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Fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet are a natural part of the skin's maturing process, but if you’re looking to soften their appearance, the best eye creams for wrinkles can help deliver a smoother, firmer look. (Sorry to your usual daily eye cream, but these formulas tend to focus primarily on moisture.) And while your go-to hydrating eye cream can plump fine lines and make them less noticeable, more pronounced wrinkles may call for ingredients like retinol and peptides, which can help firm skin and support collagen production over time, ultimately giving you results that last a lot longer.

Just don’t mistake more powerful for more aggressive: The skin around your eyes is thin and notoriously easy to irritate, so choosing a formula that’s effective without going overboard is key—which is where our dermatologist recommendations come in.

Our Top Eye Creams for Wrinkles

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex, $125
• Best Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, $21
• Best Retinol-Free: Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum, $95
• Best Tinted: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35, $79

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What do I look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?
• When do I start using an eye cream?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Advanced Eye

$125

Dermstore

$125

Bluemercury

$125

SkinCeuticals

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals products are known for their science-meets-skin-care formulas, and the revamped A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex lives up to the reputation. "It improves the appearance of crow's feet through its potent combination of proxylane, blueberry extract, and a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides," explains Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Instead of simply delivering collagen to the skin, this 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner actually encourages cells to produce it from scratch, helping to firm skin and minimize fine lines over time.

If you're wondering, the titular A.G.E. stands for advanced glycation end-products, which naturally develop and build up in our bodies as we age and cause our skin to sag, as Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. This eye cream is your first line of firming defense. It also has light-reflecting ingredients that brighten the skin around the eyes, but consistent application yields the best long-term results. "With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes," says Dr. Penzi.

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I have what plastic surgeons have called an 'expressive face,' so my crow's feet are out of control when I smile. This makes a noticeable difference in their length and depth, but doesn't exacerbate my milia or lead to pilling. I really appreciate that it feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, so I can apply the rest of my skin care and makeup right after—helpful when I'm trying to get ready with my kid hounding me." —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: proxylane, peptides, glycyrrhetinic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

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RoC

Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

$22 $20 (9% off)

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a fragrance-free best-seller that's won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards. "[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 dole out 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."

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“RoC's eye cream has been a tried-and-true formula for many years now. I'm probably aging myself by linking to this review I wrote in 2021, but with the added years (I'm 33 now), my concerns about volume loss and creasing around the eyes are even more prevalent, so RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream has made its way back into my nighttime rotation. After all, not much can beat retinol in terms of wrinkle-reducing efficacy. I've never had any sensitivity using it either, perhaps because irritating-soothing glycerin is one of the top ingredients. All in all, this is a very affordable eye cream that outperforms many pricier formulas.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol (amount undisclosed), glycerin, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol-Free: Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

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Lancôme

Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

$95

Amazon

$95

Nordstrom

$95

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

Why it's worth it: Lancôme's Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum has a pretty wild wrinkle-fighting ingredient up its sleeve: a snake venom-inspired peptide that softens the look of expression lines by interfering with the muscle contractions that contribute to them. (No snakes involved, promise.) The 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner doesn’t stop there. Hyaluronic acid floods the skin with moisture to plump up fine lines, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and evens out tone. There’s also vitamin F, which is a mix of nourishing fatty acids that lock in moisture and keep thin undereye skin soft and supple. And despite all those moisturizing ingredients, the silky serum sinks in fast without leaving behind the greasy slip that can send concealer sliding.

Tester feedback from Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"What really makes this do-it-all eye serum so impressive for me is that it's made with a synthetic version of a peptide found in snake venom, which is what creates the look and feel of tighter, lifted undereyes. And as someone in their early 30s who is starting to physically see the effects of sleepless nights (puffiness, dark circles), I've started using this treatment every morning and night (after applying my actives and before my moisturizer) to combat tired undereyes." —Sarah Kinonen, Allure associate beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, vitamin F, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin F
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Skin: Neocutis Lumière Firm Riche Eye Cream

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Neocutis

Lumière Firm Riche Eye Cream

$125 $100 (20% off)

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$125

Dermstore

$125

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Why it's worth it: Think of the Neocutis Lumière Firm Riche as everything you love about the 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning original (the Neocutis Lumière Firm), only with an extra dose of rich moisture for dry, crepey undereyes. The core lineup of skin-care heavy hitters remains: growth factors to support collagen production and skin renewal, proprietary peptides for firmness, caffeine to depuff, and brightening vitamin C for antioxidant protection.

The Riche formula doubles down on moisture with petrolatum to seal in hydration, plus humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw in and hold onto water. “The richer texture is especially beneficial for mature skin that has become thinner or drier over time,” says Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida. Stick with it, and it can leave the undereye area looking “smoother and more refreshed,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: growth factors (cutaneous lysate), peptides (tetrapeptide-21 + palmitoyl tripeptide-1 acetate), vitamin C, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, petrolatum
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Circles: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream

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SkinMedica

Instant Bright Eye Cream

$92

Amazon

$92

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Why choose between smoothing wrinkles and brightening dark circles when one eye cream can tackle both? SkinMedica’s Instant Bright Eye Cream targets darkness from a few angles: niacinamide and phenylethyl resorcinol (a synthetic brightening ingredient that regulates melanin production) even out the look of hyperpigmentation, while marine extracts (including plankton extract and red microalgae) address the appearance of darkness and shadows. Caffeine also helps take down puffiness.

Meanwhile, a blend of hyaluronic acids pulls moisture into the skin to plump and smooth fine lines, while squalane locks in that hydration. “It provides an immediate brightening effect while also addressing longer-term concerns like fine lines, dehydration, and the appearance of dark circles,” says Dr. Queller. “I like that it offers both cosmetic and skin-care benefits, making patients look more awake right after application while also improving the skin the more you use it.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: phenylethyl resorcinol, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, squalane, marine extracts, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: tk

Best Tinted: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

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Colorscience

Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

$79 $63 (20% off)

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$79

Nordstrom

$79

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Why it's worth it: You can pamper your undereyes with all the eye cream in the world, but sun protection is still nonnegotiable when you’re treating wrinkles. “The undereye area is one of the thinnest and most sun-sensitive areas of the face, and cumulative UV exposure contributes to collagen breakdown, pigmentation, accelerated aging, and premature wrinkles,” says Dr. Queller. Colorescience’s Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 defends this delicate area against UVA and UVB damage with mineral zinc oxide, while antioxidants like tocopherol (vitamin E) and microalgae extract protect against environmental stressors.

While its wrinkle-smoothing benefits build with continued use, there’s some instant gratification, too: a sheer tint that blurs discoloration and perks up tired-looking undereyes. The formula “combines mineral sun protection with subtle color correction,” says Dr. Queller, and comes in four flexible shades designed to work across a range of skin tones. In other words, you’re getting an eye treatment, sunscreen, and a light layer of coverage all in one step.

More to know

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• Shades: 4
• Key ingredients: 7.9% titanium Dioxide, 6.7% zinc oxide, tocopherol, microalgae extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment

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Alastin

Restorative Eye Treatment

$128 $96 (25% off)

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$128

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Why it's worth it: When you’re trying to soften wrinkles around sensitive eyes, throwing the strongest actives you can find at the area isn’t necessarily the answer. Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment takes a gentler approach with the brand’s TriHex Technology, which is a blend of peptides that support the collagen and elastin that keep skin looking smooth and firm. Meanwhile, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, beta-glucan, and shea butter load up delicate, dryness-prone skin with moisture, which can also help fine lines look a little plumper and softer.

The formula goes beyond hydration, too. “Niacinamide evens out discoloration, while green tea and oak leaf extracts target the look of dark circles,” says Dr. Queller. And since it skips retinol and other potentially irritating actives, it’s an easy one to reach for in the morning with a “lightweight texture that layers beautifully under makeup,” says Dr. Queller.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: TriHex Technology, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, beta-glucan, shea butter, niacinamide, green tea, oak leaf
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?

The key to a great eye cream is what's in its ingredient list, says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan. For immediate results, consider gentle ingredients that boost skin hydration or prevent its loss—such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, and ceramides.

Another top ingredient for targeting fine lines is retinol, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The vitamin A derivative increases collagen production to improve the look of fine lines while evening skin tone and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation. However, retinol is an intensive active ingredient that might irritate sensitive skin types. So always patch-test new products before applying them to your entire face—especially your under-eye area—and follow up with sunscreen.

Another ingredient Dr. Fahs shouts out is skin-brightening essential vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radical damage and helps fade pigmentation concerns; not surprisingly, it's a mainstay in brightening eye creams. But, really, any antioxidant is a good idea. "Antioxidants are a bonus in eye creams since they protect against environmental damage and help preserve skin from premature aging," says Dr. Nazarian. "Everyone benefits from that."

Dehydration can also exacerbate the look of wrinkles, so if you notice dry skin, consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid-infused product into your skin-care regimen. "[Hyaluronic acid] is a humectant that plumps and hydrates the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines," says Dr. Fahs.

What else? "Peptides can be a great alternative to retinol," Dr. Liu notes. "Peptides help to signal the skin's internal production of collagen and have hydrating benefits to improve the appearance of crow's feet."

When do I start using an eye cream?

"You can start using eye creams preventatively—and the earlier, the better," says Dr. Nazarian. While this might not be the case elsewhere on your face (after all, you might not want to sweat future jowls when you're 20), the eyes are particularly vulnerable to showing wear and tear sooner. "This area of the body is so thin that even a small amount of damage shows dramatically early in life," she says. She also recommends wearing sunglasses as a preemptive protective measure.

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan
• Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota based in Minneapolis
• Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks based in Boca Raton, Florida

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best eye creams for wrinkles, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.