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14 of the Best Under-Eye Creams for Wrinkles, According to a Celebrity Dermatologist and the Internet

Smoother under-eyes await

Author image: Anna Vognsen headshot
By Anna Vognsen
•
Published Oct 7, 2023

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Best Under-Eye Creams for Wrinkles 2023
Paula Boudes for PureWow

We’ve all been there: You wake up and look in the mirror to see that someone replaced the previously peachy skin under your eyes with…a crinkled paper bag? When this happens, you’ll want to reach into your cabinet and pull out one of the best under-eye creams for wrinkles to address the situation. What makes a product worthy of this title, you ask? We were curious too, so we turned to a celebrity dermatologist to get the lay of the land, then took to the internet to see what real users had to say.

After researching over 40 under-eye creams, we narrowed the list down to the top 14 that will address under-eye wrinkles while working with your specific needs. Whether you have sensitive skin and need something that’s gentle yet effective (Lancer Skincare Eye Contour lifting cream, $97), or want something budget-friendly that’ll give you the most bang for your buck (RoC Retinol Correxion eye cream, $13) we’ve laid out the best under-eye creams that can help refresh that oh-so-delicate area and help minimize wrinkles and crinkles.

The Best Under-Eye Creams for Wrinkles at a Glance

1

Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Cream for Sensitive Skin

Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream

read more

buy it ($97)
2

Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Cream for On-the-Go

Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

read more

buy it ($38)
3

Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles and Eye Bags

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye Tightener Cream

read more

buy it ($38)
4

Best Brightening Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream

read more

buy it ($44)
5

Best Budget-Friendly Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

read more

$13 at amazon

Show More

Meet the Expert

Over the last 40 years, Dr. Harold Lancer has grown his Beverly Hills-based dermatology practice, Lancer Rx Dermatology, into a world-renowned mecca with a celebrity cult-following. Lancer Skincare seeks to bring “Believable Beauty” to all skin with first-class dermatology, utmost luxury and real results. Celebrity clients include Victoria Beckham, Christina Ricci, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Oprah and Margot Robbie.

How We Chose the Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Dr. Lancer got our research-loving engines revved with his list of must-have ingredients and we took it from there to see what under-eye creams for wrinkles were the most highly rated by users. We also looked at beauty award-winners and may have peeked through our own medicine cabinets for our most-used under-eye creams to see which pots we dipped into the most. We also consulted TikTok to see which under-eye creams have reached viral status (we're looking at you, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx eye tightener, $38) and then considered options from a range of different price points, in order to fit everyone's needs and budgets.

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mirrored cream container on white background
Nordstrom

Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Cream for Sensitive Skin

1. Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream

Pros

  • can be applied around the entire eye area

Cons

  • expensive

Lancer Skincare

If we can’t trust our under-eyes to the hands that work on Beyoncé, who can we trust? For those of us who don’t have a celebrity budget, but do want the under-eyes of a superstar, this cream is a step in the right direction. Formulated with firming peptides and high actives (read: winged kelp, who knew?) this cream is designed to be effective without causing irritation or dryness. While some under-eye creams are suitable only for the specific area under the eye, this cream can be applied 360 degrees around the orbital bone as well as the upper eyelid—areas that are too sensitive for harsher creams. The addition of caffeine aims to reduce puffiness and fine lines, while luxurious diamond powder illuminates the under-eye for an overall lifted appearance according to Dr. Lancer. Reviewers call this cream “absolutely fabulous,” and we have to agree.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: firming peptides, winged kelp, caffeine
  • Best For: sensitive skin
buy it ($97)
light pink cream container laying on light pink cream swatch
Tula

Best Under-Eye Wrinkle Cream for On-the-Go

2. Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

Pros

  • portable application
  • cooling

Cons

  • some reviewers with sensitive skin reported irritation

Tula

Sometimes, no matter how well you’ve applied your skin prep in the morning, by the afternoon those under-eye wrinkles have made their reappearance. Stash a tube of this creamy eye balm in your bag and you’ll be prepared no matter where you are. Hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil are the wrinkle-fighting stars here, both powerful natural actives that help hydrate and nourish skin. Rosehip has even been touted as a plant-based alternative for retinol, one of the best-loved ingredients for wrinkle-reduction. This balm doesn’t stop there, but also delivers a cooling effect and jolt of caffeine that’ll invigorate your tired eyes. Meanwhile, the slightly shimmery pink tone even makes this balm workable as a highlighter in a pinch.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, rosehip oil
  • Best For: dull skin
buy it ($38)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 3. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Fir
Dermstore

Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles and Eye Bags

3. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye Tightener Cream

Pros

  • fast-acting
  • dramatic results

Cons

  • some results are temporary

Peter Thomas Roth

If you’ve been on #beautytok any time in the past two years, you’ve probably seen the viral videos of what this eye product can do. If not, let us fill you in: This eye-tightening cream is one product that absolutely lives up to its name, as it's capable of erasing serious bags in minutes. When applied on clean skin, it works almost instantly to tighten and de-puff, making it a top choice for those days when you need to look refreshed and don’t have time to wait for results. That said, this product also delivers in the long term, as it contains panthenol (aka pro-vitamin B5), a powerful humectant which works to moisturize and repair tissue, along with vitamin C and vitamin E, which studies show may combat the effects of free radical damage and help minimize wrinkles over time.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: panthenol, vitamin C, vitamin E
  • Best For: sagging under-eyes and puffy bags
buy it ($38)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 4. ole henriksen banana bright
Sephora

Best Brightening Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

4. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream

Pros

  • brightening
  • vegan
  • fragrance-free

Cons

  • may be irritating for sensitive skin

Ole Henriksen

Gold plus bananas—a combo we never knew we needed! A reformulation of the brand’s best-selling under-eye cream, this version is now fragrance-free and includes real gold. Not just for looks or luxury, gold may improve the delivery of the potent active vitamin C to the skin, delivering long-term brightening effects and combating free radicals. The cream's infusion of banana powder, a cosmetic powder with a yellow-ish tint that helps to instantly color-correct, then steps in to visibly brighten and counteract dark circles, making this an under-eye cream that works with, not against, any makeup you choose to layer on top. The fragrance-free formulation means this can be used by those sensitive to perfumes, however, if your skin reacts poorly to stronger actives, this cream may be a bit too potent.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredient: vitamin C
  • Best For: dull under-eyes, use under makeup
buy it ($44)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 5. RoC Retinol Cream
Amazon

Best Budget-Friendly Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

5. RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Pros

  • well-priced
  • suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • may not be strong enough for deeper wrinkles

RoC

Under-eye creams may be a skincare staple, but they’re often pricey if you want to see results. This under-eye cream is a mind-blowing combination of extremely well reviewed (over 17,600 5-star reviews on Amazon) and extremely well priced. The tube may be tiny at .25 ounces, but you only need the smallest amount and many reviewers say one tube lasts for months. While the retinol in this cream isn’t prescription-strength, it’s best to build up to using it consistently over time to ensure you won’t experience irritation. As one reviewer says, they have “noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of my dark circles and puffiness. The fine lines around my eyes have become less pronounced, giving me a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It has truly revitalized my under-eye area and boosted my confidence.”

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredient: retinol
  • Best For: retinol newbies
$13 at amazon
white jar with mirrored writing on it
Sephora

Best Moisturizing Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

6. Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Pros

  • plant actives
  • deeply moisturizing

Cons

  • expensive

Dr. Barbara Sturm

The skin under the eyes is some of the thinnest on the entire body, so it stands to reason it’d need the most assistance when it comes to moisturization. This hydrating cream is pricey, but promises to not only diminish fine lines, but also lift the upper eyelid and reduce puffiness and dark circles, making it the ultimate under-eye cream cocktail. Reviewers say it “retains moisture without being greasy or sticky,” meaning it’s ideal to layer under makeup during the day or with your favorite night creams in the evening. The potent blend of biomimetic (in this case, meaning mimicking the skin’s own natural properties) lipids, marine plankton, red ginseng and hyaluronic acid, among other powerhouse ingredients, make this cream an excellent choice for those needing a cream that delivers on both wrinkle-reduction and deep hydration.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: red ginseng, marine plankton, hyaluronic acid
  • Best For: mature skin
buy it ($210)
light pink eye cream applicator wand with cap
Amazon

Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles and Puffiness

7. Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Everyday Eye Cream

Pros

  • plant actives
  • deeply moisturizing

Cons

  • some reviewers say it leaves a white cast

Wander Beauty

We came for the applicator and stayed for the product. While the innovative antimicrobial applicator is incredible for soothing and massaging this whipped cream both under the eyes and around the lid, the formula itself delivers impressive results. Formulated with the marine ferment, meiview, as well as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and calendula oil, this under-eye cream promises to reduce dark circles and improve under-eye bags while also working against wrinkles. Based on a clinical trial conducted by the brand, 85 percent of participants reported a reduction of crow’s feet, while 94 percent said this product reduced puffiness under the eyes. We’ll take those odds!

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, meiview
  • Best For: dry and puffy skin
buy it ($42)
royal blue cream container with bronzed top piece insert
Augustinus Bader

Best Luxury Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

8. Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream

Pros

  • clean beauty
  • efficient packaging

Cons

  • expensive

Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Bader is always on our radar condsidering the brand has given us the face cream beloved by PureWow editors and beauty gurus alike. Thanks to the brand’s proprietary TFC8 formula, a blend of amino acids, high-grade vitamins and potent peptides which are designed to help rejuvenate skin from within, this cream is backed by clean actives to address a myriad of skin concerns. Pennywort extract and vitamin C combine to boost collagen, while niacinamide, vitamin B5 and jojoba oil provide deep hydration. It’s the unique combination of two French seaweeds and arjun tree extract, however, that deliver the anti-aging benefits we’re all here for. Per consumer trials conducted by the brand, 99 percent of users agree that their eye area appeared more youthful, tighter and less crepey after use. This eye cream may be pricey, but it’s packed in an uber-efficient airless bottle that ensures you get every last drop of product.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: vitamin C, pennywort, niacinamide, seaweed, arjun tree extract
  • Best For: all skin types
buy it ($220)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 9. Neocutis Lumiere
Dermstore

Best Lightweight Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

9. Neocutis Lumiere Firm Eye Cream

Pros

  • fragrance-free
  • effective in small amounts

Cons

  • expensive

Neocutis

Sometimes you want the benefits of an effective eye cream but without the weighed-down feeling that some of the richer creams can bring. Enter this science-backed, lightweight under-eye cream. Pulled from the research initially used for wound care and healing, the formula of this cream is packed with both growth factors and peptides that are key for reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Reviewers say that it’s “expensive, but lasts for months” as  “you only need a small drop under each eye.” It also packs a punch with ingredients that help hydrate, firm and de-puff to improve the overall look of the skin, including vitamin C and caffeine. Through October 30, you can save 30 percent on the eye cream at Dermstore when you use PureWow's exclusive code PURENEO at checkout.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: growth factors, peptides, caffeine, vitamin C
  • Best For: all skin types
buy it ($108; $76)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 10. COSRX peptide
Amazon

Best K-Beauty Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

10. Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

Pros

  • inexpensive
  • lightweight

Cons

  • some reviewers say it irritated skin

COSRX

Dr. Lancer recommends peptides as a must-have active ingredient for under-eye creams, but who knew that pairing them with snail mucin would take them to the next level? Influencers have been posting videos on social media with this gooey product, claiming the benefits outweigh the initial texture shock and…they’re absolutely right. This under-eye cream is over 73% snail mucin, which is "rich in hydrating humectants and polysaccharides that can help improve hydration and help skin hold onto water better," according to expert Alex Padgett, a cosmetic chemist we spoke to when researching the ingredient. Besides the high concentration of this multi-use active, this cream also contains peptides, niacinamide and adenosine, which evidence suggests can help smooth and brighten skin.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: snail mucin, peptides, niacinamide, adenosine
  • Best For: all skin types
$26; $18 at Amazon
best creams for under eye wrinkles 11. Lancome Genifique
Ulta

Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles and Dark Circles

11. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Eye Cream

Pros

  • extremely moisturizing

Cons

  • scent may be too strong for some

Lancome

Wrinkles rarely arrive alone and in many cases are due to thinning, dry skin. In these cases, it’s common for dark circles to pop up as well. This cream addresses wrinkles by working to recover the skin barrier around the eyes, which in turn lessens the appearance of dark circles. Reviewers say this cream “feels like silk around the eyes,” and since it's packed with a high (10 percent) concentration of bifidus prebiotic that works to repair the skin, along with hyaluronic acid, a hydration superstar, we understand why. After a clinical trial, 92 percent of testers said this cream made their under-eyes smoother and more radiant, a percentage we can definitely get behind.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: bifidus prebiotic, hyaluronic acid
  • Best For: all skin types
buy it ($79)
yallow cream jar with silver cap open
Ulta

Best Peptide Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

12. IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream Peptide Cream

Pros

  • highly moisturizing
  • fragrance-free
  • vegan

Cons

  • some reviewers say this cream is too thick

IT Cosmetics

Peptides, peptides, peptides, peptides…say that four times fast and you won’t just have earned yourself a tongue-twister, but also described the key to the incredibly healing formulation of this under-eye cream. Packed with four types of peptides (rice peptide: helps to reinforce barrier function; soy peptide: helps to restore feeling of elasticity; tripeptide: helps to smooth look of crow’s feet; and tetrapeptide: helps to reduce look of dark circles), this anti-aging cream draws from these collagen-boosting amino acids to help smooth, heal and brighten. Developed with plastic surgeons as well as dermatologists, this cream may just be the next best thing to a pricey skincare procedure.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredient: peptides
  • Best For: dry skin
buy it ($48)
best creams for under eye wrinkles 13. Estee Lauder ad v night
Ulta

Best Fast-Acting Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

13. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream

Pros

  • promises to act fast
  • also targets dark circles
  • can be applied all over the eye area

Cons

  • some reviewers say it caused irritation

Estee Lauder

If you have a week, Estee Lauder claims to give you back the look of rested under-eyes with this soothing and hydrating night cream, suitable for application all around the eye. This cream is formulated not only with tripeptide 32, which works to both protect and renew the skin barrier, but also our favorite hydrator, hyaluronic acid, plus the antioxidant power of vitamin E. One reviewer says that they “noticed the skin around [their] eyes is hydrated and [their] wrinkles are less noticeable” and that their “dark circles are gone.” While some reviewers find this cream to be irritating on sensitive skin, if you’re looking for a cream that’ll tackle wrinkles fast, this could be the one for you.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
  • Best For: all skin types
buy it ($72)
red cream container bottle and cap
Nordstrom

Best Lifting Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

14. Clarins Total Eye Lift Eye Cream

Pros

  • plant-based actives
  • fast-acting results

Cons

  • some reviewers say the packaging is challenging

Clarins

Have you heard of harungana extract? No? Neither had we, until we started investigating what made this plant-active-packed under-eye cream so effective. Since the ingredient is touted as a natural alternative to retinol, it’s no wonder that 82 percent of testers in a clinical trial agreed that their under-eye wrinkles were diminished after regular use. Some may say an even more exciting number is the 80 percent who agreed the under-eye area appeared visibly lifted, after just 60 seconds of wear. We’re all for a quick fix, but one that’s also paired with long-term results? That’s a product we can get excited about.

Fast Facts

  • Wrinkle-Busting Ingredient: harungana extract
  • Best For: mature skin
buy it ($92)

What to Consider When Looking for the Best Under-Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Under-eye creams come with some of the loftiest claims in the business and some of the most challenging (read: thinnest and most sensitive) skin on the body to work with. Dr. Lancer suggests looking for an eye cream that not only speaks to your specific needs (dryness, dark circles, sensitive skin) as well as wrinkle-reducing efficacy, but also one that can be applied around the entire eye area if possible. Some of the stronger creams on this list are best focused on the under-eye rather than the lid and surrounding areas, but if possible, why not tackle more concerns (like crow's feet, for example) with one effective product?

What Is the Best Active Ingredient for Eye Wrinkles?

Dr. Lancer is a fan of peptides, caffeine, retinol (for PM use—and don’t forget the sunscreen during the day!) vitamins A, C, E, shea butter and hyaluronic acid. We used this list and expanded upon it when searching for the most-loved and highest-reviewed under-eye creams on the market.

RELATED

10 of the Best Under-Eye Patches for Puffiness, According to a Celebrity Esthetician

Anna headshot
Anna Vognsen

Freelance Writer

Anna Vognsen received her B.A. in English Literature from Trinity College. She has been writing commerce content for PureWow since 2023 and is forever and always a deal hunter. She covers verticals including beauty, parenthood and fashion. Prior to covering shopping content, Anna worked in the fashion industry for 17 years in trend forecasting as a market analyst, womenswear and children’s apparel sales. Most recently, she managed the U.S. education program for Canada Goose.
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