Best Eye Cream

Facial moisturizers make the best eye creams

According to skin-care experts, most people don't need to invest in a specialized eye cream at all. That's because the skin around the eyes benefits from the same ingredients that are good for other areas of the face, namely antioxidants and emollient ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, propylene glycol and others. Furthermore, experts say a quality moisturizer is formulated in the same manner as the best eye creams and many of them contain the same ingredients but in different packaging.

For example, reviewers say Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum (*Est. $20 for 0.5 oz.) is an excellent eye cream that feels light and smooth on the skin. It is also loaded with antioxidants. However, it differs little from Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.), which beauty expert and author Paula Begoun says "provides three times as much product for the same price." A quick look at the ingredients list shows that they are nearly identical.

Paula Begoun gives this Olay formula her highest rating because it contains a large variety of "beneficial ingredients for all skin types," namely glycerin, niacinamide and butylene glycol --hydrating compounds that help nourish skin cells. It's also packed with peptides - proteins that are touted for boosting the production of skin-plumping collagen and aiding in cell renewal and repair. The serum contains antioxidants vitamin E and green tea extract, which protect skin from free radicals -- harmful elements in the environment. Olay Regenerist also beats out several other creams in professional tests, thanks to its moisturizing and antiaging properties. Hundreds of users at TotalBeauty.com, MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com give it high ratings, saying that it leaves skin soft and moisturized. Reviewers also praise the gel-like texture of both formulations, although the eye serum receives slightly lower ratings overall; this is most likely due to the higher expectations that consumers generally have for eye creams. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is also available in an identical fragranced version, but this product is not recommended for use around the eyes since it may cause irritation.

Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex (*Est. $40 for 0.5 oz.) also gets good marks from reviewers. It is very similar to both Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting and Daily Regenerating Serums, but the Pro-X formula contains more niacinamide and caffeine for a tightening effect. Paula Begoun says that it has a lightweight feel that leaves skin feeling smooth. She's quick to point out, however, that the caffeine won't wake up tired eyes, nor can it do much for dark circles or puffiness. Several users at MakeupAlley.com, Drugstore.com and Amazon.com say that Eye Restoration Complex reduces the appearance of fine lines, but most facial moisturizers will do the same by plumping up the skin with moisture. Several consumers complain that the formula is very pricey, especially for a drugstore eye cream.

For a high-end option, Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Advanced Anti-Aging Serum (*Est. $100 for 0.5 oz.) wins awards from beauty magazines for its supposed ability to diminish fine lines around the eyes. One tester at Self magazine swears that the formula reduced the appearance of fine lines in just a few days. It contains high levels of antioxidants, namely idebenone, which the company claims is the most potent antioxidant available. Paula Begoun is skeptical of manufacturer claims, but says that the formula is elegant and contains several good-for-skin ingredients including silicone and algae. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com are fairly positive. Many say that Prevage makes a noticeable difference in fine lines and does an excellent job of moisturizing the skin. Most complain about the exorbitant price tag, however.

Retinol formulas are also good for around the eye

Like general facial moisturizers, experts say most antiaging facial moisturizers are just as effective on the eye area as they are on the rest of the face. However, while the ingredients in these products -- namely retinol and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E -- can improve the appearance of your skin over time, experts say they aren't likely to completely eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (*Est. $13 for 1.4 oz.) contains wrinkle-smoothing retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines. This product also contains several antioxidants: green tea and two forms of vitamin A. Experts say it's perfectly safe for the eye area. It sells for about a quarter of the cost, ounce for ounce, of RoC Retinol Correxion, a leading antiaging eye cream. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle (which is also discussed in our report on wrinkle cream) gets good ratings from users at MakeupAlley.com, who praise its lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Several reviewers also say that Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and visibly improves the tone and texture of skin in just a few weeks. Retinol can, however, cause some initial irritation in the form of dryness and flaking, but experts and users alike say that skin adjusts over time and the irritation fades. Reducing initial usage to once every two to three nights can also help improve comfort levels.

Beauty expert and author Paula Begoun says Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream is "definitely one of the better retinol products at the drugstore," due to its dark packaging that keeps retinol and antioxidants stable. (Note: The effectiveness of the ingredients in today's antiaging creams can be weakened upon prolonged exposure to light and air, so small-mouthed, airtight containers and dark-colored jars and bottles are smart options.) Retinol can cause some sun sensitivity; therefore, experts recommend using it at night and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream (*Est. $21 for 0.5 oz.) is a retinol-based eye cream touted for fighting fine lines, particularly crow's feet. It's a lightweight moisturizer that contains retinol, which helps to rebuild collagen, making wrinkles less noticeable. The only problem, says Begoun, is that it doesn't contain enough retinol to really make a difference; it only contains a tiny amount, which is listed after the preservatives at the end of the ingredient list. Users at Drugstore.com and MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions as to how well it works at reducing wrinkles, but most say that it is a gentle formula that provides light moisture with no irritation. Some users do take issue with the product's small size and high price.

Eye creams with sunscreen offer protection and prevention

Ultimately, experts agree that the best antiaging remedy is prevention. The most study-backed way to prevent wrinkles is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, since harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays contribute to the breakdown of collagen and lead to the wrinkling of skin. Products like Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream SPF15 (*Est. $70 for 0.5 oz.) help to protect against harmful UV rays that cause sun damage. It contains avobenzone to provide broad-spectrum protection. Although this particular sunscreen can potentially cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin (as can almost any ingredient), experts say that it is tolerable for most people. However, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally more tolerable than other forms.

Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.) is a highly rated moisturizer that provides adequate broad-spectrum protection for the whole face. It's available in both SPF 15 and SPF 50 versions. SPF 15 is suitable for everyday use. If you are in the sun for long stretches, experts suggest opting for a higher SPF. In professional testing, the UV Defense beats out other expensive brands for both moisturizing and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Paula Begoun gives the formula her highest rating because it is "loaded with beneficial extras for skin, including a peptide complex, antioxidants and soothing agents." It does contain fragrance, however, which can irritate sensitive skin and eyes.

For more on the best allover moisturizers, see our companion report on facial moisturizers.