Since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body—it's also the most susceptible to fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, and even saggy skin. That's why it’s so important to start using an eye serum or cream as early as possible, to postpone and even avoid the tell-tale signs of aging that show up near the eyes. That said, it's never too late to start because a quality eye treatment can halt visible eye aging at any age. 

In this guide, we'll reveal what to look for in an eye treatment that both prevents and reduces the appearance of aging skin around the eyes.

A Quality Eye Treatment Can:

  • Reduce the look of under-eye bags & puffiness
  • Prevent the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
  • Support a firm, refreshed look
  • Restore a renewed, youthful glow 
  • Visibly minimize crow’s feet & brighten dark circles 

The two most common types of eye treatments are eye serums and eye creams. While they may seem more or less the same, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when deciding which is right for you. 

Eye Cream or Eye Serum?

The primary purpose of an eye cream is typically to moisturize. So, if dryness is your main concern, then an eye cream may be a good option. 

Eye serums are typically able to penetrate deeper into the skin. That's why, depending on the ingredients, serums are often effective at reducing the look of puffiness, fine lines, and loose skin around the eyes.

"A moisturizer will do just that—moisturize," says Dr. Nikki Starr, MD. "The serum penetrates at a deeper level to rejuvenate the skin," adds Dr. Starr.

However, not all eye treatments are created equally. Dr. Nikki Starr, MD, explains, "Whenever shopping or choosing any of your skincare products, it's so important to read the label. Look for science-proven ingredients that really activate the skin, nourish the skin, and help you feel radiant and beautiful. Because if not, then you're going to deal with lackluster results and negative side effects." So, regardless of which eye treatment you choose, the quality and type of ingredients will determine whether it delivers on its promises.

Ingredients To Look For

Hyaluronic AcidOften listed as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful ingredient that deeply moisturizes to smooth and prevent the look of wrinkles around your eyes.”

NiacinamideA potent form of Vitamin B3 that helps soothe and balance your skin's oil production.

CaffeineCaffeine helps wake up tired eyes by reducing the appearance of dark circles and de-puffing the under-eye area.

SqualaneA skin moisturizer that visibly balances oil production, while locking in enough hydration to keep the skin looking clear, calm, and healthy.

Brightening AntioxidantsPotent antioxidants, like Activated Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid, help diminish and prevent the appearance of dark circles, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and UV-damage.

Ingredients to Avoid

Synthetic Dyes or FragrancesThese synthetic ingredients may cause skin irritation, clog pores, cause blemishes, and even deplete your skin of its essential nutrients and oils.

Mineral OilA petroleum derivative that may cause breakouts by preventing the skin from absorbing vital nutrients. While this oil does have moisturizing properties, it causes more harm than good over time.

What Else To Consider When Choosing An Eye Cream Or Serum

Transparent List Of Ingredients

Many eye treatments list only a handful of their key ingredients. Beware of this practice, because that’s when the manufacturer can slip in some potentially harmful, synthetic ingredients.

Money-Back Guarantee

Skincare is a multi-billion dollar a year industry, which makes it easy for manufacturers with poor products to slip through the cracks. So make sure to buy an eye treatment from a brand that’s willing to standby its product with a 100% money-back guarantee.

The 5 Best Eye Treatments On The Market

After extensive research, testing, and metrics provided by our Smarter Reviews Ranking System, we’ve put together this definitive list of the best eye care products available right now. When putting together our rankings, we consider the quality of ingredients, safety, return policies, projected effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.