Eye Cream

The array of problems that occur in the eye area happen for a myriad of reasons including genetics, sun damage and eventually, age. That they happen earlier than anywhere else on the face has much to do with the shape of the eye and the thin skin that surrounds it.

Moisturizing creams

If you're just looking for a basic moisturizer, which experts say that everyone needs in the eye area, there really is no need to purchase an eye cream. As discussed earlier in this report, many of them contain the same ingredients as facial moisturizers.

For example, Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum ($18 for 0.5 ounces) is well liked by reviewers as an excellent eye cream that feels light and smooth on the skin. It is also loaded with antioxidants. Paula Begoun mentions, though, that it differs little from Olay's Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free (*est. $20 for 1.7 ounces) , "which provides three times as much product for the same price." A quick look at the ingredients list does indeed show that they are almost identical.

Reviewers rave that this Olay formula is packed with peptides and has a soothing "gel-like" texture. Users are also well pleased with both formulations, although the eye serum receives slightly lower ratings. This is most likely due to the higher expectations that consumers generally have for eye creams.

Users also seem to be pleased with Clinique Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer (*est. $60 for 1.7 ounces) . It is another well-formulated facial moisturizer that can be used in lieu of an eye cream. Both Paula Begoun and Brides Magazine chose it as one of the best products of 2007 because it is rich in antioxidants and "elegantly textured."

For more on the best all-over moisturizers, see our companion report on facial moisturizers .

Eye creams for dark circles or puffy eyes

Those that battle dark circles or puffy eyes may wish to stick with a specially formulated eye cream for this area, rather than a facial moisturizer. This is simply because facial moisturizers don't usually contain ingredients that treat these particular ailments.

Hylexin ($90 for 0.78 ounces) has been heavily marketed as the "breakthrough" miracle for dark circles. The manufacturer's website cites a clinical trial in which 72% of the women studied who had serious dark circles and used Hylexin "saw an obvious, tangible, visible reduction in the color and severity of their dark circles." It is designed to treat chronic dark circles that are caused by leaking capillaries under the skin's surface. Research shows that hesperidin methyl chalcone, a key ingredient in Hylexin, can help to aid venous problems. Paula Begoun points out, though, that this research studied the internal use of the ingredient and that there has been no substantiated research as to its effectiveness applied topically.

Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions about Hylexin. None of the users posting comments here claimed to see a complete reversal of their dark circles, but several of them saw a noticeable improvement. The majority of users, however, saw no difference at all, even with extended use of Hylexin. This may be due to the underlying cause of their dark circles, which can include fatigue, hyper-pigmentation or enlarged blood vessels. Still, we chose not to include Hylexin in our Fast Answers section because of this discrepancy in results.

A treatment like Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles (*est. $75 for 60 capsules) may also help to repair dark circles because it contains vitamin K. Vitamin K is often recommended by experts because of its lightening effect on skin. This treatment also contains retinol, which some experts believe can help to stimulate the growth of collagen, and may help to thicken skin over time. As of the publication date of this report, there are only seven user reviews listed at MakeupAlley.com, but most of them claim to have seen visible results with this product. Factor-A Eyes comes packaged in 60 capsules that ensure the stability of the retinol as well as the antioxidants.

Most experts believe that it is impossible to lighten dark circles completely without laser treatment, and that using a good matte concealer may be the only non-surgical thing you can do about them. A few eye creams include some cosmetic properties to help disguise dark circles.

Products that contain optical diffusers, such as Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream (*est. $40/0.5 ounces), can help to camouflage and conceal dark circles with light-diffusing pigments. Experts say that this is a good moisturizer with antioxidant properties, namely vitamin C. InStyle magazine chose it as one of the best beauty buys of 2008 because it contains mica, which reflects light to help brighten dark shadows under the eye, while the vitamin C helps to even skin tone.

Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream also contains caffeine, which helps to reduce puffiness under the eye. Experts at Real Simple magazine explain that caffeine is "a vasoconstrictor, so it helps expel fluid from cells in the skin and de-puffs quickly." User reviews are mostly positive showing that consumers notice a change in both their dark circles as well as the puffiness of their eyes.

Experts also say, however, that using a cold compress in the morning decreases puffiness, too, and may also lighten dark circles because it helps to constrict enlarged blood vessels.

Anti-aging cream

Reviewers point to Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift ($28 for 0.66 ounces) for fighting droopy eyes and sagging skin. It comes packaged with both brow bone/upper-eye gel (0.33 ounces) and under-eye cream (0.33 ounces). Experts concur that the emollient factor of the cream helps to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as do all good moisturizers. It contains mica and titanium dioxide, both of which reflect light and reduce the appearance of dark circles. The gel, on the other hand, is light and absorbs easily. Avon claims that it instantly tightens the skin and, over time, visibly improves sagging and drooping.

Paula Begoun, however, is skeptical. She says, "The gel is supposedly responsible for the lifting and tightening actions, yet it doesn't contain ingredients that have that effect." She also complains that the jar that Avon uses does not lend to the stability of the antioxidants it contains.

Furthermore, there are many good facial moisturizers with similar ingredients. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (*est. $13 for 1.4 ounces) , for example, is a facial moisturizer that contains several antioxidants. It is perfectly safe for the eye area and sells for about a quarter of the cost of Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift. It's also packaged, for stability, in a tube. Editors at Allure magazine claim that Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream softens existing fine lines and that it helps to delay the appearance of aging. Because of this, it has won a Best of Beauty award from Allure for six years and has been inducted into its Hall of Fame. Only 24 other beauty products currently hold that honor, none of which are a so-called "eye cream." Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream is also included in our companion report on facial moisturizers.

Neutrogena's active ingredient is retinol, which many experts recommend for the treatment of fine lines and crow's feet. Paula Begoun, on the other hand, recommends prescription-strength retinoids (which are available only with a dermatologist's prescription). She says that they improve the skin's collagen production and in turn create a "modest (but noticeable) decrease in the depth and appearance of wrinkles."

Experts agree that the best anti-aging remedy is prevention. Harmful 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 ($60 for 0.5 ounces) help to protect against harmful UV rays that cause sunburns and cancer. Unfortunately, this particular cream will not protect against UVA rays that contribute to premature aging. Dermatologists recommend products that offer broad-spectrum protection, containing ingredients such as avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Mexoryl SX.

Products like Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion (*$17.50 for 2.5 ounces) and Estee Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15 (*est. $38 for 1.7 ounces) are well-formulated moisturizers that provide adequate broad-spectrum protection for the whole face. Their only downfall is that they use avobenzone, an effective but synthetic sunscreen ingredient that can irritate the eyes, according to editors at Cosmopolitan. They suggest choosing a cream that uses "physical ray repellers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)" instead.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (*est. $12 for 1.7 ounces) is one such product. Experts say that it is a good, basic moisturizer without any fancy cutting edge ingredients. It does, however, offer broad-spectrum sunscreen protection for daytime use. It uses a gentler zinc oxide sunscreen, which is hard to find in either a facial moisturizer or an eye cream. Some users at MakeupAlley.com complain, though, that the moisturizer "balls up," making it difficult to apply makeup.

Important Features: Eye cream

Reviewers say the following about shopping for an eye cream:

• You probably don't need a separate eye cream. Experts say that unless you have a particular need that cannot be met with a well-formulated facial moisturizer, you do not need an eye cream. Most eye creams contain the same ingredients as facial moisturizers, with the exception of those that treat dark circles and puffy eyes.

• Avoid ingredients that may irritate the eyes. Fragrance and chemical sunscreens, among other less common ingredients, can be irritating to this delicate area.

• Look for broad-spectrum sun protection. While the SPF rating is important, it only applies to sunburn- and cancer-causing UVB rays. Experts say that UVA protection is extremely important to prevent premature wrinkles. Look for products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide rather than avobenzone, which can irritate the eyes.

• Be gentle when applying products. To prevent damage and irritation, consumers should gently pat products into the skin rather than rubbing them in. It is also important to avoid any tugging of the skin.
  
• Antioxidants help to prevent some of the damage caused by free radicals, but in order to be effective they must come in stable packaging. Antioxidants deteriorate with repeated exposure to air and sunlight. Moisturizers containing antioxidants should be packaged in opaque tubes or bottles to ensure efficacy. Look for dispensers with small openings to minimize air exposure.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum ($18 for 0.5 ounces)	details
3	Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream ($40 for 0.5 ounces)	-
3	Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift ($28 for 0.66 ounces)	details
3	RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($20 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream ($125 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles (*est. $75 for 60 capsules)	details
2	Olay Definity Eye Illuminator ($26 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	Hylexin ($90 for 0.78 ounces)	details
2	Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream/Serum ($45 for 0.7 ounces)	details
2	La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($160 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	True Anti-Aging I-Lift Eye Contour Concentrate ($75 for 15 ml.)	-
2	Biotherm Hydra-Detox Yeux ($26 for 0.5 ounces)	-
2	Burt's Bees Beeswax and Royal Jelly Eye Cream ($12 for 0.25 ounces)	details
2	Kinerase Under Eye Rescue Cream ($70 for 0.7 ounces)	details
2	Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 ($60 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	B. Kamins Therapeutic Eye Cream ($95 for 0.5 ounces)	details
2	Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple-Response System ($28 for 1 set)	details
2	Philosophy Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream ($33 for 0.5 ounces)	details

Reviewers most consistently pick Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum as the best eye treatment. However, we found that Olay Regenerist Daily Rejuvenating Serum, a facial moisturizer, is almost exactly the same formulation, but with three times the amount of product for the same price. Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift is sometimes recommended for its anti-aging benefits, but it is much more expensive than Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, a highly rated facial moisturizer that is safe for the eye area. Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles is well-liked by experts and users alike. For reducing puffiness, Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Eye Cream hits the mark with reviewers. It also helps to conceal dark circles with mineral particles. Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 is well liked by reviewers, but we found that Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 provides better protection without irritating the eyes.

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