This $11 Drugstore Eye Cream Is Lab-Proven to Firm Sagging Skin

• Our top picks:
• 1) Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream
• 2) Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel-Cream
• 3) Pure Retinol Eye Cream
• 4) Restorative Eye Treatment
• Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
• Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Eye Cream
• 4) Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream
• 8) Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
• 5) TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream
• 13) Age Perfect Eye Renewal
• 11) Le Lift Crème Yeux
• Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
• Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
• Retinol 24 MAX Night Eye Cream
• TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream
• Eye Serum
• 17) Renewal Firming Eye Cream
• 18) Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream
• K-Ox Eyes Cream
• 20) For Your Eyes Only Cream
• 19) SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
• How we test luggage
• 9) When do Labor Day sales start in 2022?
• How we test luggage
• 15) Why trust Good Housekeeping?
• 14) Which roller skates are best for beginners?
• This $15 Drugstore Eye Cream Is Lab-Proven to Firm Sagging Skin

We updated this article in November 2022 to ensure all picks vetted and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute were in stock and correctly priced. We also added four new products, including a GH Beauty Award winner and three editor-loved choices.

When it comes to eyes, fine lines and wrinkles are the biggest concern for 85% of women, followed closely by lack of firmness, dark circles and undereye bags, according to a Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab survey of over 1,000 readers. Eye-area skin ages faster than the rest of the face, which can make you look up to 20 years older, Olay research found. Since the area around the eyes has the thinnest skin with the lowest elasticity and moisture, it’s important to invest in an eye treatment tailored to address these stubborn issues.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests thousands of skincare products every year, including eye creams (our scientists evaluated more than 5,900 data points in our most recent eye treatment test!). These tests consist of weeks-long Lab and consumer tests across several price points to help you find the most effective products on the market. Many of the eye creams below have also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, our guarantee that they work as claimed. Ahead, the GH Beauty Lab’s best-tested, dermatologist-recommended and editor-approved eye creams that actually make a difference for every concern, from dry skin to dark circles and wrinkles to puffiness, whether you’re in your 20s, your 50s or beyond.

Our top picks:

You can read more about how we evaluate eye creams in our Lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect eye product — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to improve your eye area? Check out our guides to the best anti-aging serums and the best under-eye patches for your money.

1) Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream

$135.00

Lancôme’s luxe, vitamin-packed cream won the GH Beauty Lab’s latest anti-aging eye cream test, proving it’s worth the splurge for hydrating and firming. The formula, which contains vitamins C and E, scored highest for increasing skin moisture, by 41% over six hours and boosted firmness by 29% over four weeks of use. Several testers said they could see a noticeable difference: “My bags are almost gone,” one said. “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my undereye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use,” another marveled. However, it is a pricey pick.

2) Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel-Cream

$16.95

This GH Beauty Lab bargain favorite from Neutrogena is perfect if you’re looking for a lighter formula without compromising hydration. The unique gel-like texture made with hyaluronic acid absorbs quickly into skin and keeps the delicate eye area moisturized for hours. Plus, it’s oil- and fragrance-free, making it great for nearly every skin type, from oily to sensitive. “Eye area was dry and puffy. This worked wonders,” an Amazon reviewer commented. However, other reviewers noted that they felt a burning or stinging sensation after applying.

3) Pure Retinol Eye Cream

$27.99

No7’s great value eye treatment, a 2022 GH Beauty Award winner, provides the wrinkle-diminishing effects of retinol in a formula infused with soothing ingredients that’s safe for use around the delicate eye area. After six weeks of nightly application, 80% of consumer testers thought their wrinkles were reduced and their skin felt firmer, and after eight weeks, 91% said the product was gentle on skin, a study found. However, other reviewers noted they didn’t see any noticeable change to their eyes after using the product.

4) Restorative Eye Treatment

$47.50

The powerful eye serum from Alastin includes the brand’s TriHex Technology, which is designed to support the production of new collagen in the skin. Our Beauty Assistant loves it for treating fine lines and puffiness:”I can see a distinct improvement in the fine lines under my eyes since I started using this,” she said. “My undereyes also look brighter in photos and in person.” However, she also noted that it can sting a little when applying, but that sensation only lasts for a few seconds.

Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

$56.00

For days you wake up with puffy, tired eyes (or just for every day!), turn to Dermalogica’s eye gel, which contains peptides and caffeine. “I tap this under my eyes and even on my eyelids in the morning when my eyes look exhausted, puffy and droopy,” GH’s beauty director says. “Almost instantly, my eye area looks visibly smoother — I’ve tried many eye treatments and have never seen such noticeable results so quickly.” However, note that this pick is pricier than some other options out there for a relatively small amount of product.

Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Eye Cream

$18.97

Roc excelled at tackling every eye-area issue in GH Beauty Lab eye cream testing, increasing firmness by 19% and hydration by 20%, reducing wrinkles by 10%, brightening dark circles and depuffing — all with a price below the average treatment! Testers said the vitamins C and E formula also helped improve the look of crow’s feet and undereye lines. “I noticed within days that the issues around my eyes (puffiness, dark circles and fine lines) were diminished,” one said. A second agreed: “This eye cream firmed the skin around my eyes and faded away my wrinkles.” However, note that this product is fragranced (though testers didn’t find the scent to be too strong).

4) Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream

$22.99

Made with smoothing peptides, this drugstore pick rose above the rest in the GH Beauty Lab testing at diminishing crow’s feet and creases. In digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer, the lotion minimized eye-area wrinkle size and severity by 13% in four weeks. It also ranked highly for making skin 28% firmer and more hydrated by 30%. “This visibly reduced the lines on and crepey texture of my skin,” a tester reported. “It noticeably decreased my fine lines,” another echoed. Note that one tester did develop irritation after two days of use.

8) Eyes Brightening Eye Cream

$18.75

With its makeup-like effects (thanks to light-reflecting minerals), GH Beauty Lab test winner and GH Seal star Olay blurs eye-area imperfections in seconds. “This was like a primer, quickly diminishing the wrinkles at the corners of my eyes that can interfere with makeup,” one reported. “It even lifted my upper eyelids, which had started to sag,” another said. The most liked formula among testers, it firmed skin long-term by an impressive 29%, though it wasn’t as hydrating as others in Lab calculations.

5) TimeWise Age Minimize 3D Eye Cream

$38.00

Brighten up and deflate bags with this GH Seal star Mary Kay cream containing skin tone-evening niacinamide and resveratrol, also a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s eye cream test. It received the highest marks in Lab digital imaging analysis for improving the look of dark circles, though it didn’t show stellar results in other Lab tests. The treatment also earned high marks among testers for decreasing puffiness and undereye bags, upping hydration 24% and firmness 20%. “No more morning puffiness,” a tester revealed. “A magical product!” Another reported: “I do feel like my under eyes look smoother and less dark.”

13) Age Perfect Eye Renewal

$10.99

L’Oréal’s affordable eye cream performed well across the board in GH Beauty Lab testing, moisturizing, firming and decreasing the look of fine lines over four weeks. Testers loved that the formulation with caffeine and botanical oils was so gentle that it didn’t cause any redness or irritation. “I’ve never had an eye cream work as effectively as this one,” a tester said. “My skin is very sensitive and most eye products irritate it. This one didn’t bother my skin at all!” Many consumer reviews noted that the product dispenser is difficult to use, though.

11) Le Lift Crème Yeux

$105.00

With this rich, luxurious Chanel eye treatment, you get what you pay for: A GH Beauty Lab test winner, the gentle formula with hyaluronic acid and peptides was the most hydrating of all eye creams evaluted. It increased eye-area skin moisturization by an impressive 34% over six hours and earned near-perfect scores for texture and fragrance. “This is flat out amazing,” a tester raved. “I love the way it made the lines and wrinkles soften from around my eyes — my skin there feels baby smooth.” This product is pricier than many other options, however, and note that some testers experienced a slight tingle upon application.

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

$89.00

Infused with collagen-stimulating retinol, Murad’s serum was the strongest in GH Beauty Lab testing at tightening slack skin around the eyes. The light formula raised skin’s firmness by 33%, more than all other products in the Lab’s test, and moisture levels by 18%. It also reduced wrinkles by 7% and improved the appearance of bags. Users rated the formula nearly perfect for lack of irritation. “Finally, an eye treatment that actually delivered on its promises,” one tester raved. “The best I’ve ever used.” Another said: “It really tightened my skin, smoothing it out.” Take note that it is a pricier option.

Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

$47.99

In GH Beauty Lab testing, this eye cream from dermatologist-recommended brand La Roche-Posay absorbed quickly, reduced the appearance of fine lines and diminished under-eye puffiness with powerhouse anti-aging ingredient retinol. While the active can sometimes cause redness or irritation, Lab testers didn’t report any issues. “I didn’t really have much faith in eye creams until trying this one — very impressive,” and “the skin around my eyes looks better and feels firmer; my eyes look younger,” two commented. However, some users found the formula to be liquid-y. Be sure to only use this at night, then apply face sunscreen every morning, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

Retinol 24 MAX Night Eye Cream

$33.49

Retinol can be tricky to apply to the eyes due to potential irritation, but this GH Seal star Olay eye cream with retinol, part of the brand’s highly-rated Retinol24 line, was specially formulated for the delicate area. GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the fragrance-free formula produced visible benefits in those with moderate to severe eye area wrinkles and even kept skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. “Has done wonders for my fine lines around my eyes,” a Walmart reviewer said. “They’re all unnoticeable or gone.” However, some users noted burning and irritation when using this product.

TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream

$44.00

This Good Housekeeping Seal star from Mary Kay reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and moisturizes dry, crepey mature skin for up to 12 hours. The tube also has a smart design; squeeze out some product and gently use its metal applicator tip to smooth onto skin. The immediate cooling sensation helps depuff eyes. However, some consumers have noted that they don’t love the texture.

Eye Serum

$180.00

A GH Sustainable Innovation Award winner, this pricey featherweight BL+ serum formula helps minimize eye area puffiness, thanks to ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, plus a built-in rollerball dispenser. “So light and hydrating, it keeps my skin plump and tight during the day,” GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann reports. “I also like the roller applicator as it cools the undereye and helps depuff eyes.”

17) Renewal Firming Eye Cream

$14.51

A great drugstore buy packed with plant extracts, this Burt’s Bees formula is luxe-feeling and rich. GH Beauty Lab evaluations showed it improved skin’s moisturization by 21% and increased firmness by 18%. You’ll likely want to apply it overnight, since its thick texture takes some time to absorb into skin. “It was soothing and left my eye area much more moisturized,” one tester said. Another reported, “My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness.” However, some shared that the product doesn’t absorb very quickly.

18) Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream

$17.95

No7’s cream visibly improves three of the top signs of aging in the eye area: wrinkles, lack of firmness and uneven skin tone. Loaded with active ingredients like peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, a study showed that consumers noticed improvements in as little as two weeks. “I have been using this for about one week and it has already started fading my crow’s feet and tightening the drooping skin under my eyes,” a reviewer said. Other reviewers shared that they hadn’t seen a significant improvement in their eye area after use, though.

K-Ox Eyes Cream

$97.00

From a dermatologist go-to brand, this Isdin formula is a favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Thanks to a potent combination of ingredients, she’s a fan of this pricey pick. “I suggest this for my patients concerned with undereye circles, as it contains peptides to help build collagen, vitamin K to help with darkness and visible blood vessels, and antioxidants to help protect the delicate eye skin in a hydrating hyaluronic acid base,” she says.

20) For Your Eyes Only Cream

$39.00

Quench dehydrated eye area skin with SeeMe Beauty’s mild, moisturizing eye cream, enriched with softening glycerin and botanical oils. In GH Beauty Lab testing, 95% of testers agreed the cream hydrated the skin around their eyes, 98% said it absorbed quickly and 93% agreed that it didn’t irritate or cause redness. “This eye cream was perfect — I am now an eye cream convert,” a tester commented. “It is so much better than using my moisturizer around my eyes.” Some reviewers have shared that they didn’t see a distinct difference in their eyes after using the product, especially related to puffiness.

19) SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50

$31.00

Formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, this SkinCeuticals sunscreen, a past GH Beauty Award winner, is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. The gentle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral formula not only offers UVA and UVB protection, but also helps hide dark circles with its sheer tint. “No stinging, tears or irritation,” GH Beauty Lab evaluators reported. “It makes the skin around my eyes appear brighter,” a reviewer said. Some, however, felt the design of the tube was sub-optimal.

How we test luggage

When testing eye creams and treatments, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists recruit consumer testers across the country to help evaluate formulas across price points, including drugstore products. Each tester tries a label-masked product as part of their daily skincare routine for four weeks, then provides feedback on ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.

Beauty Lab pros track changes in attributes like lines and wrinkles around users’ eyes using a Visia Complexion Analyzer after four weeks of eye cream use. Skin firmness is assessed using the Cutometer, a device that measures skin’s elasticity. Hydration effects are also measured over six hours using a Corneometer machine, which gauges skin’s moisture content. Finally, all the data points are compiled and results tallied to definitively find the best eye creams on the market.

9) When do Labor Day sales start in 2022?

It depends on the eye area issue you are aiming to address. To treat multiple eye area issues, look for a combination of ingredients targeted to your needs.

✔️ For wrinkles and sagging, look for formulas that include peptides and retinol.

✔️ For puffiness, look for caffeine, advises Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

✔️ For dark circles, “vitamin K can help,” says Dr. Robinson. You can also seek out niacinamide or vitamin C.

✔️ For dryness, Dr. Mraz says to look for”hyaluronic acid [to help] with hydration.”

How we test luggage

Yes! “Eye creams differ from face creams because they’re formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. It’s important to use one to keep skin hydrated and plump,” explains GH Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. “Plus, some also contain brighteners to mask undereye darkness and help you look more awake.” It’s worth it to invest in a great eye treatment to prevent and treat signs of aging around the eyes, including lines and wrinkles.

15) Why trust Good Housekeeping?

✔️ Apply eye cream every morning and night to clean, dry skin (using clean hands) to replenish moisture and treat the skin with problem-specific skincare ingredients, the GH Beauty Lab recommends.

✔️ Read your product directions thoroughly because not all eye creams are meant for eyelids. Reading the directions will ensure you are using the product correctly, notes Wnek.

✔️ Apply eye cream before your facial moisturizer, suggests Wizemann. Applying eye cream before moisturizer helps you reap all the benefits of the cream because it has direct contact with the skin around the eye. The only exception: swap the order if your product contains retinol and you are sensitive to the ingredient, says Wnek. “That way, it has a little bit of a base/buffer and can be released into the skin a bit slower.”

✔️ Be gentle: Pulling and tugging around the eyes when applying skincare products can promote wrinkles and sagging in the long term, explains Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Instead, lightly glide or tap the formula over skin.

14) Which roller skates are best for beginners?

Good Housekeeping Beauty Director April Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content, utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more. April works closely with the GH Beauty Lab to coordinate skincare product testing and translate test results into best-in-class compelling, factually accurate science-backed content for Good Housekeeping.

Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, oils, toners, sunscreens, exfoliators, professional treatments and more.

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann oversaw the testing of eye creams. Since joining Good Housekeeping, Sabina has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. In addition to the eye cream tests, she has carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, makeup cleansers and more. She also lends a hand when it comes to explaining skincare ingredients, like occlusives, and verifies product claims.

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek has been testing skincare products including but not limited to eye creams, serums, night creams, neck creams, facial oils and moisturizing creams for over seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. She also regularly polls our consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide.

Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., is a dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., is a dermatologist in Westport, CT and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Mona Gohara, M.D., is a dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

This $15 Drugstore Eye Cream Is Lab-Proven to Firm Sagging Skin