Best Luxury: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream
Why it’s worth it: Despite its high price point, David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, says this thick, rich eye cream is ideal for people who want lots of hydration around the eyes. One swipe of this luxurious formula, and you’ll understand why: In addition to classic soothing ingredients such as squalane and glycerin, Dr. Kim calls out line-softening ginseng and retinol as well as brightening licorice.
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Why it’s worth it: The RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a fragrance-free best-seller that’s won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards for its intensive formula. “[Here,] retinol helps boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes,” says Dr. Penzi, who counts it among her favorites. “It also contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol that immediately provide hydration and plumpness to the eye area.
Meanwhile, a mineral complex of zinc, copper, and magnesium provides antioxidant benefits to your eye skin and aids collagen formation. Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, also backs the RoC eye cream, pointing out “The brand has over 25 patents, so it’s well-respected in the retinol space.”
Best for Daytime: Senté Labs Illuminé Eye Cream
Why it’s worth it: Once upon a time, this formula was only available via medical professionals, but now, Senté Labs’ Illuminé Eye Cream is accessible to the masses. “This uses the same heparan sulfate analog used in their other products to enhance growth-factor formation and decrease lines and wrinkles around the eye,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. (Heparan sulfate analog is a version of a molecule naturally found in skin that helps dial down inflammation.) It also contains niacinamide and peptides to brighten and firm the eye area over time, but you’ll also see improvement ASAP: Dr. Nazarian calls out its light-reflecting sheen that immediately lends a bright-eyed look, making it a good option for daytime.
Best for Nighttime: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
Why it’s worth it: Having a separate eye cream for your nighttime routine might seem extra, but Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme (which, we might add, took home an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022) hits different. “The combination of extracts, antioxidants, and peptides helps improve signs of aging such as crepey skin and fine lines, while the hyaluronic acid hydrates and softens the appearance of skin,” says Dr. Nazarian. The ophthalmologist-tested, fast-absorbing gel-cream is safe to apply all around the eyes, including the inner corners and on the lids.