Tilbury’s Rescue Cream line is beloved by celebrities and makeup artists alike for its ability to prime the skin before makeup. The eye cream is ultra-hydrating and refillable, so you can replace the product without needing to re-buy the container.

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Amazing! Very moisturizing! Hides all lines and wrinkles. I use it twice a day and have great results. I have used all high end eye creams, none have worked so well!”

Olive Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Olive seed oil, vitamin b5, hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, niacinamide

Size: 1.01 fl oz

This antioxidant-rich eye cream deeply hydrates the skin without irritating it—as proven by clinical trials involving a 96-hour patch test. While anyone can use the product, its moisturizing, brightening, and smoothing abilities make it especially well-qualified to take care of mature skin.

Irene Forte rating: 5/5 stars

An Irene Forte reviewer says: “This is the first eye cream that resolved dry skin areas around my eyes and on my eyelids. I was even using a prescription cream from my dermatologist that was not resolving the dry skin. I use it every morning and night, and my eyes are back to smooth skin. I have sensitive skin, and this product is great.”

Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Unlike eye creams, eye serums are more lightweight and can feel nearly invisible once they’ve sunk into the skin. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working hard for you. Packed with peptides, this eye serum plumps and hydrates the under eyes at a very reasonable price.

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I was a bit skeptical to try this but I’ve been using this serum day and night for almost two weeks now and I genuinely love it. It helps to smooth out my under-eyes where I’m starting to develop crows feet and it pairs well with my eye cream before I apply makeup.”

Revox Line Relaxer

Key ingredient: Peptides

Size: 0.58 fl oz

Move along, Botox. “This is the OG. This product has peptides, which help improve wrinkles around the eyes,” says Dr. Lal. While this is certainly an investment product, the results speak for themselves.

Dermstore rating: 4/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “I’m still on the fence about the revox line relaxer. I have been using it twice a day on my under eyes for the past year and have no noticed a significant change but they haven’t gotten worse. It is an expensive product and I will probably continue to use but I won’t be using all over my face due to the price.”

Meet the Experts

Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Suneel Chilukuri is a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas.

What causes wrinkles in the eye area?

As we age, wrinkles and lines will inevitably appear. “Wrinkles form from loss of collagen and elastin around the thin eyelid skin. Squinting, smiling, also contribute to crows feet,” says Dr. Lal.

If you notice signs of aging around your eyes before anywhere else, there is a reason for that. “The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate, making it particularly susceptible to loss of collagen and elasticity, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. Unprotected sun exposure, habitual squinting, and tobacco use can all exacerbate the formation of wrinkles around the eyes. Consistently rubbing the eyes too harshly can also stretch the skin and disrupt elastin production, causing the appearance of lines. Even the position in which one sleeps, particularly on the side or stomach, can prematurely create wrinkles. Additionally, dehydration can lead to temporarily more noticeable lines, particularly around the eye area. While genetics play a role in aging, external environmental factors also have an impact on the overall condition and appearance of the skin,” adds Dr. Chilukuri.

Can eye cream improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles?

While we now know that no cream can magically erase the past twenty years, that doesn’t mean eye creams can’t be effective. The trick is to know which results to expect, and how long they take. “While there is no miraculous cream or ingredient that can completely halt the natural aging process, a well-formulated eye cream can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce puffiness and dark circles, and brighten the under-eye area. It is crucial to look for key active ingredients when looking for an effective eye cream,” says Dr. Chilukuri.

Which ingredients do you recommend for an anti-aging eye cream?

Hydration is key. “Eye creams can improve the hydration of the skin around the eyes, which can lead to temporary plumping. Certain eye creams with peptides and retinol help thicken the skin around the eyes. You want to look for [eye creams that contain] peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol,” says Dr. Lal.

Dr. Chilukuri also recommends eye creams that contain caffeine and niacinamide.

How long does it take to see results?

If you want to see dramatic improvements, don’t expect them overnight. “You will start to see important results at around eight to 12 weeks. You have to continue to use the products to have long-lasting results,” says Dr. Lal.

If an eye cream promises too much, it may be a sign that the ingredients are highly concentrated. “Some products may claim unrealistic outcomes, such as complete wrinkle removal or dark circle elimination, which may not be feasible with over-the-counter solutions. Given the delicate nature of the skin under the eyes, it's important to choose safe and effective products that can provide hydration and firmness,” adds Dr. Chilukuri.

Which in-office treatments do you recommend for treating under-eye wrinkles?

If you find that your desired results aren’t being met by an eye cream, in-office treatments can often have more dramatic effects. “The best in office procedures around the eyes include ablative skin resurfacing, fractional ablative resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, plain microneedling, PRP injections, and even botulinum toxin,” says Dr. Lal. However, it's important to work with your doctor to find the best option for you. Dr. Chilukuri says, “When it comes to treating eye wrinkles, it's important to take a customized approach that addresses each individual patient's needs. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the best treatment plan.”

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about anti-aging eye creams. Freund, Nerisha Penrose, and Carol Lee also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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