13 Best Dermatologist-Approved Eye Creams To Use In Your 20s – 2024
Eliminate the early signs of fine lines and creases with the help of these skincare essentials.
Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD 
Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states. She i... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Working at odd hours, stress, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep in your 20s can lead to the things you feared the most- dark circles. If this fear has come true already, there is only one way to get rid of them, the best eye cream for the 20s. When searching for the perfect eye cream, you need to select one that will reduce the appearance of your dark circles and hydrate the area under your eyes while brightening your under-eye area. In this case, going for eye creams made of organic ingredients can soothe and heal the area under your eyes in the safest way. To help you out, we have made a list of eye creams for your 20s you can consider.
In This Article
The 13 Best Eye Creams To Use In Your 20s (2024 Edition)
1. Best For Reducing Dark Circles: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is a brightening and restorative eye cream for dark circles. It is the best drugstore eye cream to add to your skin care routine as it is enriched with five forms of vitamin C, cucumber extracts, and peptides for firmer and younger-looking skin around the eyes. It is also the best all-natural eye cream as it is formulated with replenishing ceramides, plant oils, potent antioxidants, and soothing actives to restore and refresh the skin around your eyes. It is gentle enough for use during the day and at night and powerful enough to reduce even stubborn signs of damage. Before purchasing, you can also take a look at this reaction video to know more about this popular eye cream.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- 5C Vitamin Complex: Brightens the skin, evens out the skin tone, and tightens the skin.
- 8-Peptide Blend: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Cucumber: Antioxidant-rich plant extract.
Pros
- Reduces dark circles
- Moisturizes the skin
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Silicone-free
- No essential oils
Cons
- None
Pro Tip2. Best For Skin Discoloration: Lily Ana Naturals Eye Cream
If you are looking for an eye cream to combat the loss of firmness, try the LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream. It is the best moisturizing eye cream with an anti-aging formula for sensitive skin. This specialized cream contains 77% organic ingredients that reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and sagging. It is enriched with vitamin C, vitamin E, organic hibiscus flower extract, and rosehip seed oil for firming, hydrating, brightening, and tightening results. Check out this honest review to know more about the merits of using this eye cream.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Blend Of Coconut, Rosehip Seed, Sunflower Seed, And Neem Seed Oils: Hydrates the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
- Vitamins C And E: Antioxidants that help protect the skin from wrinkle-causing free-radical damage.
- Pro-vitamin A: Boosts collagen production.
- Hibiscus Extract: Known as “nature’s botox” as it tightens the skin.
Pros
- Reduces discoloration
- Increases skin elasticity and firmness
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Improves skin tone
- Hydrates the skin
- Prevents the premature signs of aging
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 10,558 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best Anti-Aging: Pure Biology Premium Total Eye Cream
Pure Biology Premium Total Eye Cream is ideal for all skin types. It is the best anti-aging eye cream formulated for deep hydration. It refreshes and brightens your eyes within a few days of use. It is packed with potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E, aloe, and argan oil that reduce wrinkles. This eye repair cream also reduces under-eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles and renews the thin and delicate skin around the eyes in mature skin. Thus, it makes your eyes look more youthful. Additionally, this eye cream is enriched with shea butter, primrose oil, and other natural extracts that penetrate deep into the skin to lift, restore, and improve its appearance. You can observe noticeable changes within two weeks.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- EyeBright: Helps nourish the thin, delicate skin around the eyes that have dehydrated skin.
- Caffeine: Helps reduce eye puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles.
- Vitamins B And E: Helps reduce UV and sun damage and deeply moisturize and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Repairs damaged skin and increases collagen production.
Pros
- Protectsyour eyes from UV rays and free radical damage
- Boosts collagen production
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Brightens the under-eye skin tone
- Reduces crow’s feet
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Defective pump
Quick Tip Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream Best For Reducing Dark Circles | Lily Ana Naturals Eye Cream Best For Skin Discoloration | Pure Biology Premium Total Eye Cream Best Anti-Aging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.97 inches | 2.25 x 2.25 x 1.5 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.5 Ounces | 1.7 Ounces | - |
| Skin Type | - | - | Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Mature, Normal |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 114 | 10,558 | 3,198 |
| Price | $54 | $29.45 | $26.95 |
4. Best For Wrinkles And Fine Lines: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is an anti-aging and hypoallergenic eye cream. Retinol fights the three key signs of aging – dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness – in four weeks. This incredible dermatologist-recommended eye cream is formulated to reduce crow’s feet, uneven skin tone, and dry skin. It is enriched with retinol and mineral ingredients wherein the effects of retinol start to work immediately to smoothen the skin around your eyes.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Pure RoC Retinol: Accelerates the removal of old, dull surface skin cells.
Pros
- Lightens dark circles
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Evens out the skin tone
- Smoothens the skin
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive eyes and skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 2,671 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For All Skin Types: Eight Saints All In Eye Cream
The Eight Saints All In Eye Cream is one of the best eye creams ever! It is a hydrating and nourishing cream specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. This cream is designed to target common concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. The All In Eye Cream has a luxurious, creamy texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated. It can be used both morning and night as the final step of your skin care regimen and is suitable for all skin types. This cream is not tested on animals.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Caffeine: Reduces eye puffiness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Cucumber Hydrosol: Gives a soothing, cooling effect on the skin.
Pros
- Brightens the skin tone
- Improves skin texture
- Moisturizes the skin
- No artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Good for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- None
6. Best Skin Firming: Philosophy Hope in a Tube High Density Eye And Lip Firming Cream
Want to temporarily erase the wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes and lips? Try Philosophy Hope in a Tube Eye And Lip Cream. It is a versatile cream that helps revitalize the skin cells and tighten the skin around your eyes and lips. This cream delivers intense moisture to dry skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Vitamins E And C: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines.
Pros
- Versatile product
- Suitable for both eye and lip area
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Moisturizes dry skin
Cons
- Sticky formula
- Not suitable for sensitive eyes
"I've been using this eye cream for some time now, and I can say it's a real multitasker. I have noticed it is great for keeping under-eyes moisturized, reducing puffiness, and dealing with light dark circles. Surprisingly, it works well around the lips, too."
7. Best Smoothening: Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex is a potent and hydrating eye cream. It is a clinically-proven product formulated with advanced microencapsulated retinol that helps fight against the signs of aging around the eye area. Ingredients like niacinamide, ash tree extract, and retinol reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles and maintain hydration. The botanical extracts, antioxidants, vitamin C, and peptides in this eye complex fortify and smoothen the under-eye skin. If you want an honest reviewer’s experience of using this professional-grade eye cream, make sure to check out this skincare aficionado’s video.
Note: Not recommended for use within 72 hours of waxing or exfoliation.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Micro-encapsulated Retinol: Helps smoothen the signs of skin aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
- Niacinamide And Ash Tree Bark Extract: Maintains skin hydration and reduces visible dark circles .
- Age Reversal Firming Complex: Fortifies and smoothens the skin.
Pros
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Paraben-free
- No artificial fragrances
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Expensive
8. Best For Puffy Eyes: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
The Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream from IT Cosmetics is perfect for reducing wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes. It contains ingredients like copper, caffeine, vitamin C, cucumber extract, and peptides that moisturize and hydrate the skin under your eyes. It is effective in reducing under-eye bags as well. This quick-absorbing moisturizing eye cream is also clinically tested to make your entire eye area appear firmer. It is great for using both during the day and at night.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Collagen: Enhances skin suppleness.
- Caffeine: Helps reduce eye puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Maintains skin moisture.
- Cucumber Extract: Antioxidant-rich plant extract.
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Reduces the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness
- Smoothens the skin
- Improves skin texture
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Clinically tested
Cons
- Unhygienic tub packaging
9. Best Lightweight: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector is an ophthalmologist-tested eye cream. This clinically-proven formula visibly lightens dark circles by 30% in 12 weeks and is suitable for all skin types. It hydrates and brightens your under-eye skin instantly. Its cooling metal tip is great for massaging puffy eyes.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Mulberry Root: Lightens dark circles.
- Caffeine And Green Tea Extract: Protects delicate skin from environmental aggressors.
- Whey Protein: Promotes collagen production.
- Phytosphingosine: Minimizes skin inflammation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Hydrates the skin eye
- Brightens the skin tone
- Reduces puffiness
- Quick results
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
10. Best Travel-Friendly: Ole Henriksen Truth Banana Bright Eye Crème
Ole Henriksen Truth Banana Bright Eye Crème is a collagen-boosting eye cream. This cream reduces wrinkles and fine lines instantly. It is enriched with vitamin C that helps revive and illuminate the area under the eyes. The special pigments in it also brighten the eye area instantly. This lightweight under-eye brightening cream deeply hydrates your skin and delivers age-defying results
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Vitamin C: Illuminates the area under the eyes.
- Collagen: Improves skin elasticity and make it look youthful.
- Banana Powder-Inspired Pigments: Instantly illuminate the skin.
Pros
- Instant brightening
- Moisturizes the skin
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
- Expensive
11. Best Vegan: Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream
Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream reduces dark circles instantly. It is formulated with natural optical brighteners, coffee beans, magnolia extract, and Panax ginseng. This refreshing cream reduces the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Panax Ginseng And Caffeine From Coffee: Instantly brighten and restore radiance to tired-looking eyes.
Pros
- Restores radiance to tired eyes
- Moisturizes the skin
- Contains natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"After using this eye cream on a regular basis, I have noticed my under-eye puffiness visibly reduced. It also offers boost of hydration on the delicate skin. One tip though to keep in mind is to blend it thoroughly under makeup to avoid any residue."
12. Best For Under-Eye Bags: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment is a nourishing under-eye cream for dry, flaky eyes. This creamy and hydrating formula is suitable for all skin types. The uniquely-concentrated formula of this under-eye cream does not migrate into your eyes. It gently moisturizes the delicate area under the eyes. It is infused with beta-carotene, shea butter, and avocado oil that flatten under-eye bags. You can use this cream every morning and night.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Shea butter: Restores skin suppleness and moisturizes dry skin.
- Avocado Oil: Gently moisturizes the delicate eye area.
- Beta-carotene: Provides antioxidant benefits.
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Does not migrate into the eyes
- Ophthalmologist-approved
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
13. Best Sheer Coverage: Honest Beauty Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream
This tinted eye cream from Honest Beauty is a vegan color-correcting eye cream suitable for various skin tones. It is formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid that provide 24-hour hydration to make your eyes look fresh and well-rested. It also contains squalene that moisturizes and softens the eye area. The dermatologist-tested cream offers sheer coverage, reduces the appearance of dark circles, and illuminates dull skin for a bright appearance.
Key Insights On Active Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Squalene: Moisturizes and softens the skin
- Light-reflecting pearl: Instantly brightens the skin
Pros
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces the appearance of dark circles
- Suits different skin tones
- Offers sheer coverage
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No added fragrance
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Leaves a greasy film
"This eye cream hydrates and adds subtle brightness under the eye area. It has light coverage and has a sheer tint that gives a natural look. It glides smoothly and blends effortlessly."
The 20s are the perfect time to start caring for your skin if you don’t want early signs of aging to start appearing by your early 30s. And the best thing to start with is an under eye cream. Most people get the first lines and wrinkles around their eyes as the skin is thin and delicate. However, a good eye cream can push back your aging troubles by at least a decade – if not more. However, you must keep the following guidelines in mind before making a purchase.
Things To Keep In Mind When Buying An Eye Cream In Your 20s
Ingredients
Choose eye creams with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Toxins do not do any wonders when it comes to skin care. Stick to products that are paraben-free, silicone-free, and sulfate-free. Conduct a patch test before committing to any product to make sure that the ingredients in the cream are suitable for your skin type.
Skin Concerns
If you have dark circles, your skin is already experiencing damage. Go for eye creams especially formulated to lighten and treat dark circles. Also, if you get puffy eyes, there are some excellent eye creams that will soothe your skin and reduce the swelling.
If you can see fine lines appearing on the sides of your eyes, opt for an eye cream that focuses on enhancing your skin elasticity and firmness. There are eye creams that boost collagen production and offer a youthful appearance. They also reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and make the skin firm.
No matter what your skin type, you will need extra nourishing and moisturizing on your under eye area. If you have no skin issues, and just want to give your under eye some added nourishment and skin barrier repair, opt for an ultra hydrating eye cream.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, choose an eye cream that protects your skin from UV rays as well as free radical damage. They are the number one reason for skin aging.
Fragrance
You should strictly stick to fragrance-free products when it comes to eye creams. This is a delicate area and you don’t need added chemicals irritating the skin.
Price
Eye creams come in a varied price range and if you have no particular skin issue to deal with, you do not need to spend a ton on the product. Mid-priced ones would work perfectly fine. However, if you have concerns like fine lines or dark circles, it is better to spend a few extra bucks to get a premium-quality branded product that is more likely to show good results.
Infographic: The DO’s and DON’Ts Of Using Eye Creams
Eye creams are a great way to treat the delicate skin around your eyes with some extra nourishment and moisturization. You can gain bright and healthy-looking skin around your eyes if you apply the creams correctly. Go through the infographic below to know some of the dos and don’ts that you can remember the next time you use an eye cream.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Constant staring at different screens has adverse effects on our eyes and the skin surrounding them, a concern highlighted by numerous reviews and experienced reviewers. Now with signs of aging showing up as early as the mid-twenties, it is wise to invest in the best eye creams for the 20s. If you are looking for a treatment for dark circles and dullness around the eyes, try the Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream. The Lily Ana Naturals Eye Creamis perfect for individuals who prefer a more natural approach to their skin care routine, while individuals who are concerned with both aging and dryness around the eyes may try the Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “A skincare regimen that includes an eye cream can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as other skin issues including dryness, puffiness, dark circles, and pigmentation.” Eye creams are enriched with hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients that prevent deep wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin elasticity and firmness. These also soothe the skin and reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. The listed products are all hypoallergenic, moisturizing, chemical-free, and skin-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use eye cream in my 20s?
Yes. The development of dark circles is very common in the 20s due to lack of sleep, anxiety, and improper eating habits. So, including an eye cream in your skin care regime is imperative during this stage.
Is it ok to use retinol in your 20s?
Yes. Your elastic and collagen production slow down during the late 20s, giving way to faster aging signs. Thus, using retinol as a preventive measure is essential starting from the 20s.
How should you apply eye cream?
• Scoop out a pea-sized amount of the eye cream.
• Tap small drops of the cream starting from the inner corner creases of the eyes and moving outwards. Do not apply too close to your lash line.
• Pat the cream on your skin with your fingers. Avoid rubbing.
• Wait for some time until the product completely gets absorbed in the skin.
Should you put an eye cream on your eyelids?
No. Eye creams get heated up after application and might travel down, getting into your eyes, if applied to the eyelids. Therefore, eye creams cannot be used on your eyelids unless it is instructed otherwise.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach and understands skin needs deeply. After thoroughly researching various ingredients and reading many customer reviews online, she compiled this list of best eye creams for the 20s for her readers. The shortlisted products effectively manage dark circles, brighten the under-eye area, and moisturize the skin. They are also long-lasting and non-greasy.
