Frequently Asked Questions
What does an eye cream do that a facial moisturizer can’t?
The main difference between an eye cream and a regular facial moisturizer comes down to the formulation. “The skin around the eyes is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and tends to be more sensitive,” says Dr. Chan. Because of that, eye creams are made with a lighter texture and gentler ingredients that are less likely to cause stinging or irritation—even if they migrate a bit into the eyes. Many are also ophthalmologist-tested to ensure they’re safe for use near such a delicate area. In short, while your moisturizer hydrates the rest of your face, an eye cream is carefully designed to nourish, protect, and smooth the skin where it matters most.
Can hydrating eye creams reduce fine lines or dark circles, or do they just moisturize?
“Eye creams often include specific active ingredients that can help with the common undereye complaints, in addition to moisturizing. Products with retinols and certain peptides can help improve skin texture, fine lines, and other skin changes associated with photodamage,” says Dr. Chan. These formulas are usually made with lower concentrations, so they’re gentle enough for the delicate eye area. Meanwhile, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, while occlusives such as dimethicone lock in that moisture. So, a good eye cream does more than just plump the skin—it can also help soften fine lines, refine texture, and gradually brighten the undereye area.
What eye cream should I use if I have sensitive eyes?
If you have sensitive eyes, “it’s best to be cautious with products that contain strong actives, like retinoids, or potential irritants, such as fragrance. Because the skin around the eyes is more sensitive than elsewhere on the face, those ingredients can sometimes cause stinging or redness,” says Dr. Chan. When in doubt, patch-test any new eye cream on a small area for several days first to make sure your skin can handle it before applying it more widely.
Meet the experts
- Aegean H. Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist and medical director of California Dermatology Group based in Santa Barbara, California
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
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 hydrating eye creams, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are 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.
