What Does Hydrating Eye Cream Do?
The job of a hydrating eye cream is to keep the sensitive area around the eyes moisturized so that skin problems caused by excessive dryness such as itchiness, irritation, and flaky skin do not occur. Dry skin is also the main culprit that causes the appearance of signs of aging such as premature lines and wrinkles and using the best hydrating eye cream combats this problem too. Eye creams also help in battling puffiness and tiredness and help keep the skin around your eyes rejuvenated.
Keep Your Under-Eyes Supple And Smooth With The 15 Best Hydrating Eye Creams
1. Best Overall:Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
If you are looking for a hydrating eye cream that does its job seriously without any frills, this is the first choice for you. Designed as a gel-based cream that glides on easily on the soft under-eye skin and absorbs quickly, this eye cream with a lightweight formula provides hydration in minutes. Suitable for all skin types, this eye cream is packed with hyaluronic acid that hydrates instantly and keeps the moisture locked in for up to 24 hours. This means that you will not have to worry about constantly moisturizing your under-eye skin by simply applying this eye cream once in a day. It is formulated to be non-irritating and hypoallergenic, which is great news for those with sensitive skin in general. Plus, this eye cream brightens up your under-eye region and makes you look energized and rejuvenated. Watch this video of the product for more information. Pros
Gel-based formula that is lightweight Absorbs quickly Locks in moisture for up to 24 hours Hypoallergenic Suitable for sensitive skin Brightens the under eye region Non-irritating Recommended by dermatologists
Cons
Contains alcohol that might clog pores for some
2. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
Who said a blend of hyaluronic acid is only for your face? This Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream is packed in with this ingredient that is considered to be the holy grail as far as hydration is concerned. Designed to literally feel like water for your skin in the under-eye region, this gel-based cream feels like water and gel on the skin, making the cream absorb quickly while locking in moisture as well. Tested by ophthalmologists, this eye cream is great for daily use and does not clog pores. Apply it before you go to bed or layer it with your favorite eye make up – this eye cream does the job both ways and helps boost your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. Say bye to dry skin and fine lines in the under-eye region with this hydrating under-eye cream. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product. Pros
Gel and water-based formula Non-comedogenic Tested by ophthalmologists Free of dye Free of oil Free of fragrances Long-lasting and intense hydration Absorbs quickly
Cons
Might not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
3. Best For Crow’s Feet:Eva Naturals Youth Restoring Eye Gel
Say goodbye to crow’s feet, puffiness, and bags under your eyes with this hydrating eye cream that comes in the soothing formulation of a gel. For its ingredient list, the brand uses a unique, innovative formulation comprising plant stem cells with matrixyl 3000, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids that help in the formation of collagen, which restores the elasticity of the skin and prevents the premature appearance of lines and wrinkles. Ingredients such as frankincense and gotu kola make this hydrating eye cream rich in antioxidants, which prevents inflammation and therefore also reduces puffiness. Packed with peptides and cucumber, this eye cream also reduces the appearance of dark circles and helps soothe the skin around your eyes. Brownie points for this brand using natural ingredients and being free of parabens, animal cruelty, and being suitable for most skin types. Pros
Rich in antioxidants Reduces puffiness Reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles Reduces appearance of dark circles Made of natural ingredients Free of parabens No animal cruelty Suitable for most skin types
Cons
Some might experience a tingling sensation upon using it.
4. Best Long-Lasting:Olay Deep Hydrating Eye Gel
They say eyes are the window to the soul but you surely do not want them to let the world know about how many late nights at work you have had recently and how sleep deprived you truly are. Wake up your eyes with this hydrating eye cream that not only moisturizes but also plumps up the skin to reduce the appearance of puffiness and tiredness. Formulated as a gel, this has a soothing effect on your eyes and absorbs quickly into the skin, without feeling sticky. A combination of potent ingredients such as a blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, pro-vitamin B5, and cucumber extract help the skin lock in moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and soothe the skin to get rid of inflammation. A small amount of this good hydrating eye cream gives you intense hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product. Pros
Plumps up the skin Reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles Reduces inflammation Provides intense hydration Absorbs quickly without feeling sticky Lightweight gel formulation
Cons
Might not be suitable for those who want to layer it with eye makeup
5. Best For All Skin Types:e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
Gift a dose of intense hydration for your skin with this moisturizing eye cream that uses hyaluronic acid and peptides to boost your skin’s ability to retain moisture and get rid of inflammation, puffiness, and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The formulation of this product is rich but absorbs into the skin effortlessly, which means you do not have to worry about greasiness. Plus, it helps minimize the appearance of undereye circles, acts as an emollient, and is a dream to layer with your preferred kind of eye makeup. It is suitable for all skin types and uses no toxins in its formula. Full marks for this cruelty free hydrating eye cream for also being a vegan product. Pros
Boosts your skin’s ability to retain moisture Reduces inflammation Suitable for using with makeup No toxins Vegan Cruelty free Paraben free
Cons
Contains glycerin
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Contour Yeux
Your quest for a heavy-duty, power-packed hydrating under-eye cream ends here with this product. With potent ingredients such as shea butter, niacinamide, and neurosensine, a small amount of this soothing eye cream will comfort the sensitive area around your eyes in a jiffy. It has an easy gel and cream texture that is easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. Suitable for even ultra sensitive skin types, this under-eye hydrator is tested by dermatologists, allergy-tested, free of oil and fragrances, plus is non comedogenic. This product is also designed to be free from parabens, preservatives, and drying alcohol. Apply this under eye hydrating cream to the sensitive area around your eyes twice a day and see how it works its magic. Pros
Suitable for ultra sensitive skin Free of preservatives Free of drying alcohol No fragrance Tested by dermatologists No oils Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested
Cons
Needs reapplication for all-day hydration
7. Best Cruelty-Free:Acure Ultra Hydrating Eye Cream
Concocted to act like a caffeine kick for your under-eyes, this hydrating eye cream uses a potent cocktail of ingredients such as ashwagandha, holy basil, reishi mushrooms, turmeric, supergreens, and green coffee oil. These ingredients do not just make your puffiness disappear but also brighten your sensitive under-eye region and reduce the appearance of dark circles. A pea-sized amount of this powerful hydrating eye cream works like magic to keep your skin around the eyes moisturized. Pros
Keeps puffiness at bay Free of parabens Free of sulfates Free of mineral oil Free of petrolatum Free of formaldehyde No animal cruelty Contains supergreens and adaptogens
Cons
Some might not like its natural scent.
8. Best Travel-Friendly:Bliss Eye Do All Things Hydrating Eye Gel
This hydrating eye cream is designed as a multi-action cooling gel that soothes, rejuvenates, and takes away the appearance of puffiness from the sensitive area around your eyes. This eye gel is easy to apply as it comes with a steel roller to lightly massage the product into the skin, and it gets rid of puffiness. It brightens and tightens the fragile skin of the under-eye and uses a mix of caffeine, peptides, and plant stem cells as hydrating and firming agents. Vitamin C, squalane from plants, and extracts of cucumber work together to make up this intense formulation that works wonders. Easy to carry, this is a portable magic wand to vanish all your under-eye woes. Pros
Cooling, soothings, and rejuvenating Easy to apply with steel roller Brightens and tightens No parabens No phthalates No sulfates No mineral oils
Cons
Might not be suitable for sensitive skin May cause some tingling
9. Best Multipurpose:AHC Essential Real Eye Cream For Face
This hydrating eye cream by Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics (AHC) is a powerful formulation that not just works to keep your under-eye hydrated but also doubles up as a moisturizer for your whole face. The product uses a microemulsion technology that easily absorbs into the skin to lock in moisture so that your skin remains soft and supple. A proprietary blend of peptides and vitamins adds anti-aging features to this product that works to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. You can also notice a change in the texture of your skin as this cream works to add a youthful radiance. Pros
Doubles up as face moisturizer Is an anti-aging eye cream Microemulsion technology to absorb quickly Improves skin texture Adds radiance
Cons
Some might not like the scent of this cream.
10. Best Quick-Absorbing:IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
What is better than just hydrating the skin around your eyes? If you also get to smoothen lines and wrinkles, of course! This hydrating under-eye cream is designed to do just that, and more. Its intensely hydrating formula keeps the skin soft but does not feel greasy as it absorbs into the skin quickly. Infused with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this under-eye moisturizer is clinically formulated to make the skin around your eyes appear firmer and therefore, beat signs of aging. Collagen, copper, peptides, caffeine, and cucumber extract work to provide radiance to the skin to make it look brighter. It also reduces the appearance of puffiness and under eye dark circles! Pros
Intensely hydrating Absorbs into the skin quickly Firms the skin around the eyes Contains collagen Adds radiance Minimizes puffiness Minimizes dark circles
Cons
Might be a little pricey for some
11. Best Anti-Aging:Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair
Pick this thoughtfully-formulated eye repair if you are looking for a trusted treatment for your under-eyes as with its intense hydration formula, this under-eye moisturizer helps keep your skin soft. A combination of vitamins C and E and grape seed extract help to protect your skin from pollutants and environmental damage, which improves the natural texture of your skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and locks in moisture for optimum hydration, nourishing your skin from within. This also helps combat photoaging and signs of aging from other factors, thereby making your under-eye skin look and feel good. Pros
Improves skin texture Protects against environmental damage Protects against photoaging Free of gluten Free of paraben Vegan No animal cruelty
Cons
Some might find the product a little heavy on the skin.
12. Best For Brighter Skin:Murad Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Not just does this eye cream provide moisturization but it helps you tackle signs of aging by fighting the number one culprit for it, which is the sun. Containing broad spectrum SPF 15, this eye cream provides a shield for your skin against the sun using titanium dioxide, protecting it from aging. Plus it also helps in diffusing light to take the focus away from existing lines and wrinkles. Caffeine helps in fighting puffiness while retinol helps in the rejuvenation of cells. Fused with the goodness of vitamin C, it also brightens your skin. With its anti-aging benefits and ability to hydrate, this one is a win for those looking to buy a wonder product packed with features. Pros
Contains broad spectrum SPF 15 Contains retinol to support cell renewal Has anti-aging benefits No parabens No sulfates Gluten-free No mineral oil No animal-derived ingredients
Cons
Slightly expensive
13. Best For Intense Moisturization:Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream
Formulated as a rich and intense moisturizer that melts into the skin to act as a double shield of hydration, this moisturizing eye cream smoothes lines and softens wrinkles in a jiffy. Using ingredients such as the Japanese white peony extract, silk extract, and hadasei-3 complex, this eye cream feels like silk on the skin and provides a cushioning effect for your under-eye area by blurring the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Packed with antioxidants and superfoods, this eye cream basically helps to keep your skin young and nourished. Pick this for a dose of intense hydration for your under-eye skin! Pros
Rich texture Packed with antioxidants Melts into the skin and settles as a barrier Blurs the appearance of lines and wrinkles Contains protein complex for a silky effect
Cons
May not be suitable for those looking for a light product that absorbs quickly
14. Best With Natural Ingredients:Dr. Hauschka Daily Hydrating Eye Cream
Looking for a no nonsense hydrating eye cream that does the job just right? This eye cream is your answer. Made of certified natural ingredients, this hydrating eye cream moisturizes the skin around the eyes and keeps it soft while also refining it to improve its texture. Continued usage reveals younger-looking, nourished skin that looks and feels better. A blend of essential oils work to fight signs of aging while rose water and other plant-based ingredients add to the hydration and soothing effect. Pros
Uses certified natural ingredients Softens and smoothes the skin Fights signs of aging Contains essential oils Plant-based ingredients to soothe the skin
Cons
May not pack long-lasting hydration
15. Best Gentle Formula:Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream
If you are looking for a gentle hydrating eye cream, try this Bobbi Brown eye cream that is designed to be ultra gentle and mild but very effective. Enriched by a blend of mineral water that activates the natural hydrators of the skin, it also has aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin so that it is prepped before you apply your concealer or eye makeup. The cream uses naturally occurring humectants that make the skin soft, smooth and supple. Pat it around your eyes and watch it work its magic to keep the delicate skin around your eyes smooth and hydrated. Pros
Gentle on the skin Mild formulation Uses a blend of mineral water to glide on smooth Contains aloe vera to soothe the skin Perfect before makeup
Cons
Might not be very effective for mature skin
The skin around your eyes is one of the most delicate and thin surfaces, making it prone to dryness and premature aging. Therefore, it is vital to invest in a high-quality, hydrating eye cream. Here are some essential qualities to look for when buying the best eye cream.
How To Choose The Best Hydrating Eye Creams
Formulation
Hydrating eye creams typically come in two formulations, gel based and thick creams. While gel formulas have a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, thicker creams have a rich texture that glides on smoothly. If you have dry skin, go for a thicker eye cream. However, if you have oily skin, opt for a gel formula.
Ingredients To Look For
The kind of ingredients you choose must resonate with the benefits you are looking for your skin. For instance, choose ingredients like vitamin E, retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C, which helps brighten the area and reduces dark circles. For intense hydration, look for ingredients like plant oils, shea butter, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture. In case you suffer from under eye puffiness or crow’s feet, pick an under eye cream with caffeine and green tea.
Ingredients To Avoid
It is best to avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and phthalates because the area around your eyes is particularly delicate. If you have sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic eye creams. Also, avoid using any artificial fragrances, as they contain harmful elements that can cause irritation. Instead, go for natural options such as fruit extracts and essential oils like lavender, which heals your skin and provides a refreshing aroma.
Additional Benefits
Choose an eye cream that contains SPF to protect the delicate skin from the harsh UV rays. Pick an eye cream with an SPF 15 or more for optimal protection. You can also look for ingredients like proteins, peptides, and ceramides which help fight and delay the early signs of aging. And now that we have looked at the best hydrating eye creams that are our favorites, here is how you could choose the one that is best for you.
How To Apply Hydrating Eye Cream
Step 1: Always start by cleansing your skin. Remove all the dirt and grime from your face and start with a squeaky clean skin.Step 2: Exfoliate your skin with your favorite product so that it takes out all the leftover impurities from your skin.Step 3: Tone your skin to add a layer of hydration.Step 4: Dab your serums on to your skin in this step for an added layer of hydration and skin nourishment.Step 5: Moisturize your skin well by massaging in a good hydrating face cream.Step 6: Take a pea-sized amount of your eye cream and apply it in tiny dots around your eyes with your fingertips.Step 7: Gently use the tip of your eyes to lightly massage it in. Pay attention to being extremely gentle as the skin around your eyes is very sensitive.Step 8: Go ahead and add some SPF if you are stepping out. You can also wear your makeup after this, if you want to. If you are still wondering about the benefits of using a hydrating eye cream then here are listing a few.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Eye Cream?
It moisturizes the soft skin around your eyes and helps to keep it soft and smooth. It helps fight aging as dry skin is a major cause of premature lines and wrinkles. It can also help fight puffiness and tiredness to brighten up your eyes. It helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author, is a skin care aficionado and has the lowdown on hydrating eye creams. To make it easier for you, the author has come up with the above list of the best night creams after surveying different brands available on the market and going through user feedback at great lengths. She believes these creams play a crucial role in hydrating the sensitive area around the eyes and help prevent irritation, flaky skin, and signs of premature aging. How do you hydrate the skin around your eyes? You can hydrate the skin around your eyes with the best hydrating eye creams that are especially designed to keep the delicate skin in that area moisturized. Are eye creams really necessary? Eye creams are formulated for the purpose of giving effective hydration to your under-eyes and also have added benefits such as fighting puffiness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Eye creams are the ideal way to keep the sensitive skin around your eyes moisturized and healthy. Is there an eye cream that actually works? Yes. Eye creams moisturize your dry under-eye skin, combat aging signs, reduce puffiness, and improve the appearance of dark circles. Is Vaseline good for under the eyes? Yes. Vaseline moisturizes and softens the skin under your eyes. It eliminates dead skin cells and improves the appearance of dark circles. Can I put moisturizer around my dry eyes? Yes. Put lightweight moisturizers rich in hyaluronic acid and collagen around your dry eyes to hydrate and soften the skin. How often should you apply eye cream? Yes. Apply eye cream twice daily to brighten the appearance of your eyes and keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and youthful. What causes under-eye dryness? The skin under your eyes is thinner than other parts of your face. Therefore, it has a low moisture-retention capacity and is more prone to radical damage. Therefore, the skin under your eyes tends to become dry and dull quickly. At what age should you start using eye cream? The skin starts to age and deteriorates from the early 20s. Therefore, apply eye creams in your mid-20s to prevent radical damage and combat premature aging signs. Can you apply hyaluronic acid under the eyes? Yes. Use products infused with hyaluronic acid to boost moisture in the skin under your eyes. This ingredient helps moisturize and brighten the under-eye area.
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