It Might Be Getting Darker Outside—But My Under-Eyes Have Never Looked Brighter Thanks to This Drugstore Formula

CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream isn't flashy—and that’s kind of the point, according to Dr. Lazar, who calls it a “good everyday choice.” Ceramides and hyaluronic acid replenish moisture, while niacinamide helps soothe and support the skin barrier. Thanks to the brand’s MVE Technology, moisturizing ingredients are released gradually, so hydration lasts long after you apply it.

Review: “I'm new to eye creams, and I don't have any serious lines or bags, but I decided to be proactive in preventing any. I will say that it smoothed my under-eye area in only a few uses. I use it every night, and I have noticed a more perfect under-eye area. I like the creamy texture, but since I have oily skin, I only apply this cream at night, before bed. This will definitely be a part of my new skin care routine.” — Amazon

Drugstore eye creams are already a win for your wallet, but this $14 pick takes affordability one step further. Despite its affordability, it doesn’t skimp on ingredients: Caffeine targets the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, while peptides help smooth and support the delicate under-eye area.

Review: “I've been enjoying this eye cream! The texture feels smooth and lightweight, absorbs nicely, and leaves my under-eye area feeling hydrated and refreshed. It layers well under makeup without feeling heavy or greasy. A lovely addition to my skin care routine!” — Sephora

If crow’s feet and fine lines are your biggest under-eye concern, Dr. Lazar recommends this retinol-packed eye cream from RoC. It pairs retinol with a mineral complex to help smooth the appearance of wrinkles, but Dr. Lazar cautions that it can be irritating on some skin types. If you have dry eyes, she strongly recommends keeping it away from the lash line or checking with your eye doctor first.

Review: “This stuff is amazing! I have tried all kinds of other eye wrinkle creams, and this one is actually showing results! I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, and I can already see the difference!” — Ulta

Dark circles can make you look extra tired even after a full night’s sleep (sigh), which is where this highly-rated eye cream comes in. Its formula combines caffeine to help visibly brighten the under-eye area with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. I also love the triple-roller applicator, which feels cooling as you glide it under your eyes.

Review: “I have genetic dark circles. I have tried tons and tons of products, but nothing ever worked - not even a special diet!! This product does exactly what it says it does. My dark circles are a lot less prominent, and I don't even have to use a color corrector to hide them anymore. I woke up this morning with bad dark circles. I put this on, and within minutes, my dark circles were almost completely gone!” — Ulta

Puffy eyes are no match for this lightweight eye cream, which blends caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to hydrate and wake up tired-looking skin. Dr. Lazar especially likes it for dehydration and mild puffiness, though she notes that any depuffing effects are modest and temporary. The fragrance-free formula also feels lightweight and refreshing, making it satisfying to reach for in the mornings.

Review: “This eye gel cream feels so refreshing and lightweight. It hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes really well and leaves it looking smoother and more toned. I've noticed it helps reduce morning puffiness, and the caffeine gives a nice energizing effect. The texture absorbs quickly without feeling sticky, making it perfect for daily use.” — Ulta

Mature skin often needs a little extra moisture, but that doesn’t mean you have to reach for a heavy cream. Lazar loves Cetaphil’s lightweight gel serum for anyone who prefers a barely-there texture, thanks to peptides, niacinamide and panthenol that help replenish and support the skin barrier. It also helps soften the appearance of fine lines, making it an especially well-rounded eye cream for mature under-eyes.

Review: “As a mum of a 2-year-old in her mid-30s, it’s definitely the right time for me to start tackling concerns like puffy eyes and dark circles, and I found a great improvement after using the serum for a few weeks consistently. The texture is easy, smooth and covers a lot with a little bit going a very long way (great economically!) with no scent at all. I found it didn’t affect skin negatively at all (whereas I’ve had reactions in the past to retinol-based products) and was happy with the appearance of my eyes after use. Will definitely continue!” — Amazon

If your under-eye area (like mine!) reacts to just about everything, this ultra-gentle formula keeps things simple. Lazar recommends it for sensitive, easily irritated skin, pointing to glycerin, squalane, and shea butter to help hydrate delicate eye areas. It’s also fragrance-free and tested on allergy-prone skin, making it a go-to for anyone who’s especially cautious about what they use around their eyes.

Review: “I get dermatitis on my eyelids that feels super uncomfortable. Most eye creams irritate my eyes and make the flare-ups so much worse. I dug around online and found a lot of good things about this eye cream. I followed the instructions, and it helped clear up my eyelids within two days! It felt very soothing and calmed everything down, and I haven't had my skin flare up since using it.” — Ulta

As someone with perpetually dry, flaky skin, I’m super picky about what makes the cut in my skincare routine. But this is the one under-eye product I keep coming back to. Despite its gel texture, it feels surprisingly nourishing, while a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane helps moisturize and smooth the skin around my eyes. I also love the cooling metal applicator, which glides over my skin without tugging at dry, delicate areas.

Review: “I’ve always struggled with under-eye bags, and this product has been amazing. The applicator instantly depuffs and feels so refreshing, and the serum itself is lightweight but incredibly effective. It doesn’t feel heavy or irritating—just smooth and revitalizing. I genuinely notice a difference, especially in the mornings when I wake up looking more refreshed and awake. Truly an incredible product I’ll keep using.”