Eye cream: a luxurious add-on or a true skincare essential? And is it really that different from a face cream? The questions around step two in your skincare regimen are plenty—but so are the benefits. The delicate eye contour is one of the first places to show signs of stress or fatigue, so targeted care can make all the difference.
We’re here to share expert advice and solve common doubts along the way. Let’s dive into the world of eye creams, including how they work and how to use them.
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Why do you need an eye cream?
The skin around the eye is actually the thinnest part of the face, making it one of the places most likely to show signs of aging, damage, and stress. Think about it: laughing with friends, squinting into the sun (or at the computer screen). The skin around your eyes gets an extra workout on the daily, so it could use a little extra dedication, too.
Here are a few things that a good eye cream can do:
- Minimize bags: Targeted ingredients can combat puffiness, boosting firmness and elasticity.
- Fight dark circles: Brightening ingredients such as vitamin K oxide can help minimize the look of dark circles.
- Hydrate: On top of working to moisturize, many eye creams act proactively by locking in water before environmental stressors can zap it from your skin.
- Support well-aging: Ingredients like caffeine, melatonin, peptides, and plant extracts help improve texture, smooth the look of fine lines, and reinforce the skin’s natural defenses.
How is an eye cream different from a face cream?
While it’s true that eye cream and face cream ingredient lists can overlap, there are two main differences: concentration and objective.
The eye area is far more sensitive than the rest of your face, so strong formulas that work well on your cheeks or forehead may be too much for the under-eye contour. You also may be trying to target completely different concerns (such as bags or dark circles) that aren’t top priorities in your everyday moisturizer.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t use your body wash on your face. Eye creams work the same way. A dedicated formula helps meet the unique needs of this delicate area.
How should I apply eye cream?
Apply eye cream to clean, dry skin before your serums or moisturizer. This helps the area receive the full benefit of its targeted ingredients while minimizing the chance of irritation from more potent face products.
Next, check your product instructions. Some eye creams are meant only for the under-eye area, while others—like Hyaluronic Eyes—are formulated for 360° use, including the eyelids.
To apply, use your ring finger for a soft, controlled touch, or follow the motions recommended for your product’s applicator. Gentle tapping or smoothing from the inner to outer corners helps support absorption without tugging the skin.
Start the search for the perfect eye cream (or two)
If you haven’t found an eye cream to star in your skincare lineup yet, not to worry. Pick your main objective below to set off in the right direction.
Hydrate and energize: Hyaluronic Eyes
With its refreshing gel-sorbet texture, Hyaluronic Eyes delivers cooling hydration powered by hyaluronic acid. It helps decongest the eye area and reduces dehydration lines for a fresher, brighter look.
How to use it:
Use the cooling applicator to smooth the gel around the under-eye and upper eyelid area. For an extra refreshing effect, place it in the freezer for 15 minutes before applying. Another tip? It also makes the perfect eye-makeup primer!
This is your ideal eye solution if:
- You’re looking to deeply hydrate, decongest, and energize your eye area.
- You’d like to target the very first signs of skin aging, like fine lines.
- A cooling, multi-functional primer and moisturizer is the right fit for your busy schedule.
Minimize bags and dark circles: K-Ox Eyes
This beauty-editor-favorite combats bags, puffiness, and dark circles in one stroke, brightening the under eye area.
How to use it:
Apply a small amount, roughly the size of a grain of rice, onto your fingertip. Massage under the eye with light touches, gently extending with the cooling, ceramic applicator to refresh your look.
This is your ideal eye cream if:
- You’d love to visibly reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- You want a refreshing, cooling effect in the morning.
- You’re craving a brighter, more even skin tone in your under-eye area.
Boost firmness and soften lines: Vital Eyes
Formulated with melatonin, Vital Eyes works while you sleep to combat oxidative stress accumulated throughout the day. It works alongside your skin’s natural nighttime repair mode to help improve the signs of skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
How to use it:
Tap a small amount onto the under-eye area. Use the cooling applicator to extend the cream outward, following slow, gentle movements.
This is your ideal eye cream if:
- You want to soften fine lines and crow’s feet.
- You’re seeking extra firmness for a more rested look.
- You appreciate a rich, nourishing texture.
All in one: If you’re looking for more advanced rejuvenation, Retinal Eyes is our new dual-phase eye serum designed to correct the five signs of eye aging. It’s exclusively available through dermatologists and medical spas.
Your questions answered
What are the five basic steps of skincare?
Here’s a simple breakdown of a skincare routine:
Step 2: Apply eye contour cream
Step 5: Protect skin with sunscreen
What is the right age to use eye cream?
It’s never too early (or too late) to prioritize targeted care for this delicate zone. Start whenever you begin noticing signs of dehydration or fatigue—often in your late 20s. This is when your natural collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels begin to decline.
Is it better to put eye cream on at night or in the morning?
Many eye creams are meant for both. However, it’s best to check your product’s label. Nighttime is especially beneficial for rejuvenating ingredients like melatonin or retinal, while cooling or brightening formulas feel great in the morning. The most important factor? Consistency.
How to choose an eye cream?
Match the formula to your primary goal: hydrating, firming, brightening, decongesting, or advanced rejuvenation. Texture preference also matters. A silky cream may feel comforting at night, while a cooling gel can energize your morning routine.
Make it matter
Caring for your eye contour is a small daily ritual with a big impact. When you choose formulas that support your skin’s natural rhythm—hydrating in the morning, repairing at night—you’re not just treating a delicate area. You’re taking a moment for yourself, honoring what your skin needs, and building habits that keep it healthy over time.
So listen to your skin, enjoy the textures you love, and keep showing up for it day after day.
Now that you’ve met your ideal eye cream, it’s time to add it to your daily skincare routine. Happy, healthy, beautiful skin to follow!
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
