You may already have a stockpile of eye creams in your bathroom drawer, but if you want faster results, it may be time to swap out your cream for one of the best eye serums. While retinol eye creams or caffeine-infused treatments are no doubt effective at imparting helpful ingredients, there are also many benefits to transitioning to a lightweight product. “Eye serums often have ingredients that are meant for faster absorption like caffeine, retinol, and vitamin C. They are formulated to be more concentrated and for more elegant application. Creams may have the same ingredients but their vehicle often allows for slower absorption and more moisturization,” says dermatologist Dr. Patrick.
Our favorite eye serums in 2024
La Mer The Eye Concentrate Eye Cream
Price: $41
TOCOBO Collagen Brightening Eye Gel Cream
Price: $19
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème
Price: $32
And the benefits only get better. If you constantly feel like your eye cream is disrupting your makeup throughout the day, a serum may help reduce smudging. “Lighter products make it easy for makeup application. Serums also allow for quicker absorption and are often more hydrating. They plump the skin faster in this location,” adds Dr. Patrick. So whether you’re on the hunt for an anti-aging eye cream or a product that will brighten and de-puff your under-eyes, here are the best eye serums on the market that will make you glad you made the switch.
Dr. Patrick is a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How is an eye serum different than an eye cream?
Just like you might have a hydrating serum and a moisturizer in your routine, eye serums and eye creams may have similar benefits, but provided in different ways. “Eye serums often have ingredients that are meant for faster absorption like caffeine, retinol, vitamin C, et cetera,” says Dr. Patrick. He adds, “They are formulated to be more concentrated and for more elegant application. Creams may have the same ingredients but their vehicle often allows for slower absorption and more moisturization.”
Because of this, eye serums often have a lighter texture that some people prefer over heavier creams. “The difference between an eye serum and an eye cream is mainly textural, with some eye creams having the ability to provide additional moisture as expected from a cream format. However, when it comes to the inclusion of key ingredients, these can be added to a serum or cream base. Ultimately, choosing between both formats will be down to personal preference,” adds Silva. If you enjoy applying your eye products during the day under makeup, serums may also be a better option since they dry quickly and are creaseless.
What are the key benefits of an eye serum?
Just like a standard face serum, the benefits of an eye serum will vary from product to product. “The benefits of an eye serum will heavily rely on the ingredients that are included in the formulation,” says Silva. For Dr. Patrick, some of the common complaints that eye serums target are “fine lines, hyperpigmentation, skin quality.”
What are your favorite ingredients in an eye serum?
“I am partial to ingredients that have been studied to improve the appearance of signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as those that will help plump the area, making it look smoother and brighter. This is why I choose eye serums with well-rounded, age-supporting ingredients, like peptides,” says Silva.
Dr. Patrick adds, “I love caffeine. This helps reduce swelling and reduces the appearance of under-eye bags. Serums with vitamin C are great and can help with dark circles. Neuropeptides and peptides are great and help soften fine lines and help build collagen. I prefer retinol to be applied in cream form in efforts to minimize irritation.”
