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The best eye-tightening creams have become viral sensations, racking up millions of views (and buys) due to their visibly firming results. Undereyes seemingly go from puffy to smooth in the blink of an eye—albeit temporarily. Although they may seem gimmicky, many eye-tightening creams come highly recommended by board-certified dermatologists. Sure, their effects are short-lived, but they work. They even benefit the delicate, ultra-thin skin around your eyes over time with the help of collagen-boosting ingredients, like peptides, says Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Our Top Eye-Tightening Creams
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye, $125
- Best Firming: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel, $65
- Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, $30
- Best Overnight: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask, $32
- Best Fast-Acting: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye, $38
- Best Tinted: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35, $79
Of course, these eye-tightening creams are not bottled-up versions of IPL treatments or a blepharoplasty (eye lift), but they truly do the trick to help tighten, plump, and firm the skin around your eyes in a pain-free pinch. If one of your skin-care goals is to minimize the appearance of dark circles, offset sagging, smooth eye wrinkles, or all of the above, an eye cream—especially one with firming benefits—should be the first thing you add for undereyes that look more awake, and an overall more energized complexion.
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Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
SkinCeuticals
A.G.E Advanced Eye
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Allure’s best eye cream lists consistently include the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye because it’s a past Best of Beauty winner, and many dermatologists swear by it. According to Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, this eye treatment combines immediate visible improvements with long-term benefits by addressing the advanced glycation end-products (a.k.a. A.G.E.), which naturally develop and build up in our bodies as we age and cause our skin to sag. A.G.E. Advanced Eye’s potent blend of peptides, in particular, helps reverse them by improving firmness, tightness, and elasticity.
This undereye-tightening cream is also spiked with proxylane, blueberry extract, and flavonoids to help decrease the appearance of crow’s feet, as Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, has told Allure. "With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes,” she added.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have really deep crow’s feet when I smile—the downside of having an expressive face—but this stuff has helped soften their look and keep them from getting further etched in when my face is at rest,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “It feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, and I appreciate that it hasn’t seemed to exacerbate the milia around my eyes.” —Deanna Pai, contributing editor
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I have really deep crow’s feet when I smile—the downside of having an expressive face—but this stuff has helped soften their look and keep them from getting further etched in when my face is at rest,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “It feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, and I appreciate that it hasn’t seemed to exacerbate the milia around my eyes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all
- Key ingredients: caffeine, peptides, proxylane, flavonoids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Firming: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Dr. Loretta
Tightening Eye Gel
Dermstore
Revolve
Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Jenny Bailly
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Loretta’s Tightening Eye Gel earned its Best of Beauty seal in 2019 for its highly effective, ultra-versatile formula that takes a literal 360 approach to rejuvenating the eye area. Tap it around the circumference of each eye, including your upper eyelid, to harness the benefits of tetrapeptide-5 and antioxidant-rich nannochloropsis oculata extract (a form of microalgae). Both help deflate puffiness, restore tautness, and kick-start collagen production for a smoother, more resilient eye area.
Tester feedback from 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,” says executive beauty director Jenny Bailly. “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 months.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all
- Key ingredients: tetrapeptide-5, algae extract, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Overnight: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask
Laneige
Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask
Lexi Herrick
Why it’s worth it: Soothe puffy undereyes and fine lines while you snooze with the Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask. This overnight mask enhances your beauty sleep with a max-strength combination of caffeine and niacinamide to brighten tone and soothe undereye puffiness, while antioxidant-rich peony extract and peptides create a firmer, plumper feel. Since it’s free of harsh active ingredients and fragrances, its formula is suitable for those with sensitive skin as well.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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“The Laneige Eye Sleeping Mask is truly one of the best eye cream products I have ever tested,” says Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development. “I manage both seasonal and skin allergies, so I have to be extra precious about what products I use around my eyes. This mask is SO incredibly gentle and smooth and glides onto my eye without a lot of rubbing or irritation. I combat a lot of dryness and swelling around my eyes, especially in the mornings, and wearing this overnight transforms the appearance of my eyes the next morning. They are firmer, less puffy, and much more hydrated, making my makeup application a breeze.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, caffeine, peony extract, peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
RoC
Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream targets lines, dark circles, and puffiness without making a huge dent in your bank account. “I love this one as it provides so many benefits of pricier products at a fraction of the cost,” Dr. Malik says. He points to its inclusion of gentle retinol, which helps promote collagen production, boost firmness, and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. (Just be sure to wear sunscreen to avoid irritation, as retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.) It also allows this incredibly lightweight formula to help diminish discoloration over time, adds David Li, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“RoC's eye cream has been a tried-and-true formula for many years now. I'm probably aging myself by linking to this review I wrote in 2021, but with the added years (I'm 32 now), my concerns about volume loss and creasing around the eyes are even more prevalent, so RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream has made its way back into my nighttime rotation. After all, not much can beat retinol in terms of wrinkle-reducing efficacy. I've never had any sensitivity using it either, perhaps due to the fact that irritating-soothing glycerin is one of the top ingredients. All in all, this is a very affordable treatment that outperforms many pricier creams: ” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: mature skin
- Key ingredients: retinol, panthenol, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
More eye-tightening creams we love:
Best Fast-Acting: Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye
Peter Thomas Roth
Instant Firmx Eye
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: The Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Eye deserves all the TikTok hype, according to Dr. Zubritsky and board-certified dermatologist Mona Mislankar, MD. It functions like a transparent clay mask, thanks to silicates extracted from natural clays. As it dries down, the gel formula absorbs moisture and gently pulls the delicate skin in the undereye area, making it feel tight—just like your favorite rinse-off mask—and instantly appear firmer, as cosmetic chemist Javon Ford previously shared with Allure. Dr. Zubritsky loves that Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Firmx Eye is also formulated with peptides to help depuff undereye bags and smooth wrinkles with long-term use.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: mature skin
- Key ingredients: silicates, seaweed extract, peptides, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Tinted: Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Colorescience
Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: The Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 covers all of our bases for daytime skin care, which is why Donna Hart, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, swears by it. “It really checks multiple boxes: SPF coverage, concealing properties, fluid reduction, and fine line-reducing ingredients all in one,” she says. As it guards skin against UV rays with mineral-based sun blockers and provides creaseless complexion coverage, this hydrating mix of glycerin and panthenol also smooths sagging skin and boosts brightness for a more awake look, even when you’ve skimped on sleep.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all, including those with sensitive skin
- Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (7.9%), zinc oxide (6.7%), glycerin, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Hooded Eyes: Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream
Revision Skincare
DEJ Eye Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: If you have hooded eyes (i.e., your lids slightly droop over your eyes), consider this eye-tightening cream recommendation from Dr. Malik. Specifically formulated for your eye shape, the Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream delivers a nourishing formula through a pump or a flat metal applicator. (The choice is up to you at checkout.) “It contains antioxidants, peptides, and other actives that address the multiple signs of aging around the delicate under-eye area,” Dr. Malik says. You can also count on them to help lift the drooping skin around your eyes and improve its firmness and elasticity.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all, especially those with dry skin
- Key ingredients: prebiotics, postbiotics, peptides, algae extracts, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline (amino acid)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes
Eau Thermale Avène
Retrinal Eyes Advanced 3-In-1 Eye Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, approves of Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes for sensitive, reactive skin. "This formula uses retinaldehyde (a gentle vitamin A derivative) to smooth fine lines while soothing with thermal spring water," she says, referring to it as "a silk robe for your undereyes." If you're not yet clued into retinaldehyde (or retinal for short), allow Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, to explain further. “Retinal and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives, but retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid—the active form your skin uses. That means it works faster and is typically more potent than retinol,” Dr. Levit previously told us. TL;DR If you're looking for a fast-acting eye cream that address fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness with minimal side effects, this drugstore find should be on your radar—and hopefully in your cart.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: sensitive skin
- Key ingredients: 0.05% retinaldehyde, Avène thermal spring water, glycerin, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
Caudalíe
Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
Amazon
Revolve
Why it’s worth it: This dreamy gel-cream puts resveratrol, an antioxidant, center stage to fight the loss of elasticity and fine lines along your under-eye area. Extracted from grapevine shoots, antioxidant-rich resveratrol helps visibly firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting collagen production, says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. Studies have also found that it helps accelerate wound healing and skin regeneration. Caudalie's Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream also contains intensely hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, quinoa extract, and sunflower seed oil, to help plump the fragile skin under your eyes, she adds.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: all
- Key ingredients: palmitoyl grapevine shoot extract (aka resveratrol), hyaluronic acid, quinoa seed extract, seaweed extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Circles: Isdin K-Ox Eyes
Isdin
K-Ox Eyes
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: Vitamin C may be popular, but Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas, says the Isdin K-Ox Eyes treatment includes a heavily underutilized antioxidant, vitamin K. The ingredient increases circulation while hyaluronic acid, the other primary ingredient in Isdin’s treatment, hydrates skin, creating a plumper, more supple appearance while diminishing dark circles and inflammation at the same time. “This is an excellent eye cream to reduce puffiness, and safe to use on eyelids as well,” she says.
More to know
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- Skin type it’s best for: mature skin, dry skin
- Key ingredients: vitamin K, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eye-tightening cream work?
Surprisingly, yes, but some have temporary skin-smoothing effects while others minimize the look of fine lines, sagging, and wrinkles over time with consistent use. Certain skin-care ingredients, like silicates, can have an instantly tightening effect on the under-eye area, as Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, mentions to Allure. Another way they work their magic is by adding hydration to the eye area. "When the skin is more visibly hydrated, it looks tighter," Dr. Lolis explains.
Collagen-stimulating ingredients, such as peptides, retinol, and vitamin C, help firm and tighten the delicate skin around your eyes, too, with consistent use. Keep in mind that eye-tightening creams won’t give you the same undereyes you had the day you were born, though. They can, however, effectively help diminish the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness under your eyes.
How to apply eye cream
Dermatologists typically recommend gently tapping eye cream onto your eye area with your ring finger. It places the least amount of pressure on the delicate skin and is less likely to tug at it. Dr. Gohara says to "Apply along the orbital bone, not too close to the lash line." You can also "use a chilled roller or gua sha [with your eye cream] for a spa-like boost," she suggests as an optional upgrade.
Do you use eye cream or serum first?
Serum should be applied before eye cream. A general guideline experts suggest: Layer your skin-care products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
When to apply eye cream
Firming eye cream can be a part of your morning and nighttime skin-care routines. The only caveat: Eye creams formulated with retinol should only be used at night. (In the morning, you can reach for an eye cream with SPF.)
What in-office treatments are available for more intensive eye tightening?
We'll let the pros take it from here: Dr. Gohara recommends radiofrequency microneedling (like Morpheus8), which is her "go-to for boosting collagen and elastin deep in the dermis." If you're looking for a non-invasive treatment (microneedling is considered minimally invasive, by the way), "Ultrasound-based devices like Ultherapy precisely target deeper layers to contour and tighten for a more lifted look," Dr. Gohara adds. But, even with professional treatments, you shouldn't negate your topicals. The strongest, most results-driven combination is always in-office treatments coupled with consistent at-home care.
Meet the experts
- Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
- Mona Mislankar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Javon Ford, a cosmetic chemist in Los Angeles
- Kunal Malik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in NYC
- Donna Hart, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin
- Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston
- David Li, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, Connecticut
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-tightening creams, 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.
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