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Fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet are a natural part of the skin's maturing process—but if you’re looking to minimize texture, the best eye creams for wrinkles can help deliver a smoother, firmer look. But keep in mind, your usual daily eye cream might not meet the mark since those formulas tend to moisturize and not much else. When it comes to targeting and minimizing deeper grooves, it's helpful to have a formula that not only hydrates—after all, the skin around the eyes is especially delicate—but also firms sagging skin and boosts collagen production. Also worth factoring in: The skin around the eyes is very delicate, so a mindfully made (read: gentle) formula is key.

Our Top Eye Creams for Wrinkles

• Best Overall: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel, $65
• Best for Crow’s Feet: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex, $125
• Best Retinol-Free: Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum, $95
• Best for Crepiness: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream, $45
• Best Under Makeup: Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream, $69
• Best with SPF: Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen, $40
• Best Tinted: EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30, $50

Ahead, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists and Allure editors to round up the best eye creams for wrinkles to treat crow's feet and crepiness over time.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What do I look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?
• When do I start using an eye cream?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

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Dr. Loretta

Tightening Eye Gel

$65

Dermstore

$65

Revolve

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Jenny Bailly

Why it's worth it: The Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel targets every under-eye concern you can think of. It packs acetyl tetrapeptide-5, a peptide that stimulates collagen production that’s (understandably) a must-have for plump, firm skin. Plus, it contains proprietary blends of antioxidants that brighten up dark circles and prevent sun damage by fighting off free radicals—a.k.a. unstable molecules that can otherwise wreak havoc on your skin cells, even destroying collagen.

Meanwhile, its lightweight gel formula depuffs, hydrates, and preps your skin for eye makeup. We also love that this tightening eye cream comes in a slim, pumpable tube rather than a jar that you have to stick your fingers into; it’s more hygienic and easier to travel with.

Tester feedback from Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“I’ve heard a lot of depuffing promises in my day—this clear gel actually makes good on them. I tap it all the way around my eyes (yes, even the lids) to get everything looking a little more taut before I go in with concealer. It also contains peptides and antioxidants that make my eye area smoother when I use it consistently for a couple of months.” —Jenny Bailly, Allure executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tetrapeptide-5, hyaluronic acid, proprietary antioxidant blends;
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Crow's Feet: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Advanced Eye

$125

SkinCeuticals

$125

Dermstore

$125

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: SkinCeuticals products are known for their science-meets-skin-care formulas, and the revamped A.G.E. Advanced Eye Complex lives up to the reputation. "It improves the appearance of crow's feet through its potent combination of proxylane, blueberry extract, and a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides," explains Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. Instead of simply delivering collagen to the skin, this 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner actually encourages cells to produce it from scratch, helping to firm skin and minimize fine lines over time.

If you're wondering, the titular A.G.E. stands for advanced glycation end-products, which naturally develop and build up in our bodies as we age and cause our skin to sag, as Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. This eye cream is your first line of firming defense. It also has light-reflecting ingredients that brighten the skin around the eyes, but it's the consistent application that yields the best long-term results. "With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes," says Dr. Penzi.

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I have what plastic surgeons have called an 'expressive face,' so my crow's feet are out of control when I smile. This makes a noticeable difference in their length and depth, but doesn't exacerbate my milia or lead to pilling. I really appreciate that it feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, so I can apply the rest of my skin care and makeup right after—helpful when I'm trying to get ready with my kid hounding me." —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: proxylane, peptides, glycyrrhetinic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol-Free: Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

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Lancôme

Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

$95 $66 (31% off)

Amazon

$95

Nordstrom

$95

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Lancôme Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum

Why it's worth it: Lancôme's Rénergie Eye H.C.F. Triple Serum is powered by a snake venom-like peptide, which targets fine lines by reducing muscle cell contraction (whoa). The 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning formula also features vitamin F, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to brighten, firm, and smooth; for the uninitiated, vitamin F is made up of fatty acids that support your skin’s moisture barrier. The serum absorbs super quickly and skips the greasy finish in many of its peers.

Tester feedback from Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"What really makes this do-it-all eye serum so impressive for me is that it's made with a synthetic version of a peptide found in snake venom, which is what creates the look and feel of tighter, lifted under eyes. And as someone in their early 30s who is starting to physically see the effects of sleepless nights (puffiness, dark circles), I've started using this treatment every morning and night (after applying my actives and before my moisturizer) to combat tired undereyes." —Sarah Kinonen, Allure associate beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: proxylane, peptides, glycyrrhetinic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Crepiness: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream

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Peter Thomas Roth

Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: Of course, there’s nothing over-the-counter that can exactly mimic Botox, but when it comes to filler-like benefits—like restoring the appearance of lost volume—Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Fill + Fix Under-Eye Cream makes us surprisingly optimistic. The formula features 4% Peptilift, a peptide blend that helps lift and fill the look of fine lines, plus 3% Juveneye CLR, a plant complex that brightens dark circles over time. And if all that proprietary tech goes over your head, don’t worry—it also contains something we all know and love: Hyaluronic acid-filled spheres to add instant plumpness by drawing water into the skin. Caffeine and illuminating minerals visibly deflate puffiness for a wide-awake finish. “This is one of the few advanced peptide creams I’ve come across that truly delivers an immediate tightening feel, and packs enough humectants to keep the skin supple and visibly refreshed,” says Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Calabasas, California.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ll say it one more time for the people in the back: Give us more eye creams with metal applicators. It feels instantly cooling on contact, and even though it’s subtly tinted, it disappears in seconds. I’m still waiting to see how it’ll impact my undereye darkness long-term, but the moisture and plumpness it delivers are pretty much instant.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 4% Peptilift, 3% Juvenile CLR, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, illuminating minerals
• Fragrance-free: yes

More eye creams for wrinkles we love:

Best Under Makeup: Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

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Shani Darden

Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

$69

Amazon

$69

Sephora

$69

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: So you finally found an eye cream that works for you… until it slips and slides under your makeup. Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream helps avoid that fate with a silky, quick-absorbing texture that sinks in instantly, leaving zero greasiness or pilling, so it layers effortlessly under concealer or foundation. And because the cream doesn’t transfer, it gets to work renewing the eye area all day long: “This formula relies on peptides, silk tree extract, niacinamide, and ceramides to help support elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and maintain barrier integrity,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. With continued use, you may even find yourself reaching for less concealer because the skin underneath looks smoother, firmer, and brighter on its own.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, silk tree extract, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best with SPF: Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

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Supergoop!

Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Dermstore

$40

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Any derm will tell you: All the skin-care products in the world won’t do much if you’re not wearing sunscreen. Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream SPF uses 14.4% zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, wrapped in a creamy glycerin base that keeps the delicate undereye area supple. “This mineral eye cream combines sun protection, an illuminating tint, and anti-fatigue ingredients like caffeine in one step,” says Dr. Luftman, who likes that it leaves the eye area refreshed and luminous without feeling greasy. The subtle pink tone is thanks to brightening mica and iron oxides, while green tea, pomegranate, and probiotics like Lactobacillus ferment help reduce puffiness and support long-term firmness.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 14.4% zinc oxide, ginger flower, pomegranate, Lactobacillus ferment, caffeine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Tinted: EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

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EltaMD

UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30

$50

Amazon

$50

Dermstore

$50

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: Tinted mineral sunscreens are especially effective for mature skin because their iron oxides protect against visible light, which plays a major role in exacerbating wrinkles, dark circles, and discoloration. “This eye cream with 15% zinc oxide is the gold standard in eye-safe sun protection,” says Dr. Luftman. But don’t mistake EltaMD UV AOX Eye Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 for simply a sunscreen with added tint—this formula goes much further. Peptides help support elasticity and soften fine lines, Vitamin E and bisabolol offer antioxidant defense, and Persian silk tree extract helps reduce puffiness and dark circles. “It goes above and beyond to protect and firm skin around the eyes all in one step,” says Dr. Luftman.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% zinc oxide, peptides, vitamin E, bisabolol, Persian silk tree extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream

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Clinique

Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream

$65

Amazon

$65

Nordstrom

$65

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If your eye cream tends to take a backseat in your skin-care routine, Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream makes the times you do remember count extra. “This multitasking formula tackles fine lines, crepiness, dryness, and a weakened skin barrier all at once,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. The brand’s CL1870 Peptide Complex helps boost collagen production to soften wrinkles, while sigesbeckia orientalis extract supports skin density and resilience. And if your barrier is compromised, hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid restore suppleness, while emollients such as mango seed butter, shea butter, and ceramides lock in moisture to keep the eye area cushioned and strong. Just remember—consistency matters, so swipe it on every night for the best results.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: CL1870 Peptide Complex, sigesbeckia orientalis extract, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

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RoC

Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

$30 $22 (27% off)

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a fragrance-free best-seller that's won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards. "[Here,] retinol helps boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes," says Dr. Penzi, who counts it among her favorites. "It also contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol that dole out hydration and plumpness to the eye area.

Meanwhile, a mineral complex of zinc, copper, and magnesium provides antioxidant benefits to your eye skin and aids collagen formation. Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, also backs the RoC eye cream, pointing out, "The brand has over 25 patents, so it's well-respected in the retinol space."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol (amount undisclosed), glycerin, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Splurge: Chanel No.1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum

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Chanel

No.1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum

$100

Chanel

$100

Nordstrom

$100

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: For those who aren't entirely sold on or can't reasonably tolerate retinol, Chanel's No.1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum subs out the ingredient for red camellia—a go-to active among the brand's skin-care offerings. The flower extract targets eye wrinkles, dark circles, discoloration, and sagging, while the yeast extract derived from camellia also supports the skin barrier. The packaging is also refillable (and very Chanel). It comes with a rotating metal applicator that gently massages and cools the skin as you apply it, making quick work of puffiness.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: camellia flower water, squalane, coffee seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I look for in an eye cream for wrinkles?

The key to a great eye cream is what's in its ingredient list, says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan. For immediate results, consider gentle ingredients that either boost skin hydration or prevent loss of hydration—such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, and ceramides.

Another top ingredient for targeting fine lines is retinol, says Dr. Nazarian. The vitamin A derivative increases collagen production to improve the look of fine lines while evening skin tone and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation. It's worth noting, however, that retinol is an intensive active ingredient that might irritate sensitive skin types. So always patch-test new products before applying them to your entire face—especially your under-eye area—and follow up with sunscreen.

Another ingredient Dr. Fahs shouts out is skin-brightening essential vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radical damage and helps fade pigmentation concerns; not surprisingly, it's a mainstay in brightening eye creams. But, really, any antioxidant is a good idea. "Antioxidants are a bonus in eye creams since they protect against environmental damage and help preserve skin from premature aging," says Dr. Nazarian. "Everyone benefits from that."

Dehydration can also exacerbate the look of wrinkles, so if you notice dry skin, consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid-infused product into your skin-care regimen. "[Hyaluronic acid] is a humectant that plumps and hydrates the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines," says Dr. Fahs.

What else? "Peptides can be a great alternative to retinol," Dr. Liu notes. "Peptides help to signal the skin's internal production of collagen and have hydrating benefits to improve the appearance of crow's feet."

When do I start using an eye cream?

"You can start using eye creams preventatively—and the earlier, the better," says Dr. Nazarian. While this might not be the case elsewhere on your face (after all, you might not want to sweat future jowls when you're 20), the eyes are particularly vulnerable to showing wear and tear sooner. "This area of the body is so thin that even a small amount of damage shows dramatically early in life," she says. She also recommends wearing sunglasses as a preemptive protective measure.

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Schweiger Dermatology in Calabasas, California
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm 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 eye creams for wrinkles, 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, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on 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 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.