Do You *Really* Need An Eye Cream?

Eye cream has long been at the centre of a heated debate in the beauty industry. Some dermatologists recommend using one to care for the delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes. Others argue that it’s an unnecessary—and expensive—extra step.

Unlike some skincare non-negotiables like sunscreen and removing makeup at night, there’s still no clear answer on whether you really need eye cream.

To help you decide if it's worth the splurge, we asked two beauty pros to share their views on the subject.

What’s the difference between moisturizer and eye cream?

“A moisturizer is intended to maintain and/or increase hydration of the skin surface,” says Dr. Monica Li, a double board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia's Department of Dermatology and Skin Science. “It can be used almost anywhere on the body.”

An eye cream, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to be used underneath the eyes. This area is delicate and prone to showing early signs of aging. Because of this, under-eye formulas tendsto be lighter in texture and feature active ingredients—such as retinol or vitamin C—that target specific concerns.

“Depending on the ingredients, a good eye cream can have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects which helps protect the skin against environmental stressors that can cause premature aging. It can also reduce puffiness, brighten the skin or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the area.”

Is it safe to use moisturizer as eye cream?

“It's more about appropriateness rather than safety,” says Dr. Li. “Generally speaking, moisturizers can be used as an eye cream. However, the composition of a moisturizer may not be as suitable for the skin around the eyes, given how delicate and thin the area is. An eye cream is specifically formulated to be gentle,” she adds.

Hania Shehadeh, head esthetician at the beauty brand  Odacité, agrees. “Moisturizers tend to have heavier oils and acids that can cause eye and skin irritation.”

When is the right time to start using eye cream?

“An eye cream can be started anytime,” says Dr. Li. “Mature skin⁠ that shows signs of aging such as skin laxity, fine lines, dull tone or uneven pigmentation⁠, may benefit more from its use with consistent application over time.”

What's the best technique for applying eye cream?

Despite its name, don't apply eye cream too close to the eyes, such as on the mobile eyelid or directly under your bottom lashes. “Apply a pea-sized amount around both eyes, gently tap around the orbital bone with your ring finger and then smooth it out to the temple,” explains Shehadeh.

Need a little extra help to look your best after a long night? “You can use a gua sha or face roller after application to help with puffiness, firming and brightening around the eye area,” adds Shehadeh. She recommends storing your face tools in the fridge when you're not using them for instant cooling and de-puffing.

What ingredients should consumers look for when shopping for eye cream?

“This will depend on your skincare goals,” explains Dr. Li. “Some key ingredients include hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate, retinol to target wrinkles, vitamin C to treat dark circles and caffeine to reduce puffiness.”

Shehadeh suggests plant-based ingredients—like aloe, green tea, algae or seaweed extracts—and lightweight oils, such as jojoba.

Are retinol eye creams safe to use around the delicate eye area?

Eye creams containing retinol—a notoriously effective ingredient that often causes redness and irritation—have flooded the market over the past couple of years. Though they are formulated specifically for the eye contour, retinol eye creams are potent and should be used with caution.

“Over-the-counter retinol eye creams are relatively safe, as they contain lower levels of retinol,” says Shehadeh. “But I wouldn’t recommend using one for an extended period of time." She suggesting using a retinol-based eye cream at night, and opting for a light, hydrating eye cream in the day. Start slow to build up tolerance to the product.

If you have sensitive skin, avoid formulas that contain retinol and opt for gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

Can eye cream cause milia or make it worse?

Milia is a condition that causes small, painless white bumps to form on your face (often on the cheeks) or eye contour, including the lids. They're actually tiny cysts that form under the skin when keratin (a protein naturally produced by your body) becomes trapped, explains Dr. Li.

According to Shehadeh, eye cream shouldn't cause or aggravate milia if you're using the right formula. However, eye creams that contain heavy creams or oils, in combination with a build-up of dead skin can lead to it. “If you think your eye cream is causing milia, substitute your current product for a water-based eye cream.”

Shop the best eye creams for every concern below.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, $30

With peptides, niacinamide and caffeine, this eye treatment hydrates and brightens in one easy step. Its thin, water-like texture is perfect to layer under moisturizer and makeup.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $26

Formulated with ceramides (the brand’s signature ingredient), hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this soothing eye cream cares for the under-eye area without causing irritation.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Age Renewal Serum & Eye Gel, $30

This fragrance-free cream is formulated with oat and cranberry extract—purported to be a gentle alternative to retinol—to support the skin barrier and firm the under-eye area without irritation.

Burt’s Bees Sensitive Solutions Gentle Eye Cream, $25

Squalane, aloe, rice milk and honey create a gentle combination that’s ideal for sensitive skin types. We love the lightweight texture of this cream, which immediately soothes skin.

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, $30

Fine lines? Dark circles? Puffiness? This retinol-infused eye cream targets all three. This formula is especially gentle, but as always when using retinol, start slow to build up tolerance.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream, $36

If your skin is reactive and allergy-prone, add this lightweight, fragrance-free eye cream to your skincare routine. Made with the brand's signature mineral-rich thermal water, the velvety cream is great for calming down irritation.

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, $15

Caffeine in skincare can temporarily reduce puffiness by restricting blood vessels. In this affordable eye cream, the hero ingredient is paired with hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream, $74

Caffeine, niacinamide and viniferine work together to visibly brighten the delicate skin under the eyes. Viniferine is purported to be even more effective than vitamin C when it comes to targeting hyperpigmentation.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Eye Serum, $179

This serum’s cream and serum components are combined as you pump it out. It contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and peptides, as well as radiance-boosting white honey.

Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel, $76

Thanks to a gel texture, this eye cream—which features squalane as its star ingredient—cools, soothes and de-puffs. It plumps up dry skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream, $48

The copper applicator provides a cooling sensation in this lightly tinted brightening cream made with vitamin C, niacinamide and caffeine.