By Nykia Spradley and Katie Intner

While there are in-office and professional treatments that can help address dark circles, sagging, fine lines, and puffiness, a good eye cream can also do wonders. Plus, some of the top-performing eye creams come from the drugstore.

Experts say drugstore eye creams have just as effective ingredients and actives (think retinol, caffeine, and vitamin C) as luxury options.“Puffiness under the eyes caused by variation in fluid retention and lymphatic flow is also a reason to choose a dedicated eye cream that contains things like caffeine or potent antioxidants like arnica or vitamin C,” board-certified dermatologist and TRNR Skin co-founder Ryan turner tells Bazaar. “Treatment of dark circles is challenging, so look for dedicated active ingredients that focus on hyperpigmentation or fragile blood vessels.”

You could just dab on a little more of your daily moisturizer to treat the area, but eye creams typically contain specialty formulas that target the delicate area and deliver deeper nourishment. Whether you’re looking to treat specific concerns or need daily hydration that won’t cause irritation, round out your facial routine with one of the best drugstore eye creams from the list ahead, all of which come dermatologist-approved.

Best for Deep Hydration

CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream

Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Margarita Lolis counts CeraVe’s peptide, caffeine, and ceramide eye cream among her favorites. It sinks into the skin to deliver deep hydration that reduces the appearance of crow’s feet and dark circles over time.

Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, caffeine

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this eye cream! It is great for tired eyes! I can put it on before bed and wake up looking refreshed no matter how little sleep I had. I’ll definitely be buying it again!” —Amber

The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

Experts and Bazaar editors agree: The Inkey List’s Retinol Eye Cream is a steal at under $15, based on its potency level. Both Lolis and Turner recommend its slow-release retinoid formula to smooth under-eye skin without irritation.

Key ingredients: retinol

One satisfied customer writes: “Really nice product, excellent value with everything you expect from a retinol. I have sensitive skin and this is non-irritating; easily used on a daily basis as part of night time regimen.” —Cherie67

Versed Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel

As its name suggests, Versed’s under-eye formula has a lightweight texture that doubles nicely as a primer for eye makeup to reduce discoloration. It also nicely cools on contact, which helps keep the area feeling more tightened and refreshed.

Key ingredients: vitamin C, coffee extract, ginseng root extract, niacinamide

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used every fancy eye cream and gel on the market and nothing has worked this well and this fast to both brighten and tighten up around my eyes.” —Jaime R.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment

A trio of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C work in tandem in this expert favorite from L’Oréal Paris to brighten and tighten under-eyes quickly. “Revitalift’s formula contains a form of retinol to treat signs of aging, caffeine to help depuff, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate,” Turner says. “What’s particularly special is the cooling tip. In addition to being refreshing, this helps facilitate fluid drainage to keep the area looking taut.”

Key ingredients: pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

One satisfied customer writes: “I didn’t even realize it was working until about two weeks in. Then I just had a no makeup day so I really looked. Amazing! A really big line under my eye has smoothed out. I'm impressed!”

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream

If you’re new to using eye cream on a regular basis, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream is a great place to start. The fragrance-free favorite contains a low percentage of retinol and hyaluronic acid to brighten and plump under-eyes, with a featherweight texture that doesn’t feel greasy.

Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid

One satisfied customer writes: “I like this product. It goes on smoothly. My eyes do look more radiant after applying Neutrogena retinol eye cream. I recommend this product if you have dryness or slight lines under your eye. It moisturizes and smooths my under eye area, and it’s lightweight.” —K. Williams

CosRx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

We’re betting you’re already familiar with CosRx’s viral Snail Mucin Essence. Its eye cream version is just as effective and contains a hefty dose of mucin, which contains collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and allantoin, to soothe and tighten skin, along with niacinamide to brighten it.

Key ingredients: snail mucin, Niacinamide, 5 peptide complex, adenosine

One satisfied customer writes: “It is very light weight, goes on easily and is absorbed quickly so there is no creeping into my eyes. I have already noticed a reduction in allergy eye irritation and morning swelling. Another added benefit is no perfumes or odor.” —Kate F.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Eye Cream

This lightweight eye cream is like a glass of water for your under-eyes—a combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump in one step. The formula instantly sinks into the skin, so you can apply makeup right on top of the eye cream.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides

One satisfied customer writes: “One of the things I like about this eye cream is it doesn't ball up when I put make-up and concealer over it. I use it mostly at night now but can definitely use it under makeup as well. Feels amazing on the skin." – KKapowski

Best Retinol Alternative

Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum

Here’s an eye gel serum that aims to reduce the appearance of fine lines in two weeks and uses purified peptides as a retinol alternative to avoid skin irritation. It also features ingredients like edelweiss and rice lees to reduce dullness and discoloration that can make the eyes look tired.

Key ingredients: peptides, glycerin, Niacinamide, Shea butter

One satisfied customer writes: “I have sensitive eyes and this eye gel did not bother them. The gel rubbed in easily and wasn’t greasy feeling afterward.” —Lillya

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