We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The Best Drugstore Eye Creams for Refreshed Eyes on a Budget They deliver high-end results without the expensive price tag. By Grace Parsons Grace Parsons Grace Parsons is a contributing writer for Real Simple whose work has been published in The Spruce, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 26, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness within the lifestyle space. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski A drugstore eye cream should offer top-notch formulas and results without breaking the bank. Fortunately, the beauty industry has come a long way, with drugstores offering targeted treatments for specific concerns ranging from dryness, puffiness, darkness, and signs of aging. We dove right in and researched the best-performing options, considering formula types, ingredients, and price points. We also worked with Tiffany Libby, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and surgeon, and Ted Lain, MD, MBA, double board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer, to get their expert takes. Our recommendations tackle various concerns in sophisticated formulas. These drugstore eye creams address everything from fine lines to dark circles, providing you with budget-friendly solutions to help your eyes look refreshed. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Max Eye Cream at Amazon $30 $24 Jump to Review Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Eye Cream at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: SALE Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream at Amazon $16 $11 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing Eye Cream at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best for Dark Circles: SALE CeraVe Eye Repair Cream at Amazon $20 $10 Jump to Review Best for Wrinkles: SALE RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream at Amazon $30 $22 Jump to Review Best for Puffiness: Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel at Amazon $22 Jump to Review Best Brightening: Vichy Minéral 89 Eyes Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel at Amazon $27 Jump to Review Best Serum: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Eye Serum at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Gel: SALE Neutrogena Eye Gel Cream at Amazon $31 $17 Jump to Review Best Overall Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Max Eye Cream PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon $30 at Target $20 at Ulta What Stands Out This eye cream is a great choice for most skin types, as it provides hydration and helps prevent signs of aging. What Could Be Improved Whereas it does help with puffiness, this eye cream doesn’t contain the active ingredients to specifically target dark circles. Thanks to its creamy and nongreasy formula, the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Max Eye Cream is our preferred choice in drugstore eye creams. It includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin to visibly plump the under eyes, while standout ingredients like vitamins B3 and B5 work with collagen to tackle signs of aging, according to the brand. “Retinol is a pretty heavy ingredient, so applying it to the thin area under your eyes might sound intimidating,” says Real Simple beauty editor Hana Hong. “Olay’s winning night cream is formulated to be as gentle as possible, so it's safe enough to use every night with virtually no irritation. Like most Olay products, the star ingredient is vitamin B3, which helps skin retain moisture while helping with surface skin cell turnover and regeneration. In other words, you get all the anti-aging benefits of retinol without the unwanted side effects.” The formula is also lightweight and not full of additives that can clog pores, which Dr. Libby explains can sometimes cause milia (or small white bumps) around the eyes for some people. And, because it’s from fragrance, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, it’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. While it may not treat dark circles as well as other products, it helps decrease puffiness, smooth wrinkles, and firm the skin, which will leave your eyes looking refreshed and brighter. Key Ingredients: Vitamin B3, vitamin B5, collagen peptides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Budget e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Eye Cream PHOTO: e.l.f. Cosmetics $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart What Stands Out This gel cream has active ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump under the eyes. What Could Be Improved This product doesn’t contain ingredients to combat puffy eyes. The infusion of hyaluronic acid and peptides instantly refreshes and moisturizes the under-eye area, making the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream a drugstore favorite for many. The lightweight cream formulation creates a quick and fast-to-absorb application process, making it ideal for anyone in a rush or applying under makeup. Even though this doesn’t target puffy eyes, the active ingredients will help diminish under-eye circles and plump and prevent under-eye wrinkles. The product checks off the box for affordability while remaining cruelty-free, vegan, and free from ingredients like parabens and aluminum. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.53 ounces Best for Dry Skin Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream PHOTO: Amazon $11 at Amazon $20 at Walgreens View on Ulta What Stands Out This gel cream absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic, which means it is a good choice to prevent milia (the small, white bumps) from forming around your eye. What Could Be Improved For those with dark circles, this product won’t do much to lighten this area. Cetaphil is a drugstore staple, so it's no wonder it is dermatologist tested and recommended. In fact, it is one of Libby's favorites. "In one's 20s, an eye cream like Cetaphil's Hydrating Eye Gel Cream is an excellent affordable option to deliver hydration with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide," she says, explaining that these ingredients help smooth the skin under the eyes. This product won’t target dark circles or under-eye bags, but it is a great product for those with dry skin to deeply moisturize eyes without being irritating. The product is also quick to absorb and is non-comedogenic, so the risk of milia is significantly lower than other eye creams on the market. Plus, the hygienic tube applicator makes applying the product feel like a walk in the park. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, vitamin E | Formulation: Gel cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best for Sensitive Skin La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing Eye Cream PHOTO: Ulta $30 at Amazon $30 at Walgreens $31 at Ulta What Stands Out This eye cream helps restore your skin’s natural protective barrier around your eyes. What Could Be Improved This product won’t improve under eye circles. Sensitive skin products can be hard to find, so when brands like La Roche-Posay craft lines specifically for those with less-resilient skin types, we take notice. The Dermallegro Ultra Soothing Repair Eye Moisturizer harnesses the power of the brand's signature thermal spring water to restore the skin's natural protective barrier around the eyes and eyelids. And, with common irritants like fragrances and dyes remaining absent from the formula, those with reactive skin conditions may not have to worry about a flare-up when incorporating it into their daytime or nighttime routine. However, it's best to consult your dermatologist before adding any new products to your skin care regimen. This product doesn’t have the active ingredients to diminish under-eye circles, however, you can brighten those circles with a good concealer. Key Ingredients: Neurosensine, niacinamide, shea butter | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.66 ounces Best for Dark Circles CeraVe Eye Repair Cream PHOTO: Target $10 at Amazon $15 at Target $11 at Walmart What Stands Out This product contains active ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide to leave your eyes looking brighter and more refreshed. What Could Be Improved To see improvement with undereye circles, this cream must be used consistently. Everyone loves CeraVe's iconic hydrating cleanser, but the brand's Under Eye Cream Repair for Dark Circles and Puffiness is an underrated beauty product that deserves notoriety. The brand's typical blend of three essential ceramides combines with aloe and niacinamide to create an eye cream that helps eradicate dryness and dark circles with consistent use. You do have to use it consistently to see results, but it works. With affordability and ease-of-use top of mind, this brightening and soothing eye cream is ophthalmologist-tested and does not disappoint. Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, aloe | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best for Wrinkles RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $22 at Target $22 at Walmart What Stands Out The retinol in this eye cream not only smooths the skin, it also helps with dark circles and puffiness. What Could Be Improved This product may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. One of the first places that show signs of aging is the eye area, and the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream should be your first line of defense to treat and prevent under-eye wrinkles. Libby recommends using a cream with retinol in the evening to tackle specific concerns, like fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, the primary ingredient in the RoC formula is retinol, a vitamin A derivative that increases skin cell turnover to combat crow's feet, dark circles, and puffiness, according to the brand. With clinically proven results, the slightly elevated price point is undeniably justified. If you have sensitive skin, use this product every other night to avoid itchy, red skin and consult your dermatologist. Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best for Puffiness Bioderma Sensibio Eye Contour Gel PHOTO: Walgreens $22 at Amazon $22 at Target $22 at CVS What Stands Out The gel formulation of this product means it never feels heavy and is lightweight, providing fast results. What Could Be Improved For those with dry skin who may need more hydration, this formula may be too light and not provide enough moisture. Renowned French pharmacy brand Bioderma has an eye gel that instantly depuffs and soothes under eyes on contact. The brand claims that the boosts of caffeine and the patented D.A.F. (Dermatological Advanced Formula) will reduce swelling while it hydrates, resulting in a decrease in the appearance of fine lines and visible dryness. Both fragrance- and dye-free, this lightweight and quick-absorbing gel is perfect for those with sensitive eyes. Although it may not be as moisturizing as some of the other products on the list, it should be the go-to relief for those looking to banish puffy eyes. Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, D.A.F | Formulation: Gel | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Brightening Vichy Minéral 89 Eyes Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel PHOTO: Target $27 at Amazon $27 at Target $19 at Walmart What Stands Out This lightweight serum absorbs quickly, allowing its active ingredients to go to work instantly for a refreshed look. What Could Be Improved Those who are interested in smoothing crow’s feet or wrinkles should look for a product with active ingredients like retinol, which this doesn’t have. Dull and tired-looking under eyes don't stand a chance against the caffeine and hyaluronic acid-infused eye serum from French brand Vichy. The formula is ultra-lightweight, offering instant absorption with a seamless application process. And once soaked up by the skin, this hydration powerhouse provides 24 hours of moisture along with instant brightness and line-smoothing. Although it doesn’t contain active ingredients like retinol found in anti-aging lotions for those serious about combating wrinkles, it helps your eyes look more awake and refreshed. Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for daily and nightly use, this product works universally on all skin types. Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, volcanic water | Formulation: Gel cream| Size: 0.51 ounces Best Serum L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hydrating Eye Serum PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Target $35 at CVS What Stands Out The stainless-steel ball applicator helps cool and de-puff as it massages the active ingredients into the skin. What Could Be Improved Those with dry skin may want an eye cream that is heavier and not absorbed as quickly. Like many of its counterparts, the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Eye Serum blends caffeine and hyaluronic acid to create a plumping and hydrating formula. What sets this serum apart, however, is the unique applicator. Three stainless-steel balls allow this line-reducing and fortifying product to instantly cool and depuff the undereye by providing a contouring massage during application. Although it has a thinner feel than some creams, it is just as effective–although those with dry skin may want a more hydrating cream. Results feel instant, however, with visible changes seen in the area around the eyes at around the two-week mark, as determined by a panel of dermatologists. Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Formulation: Serum | Size: 0.67 ounces Best Gel Neutrogena Eye Gel Cream PHOTO: Ulta $17 at Amazon $23 at Target $20 at Walmart What Stands Out This checks all the boxes, as it brightens under eye circles, reduces puffiness and hydrates. What Could Be Improved This product doesn’t contain retinol, so it may not work as quickly on deeper wrinkles or crow’s feet. If you find that eye creams you've used in the past feel too heavy for the delicate skin around the under eye, it's worth trying out a gel formula. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream is a unique take on a classic product, thanks to its hybrid-style texture. Lightweight like a gel yet moisturizing like a traditional cream, this caffeine and peptide blend boosts brightness, eliminates puffiness, revives tired skin, and protects the skin barrier, according to the brand. Even Real Simple beauty director Heather Muir Maffei is a fan: "Thick eye creams feel great, but they sometimes give me milia (those tiny white dots). This cooling gel is lighter yet still packs a refreshing punch. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the thin skin and absorbs quickly so I can move on with my routine. It feels like cold spoons on my tired eyes and acts as an instant wake-up call in the a.m." While it doesn’t contain retinol for faster cell turnover, the peptides may help boost collagen. It is also a great product for those with sensitive skin. You're sure to have a new favorite in this fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free drugstore find. Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine | Formulation: Gel cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best for Nighttime Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $30 at Target $40 at Ulta What Stands Out This eye cream targets fine lines, loss of elasticity, and undereye circles with its powerhouse blend of retinol and peptides. What Could Be Improved This eye cream is one of the higher-priced products on the list. Since retinol makes the skin photosensitive—aka, susceptible to sun damage—it makes sense that the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream would be the top choice for a nightly eye cream. Despite including the peptide blend on this list, this formulation stands out in part to its luxury-inspired texture, powerful ingredient complex, and long-standing results. It is one of the more expensive products on the list, however, it works. Regenerative and restorative, this drugstore eye cream helps with fine lines, wrinkles, darkness, and loss of elasticity. Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin B3 | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Eco-Friendly Honest Beauty Depuff +C Eye Cream PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon What Stands Out This gel cream banishes undereye bags and brightens dark circles. What Could Be Improved This product contains vitamin C, which can cause irritation to those who are sensitive to it. If combating dark circles and under-eye bags is your goal, then the Honest Beauty Depuff +C Eye Cream is the perfect pick-me-up. Packed with brightening and swell-reducing ingredients like daisy flower extract and vitamin C, this dermatologist-recommended eye cream makes the perfect addition to any skincare routine. We should note that if you are sensitive to products with vitamin C, you should avoid this product. What really stands out about this product is the sustainable packaging. It is 100 percent recyclable as it uses materials like aluminum and virgin polypropylene, both of which originate from post-consumer waste. Key Ingredients: Daisy flower extract, vitamin C, peptides | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Firming L'Oreal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon $16 at Target $18 at Ulta What Stands Out Despite a thicker texture, the cream sinks into the skin easily. What Could Be Improved The jar packaging makes it hard to control the amount of product applied. The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream offers a rich and efficacious formula that rivals prestige beauty brands. With its lightweight yet creamy texture, this cream features the Revitalift line's signature pro-retinol to soften fine lines, firm the skin, and decrease the appearance of dark circles with continued use. The inclusion of Centella Asiatica only aids in the creams' restorative properties. Since the formula is nongreasy and fragrance-free, it works well for anyone with sensitive skin and eyes, making it a standout drugstore option. Key Ingredients: Retinol and centella asiatica | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Caffeinated Current State Peptide + Caffeine Firming Eye Cream PHOTO: Walmart $17 at Target $17 at Walmart View on Currentstateofbeauty.com What Stands Out The oil-based formula gives ample hydration. What Could Be Improved The formula might be too viscous for some. Caffeine is a known stimulant, providing instant energy to the body, but it serves as a skin tightening agent and instant de-puffer in most eye care products. Current State's Peptide + Caffeine Firming Eye Cream tackles tired under eyes head-on, using this effective ingredient in a formula with line-softening peptides, brightening vitamin C, and hydrating coconut water. Additional nourishing benefits are thanks to a blend of seed oils and butters that don't alter the lightweight texture and feel of this firming eye cream on the skin. And, just like the rest of the brand's assortment, this product is vegan and cruelty-free. Key Ingredients: Syn-ake tripeptide and caffeine | Formulation: Cream | Size: 0.5 ounces Best Rollerball Garnier SkinActive Anti-Puff Eye Roller PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $13 at Walgreens What Stands Out Depuffing effects are immediate and long-term. What Could Be Improved This might not provide enough hydration for dry skin types. The depuffing and brightening benefits of the Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller are unmatched. The tube-shaped packaging uses a metal cooling sphere to disperse the product evenly across the undereye while pushing the lightweight gel into the skin. The Gernier formula is cruelty-free and blends the brightening powerhouse, vitamin C, with energizing caffeine and mint for immediate fluid release and instant under-eye radiance. The gel sinks into the skin quickly, allowing the under-eye to feel taught and prepped for makeup application. Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, mint, and caffeine | Formulation: Gel | Size: 0.5 ounces Final Verdict With an affordable price point, visible results, and versatility, the Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Max Eye Cream is our best overall drugstore pick. It won't clog pores and is full of hydrating and nourishing ingredients that target concerns from aging, dehydration, and puffiness. If you prefer something more lightweight with similar results, we recommend trying the Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream. How to Shop for Eye Cream Like a Pro Ingredients "Active ingredients are typically more targeted in addressing eye concerns like brightness, dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines," Dr. Libby says. This notion is why understanding what ingredients tackle which concerns is one of the first steps in deciding on any eye cream, drugstore or otherwise. For example, if you are fatigued and trying to depuff, a gel or cream with caffeine will give your under-eyes a quick pick-me-up. You'll also find that ingredients like retinol in nighttime eye creams tackle signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. If seeking a daytime formula for the same woes, hyaluronic acid can plump the eye area and hydrate it, giving it a smoother appearance. Formula Formula and function can often be confused. Dr. Libby explains that the formula relates to the texture or feel of the product. She says that eye creams should be lightweight to prevent things like milia while prioritizing active ingredients. This idea doesn't mean you won't find richer under-eye creams on the market. It represents the notion that generally speaking, all under-eye products will be lighter than something, like a moisturizer, used on the entire face. Most eye cream formulas will come in a gel or cream. An exception includes an emerging trend of serum-style eye products that offer fast absorption and highly concentrated ingredients. Another outlier is gel creams, which are eye products that are not as emollient as traditional eye creams but provide a richer feel than a lightweight gel. Function The function is akin to purpose, as in, what will your eye product get you in terms of results? "Our eyes are the first point of contact when looking at one another, and focusing on prevention here and optimizing the skin in this area has been an increasingly popular request," Dr. Libby says. She often has patients asking her how to prevent signs of aging, increase hydration levels, and help with dark circles. All of which are examples of what your eye product should address. When beginning the selection process for an eye cream, understanding your skin type and concerns should be the first place you start. Ingredients and formulation can come after that. Questions You Might Ask Is it best to use eye cream in the morning or at night? "Ideally, eye cream is best used both mornings and at night," Dr. Libby says. She explains that the same product can be applied both times of day, but there are instances where you might want to have two options. "If desiring more specific eye creams for each routine, for the a.m., I would recommend looking for an eye cream that also has SPF and antioxidants, and in the evening, one that also has a retinol," she adds. Of course, you should be mindful of your budget if you decide to add two eye creams to your skincare routine. Can you use moisturizer instead of eye cream? The simple answer is, no, you shouldn't be using a face moisturizer as an eye cream. "Some moisturizers as well are thicker and may be too occlusive for the more sensitive skin around the eyes, and I have seen patients come in with milia, or tiny white cysts that form beneath the skin, likely due to clogging of pores by a cream that is too heavy and thick for the skin around the eyes," Dr. Libby says. If you are keen on using a moisturizer around this area, she suggests using something that would only offer benefits of hydration to the skin. What is the best age to start using eye cream? It is best to start using eye creams in your 20s, Dr. Libby says. At this stage, the focus should be on preventative measures, with more advanced eye creams coming as you age. She recommends those in their 20s look for hydrating formulas with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which smooth the skin surrounding the eyes. Those in their 30s and up should start using products with retinol to increase cell turnover and collagen production. Is thicker eye cream better? Dr. Lain says there are certain circumstances where a thicker eye cream should be the go-to formula choice for a patient or consumer. "A thicker consistency can provide more intense hydration and create a protective barrier on the delicate skin around the eyes," he says. Those with mature or dry skin might prefer this formulation as the thicker texture helps to lock in moisture and nourish the skin more effectively, he adds. Those looking for something that is depuffing or tightening might benefit from the lightweight texture of a gel or serum eye product. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. She researched countless sites and brands to find the best eye creams available at the drugstore. She worked alongside Tiffany Libby, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and surgeon, and Ted Lain, MD, MBA, double board-certified dermatologist, and chief medical officer, to ensure her selections were inexpensive and effective.