Some may debate the value of an eye cream – after all, what does it do that a face moisturiser cannot? But the best eye serum is a different matter. Unlike a traditional eye cream, which is largely meant to provide moisture, “eye serum serves more as a treatment step – like a booster – for concerns like fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles,” says Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple-board-certified dermatologist.
pick of the best eye serums at a glance:
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And many would benefit from incorporating an eye serum into their routine, either alone or beneath an eye cream. “If you’re starting to notice fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles – or just want to be proactive about eye ageing – adding a serum can be a game changer,” says Dr Turegano, who recommends them to her patients over 30, or anyone who’s consistent with their skincare routine and wants to add to it.
Because eye serums are so targeted, the right formula largely depends on what concern you want to address. With that in mind, here’s what experts recommend.
- Why it’s -approved: There’s no shortage of excellent formulations among Korean skincare products, but few have matched the efficacy and results of this eye serum. It’s a favourite of Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, for its combination of ginseng and retinal, which she calls “powerful anti-ageing ingredients.” (Retinal is a more potent cousin to retinol; it’s thought to be gentler too.) She also gives it bonus points for its “lightweight, lotion-like formulation,” she says. However, because it contains a retinoid, it’s better used only at night.
- Key ingredients: Ginseng, retinal, peptides, macadamia seed oil
- Best for: Those with milia, fine lines, or uneven skin texture
- Why it’s -approved: Retinols can be hard to formulate for the delicate eye area, but Dr Sam Bunting’s formulation is one of the best in the business. It utilises granactive retinoid – a more stable ester of retinoic acid – to improve skin texture, firmness and radiance, while remaining surprisingly well-tolerated on the delicate periorbital skin. This is the kind of product that rewards patience: give it a few weeks, and the difference in skin quality is worth noting.
- Key ingredients: 2 per cent Granactive Retinoid, niacinamide, vitamin C
- Best for: Texture, firmness, brightening
- How to use: Apply every evening to the eye area; start slowly (two to three nights per week) if new to retinoids
Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum
- Why it’s -approved: From the brand that has made ingredient transparency something of an art form, this serum-texture eye treatment puts peptides at the centre of the formula, supporting skin firmness while delivering hydration and a visible improvement in radiance. Its lightweight consistency makes it an excellent choice for layering under make-up or moisturiser – or for anyone who finds richer formulas too much for the eye area. Plus, the cooling metal applicator is soothing and de-puffing – particularly in warmer months.
- Key ingredients: collagen peptides, squalane
- Best for: Early firmness concerns, layering, radiance
- How to use: Apply morning and/or evening before a heavier eye cream or moisturiser
- Why it’s -approved: Don’t be fooled; this unassuming bottle houses a strategic (and elegant) combination of ingredients designed to brighten and tighten the eye area. The blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide works to “hydrate, brighten, and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr Chang, who counts it among her favourites. It’s ideal if you aren’t seeking heavy-duty actives just yet, or want to try eye serums before investing in an even more powerful formula.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, niacinamide, peptides, caffeine
- Best for: Those seeking benefits on a budget
- Why it’s -approved: While some dark circles are actually shadowing caused by puffiness or one’s natural bone structure, others are the result of hyperpigmentation – particularly among those with deeper skin tones, who are more vulnerable to skin discolouration in general. With not one, but two types of vitamin C, this formula “helps brighten the skin and repair oxidative damage from UV radiation,” Dr Chang says. Because it’s rich in antioxidants, it’s a particularly good daytime option as well.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, tremella mushroom, chia seed oil
- Best for: Stubborn dark circles
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Chanel’s No.1 De Chanel line is a celebration of – and homage to – red camellia extract, which helps reduce the stress lines and wrinkles developed from repeatedly squinting and blinking over the years; here, the anti-ageing ingredient is also paired with moisturising squalane and camellia yeast extract to support the skin barrier. It’s especially impactful for those struggling with damage from the blue light of electronic devices – and informs both the eye serum’s formula and packaging. “The cooling effect provided by the rotating cryo applicator combined with the gel-like texture improves microcirculation and helps relieve screen-induced eye fatigue,” the science team at Chanel shared with .
- Key ingredients: Red camellia extract, camellia yeast extract, azalea yeast extract, squalane
- Best for: Those with dark circles and fine lines
- 0.53 oz.
All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
- Why it’s -approved: A bit closer to eye cream than most serums, the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal eye serum stands apart for its glycerin and pomegranate seed oils, which together help maintain skin hydration for hours. That sets the ideal environment for both the formula’s retinol and retinol booster, which are gradually released throughout the night to deliver results with minimal irritation or dryness – if any.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid
- Best for: Sagging or thinning skin
Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
- Why it’s -approved: This slim tube offers a plethora of eye-brightening ingredients, among them green tea, which is rich in amino acids and antioxidants to hydrate and protect this delicate area. But it’s “also made with two per cent caffeine to help visibly de-puff, and also contains niacinamide to help brighten discolouration,” Dr Amin says. To further quell puffiness, the rollerball doubles as a mini massager, helping to move fluids that may be causing bags.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic
- Best for: Dark circles
- Why it’s -approved: Dr Turegano is a fan of this Korean-made eye serum, which is lightweight and brimming with a blend of vegan collagen, peptides, and fruit extract which work together to brighten and firm the eye area. Moreover, “it also has a metal applicator tip, which gives an instant cooling, de-puffing effect,” she says. Testing by the brand has found that the formula can reduce wrinkles in addition to under-eye bags and puffiness.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
- Best for: Dry or sensitive skin
- Why it’s -approved: While some may ask the world of their eye serum, others are content with keeping the delicate under-eye skin healthy and bright. For that, Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is a good option. “Simple, hydrating, and gentle – this one’s perfect if your main goal is moisture and barrier support,” Dr Turegano says. “It’s a great option that plays well under make-up.” As it’s hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested, it’s also unlikely to irritate those with sensitive eyes.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Best for: Dry skin
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum
- Why it’s -approved: For those seeking to smooth crow’s feet, it doesn’t get much more effective than retinol. And this particular formula “combines retinol, ferulic acid, and niacinamide to target fine lines, dullness, and puffiness,” Dr Turegano says. “It’s strong but still lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy around the eyes.” It also contains rambutan and bakuchiol – two plant-derived ingredients that work similarly to retinol, but with less irritation – to bolster its effects.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, rambutan, bakuchiol
- Best for: All signs of ageing
- Why it’s -approved: Whether you’re targeting puffiness, dark circles, crow’s feet, or all of the above, this multi-tasking treatment can help on all fronts, according to Dr Turegano. “It uses a peptide blend to support collagen and elastin and works well even for sensitive or post-procedure skin,” she says. It goes beyond simply supporting collagen production and actually clears out damaged collagen and elastin, thus clearing the way for those new fibres that deliver firmer, smoother skin.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, green tea extract
- Best for: Those seeking a one-and-done solution
- 14.8 ml
What is an eye serum?
An eye serum is a lightweight and highly concentrated skincare product that’s specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes. They “typically contain higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to regular eye creams or face creams,” Dr Amin says. “The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, so it can absorb and respond better to these potent ingredients.”
Because they’re so lightweight, they absorb quickly and layer seamlessly under other skincare products; for that reason, an eye serum “is great to use in the morning if you have to apply other skincare products and make-up on top,” Dr Chang says. She recommends seeking out ingredients that target your specific concern; for instance, try peptides or retinoids for fine lines, niacinamide and vitamin C for dark circles, and caffeine for puffiness.
What’s the difference between an eye serum and eye cream?
There’s always a time and a place for eye cream. “Eye creams tend to focus on hydration and barrier support, often containing emollients and occlusives,” Dr Chang says. Meanwhile, eye serums have a lighter texture, sink in more quickly, and may offer a greater variety or higher quantities of active ingredients than their richer counterparts, she says, which may make them better able to target issues like fine lines, dark circles or puffiness.
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