Is There an Under-Eye Wrinkle Treatment That Actually Works?

Maybe you’re legitimately exhausted—or perhaps you just look at it. Either way, an under eye wrinkle treatment can help. These formulations go a step beyond your standard hydrating eye creams and under-eye patches to accomplish a near-impossible task: smoothing the crinkles and laugh lines around the eyes.

These lines can be especially tough to treat, according to Carmen Castilla, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. For one, the skin in this area is “the thinnest on the face and is naturally more prone to wrinkling and accelerated aging,” she says. Years of smiling, laughing, or making any number of facial expressions can lead to deeper folds and wrinkles over time. And, because the skin here is more delicate, the eye area tends to be more prone to irritation—making it potentially harder to treat fine lines without setting skin off.

Because of that, not just any eye cream will do. Experts point to ingredients like retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to smooth the look of wrinkles and give the area a fresher, tighter appearance. Still, keep in mind that a cream can only go so far. “While topicals can soften fine lines and improve texture, they will not tighten true laxity or deeper wrinkles,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. So you may want to consider it part of an overarching strategy for smoother, brighter eyes. With that in mind, here’s what to add to your top shelf.

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex

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1. Why We Love It: SkinCeuticals’s A.G.E. Eye Complex doesn’t have the typical lineup of ingredients, instead relying on patented ones to lift and firm the eye area. And that’s what sets it apart from the crowd of eye creams on the shelf. Jeanette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, likes that “this eye complex has a strong blend of 7.15% concentrated Proxylane, which helps to visibly correct signs of aging and improve undereye skin’s elasticity,” she says. Meanwhile, the 3% Matrixyl 3000, a peptide complex, “helps to firm the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles on the delicate area,” she says. Dr. Yoo is also a fan, having used the formula herself for years. “The cream has a nice creamy texture that is easy to apply at nighttime and not too greasy,” she says.
2. Editor’s Experience: SkinCeuticals’s A.G.E. was the first eye cream to really get me hooked. While I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the science of the brand’s sophisticated ingredients, I trust its ability to smooth, firm, and nourish. I've seen it first hand with consistent use; and honestly, I haven’t used it in a while—perhaps that’s why I’m noticing more dryness at the moment…—Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
3. Key Ingredients: 7.15% Proxylane, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoid blend, 3% Matrixyl 3000, 0.2% glycyrrhetinic acid, 0.5% caffeine
4. Best For: Crow's feet, fine lines, dark circles
5. Size: 0.5 oz

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

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1. Why We Love It: La Roche-Posay is tailored to those with sensitive skin and eyes, and to that end Dr. Castilla loves this eye cream as it was one of the first that didn’t cause her eyes to feel itchy. Plus, “it has retinol, which is helpful for building collagen,” she says. Its gel texture means that it has the quick absorption and lightweight feel of an eye serum—making it ideal for layering with other products. The retinol is released gradually while you wear it too, which can help minimize any potential for irritation.
2. Key Ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, glycerin, dimethicone, thermal spring water
3. Best For: Crow's feet, fine lines, dark circles
4. Size: 15ml

Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

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1. Why We Love It: Along with its more easygoing price tag, Dr. Castilla is impressed by this retinol eye cream’s rich texture—and the fact that it “hydrates the eye area well,” she says. In fact, it's designed to target fine lines as well as dark circles and puffiness, deploying a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and glycerin to do just that. And the retinol itself is time-released, meaning it works gradually throughout the night so as not to dry out or irritate skin. It’s also fragrance-free, which is especially helpful “since the eye area is delicate and some people may otherwise develop allergic reactions,” says Dr. Yoo, who also likes the cooling metal applicator tip, which makes it easy to apply.
2. Editor’s Experience: Because I have some sensitivity around my eyes, I was nervous about retinol eye creams. Eventually, I gave this one a go because experts maintain its hydrating properties help counteract its anti-aging ones. It’s my go-to once per week to help diminish my dark circles and prevent crow’s feet for as long as possible. —K.M.
3. Key Ingredients: Retinol, panthenol, ascorbic acid, glycerin
4. Best For: Crow's feet, fine lines, dark circles, dryness
5. Size: 15ml

Best for Dry Skin: Some By Mi Retinol Intense Eye Cream

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1. Why We Love It: The best Korean eye creams stand apart for their ability to balance efficacy (and results) with a gentle, easygoing nature. And Some by Mi’s iteration is no different. Even in this “Intense” formulation, it contains relatively low concentration of 0.1% to encourage collagen production, thus smoothing out fine lines, but it pairs it with niacinamide—an anti-inflammatory ingredient that seems to buffer the drying effects of retinol. To further coddle the delicate skin around the eye area, the formula also includes Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol for on-the-spot plumping.
2. Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, Centella asiatica, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
3. Best For: Wrinkles, dark circles, firming
4. Size: 30ml

Best LED Eye Mask: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite LED EyeCare Max Pro

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1. Why We Love It: Red light therapy masks are a hands-off way to address the aging process: They use red wavelengths of light to accelerate collagen production and ease inflammation. This mask uses four light wavelengths—amber (605nm), red (630nm), deep red (660nm), and infrared (880nm)—to target wrinkles around the eye area in just three minutes. It’s “great for collagen stimulation around the orbital region, which can be tricky to treat with traditional modalities,” says board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola. “The red light may help improve fine lines and crepey skin texture over time—[it’s] a great complement to neurotoxins like Botox when patients want to further enhance eye rejuvenation.”
2. Specs: 96 LEDs across four light wavelengths—amber (605 nm), red (630 nm), deep red (660 nm), infrared (880 nm); hands free; automatic shutoff; USB-C charging cable
3. Best For: Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, redness
4. Size: N/A

Best for Droopiness: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream

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1. Why We Love It: It’s not just crow’s-feet—even the structure of eyes can change as you age, making them appear more hooded or tired. That’s why an eye cream for mature skin like this one should address wrinkles, but not stop there. “This product is packed with peptides, antioxidants, and prebiotics to reduce crow’s feet, smooth crepey skin, and strengthen the delicate eye area,” Los Angeles–based board-certified dermatologist Asmi Berry, DO, told Vogue. The peptides go to work to lift and tighten skin, while the cooling applicator helps reduce puffiness.
2. Key Ingredients: Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, amino-acid copper complex, goji fruit extract
3. Best For: Hooding, droopiness, crow's-feet
4. Size: 15ml

Best for Dark Circles: Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream

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1. Why We Love It: Formulated to smooth fine lines around both the eyes and the mouth (yet another area that’s tough to treat) this buttery cream uses a blend of antioxidants (among them vitamin C and green tea) and a proprietary amino acid derivative; together, they help fortify the skin barrier and firm skin. “This cream—which comes with an applicator—is thick, rich, and luxurious,” says Dr. Yoo. “I notice an immediate plumping effect, which I love.” She also credits the botanical extracts for helping protect supply of collagen and elastin, which can help keep skin smooth and supple over time.
2. Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, vitamin C, Skingenecell 1P, shea butter, sakura extract, peach leaf extract, licorice extract
3. Best For: Wrinkles, dark circles, dry skin
4. Size: 17mL

Everything You Need to Know

What eye cream actually works for wrinkles?

An eye cream with targeted ingredients to spur collagen production—such as retinoids and peptides—can make the biggest difference in wrinkles around the eyes. However, early usage can make a world of difference in results, since lines around the eyes, being caused by facial expressions, only get worse over time. To that end, eye creams “are best for prevention and for patients with very fine lines,” Dr. Castilla says. “Once those lines are deep set, creams will make minimal impact.”

What to Look for in an Eye Cream for Wrinkles

Eye creams can be tough to navigate, in part because “everyone is looking for something a little different out of their creams,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in King of Prussia, PA. “Some may be seeking support for dark undereye circles, others for puffiness, and others for wrinkles or heavy eyelids.”

Eye creams for wrinkles can also target these other concerns. Dr. Castilla points to retinoids in particular as a good ingredient to look for, as well as hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. These either “focus on either hydration of the surface of the skin to make it appear more supple and make wrinkles appear less apparent, or try to make the skin less pliable so it does not move as easily when the muscles are contracted,” says Dr. Ilyas.

Also important is what’s not in your eye cream. Since the skin around the eye is so fragile, “avoid alpha or beta hydroxy acids around the eyes for risks of skin sensitivity, and be careful with products containing fragrance,” says Dr. Ilyas.

Does anything actually help undereye wrinkles?

In addition to topical products like an eye cream, fillers or neurotoxin injections can go a long way. Ultimately crow’s-feet and undereye wrinkles “are the result of underlying muscular activity around the eyes that lends to squinting,” says Dr. Ilyas. “A cream won’t stop you from moving those muscles.” However, an injectable neuromodulator like Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin will.

How to Get Rid of Undereye Wrinkles

Topicals alone won’t get rid of undereye wrinkles, but they’re a good start. The gold standard is a retinoid, which includes retinol, retinal, or prescription-strength tretinoin. “There is a plethora of clinical data to support their ability to stimulate collagen, accelerate cell turnover, and improve both fine lines and deeper wrinkles,” says Dr. Yoo, who suggests buffering the retinoid with a moisturizer since skin around the eye area is so easily irritated.

Other good options are peptides and growth factors. “Peptides consist of short chains or amino acids that can help with elasticity of the skin and help reduce wrinkles,” she says. “Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell growth and repair.” These may not have the same kind of evidence behind them as retinoids, but they tend to be gentler in nature—making them an especially good option for getting rid of undereye wrinkles.

For faster results, hydrating ingredients can help, too. “Other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, give the skin an immediate plumping effect, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Yoo. And ceramides can soften the look of crepey skin and fine lines quickly, she adds. But again, topicals can only go so far—so pair these topical formulas with in-office treatments to get and maintain smoother, more youthful-looking eyes.

What in-office treatments achieve more intensive eye tightening?

There are a lot of in-office treatments that can help with undereye wrinkles and tighten skin. Let's start with lasers. A fractional CO2 laser is the most powerful option out there, according to Dr. Yoo. “It resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen,” she says, adding that it’s a good option for older patients who might not be surgical candidates.

Then, there are radiofrequency devices, like Thermage and Morpheus 8. “Radiofrequency devices deliver energy into the dermis to tighten and build collagen with less downtime,” Dr. Yoo says. The effects don’t last as long (roughly six to 12 months) so you’ll need to repeat the treatment for the best results.

And finall, you can consider ultrasound devices like Sofwave and Ultherapy, which “go a bit deeper than radiofrequency and target deeper tightening and brow lifting,” says Dr. Yoo. “You can see the peak effect at around the two to three month period, with results lasting up to a year.” That said, there’s a limit to even what non-invasive treatments can achieve. “If you have excess skin or prominent eye bags, "a surgical consultation may be more appropriate," she says.

How We Tested

When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.

As it relates to under-eye wrinkle treatments, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address (from hollowness to creases to ‌undereye bags). To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.