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5 min read
Stylist’s little black book of skin experts, dermatologists and aestheticians shed light on which eye creams are really worth the money…
When it comes to skincare, no product divides opinions quite like an eye cream. Some swear by using one – as the delicate skin around the eye area often needs an extra helping hand of TLC to reduce puffiness and crepey skin. Others skip the step completely, often put off by bold claims that don’t deliver (no eye cream will banish dark circles overnight, sorry).
However, eye cream formulas have come a long way in the last couple of years, with potent active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and caffeine added to bolster their ability to hydrate, plump and brighten. In fact, there’s a whole category of retinol eye creams that work to reduce fine lines, encourage collagen production and help reduce milia.
If you’re looking for the best eye cream on the market – you’ve come to the right place. Below, some of Stylist’s favourite skin experts share their eye cream recommendations…
Skin Rocks The Eye Cream
“There are a few reasons why The Eye Cream stands out for me. It’s great at tackling multiple concerns I often hear from my clients, including fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of tiredness,” says aesthetician Katie Onyejekwe.
“It also contains an ultra-fine diamond powder which, albeit subtle, gives instant luminosity without leaving a shimmery white residue – which is particularly important for deeper skin tones! Plus, the texture is rich enough to feel nourishing whilst remaining lightweight, so you don’t need to worry about it causing milia.”
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel
“The skin around the eye is much thinner and delicate than anywhere else on the face. It needs adequate protection without causing issues like congestion (e.g. milia),” says consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed.
“Problems in the eye area are also fairly unique – like dark circles, visible blood vessels, and eyelid eczema. The Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel contains a powerhouse of ingredients including antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, to treat undereye issues without overwhelming this delicate area.”
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment
“The Retinal ReSculpt range by Murad is a real go to for me – they have an eye cream called Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment which is fantastic given retinoids are challenging to formulate with for the eye area,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter.
Shop Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment at Cult Beauty, £92
Medik8 Eyelift Peptides
“My vote is for Medik8 eyelift peptides,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. “It contains collagen-boosting peptides like matrixyl 300 which help with fine lines and dark circles but is still gentle, soothing and hydrating. Perfect for people who want to improve the skin around the eyes but don’t get on well with retinol.”
Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Ringlight Creamy Illuminating Eye Balm
“I recommend this eye cream to all of my clients who flag concerns about dark circles,” says Grace Day, an aesthetician and beauty writer. “It’s the ultimate pick-me-up for tired eyes, thanks to light-reflecting pigments that help to instantly make the undereye area look brighter and more awake. Plus, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to hydrate the eye area in the long term, too.”
Shop Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Ringlight Creamy Illuminating Eye Balm, £10
Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream
“It’s crazy expensive but this eye cream is genuinely one of the only ones I’ve ever noticed a real visible difference after using consistently,” says freelance beauty editor, Chloe Burcham. “A blend of peptides, amino acids and vitamin target different skin concerns, and after about 3 weeks of consistent use, I really noticed a difference in the texture and tone of my whole eye area.”
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
“The Ordinary’s caffeine eye cream is a really affordable water-based serum to help combat puffiness and dark circles in the delicate eye area,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, founder and medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic. “Caffeine is great for depuffing, and the formula works by combining a high concentration of caffeine with a highly-purified epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) that soothes inflammation and hydrates.”
Shop The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG at Cult Beauty, £8.40
Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
“I love the Murad Vitamin C eye cream and it’s one I use regularly,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London. “It contains vitamin C to give good antioxidant protection. Plus, it has a really nice reflective sheen to it to instantly improve the look of the eye area.”
Shop Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector at John Lewis, £69
Skinfix Eye Cream Triple Lipid-Boost 360° Eye
“This eye cream is one of my absolute favourites,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme. “It contains nourishing lipids and a little goes a long way. For best results, use morning and night to see a real boost of hydration.”
Shop Skinfix eye cream Triple Lipid-Boost 360° Eye at Sephora, £44
iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex
“I often find eye creams as some of the most underwhelming of all skincare products so I am really picky when it comes to choosing one that works,” says celebrity facialist Abigail James.
“I love iS Clinical’s ethos as a brand and the clinical trials they do – they combine plants with real science. This eye cream has a lovely texture, light but hydrating and makes a definite improvement in skin texture.”
Obagi Elastiderm Eye Serum
“I always recommend this in my clinic as a brilliant at-home treatment from a prescription brand, especially for patients with more mature skin,” says Dr Aggie Zatonska, cosmetic doctor and founder of Atelier Clinic. “A combination of bi-mineral complex and malonic acid helps to boost elastin production in the skin which is great for tightening.”
Tatcha Brightening Eye Cream
“There are very few eye creams I’ve tried that actually manage to brighten the under eye area, but this new one from Tatcha really does deliver,” says freelance beauty editor Chloe Burcham. “It’s formulated with a 12-hour time-release form of vitamin C which works to brighten while niacinamide and antioxidants work to address hyperpigmentation and improve the skin barrier.”
CosMedix Opti Crystal
“CosMedix Opti Crystal is a small but mighty formula,” says celebrity facialist Abigail James. “You only need a tiny amount and it’s super hydrating thanks to its thick, balm-like consistency. It’s not oily though – it’s a unique texture that really works.”
Images: courtesy of brands
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