Do Eye Creams Actually Do Anything?

Eye creams are lightweight moisturizers that aim to hydrate the thin skin around the eyes and improve the appearance of common concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, and lines.

Some tout eye creams as a must-have in a skincare routine, while others swear they are just overpriced face creams packaged in a special tube with a formula that doesn't necessarily differ from your regular moisturizer.

Whether you belong to the former or the latter group of skincare enthusiasts, most of us can agree that we’ve been tempted to purchase an eye cream at some point in our lives, even if we never fully understood what it does or believed its claims.

So, if a particularly attractive eye cream has caught your attention or you’ve noticed something you think shouldn't be there, hopefully this article will clear up some of your doubts on this popular yet quite divisive product.

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The Science Behind Eye Creams

Due to the lack of oil glands that produce skin-lubricating and protective sebum in the area around the eyes, the skin here is thinner and more delicate. This makes it more prone to showing signs of damage, such as dehydration caused by insufficient moisture across the dermal layers, puffiness caused by a buildup of lymph, dark circles caused by blood vessels near the surface of the skin, and, of course, everyone's shared enemy, wrinkles – often the first sign of aging that notoriously become prominent in areas where the skin is thinner.

Eye creams are specially formulated concoctions that aim to address these concerns by infusing the skin layers with hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants. These ingredients help combat common skin issues by stimulating various receptors deeper in the skin, accelerating cellular turnover, and promoting collagen production.

But how different from a regular moisturizer are they really?

Eye Creams vs. Face Creams: The Riddle That Baffles Even Seasoned Skin Experts

While there are certainly countless formulas out there, making this an undoubtedly popular and in-demand product, eye creams are also a subject of much debate, including among experts. Some believe the skin around the eyes benefits just as much from a regular facial moisturizer, while others argue that eye creams are the superior choice when it comes to caring for the fragile skin in the eye area.

So, what’s the truth?

Well, both claims can be true. The skin can benefit from a regular moisturizer, and an eye cream can provide an extra layer of hydration, softening, and protection against damage, further improving its health and appearance.

That said, there are a few important differences between eye creams and facial moisturizers, particularly when it comes to the active ingredients and the consistency of each product, which can pretty much determine their effect on the skin.

Eye creams are usually lighter, which allows the active ingredients in the formula to penetrate the skin and bind to specific receptors across various layers of the epidermis. Under the stimulation of the active ingredient, these receptors are then caused to act in various ways, thus targeting specific skin concerns and improving the skin's appearance through brightening, refining, or smoothing.

Facial moisturizers, on the other hand, usually have heavier textures, which is why they don't typically contain active ingredients, as these will have a harder time penetrating the skin and communicating with the receptors underneath. This makes moisturizers better for hydrating, softening, and protecting but not as effective for targeting specific concerns, such as puffiness, dark circles, and skin aging.

Additionally, while face creams can often get away with containing ingredients that are considered harsh, such as drying alcohol and fragrance, eye creams are usually formulated with gentler ingredients that are less likely to irritate both the eyes and the sensitive skin around them.

So, depending on the ingredients it contains, an eye cream could be an overpriced moisturizer that doesn't differ from your regular moisturizer, or it could be formulated in a way that can provide extra care for the delicate skin around your eyes and improve its overall health and appearance.

Finding the Right Eye Cream for You

With endless options available, finding the right eye cream for your specific skin concerns can be overwhelming. However, there are a few easy ways to differentiate between suitable and unsuitable eye creams and achieve visible results by adding this extra step to your skincare routine in a smart way instead of wasting money on something that doesn't work.

The most important thing to do when choosing the right eye cream is to understand your skin concerns and let them guide you. For example, if your undereye area looks rough and patchy, it may be a sign of dehydration. In this case, using products with hydrating hyaluronic acid, like Vichy Minéral 89 Eye Gel Cream, can be beneficial. Additionally, incorporating components with occlusive properties, such as oils, can help seal in moisture and refine the skin's surface. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment is a great option for this purpose, as it’s a simple and effective eye cream containing nourishing avocado oil to keep the skin under your eyes plump and hydrated. 

If your concern is puffiness or dark circles, look for an eye cream containing caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness, such as The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing Eye Cream, or vitamin C, such as the Clinique All About Eyes Vitamin C Cream, to brighten the under-eye area.

If wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes are your main concern, consider opting for eye creams with retinol or peptides, which can boost collagen production and fill out the gaps between skin cells, making the area appear smoother and improving the overall texture of the skin. The Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum is a fantastic choice for all ages, including those just starting to see the first signs of aging as well as those with more mature skin, due to its gentle yet powerful formula that nourishes the complexion while banishing imperfections.

If you’re pregnant or nursing and can't currently use retinol, a peptide-based eye cream, such as the Cetaphil Healthy Renew Peptides Eye Gel, might be a more suitable choice.

Closing Thoughts

Depending on the ingredients, eye creams can be an unnecessary addition to your skincare routine or your favorite part of it. This is probably why many people are divided on whether they are a must-have or a completely unnecessary expense.

But, just like with any other skincare product, using an eye cream that contains the right ingredients to target specific skin concerns can significantly improve the health and appearance of the skin around the eyes over time.

So if keeping a bright and smooth undereye area is something you want to achieve, investing in a targeted eye cream could definitely be worth it.