Many of the ingredients found in the best eye creams are also found in other skin care staples, but their percentages are often a little lower and safer for sensitive skin. Loris added that the eye cream also uses targeted ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine and vitamins, which are specifically chosen to combat things like dark circles and fine lines.
Another most common ingredient found in eye creams is caffeine. “Caffeine is an antioxidant, so it helps protect against free radicals that speed up the skin aging process. It also promotes circulation, temporarily constricting blood vessels, and preventing fluid buildup in the tear trough. “It can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles and swelling,” notes Turner.
Vitamin C is also a good option in eye creams. One of the most powerful antioxidants used in skin care, it not only protects the skin from free radical damage, but also promotes collagen production, which helps firmness and smoothness, and inhibits tyrosinase, which helps improve pigmentation. Prevents excessive deposition and brightens the skin.
Additionally, hyaluronic acid is non-irritating to most skin types and is great for under eyes as it helps draw moisture into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated. “This is especially valuable under the eyes, where the skin is very thin. Plumping the skin with hyaluronic acid can actually improve the appearance of fine lines,” Turner added.