Applying under eye cream is beneficial for all ages — learn how to choose the right one for you

How to Choose a Good Under Eye Cream

How to Find the Best Under Eye Cream For Dark Circles and Wrinkles

The eye skin is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, but is also an area that is often left out of a skincare routine. Applying eye cream is beneficial for all ages, and experts even believe anti-ageing eye creams should be used from as young as twenty.

With such a variety in prices from budget eye treatments to high end luxury creams, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to choosing the best under eye cream for you. Luckily, we’ve got the rundown on why it’s so important to use an eye cream and the best ingredients to look out for.

Why is it Important to Use a Separate Eye Cream?

It may be tempting to delve into your current skincare collection and just use your everyday moisturiser or serum as an eye treatment. This definitely saves a bit of cash, especially as eye creams do tend to be more expensive. However, using products designed for your face won’t be half as effective as products formulated for the eyes. Plus they may not even be safe to use around such a delicate area.

The skin around the eyes, both under and on the eyelid, is much thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. It can also be much drier and is often the earliest area to age.

The eye area is constantly moving and creasing which explains why fine lines and wrinkles form quickly, so you need to start your anti-ageing routine much earlier than on other areas.

The eye area is also prone to dark circles and puffiness, usually caused by fluid and blood collecting under the skin. Specific eye formulas can help neutralise these, whereas your everyday moisturiser is unlikely to have any effects.

Eye creams tend to be thicker than moisturisers and contain high concentrations of oil to ensure the eye area is kept hydrated. They also contain a lot of active ingredients to counterbalance dark circles, puffiness and smooth fine lines.

What Are the Best Ingredients to Look Out For?

Understanding your ingredients list on any skincare product is one of the best ways you can build an effective routine. For eye creams there are certain ingredients which are really going to work against puffiness, dark circles and premature ageing.

Retinol

Retinol, otherwise known as vitamin A, is one of the most effective ingredients for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also smooth uneven skin tones, firm skin, minimise pores and resurface skin texture. However, it can be quite harsh on the skin so it’s important to start slowly and keep the rest of your routine soothing and hydrating.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help to boost collagen production which in turn maintains skin’s elasticity. It can also help to thicken and brighten the skin so is particularly good for dark under eye circles.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is a popular ingredient in eye creams because it naturally lightens dark circles for a brighter and more youthful appearance.

Peptides

These are another ingredient commonly found in anti-ageing skincare as they can help to manage and reverse wrinkles. Peptides work in a similar way to vitamin C and help to boost collagen production.

Hyaluronic Acid

Moisturizers often contain hyaluronic acid, as it helps to keep skin hydrated by preventing water loss. When applied it helps to improve skin elasticity for a firm finish.

Caffeine

Caffeine is known to promote skin circulation and is commonly used to fight against puffiness where fluid builds up under the skin.

SPF

One of the main causes for premature ageing is sun damage, and as the eye skin is so delicate it is particularly important you look for an eye cream which contains additional SPF.

Our Best Under Eye Cream Recommendations

With an ingredients list in hand, it’s less overwhelming to choose an eye treatment for you. However, we have got a few recommendations to get the ball rolling and find the best under eye cream, whatever your concern.

Best for Anti-ageing: La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Eyes

This La Roche-Posay is an absolute superstar for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening dark under eye circles. Whilst Retinol is sometimes harsh on the skin, this formulation is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. This means you can enjoy the anti-ageing effects from retinol with no nasty side effects.

Best for Dark Circles: Oskia Eye Wonder Eye Serum

This lightweight formulation is packed full of vitamins and plant bio-actives to brighten dark circles and increase radiance. Apply it as a thick treatment for heightened results.

Best for Puffiness: Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream

Origins have developed this eye cream for people who suffer tired and puffy eyes. It includes a complex blend of caffeine from coffee beans, ginseng and magnolia. They wake up the eye area, reduce puffiness and restore radiance.