Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Eye Cream
  • Eye creams target wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.

  • Looser FDA regulations means that brands can make wild claims.

  • Retinol, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid have proven anti-aging properties.

  • Review ingredient lists to identify scientifically proven components.

Our Approach

How we analyzed the most popular Eye Creams

Cost
The cost of a single bottle of eye cream (which is usually about 1.7 oz. or 50 mL) can range from $10 to over $200. But an expensive cream may not always be the most effective.
Ingredients
Ingredients are what can really tell us whether a cream is effective. We reviewed the ingredient lists for all the products on our list and identified those with scientific backing for its claims.
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We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.

Reviews of the Best-Selling Eye Creams

RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

The RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream is the best-selling eye-cream on Amazon. RoC is known for its revolutionary cosmeceutical formulations, like the first sunscreen that combined retinol to protect the skin and prevent the signs of aging. This eye cream, which has an MSRP of $22.99, claims to reduce the appearance of eye wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness. RoC also claims it will reduce under-eye puffiness within 4 weeks and 50% of crow’s eye and wrinkles after 12 weeks of use.

Ingredient List

Water, Glycerin, Lactose, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Isopropyl Myristate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Propylparaben, Copper Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Gluconate.

Ingredient Analysis

Despite its popularity, RoC’s eye cream doesn’t have many of the ingredients that have actually been proven to work. Most of the ingredients it does have are meant to stabilize and give the lotion a good texture and smell. The anti-aging elements in this formula appear to be Copper Gluconate and Retinol; and, while retinol’s benefits are documented, copper gluconate hasn’t been as well-researched.

LilyAna Naturals Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Not much is known about the LilyAna Naturals brand. They appear to only sell products on Amazon and make vegan and cruelty-free skincare products. Their Rosehip & Hibiscus Eye Cream is the #2 selling eye cream on Amazon, with an average 4-star rating across over 6,000 reviews. According to the product page, this cream is intended for “brightening, firming, hydrating, lifting and tightening for the delicate skin around your eye area.” This cream sells for $19.99.

Ingredient List

Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Organic Coconut Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract, Provitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C Ester, Provitamin B5, Organic Neem Seed Oil, Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

Ingredient Analysis

Provitamin A is another name for beta-carotene, a derivative of vitamin A. While related to retinol, its anti-aging properties aren’t as well-documented. Vitamin B3, on the other hand, has been shown to have a positive effect on hyperpigmentation, blotchiness, and elasticity. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant which can reduce free radicals.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Eyes review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Neutrogena is well-known for its dermatologist-recommended formulas. The Hydro Boost line of products claims to specifically target dry skin by stimulating maximum water absorption. The Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Eye boasts Hyaluronic Acid as its main ingredient for reducing dryness in the eye area. It retails for $11.90 on Amazon.

Ingredient List

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Chlorphenesin, Laureth-7, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-14 Pareth-12, Sodium Hydroxide.

Ingredient Analysis

Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate are derivatives of olive oil, which is a natural moisturizer. Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt of hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to be effective in keeping skin hydrated, a key factor in preventing aging. However, since it is mentioned so far down the list of ingredients, we’re skeptical that there’s enough of it in the formula to have the effect the packaging says it does. The other moisturizers in the formula may be responsible for any hydrating effect.

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

The Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream is also called “The Multi-Tasker” because of its purported effects on dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. This cream is tinted and acts as a color corrector and concealer to hide the dark circles. Its Amazon price is currently $19.93.

Ingredient List

Water, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Isostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Dimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Laureth-7, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Polyacrylamide, Peg-100 Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Iron Oxides.

Ingredient Analysis

Among the ingredients highlighted by Olay on its website are Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (an amino-peptide), and pigments like Iron Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Niacinamide has been proven to have a positive effect on skin texture and “smoothes out wrinkles and inhibits photocarcinogenesis.” Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 also appears to improve the appearance of photoaged skin by stimulating collagen production. The pigments’ role in this cream appears to be to diminish the appearance of dark circles. However, they don’t eliminate the circles, merely hide them.

Leven Rose Coffee Eye Lift Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Leven Rose is a Colorado-based company, popular for their beard oil products. Their Coffee Eye Lift Cream is also well-known, ranking #6 on Amazon’s best-selling eye cream list. This cream claims to be good for “tired eyes” using vitamins and caffeine to “perk them up” as well as “natural” (or more accurately, plant-based) anti-aging ingredients. The cream has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon based on over 400 reviews, and sells for $22.97. Leven Rose products are vegan and cruelty-free.

Ingredient List

Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Proline, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, Glycine, Glyceryl Stearate, Allantoin, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, sh-Oligopeptide-1, Hydrogenated Coconut, Vitamin E, Sorbitan Palmitate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Cucumber Extract, Bark Extract, Barley Extract, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Lentil Extract, Apple Extract, Whey Protein, Watermelon Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Wheat Germ Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Coffee Bean Oil, Algae Extract, Apricot Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Peptide, Hespiridin, Prickly Pear Oil, Watercress Seed Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Plumeria Essential Oil, Vitamin A, Sorbitan Olivate, Rice Peptide, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Vitamin C, Citrus Extract & Lactic Acid.

Ingredient Analysis

Proline, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and Glycine are amino acids with antioxidant properties. According to the Paula’s Choice database, amino acids should be combined for maximum effect. Hyaluronic acid is among the first ingredients, which bodes well for its moisturizing properties. Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 are peptides with skin-restoring and anti-aging properties, while Vitamin E is an established antioxidant. The rest of these ingredients appear to be a mix of plant-based oils with may or may not have scientifically proven anti-aging effects. Coffee Bean Oil is near the end, which makes us think caffeine isn’t doing much in this formula.

Baebody Eye Cream with Rosehip and Hibiscus review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Baebody is another brand that mostly appears to sell its products either on their own site or on Amazon. Not much is known about this brand. The website says its products are made in the USA and cruelty-free. This eye cream claims that hibiscus increases elasticity and brightens the skin. It has a retail price of $19.95 on Amazon.

Ingredient List

Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Organic Coconut Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Organic Hibiscus Flower Extract, Provitamin A, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C Ester, Provitamin B5, Organic Neem Seed Oil, Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract, Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

Ingredient Analysis

Interestingly enough, Baebody has the same ingredient list as another cream in the list—Lilyana Naturals and, just as with Lilyana, there is very little information about this company. 

Simplified Skin Anti-Aging Eye Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Simplified Skin is another popular Amazon brand that is based in Cleveland, Tennessee. Its products are cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free. Their Anti-Aging Eye Cream claims to target wrinkles, crow’s feet, under-eye bags, and fine lines. It retails for $18.95 on Amazon.

Ingredient List

Aqua, Aloe Vera Juice, Helianthus Annuus, Hyaluronic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana, Glycolic Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cocos Nucifera, Theobroma Cacao, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Vitamin C, Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit, Arginine, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum, Green Tea, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium, Vaccinium Macrocarpon, Rubus Idaeus, Wildcrafted Mahonia Aquifolia, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Cucumis Sativus Callus Extract, Euphrasia Offcinalis Extract, Helichrysum Italicum, Camellia Oil, Persea Gratissima, Pelargonium Graveolens, RoseHip Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Extract, Pyrus Malus, Citrus Medica Limonum, Saccharum Officinarum, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lonicera Caprifolium Extract, Lonicera Japonica Extract, Sodium Hydroxide Centella Asiatica Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract.

Ingredient Analysis

This is the longest ingredient list of all the products we reviewed. Hyaluronic acid is the fourth ingredient on the list and an excellent moisturizing agent that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Immediately after that, however, we have Hamamelis Virginiana, the scientific name for witch-hazel, which can be very irritating and drying, especially since it is distilled with alcohol. Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are alpha-hydroxy acids with documented anti-aging effects, especially against photodamage. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Matrixyl 3000 are peptides with major anti-aging and skin repairing benefits by helping skin produce collagen. Green Tea has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties. The other ingredients on this (very long) list are plant extracts, most of which aren’t extensively documented to have anti-aging properties.

Brickell Men’s Products Restoring Eye Cream for Men review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

Brickell is a skincare product line designed for men. With the characteristic black packaging of men’s beauty products, the Restoring Eye Cream for Men claims to “reduces eye wrinkles, lines, bags and dark circles around the eyes.” Brickell’s products are not tested on animals. This eye cream sells for $40.00 on Amazon, which is fairly pricey for a 0.5-ounce jar. After analyzing the ingredients, there really doesn’t appear to be anything in this cream that makes it especially effective in men, apart from the dark packaging.

Ingredient List

Purified Water, Aloe, Sunflower Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Witch Hazel, Glycolic Acid, MSM, Glyceryl Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Octyl Palmitate, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Vitamin C, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sea Fennel Wax, Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Cucumber Hydrosol, Carbomer, Arginine, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Wildcrafted Green Tea, R Lipoic Acid, Bearberry Extract, Blueberry Extract, Cranberry, Raspberry Seed Oil, Wildcrafted Oregon Grape, Licorice, Wildcrafted Eyebright, Helichrysum Essential Oil, Camellia Oil, Avocado Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Borage Oil, FlaxSeed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, RoseHip Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E Acetate, Phytic Acid, Phospholipids, Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Lecithin, Apple, Lemon, Sugar Cane, Peptides, Lemongrass, Vitamin C Palmitate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Vitamin B5, Wildcrafted Arnica, Lavender, Calendula, Chamomile, Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol.

Ingredient Analysis

This ingredient list is very similar to the Simplified Skin eye cream list. Matrixyl 3000 is a compound of peptides that includes Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 among its components. This cream also includes Hyaluronic acid, a major hydrating and anti-aging component and Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, which are effective AHAs. 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream review

Source: Amazon.com, March 2020.

The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream is intended to “moisturize and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” according to the Neutrogena website. To do this, it says it includes a combination of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Melibiose, a sugar compound which some studies have suggested (but not conclusively confirmed) may increase skin firmness. This cream retails for $10.24 on Amazon for a 0.5 oz tube.

Ingredient List

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Mica.

Ingredient Analysis

Despite the claims on the label, the only alpha-hydroxy acid on the ingredient list is Glycolic Acid, and Melibiose is nowhere to be found. Stearic Acid and Dimethicone do work to keep your skin hydrated, while Tocopheryl Acetate and Tocopherol are forms of vitamin E with antioxidant properties. Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B, Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C, and Retinyl Palmitate is a combination of retinol and palmitic acid with antioxidant effects. However, these ingredients appear rather far down the list, suggesting their amounts are minimal.

Our Research

More insight into our methodology

When we first started researching eye creams, we were surprised by all the conflicting information online about whether they were effective or not. Many reviews online go solely by how the creams feel. This is an important factor, to be sure, but we believe it’s not more important than whether the product actually works. To bring you this unbiased guide to eye creams, we decided to take the top ten best selling eye creams on Amazon (as of this publication), excluding products that aren’t specifically for the eyes, and evaluate them based on the following factors.


Cost

Eye creams come in a wide range of costs, from under $10 to upwards of $200 for the most luxe product lines. Since we know most people won’t be able to afford very expensive eye creams, we have brought you products that are affordable for most budgets. By virtue of being the bestselling products on Amazon, most of the eye creams on our list are priced under $50. However, consumers should note that cost does not necessarily correlate with quality.


Ingredients

We brought a critical eye when looking at the ingredient lists of these products. We’ve reviewed every single ingredient and identified their purpose to make sure it matches up with the cream’s claims. In many cases, we found the products’ purported effect did not correspond to the scientifically proven effects of the ingredients. 
We also considered the ingredients’ position on the list. According to the FDA, ingredients are listed in order of predominance, meaning that ingredients that appear in a higher proportion should appear before ingredients that are included in a small amount. This should give us a rough idea of whether the effective ingredient is included in a sufficient amount to cause the effect claimed.

Helpful information about Eye Cream

Why Aging is First Reflected in the Eyes

It’s an old adage that “the eyes are the window to the soul”, but they certainly weren’t talking about fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes when they said it. Nevertheless, it’s true that your eyes are where your age is first reflected. As we explained above, your skin loses collagen and elastin as you get older, which causes wrinkles to appear and your skin to sag.

This outcome is compounded by the effect of our facial expressions. There are 43 muscles in the face, all of which work together to make us smile, laugh, frown, or cry. The orbicularis oris muscles surround the mouth and create the parenthetical creases commonly called “laughter lines,” while the orbicularis oculi control the eyelids and cause crow’s feet to appear in the outer corners of the eyes.

One celebrity-endorsed way of avoiding wrinkles caused by facial expressions is to avoid smiling! Of course, most people will find this strategy impossible to do and possibly ill-advised—first, it’s often an involuntary response and second, smiling can actually make you happier. But there are some ways of slowing the progress of facial aging. The key may rest with eye creams, but not in the way you think.

The Mechanics of Skin Aging

Skin aging can be divided into two processes: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. 

Intrinsic aging happens naturally as you get older. Our skin can be broadly divided into two layers, the epidermis, which is the skin we can see, and the dermis, which lies just beneath. These two layers are united by various cells and structures that give skin its tight and plump appearance when we’re younger. 

With time, however, the connections between the epidermis and the dermis get weaker. Our dermis lose collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, molecules that give our skin its structure. Skin loses elasticity, or the ability to bounce back to its natural position when pushed or pulled. When these changes start to happen, sometimes as young as the age of 30, we start to see wrinkles and sagging. In the eyes, these are crow’s feet and lines of expression.

Intrinsic aging also changes the texture of the skin, making it rougher and duller. Skin retains less moisture, making it look drier.

No matter how many creams or treatments we use, the signs of intrinsic aging will always be there in one way or another. It’s simply part of being human.

The term “extrinsic aging”, on the other hand, describes the way external agents make our skin age prematurely. Some of these factors are sun exposure (also known as photoaging), pollution, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. 

Photoaging is the most important cause of premature cutaneous aging; in fact, some studies suggest it’s responsible for 80% of facial aging. Exposure to ultraviolet light damages the structures of the dermis, speeding up the appearance of wrinkles and sagging as we described earlier. 

Sun exposure doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. People with higher amounts of melanin in their skin are protected from photoaging more than their fairer-skinned counterparts. Melanin, a skin pigment molecule produced by melanocyte cells in the epidermis, is responsible for freckles and darker skin tones. Melanin acts as a “broadband UV absorbent”, meaning it neutralizes many UV rays before they can penetrate the skin and cause damage. This is the scientific basis for the folk belief that people with darker skin show fewer signs of aging.

The good news is that, by its very nature, premature aging is preventable. One simple thing you can do which can have a major impact is regularly applying sunscreen on your face. Dr. Zakia Rahman, a dermatologist and clinical professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, recommends mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as its main ingredient. She favors physical sunscreen over traditional sunscreen formulas that feature ingredients that may disrupt your estrogen or testosterone levels. Using protective clothing, hats that cover the face, and sunglasses with UV protection can also help prevent the signs of aging on the face.

Can Skin Aging Be Reversed?

As of right now, there is no cream, lotion, or potion in the world that can reverse aging. Though science is making leaps towards being able to extend our lifespan, turning back the clock on our bodies is impossible.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about those wrinkles. There are several compounds and molecules which have been proven to improve the appearance of our skin by stimulating the production of collagen, reducing the signs of photoaging, and increasing hydration. Below, we go over some common eye cream ingredients that are backed by science.

Retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that help regenerate skin cells. Retinol can be found in many face creams off the shelf, while tretinoin—also known as all-trans retinoic acid—is sold by prescription under the name Retin-A. Another retinoid, adapalene, is available with a prescription as Differin. 

“[Retinoids] work by reducing the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin to stimulate collagen production,” said Dr. Rahman. You may remember that loss of collagen is one of the reasons why wrinkles form in the dermis layer of the skin. According to Dr. Rahman, using creams that contain retinoids help reduce visible lines and also hyperpigmentation that may appear as dark circles under the eyes.

Vitamin C and Other Antioxidants

As one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man and a major collagen synthesizer, vitamin C plays a key role in reducing the signs of aging. Also known as ascorbic acid or ascorbate, vitamin C promotes collagen formation in the skin by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis.

Its antioxidant properties are also beneficial because they help remove oxidant molecules that can prematurely age skin. Those molecules are commonly called “free radicals”, and they’re caused by a number of environmental factors like pollution and sun exposure. Free radicals bind to cells and keep them from working normally, which can lead to premature aging.

Vitamin C helps neutralize and eliminate free radicals and reduces oxidative damage, especially when paired with vitamin E.

Other powerful antioxidants are caffeine, coenzyme Q10, and ferulic acid. According to a book chapter on skin aging by Leslie Baumann, Edmund Weisberg, and Steven L. Percival, what these molecules have in common is that they’re highly effective in reducing the effect of ultraviolet exposure, which can trigger the generation of free radicals that damage the skin.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, are used as skin peeling agents and to treat the appearance of acne. Some studies have also found that they’re useful for reducing chronic dryness as well as hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure. Some AHAs are lactic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid.

While they’re seen as very effective for reducing the signs of photoaging, you should be careful how you use products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. For one thing, they make your skin more sensitive to light, which means you could suffer sunburn if you go outside without proper sun protection. Also, you should do a patch test on your arm before applying them on your face, since they may cause irritation and burning on sensitive skin. 

However, when used correctly, AHAs can be very effective.

Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu)

Peptides are a type of molecule similar to proteins. Copper peptide specifically is a molecule that’s been shown in studies dating back to the 1970s to have a great ability to stimulate tissue repair and the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan, all of which are important for maintaining toned and moisturized skin.

Using products with copper peptide, which is sometimes referred to as GHK-Cu, could help reduce skin thinning, improve the firmness and elasticity of your skin, reduce roughness, and relieve the signs of photoaging. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a type of glycosaminoglycan, which is naturally produced by the skin. It helps the skin retain its elasticity by saturating it with water. However, its rate of synthesis goes down as we get older, so supplementing our skincare routine with products that contain hyaluronic acid is ideal.

For Dr. Rahman, hyaluronic acid is an excellent temporary solution, since the effect tends to fade with time. “[Hyaluronic acid] tends to work best on skin that's already moist so it can help trap in that moisture,” she said. “The first thing that you can do after washing is put on a hyaluronic acid cream that can help temporarily plump the skin and reduce the signs of aging.”

Temper Your Expectations

We encourage you to always read the ingredient list and make sure the cream you’re thinking about buying actually has the ingredients it needs to give you the benefits you’re looking for. That said, it’s important to know what is and isn’t possible.

An eye cream cannot make you look ten years younger and it can’t eliminate your wrinkles wholesale. It can reduce their appearance by moisturizing your skin, which makes it look plumper and makes the wrinkles less prominent. Creams can improve the texture of your skin by making it look less rough, which may make you look younger, and they can help with age spots and other instances of hyperpigmentation as long as they are on a surface level.

The Trouble with Eye Creams

The skincare industry is huge, and anti-aging products make up a big part of it. One report from Statista found that the anti-aging market was valued at $50.17 billion in 2018. However, the jury is still out on whether eye creams truly have the effect they say they have. A quick glance at the ingredient lists of many popular eye creams reveal some ingredients that have been clinically shown to reduce the signs of aging, such as those we described above, and a whole lot of components that haven’t been proven to do much, if anything, at all.

Misleading Claims

Frequently, you’ll see language from beauty brands like “Dermatologist Recommended” and “Clinically Proven”. While many cosmeceutical (a portmanteau of cosmetic and pharmaceutical) ingredients have been supported by scientific studies, the number of substances that have been clearly demonstrated to benefit the skin are few. Often, scientific studies that find a positive effect have been commissioned and funded by the cosmetics company that manufactured the cream. While this in itself isn’t a clear sign of fraudulent claims, the findings should be supported by independent studies.

In The Complete Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Beauty, author Paula Begoun—a staunch advocate of science-backed ingredients in cosmetics—wrote that “there is no evidence, research, or documentation validating the claim that eye creams have special formulations setting them apart from other facial moisturizers… they don’t differ except for the price and the tiny containers the eye creams come in.”

Begoun said that the only reason to use a different product on the eye area is if the skin around your eyes is especially sensitive or if it has different characteristics from the rest of your face (for example, if your cheeks are oily but your under-eye is dry.)

Eye Safety

Another thing to consider is that, ironically, eye creams may not necessarily be safe for the eyes. “[The] health of the eye isn't necessarily taken into consideration the way that one would expect for a product that's going to be labeled as an eye cream,” said Dr. Michelle Andreoli, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Therefore, it’s important to be aware that some eye creams may cause irritation. The eye’s pH is 7, the same as water, and creams with a different pH will tend to cause burning or irritation when they enter the eye.

If this happens, Andreoli advised that you should stop using the cream immediately and consult your ophthalmologist. In some cases, irritation can cause chemical conjunctivitis (not to be confused with viral conjunctivitis, the kind you get in school) which is treated with eye drops and ointments prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

Lack of FDA Regulation

Another area of concern is the loose regulation of the cosmetics industry by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). “The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market,” says the FDA’s fact sheet on cosmetics

There are laws and regulations that apply to cosmetics, but how the FDA enforces them is a more nebulous subject. “Companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. Neither the law nor FDA regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients. The law also does not require cosmetic companies to share their safety information with the FDA.”

In short, this means that cosmetics companies are legally bound to make sure that their products are safe for human consumption, but they’re not required to give the FDA any information about whether these products are safe. 

Even if a product is believed by its users to be unsafe—say, if a face cream causes burning or a rash—the FDA isn’t authorized to recall cosmetic products from the market the way they would with drugs or medical devices.

Finally, “manufacturers are not required to register their cosmetic establishments or file their product formulations with FDA, and no registration number is required to import cosmetics into the United States”, meaning there are few limitations on how an individual can create a cosmetics brand and sell their products, even if they contain unsafe ingredients.

One thing the FDA does regulate is the labeling language of the products. Cosmetics can’t say they will “remove” your wrinkles, because there is no scientifically proven way to do this with a cream. A cream that materially changed the composition or structure of your skin would be a drug, which would then be subject to stricter regulation. (This is why Botox is more strictly regulated—it’s considered an actual drug). What cosmetic labels are allowed to say is that they “reduce the appearance” of wrinkles or puffiness or under-eye bags. 

The result of all these factors is an industry that is poorly regulated and rife with misleading claims about the results users will receive when they use the product. Read ingredient lists carefully, research them thoroughly, and immediately stop using creams that cause irritation in your face or eyes.