We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

There’s a reason why the skin around the eyes tends to wrinkle and show other signs of aging first: The skin in that delicate area is thin, and sensitive to stretching and sagging—which means it matures faster than other parts of your face. That’s where the best eye creams for wrinkles come into play.

If maintaining a radiant complexion is important to you, then regularly using an eye cream can make a big difference. So consistency is key. The thing is, there are thousands of options available, and it can be tough to know what to look for in an ingredients list. Even if you do know what to look for, tracking down something that checks all the right boxes can be exhausting.

Ahead, we talked to dermatologists to find out exactly what should be in an effective eye cream for wrinkles, puffiness, darkness, and more—and the best over-the-counter options to try.

How we chose the best eye creams for wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles

We consulted Tara Rao, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and co-creator of MELĒ skincare, Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., the founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City, and board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of Skin Rules. We also conducted our own research, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best eye creams available.