How Is Eye Cream Different From Regular Moisturizer?

Swatch an eye cream and a facial moisturizer side by side, and you’ll quickly notice how similar the two products are. Both tend to be creamy in texture, often contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and are designed to help smooth and moisturize the skin. The relative similarity of these (supposed) staples begs the question: Do you really need to spring for a dedicated eye cream?

The answer to that question depends primarily on what you’re using it for. “Eye creams are useless — unless it’s an eye cream with a purpose,” board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D., said in her viral TikTok. A basic hydrating eye cream does one thing and one thing only: hydrates the skin. These no-frills formulas may feel nice, but they don’t offer anything that a gentle face moisturizer doesn’t. In other words, if your only goal is to hydrate your eye area, you can save the cash and use a (gentle) face cream instead. 

The equation changes a bit if you’re looking to address a specific eye-area concern, such as dark circles or crow’s feet. Eye creams that target these concerns contain ingredients specifically designed to do so — and in a concentration suitable for the thin skin around your eyes. Your anti-aging facial serum or moisturizer, by contrast, might be too harsh for use on the delicate eye area. 

If you want to use an eye cream to address skin concerns, Dr. Idriss suggested using one with vitamin C, retinol, or peptides. Vitamin C is useful for brightening dark circles, while retinol and peptides can help boost collagen production and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. But remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skin care, and what works for one person may not work the same for the next. If you need specific guidance on creating a skin care routine that addresses your unique needs, we suggest scheduling a visit with your dermatologist.