The Best Editor-Approved Eye Cream for Smoothing Fine Lines

Eye cream is one of the most controversial skin care products out there. Some swear it's a must-have in their beauty routines, while others say they don't see the point when they can just use their regular moisturizer around their eye area. Both are right — in a way. All you need in your skin care routine is a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, but there are additional products — serums, essences, etc. — that are nice to have and contribute to great skin. Eye cream is one of them.

Look at it this way: The eye area is incredibly delicate, so not all the products you use for your face will be safe or effective around the eyes. Additionally, formulas made for the eye area are often thicker, contain more oils, and feature active ingredients that target concerns including fine lines, dark circles, and loss of collagen. If it's in your budget, having that separate product is nice — and it feels good as part of a nighttime self-care routine. Below are some of our favorites.

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb With Peptide and Ceramide

"I didn't really use eye creams until I got this in a sample and I became a convert. The consistency is incredibly thick, but just a tiny dab melts into my skin. As I've hit my late 30s, I've noticed skin thinning and puffiness, and this has improved both. It's pricey, but the jar will last months." —Jennifer Freeman, Senior Editor, Word Daily

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

"I use this eye serum during the day underneath my moisturizer and SPF. I love the metal rollerball and how it feels in the morning. I don't know if it actually provides any depuffing benefits, but I like to think it does. In addition to a nice list of botanicals, it contains caffeine, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid, so it's a nice, hydrating base for under-eye concealer." —Jennifer

Caldera + Lab The Eyecon

"The Eyecon is part of Caldera + Lab’s three-step men’s skin care routine. I started using it after trying their foundational moisturizer and can see myself using it long after I switch-up there — if I ever do. This eye cream conquers fine lines and dark circles, but I’ve also found it evens my tone, too, lessening the pinkish reds I usually see." —Evan Malachosky, Editor, Curatorial Brands

CeraVe Healing Ointment

"I actually don't use an eye cream — I just use the CeraVe Healing Ointment over my regular moisturizer around my eye area. It's a method called 'slugging' and it creates a physical barrier over my skin that locks in the hydration." —Brooke Robinson, Associate Editor, Inspiring Quotes

Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment

"It's rich and creamy without feeling greasy and I love how it brightens my under-eyes. It feels luxurious to put this on before bed." —Rachel Callahan, Assistant Photo Editor, Optimism

Youth to the People Superberry Dream Eye Cream

"The Superberry Dream Eye Cream provides just the right amount of moisture while feeling lightweight. Plus, the scent is soothingly refreshing! —Jordan Amchin, Managing Photo Editor, Optimism

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum

"I like to switch around my current eye cream depending on how I'm feeling and how my skin looks. Lately, I've been using this new serum made with a gentle retinoid blend to help minimize fine lines. I was worried it would be harsh on my sensitive skin, but the addition of hydrating glycerin tones down any irritation. So far, I really love the results." —Elizabeth Denton, Editor, Unique Beauty

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm Hydrating Cream

"When I've been using too many actives in my skin care routine, I like to pare down to the basics and reach for this rich balm. My skin gets dry easily and this one always brings it back to life. That's thanks to hydrating and nourishing ingredients including vitamin E, silymarin (for antioxidants), and soy isoflavones (for firmness)." —Elizabeth

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream

"An even more sensitive skin-friendly (and affordable!) eye cream is by La Roche-Posay. I recommend this more lightweight option to anyone who deals with skin conditions such as blepharitis or dermatitis. I love how it's safe enough to apply all over the eye area, as the calming gel is free of parabens, fragrances, and drying alcohols." —Elizabeth