The 12 Drugstore Eye Creams That Are Just as Good as Luxury Options

“This has peptides and ceramides which help hydrate the eyelid skin,” reports Dr. Lal. This editor-approved CeraVe pick also includes caffeine to shrink under-eye bags and hyaluronic acid to infuse the skin with hydration.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, puffiness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Our expert says: “They say you never forget your first….eye cream? Mine was this beauty, and it was a strong staple in my skincare routine throughout high school and college. You get a great amount for the price tag, which was (and still is!) a dream come true.”—Bianca Rodriguez, beauty expert

Moisturizing the skin around the eyes is essential for preventing premature signs of aging. This eye cream from e.l.f. Cosmetics soothes and hydrates the under eyes, keeping the area dryness-free and providing a smooth base for foundation and concealer.

Key ingredients: Cucumber extract, shea butter, green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, peptides

Best for: Dryness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Let’s not sleep on e.l.f’s Holy Hydration line, people! This past summer, I took the mini version of the hydrating collection on a European vacation, and the eye cream was the first product in the line I used to the last scrape. I’m a fan of how hydrated and plumped my under-eye area looked once I woke up, especially since I devoured several glasses of wine the night before, thanks to a nourishing cocktail of hyaluronic acid and peptides.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

No7 is a brand that’s earned its reputation for being effective yet affordable. This one does it all: plumping and moisturizing ingredients take on puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, shea butter

Best for: Puffiness, fine lines, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I remember going to a Target with my mom in my youth and triumphantly returning with tubes of No7 Eye Cream. We had read online that an independent study had shown that this particular eye cream was sold out everywhere in Europe after a study showed that it reduced wrinkles. Since then, I’ve favored No.7 eye creams, including this one, because they’re reliably creamy and moisturizing. This one, in particular, uses the brand’s form of peptide technology, which is a form of technology used by pricier brands to improve elasticity and hydrate the skin.”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

Every skin lover knows how powerful and effective retinol is, but sometimes, it can be too strong to use around the eyes. “I love Cetaphil’s new Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum. The formula contains a gentle yet effective retinol alternative to help minimize the look of dark circles, fine lines, and signs of fatigue around the eye area. The lightweight formula also incorporates Vitamins B3 and B5 to help hydrate, soothe, and repair skin’s moisture barrier while botanical extracts help target dullness and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Engelmen.

Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin B3, vitamin B5

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve usually had good experiences with Cetaphil products, so when I found this Hydrating Eye Gel Serum I had to give it a try. I have sensitive and aging skin with more fine lines around my eyes and some puffy, dark circles under eyes. As with other Cetaphil products I’ve used, this continues the trend of being gentle and effective.”

If you want visible results, the Neutrogena eye cream is a classic for a reason. “This is a great agent with hyaluronic acid and retinol to hydrate the plump the skin,” says Dr. Lal. It’s also a favorite for anyone looking to prevent or soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, dryness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been buying Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair for 5 years. I use it under my eyes, corner of eyes, and for lip lines. It works wonderfully and I highly recommend it. Sometimes, I dab it all over my face and the results never disappoint. I am 72 years old and people think I look 10-12 years younger than my stated age. I don’t bother with other brands, because in my humble opinion, the others can’t compare.”

If fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are your main concern, this powerful cream can tackle them. “This is an OG with both retinol and peptides. This is great for wrinkly skin and dark circles,” says Dr. Lal. This product comes in two different formulations, one for the lid and one for the under-eyes. With consistent use, you won't believe the results. With efficacy like this, we understand why this skincare line is a favorite of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Key ingredients: Retinol, kelp extract, squalane

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m pretty impressed with this cream. I feel like I can feel the creams tightening my eyes when I first apply it. And this makes my eye area look really smooth the next morning and I’m over 50. I have sensitive eyes and haven’t had any problems from using this.”

This drugstore eye cream counts dermatologists among its fans. The formula features copper peptides, plant stem cells, and kakadu plum, which work in tandem to firm and plump skin while shielding the area from future damage.

Key ingredients: Copper peptides, plant stem cells

Best for: Fine lines, dullness, puffiness

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I definitely can say this product works to lift the eyelids and decrease dark circles and bags. I ran out of this product about two weeks ago and decided to try a different eye cream. Within a week, my eyelids and under eyes were looking droopy, and [my] skin looked more loose and dry. Back to using the lifting eye cream I go….it’s the best!”

Retinol can be irritating, but this eye cream is made to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The formula combines retinol and caffeine to create a dynamic duo that reduces puffiness and the appearance of fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, thermal spring water, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have tried lots of eye creams over the years and, though many have been great for moisturizing and reducing puffiness, this is the first one that actually lightens under eye circles too. (Many claim to, but this one works!) This product is amazing! It leaves my skin feeling smooth, reduces the appearance of fine lines, AND lightens the shadows under my eyes. I’m so glad my dermatologist recommended this product!”

The eye area is especially sensitive, and this pick from Avène assures you that you can rest easy. The soothing, gentle formula combats puffiness while also infusing the skin with plenty of hydration using the brand’s signature thermal spring water.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract, thermal spring water

Best for: Puffiness, dryness

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have very sensitive skin, especially on my under eyes, and I’ve tried everything, but this is by far the best eye cream for me. It’s very hydrating, super smooth, and really easy to get on, and a little goes a long way, so it’s worth the price. Highly recommend!”

If you’re not a fan of heavier formulas, it might be time to try a serum. This one is packed with peptides and caffeine to plump and de-puff simultaneously, helping you look wide awake (even when you don't look it).

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I didn’t have high hopes for this product simply because I thought I needed medical intervention for my under eye area. It was looking so crepey, and lines were showing a lot with makeup on, even with eye creams. I now use this day and night, I noticed the result the first day! I am actually blown away. My under eye looks smooth and hydrated. Not crepey at all. I will continue to buy this!”

If you use a vitamin C serum on your face for its brightening effects, it may be time to use that same ingredient to reduce the look of dark circles around the eyes. This eye cream has a gel-like consistency that also hydrates and plumps at the same time.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m ordering this product for the fourth time. It seems to work on fine lines and dullness under the eyes within minutes, and I do see an improvement overall in the skin quality around my eyes where I was seeing more than just fine lines developing. I’m a 51 year-old woman with problematic skin– eczema, psoriasis, allergic to more lotions than not–and this doesn’t trigger any reactions. It’s not the cheapest you can buy, but personally I think it works as well as much more expensive products that I have tried.”

This affordable cream combines hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce dark circles and puffiness, all in a lightweight gel. Because it sinks in quickly, it’s a great option to wear underneath concealer during the day.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Never needed to use this kind of product before, but I’m glad I did. I have been using it for about two weeks now, and the bags that I had are half the size they were! Putting anything around my eyes has always been something I never wanted to do, but I am so glad that I tried this eye cream. I will continue using it as a preventive measure because I look younger, and I like that!”