Dermatologists Swear These Eye Serums Are Worth The Money (2024)

I'm a huge Drunk Elephant fan, and this eye serum, which I eagerly tested when it first launched last year, is no exception. It blends a micro-dose of retinol to boost collagen production without irritating skin in the area. "It's a smoothing, moisturizing eye serum with 0.1% vegan retinol, 3% caffeine, and copper peptides to target fine lines, wrinkles, and reduces the look of puffiness," says Lauren Penzi, MD, a dermatologist with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers in Long Island, New York.

I like that it has a rich, creamy texture but feels lightweight after you apply it. Just proceed with caution: Retinol, even in tiny doses, can be irritation to some skin types. Apply it sparingly once or twice per week to start, gradually working your way up to more regular use from there.

Rave review: "I had blue bags under my eyes that even my concealer failed to cover up. I was very discouraged, but after using this product for a few months, they are completely gone. I don’t even have to wear concealer under my eyes anymore, it works that well."

At A Glance

This power-packed eye product is a favorite of Dr. Howard-Verovic's—and mine—for good reason. It's formulated with a super-stable form of vitamin C called L-Ascorbic Acid to brighten and firm skin. I'm a huge fan of the texture of this product, which, like other BeautyStat items, is hydrating without being too slick. In fact, it has an almost velvety feel—a unique feature for products with vitamin C that makes it perfect for anyone who has skin that tends toward the oilier side.

Other standout features are the addition of hyaluronic acid for its moisturizing properties and the convenient pump bottle, which dispenses the right amount of product every time. It's a winner!

Rave review: "I've tried many and I think this is the gold standard for C serums! The texture is great, it has no noticeable smell, and after using it for a few months my age spots are noticeably lighter."

At A Glance

Peptides are a fantastic option for around the eyes because they tend to be gentler than other firming ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. "This is a great, affordable eye serum that targets dark circles, puffiness, and multiple signs of aging," says Dr. Penzi.

One of the few drawbacks to this dropper-style serum is its watery texture, which can be easy to overapply and run into eyes. So just be vigilant about the amount that you're putting on so you don't encounter this problem. But the effort may be well worth it: According to company studies, users experienced a significant improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles after using twice daily for four weeks.

Rave review: "I was just starting to get some fine lines due to surface dehydration. I started using this and my skin is wrinkle free. It keeps my eye skin hydrated throughout the day and there's no irritation."

At A Glance

Antioxidants work wonder to protect skin from the environmental onslaught that can cause the visible signs of aging, and this serum is packed with a special blend (phloretin, ferulic acid, and vitamin C) to make sure your delicate undereye skin is shielded from all angles. This trifecta of protectors is one of the reasons it's a favorite of both Dr. Penzi and Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans with Sanova Dermatology, who notes that it also has caffeiene and cuscus aculeatus—a natural root extract—to counteract undereye bags.

You simply apply one-half pump to the undereye, outer corner, and brow bones. The lightweight texture absorbs beautifully.

Rave review: "I've used this for years. I like that it is an antioxidant for the delicate area and also wakes up the eyes too. It's preventive, so you don't necessarily see a huge difference, but you want to prevent before having to correct."

At A Glance

"An affordable, potent eye serum that depuffs and visibly brightens the eye area" is how Dr. Penzi describes this product. It's also a top pick of Dr. Turegano's, how loves it because it deeply hydrates with 2.5% hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. "I also love that it contains a combo of caffeine and a cooling metal ball applicator tip to smooth away bags and puffiness," she says.

Simply apply the serum to the undereye area using the applicator and massage it over the area for a mini gua sha experience that will revive even the most tired-looking of peepers. In just two weeks, you'll have more youthful eyes, according to a company-funded clinical trial of eighty-one women.

Rave review: "I'm just starting to see a lightening of my undereye area but the results from the lines are worth it. It's a bit sticky, but again I put a moisturizer on after and no issues. Highly recommended."

At A Glance

Retinol is a standout ingredient that dermatologists have recommeded for years to treat the visible signs of aging, but it's always been a tricky one to formulate with around the super-sensitive eye area. With new advancements in technology, that's starting to change—and this power-packed serum is proof of that.

It contains "trans retinol and encapsulated retinol to smooth lines and boost collagen, as well as ferulic acid to minimize irritation," says Dr. Penzi, who counts it as one of her favorites. It also caps the amount of pure retinol in the formula by adding a plant-based alternative called bakuchiol, which also helps make it effective but completely non-irritating.

Rave review: "This eye serum is fantastic. Over the last year of using this product, I have seen incremental, steadily increasing improvements in the tone, texture and fine lines around my eyes. It is never irritating."

At A Glance

I've been using this moisturizing, completely non-irritating eye serum for months now, and have noticed a beautiful brightening effect, especially in the inner corners of my eye. A proprietary truffle complex with black, white, and summer truffles plus hyaluronic acid, avocado peptides, and lupine protein are behind its effects, and the lightweight texture absorbs well into skin with no migration into the eyes themselves.

For those looking for a clean and vegan formula, this one is a great option as its free of triclosan, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol, all ingredients that can be irritating to sensitive skin types.

Another feature I really love about this product is the precise, narrowed tip, which makes it so easy to dispense the right amount of product onto your fingertip. Just pat it on from there and go.

Rave review: "I've noticed that the beginnings of dry crepey skin under my eyes seems to be diminishing—and my eyes look brighter and the skin there appears more nourished that before."

At A Glance

By now, you probably know that hyaluronic acid is a must-have in your skincare routine. It's known as a humectant, which can trap and hold onto moisture, plumping and lifting skin. It's in many eye serums on the market, so what makes this one special? "This has a combination of different hyaluronic acid serums at different molecular weights," says Dr. Turegano, which means it penetrates better than other products, hydrating both the upper and deeper layers of skin.

You'll also find a solid dose of caffeiene for tightening and a molecule known as Aquaxyl, which is enriched with ceramides and other ingredients to help strengthen your skin's protective barrier (reminder: a compromised barrier makes you more prone to redness, irritation, and dryness).

Rave review: "I was looking for some help for my small eyes with droopy lids and after reading the reviews on here, I placed an order. I certainly didn't expect such a great result from my first use. Even my husband noticed the lift that my eyes had been given. I would not be without it now."

At A Glance

One of Dr. Howard Verovic's top picks, this lightweight product combines Murad's special line-fighting retinol with a retinoid booster to deliver powerful results (we're talking a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, and evening of skin tone, and a boost of radiance) in just two weeks.

Because these powerful ingredients could potentially cause irritation, Murad formulators have infused the product with cotton wool grass extract to deliver intense hydration and minimize any adverse reaction to the retinoids as well as a marine kelp complex to visibly lift the eye area in the gentlest way possible. This is the brand that has been perfecting the use of retinol for years, so you know you'll get stellar results with no downsides. I've used the product many times and have never experienced any stinging or dryness.

Rave review: "I've been using this eye cream for more than 20 years. It's the best I have ever used. People are amazed that I have no crows feet and only slight wrinkles under my eyes at 66 years old."

At A Glance

Undereye discoloration is a multi-factorial condition that needs to be tackled many different ways. This product has an ingredient deck that does just that—why it's a top pick of Dr. Turegano's (and a recipient of a Women's Health 2023 Skincare Award). In there, you'll find niacinamide to enhance skin's barrier, minimize irritation, and squash redness, along with peptides, green tea, antioxidants to shield collagen from degradation and spru on the production of new collagen and optical diffusers to instantly brighten (a nice added bonus that will help you stay committed to using the product).

Alastin also has a secret weapon up its sleeve here: "This product also contains TriHex Technology — the brand’s proprietary blend of active peptides to produce healthy collagen and elastin, two key structural proteins that keep skin taut," says Dr. Turegano. A healthy network of these proteins also helps to thicken skin slightly, meaning blood vessels won't show through as easily (one of the main culprits of visible discoloration under the eyes."

Rave review: "This product was recommended to me by my dermatologist. I’ve been using it twice a day for over a year and I really like it. One of the best creams I’ve used; it’s worth the money."

At A Glance

This formula is power-packed, which is one reason Dr. Turegano is a fan: "It contains matcha, which is rich in antioxidants and has high levels of caffeine to help with dark circles," she says. "It also has bakuchiol, which is considered to be a more gentle alternative to retinol, and peptides to help with collagen production and promoting a health skin barrier."

But one of its best attributes is the curved applicator, made from a cooling zinc alloy that refreshes on contact. It transforms the otherwise banal act of applying an eye product into a mini spa break. You may also be interested to know that the product is vegan and completely cruelty-free. It's also refillable.

Rave review: "I love this stuff! I've used almost every eye cream out there and this is the one. My fine lines and dark circles are gone. I only use this in the am because of the acids in it, and then I use something thicker at night."

At A Glance

Yes, the word on the bottle is "creme," but the texture of this product is so lightweight and lovely, I'd definitely consider it a serum hybrid. Texture aside, what I love about Juara's product is the proprietary blend of brightening plant actives—stuff like turmeric, kombucha, clove flower, and India gooseberry—which helps to give tired-looking eyes the boost they need to really shine.

It's also worth noting that Juara's entire line of skincare products is based upon the Indonesia concept of Jamu. Jamu traditionally refers to wellness tonics that are enjoyed daily across the Indonesian archipelago to boost vitality and vigor. But, generally, it's also about intentionality and using your skincare routine as a small moment of mindfulness. Love that!

Rave review: "This is the only thing that has ever worked to lighten my dark undereye circles, which have bothered me my whole life."

At A Glance

That really depends upon the issue you're trying to tackle. Here's a quick guide to the best ingredients to look for in a quality eye serum:

• Dark circles: Since visible blood vessels are a major culprit here, anything that helps to thicken skin will minimize their appearance. That's why retinol and peptides are good ones to look for, says Dr. Penzi. As a vasoconstrictor, caffeine can also help to keep blood from pooling in the area. If hyperpigmentation is to blame for your dark circles, vitamin C is the gold-standard brightening ingredient, says Dr. Howard Verovic.
• Dryness: The same moisturizing ingredients you'd typically look for in a face product will also work wonders here. The key is that you want to look for ones that aren't quite as thick and occlusive, so spy the ingredient label for things like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and ceramides, recommends Dr. Turegano.
• Puffiness: It's all about tightening here, and for that caffeine can be your workhorse. Another great option, says Dr. Penzi, is niacinamide, which "has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm skin." And don't underestimate the power of a gentle massage of the area to remove trapped fluids. That's why looking for a product with an applicator that contains a massaging tip can also be a good bet.
• Fine Lines: Gold standard collagen stimulators like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C are your sure bets. And if you're worried about some of these ingredients being too harsh for your delicate eye area, don't be. "These products are formulated with the delicate area around the eye in mind," says Dr. Howard Verovic.

The bottom line: "The difference between a serum and an eye cream typically comes down to the consistency and the concentration of active ingredients," explains Dr. Howard Verovic. "Eye serums are usually lightweight formulations with a higher concentration of active ingredients." That means, they're an excellent choice for addressing any visible signs of aging or exhaustion.

Another key attribute to serums is that they may be more suitable to some skin types, says Dr. Turegano. "Compared to creams, serums have less occlusive and emollient ingredients, which are what give creams a thicker, more moisturizing texture. A lightweight texture may be more suitable for oily skin types or someone who is prone to milia." Reminder: Milia refer to those tiny white dots that can pop up in clusters around the eyes, nose, or cheeks.

Camille Howard-Verovic, MD is a dermatologist in New York City, founder of Active Dermatology, and an Ulta Beauty Skin Partner, Lauren Penzi, MD is a dermatologist with Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centers in Long Island, New York, Mamina Turegano, MD is a triple board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans with Sanova Dermatology