Best Overall Eye Cream for Men
Marlowe No. 127 Eye Cream
ProsLightweight Smooth, fast-absorbing application Versatile formulaTube made from at least 50 percent recycled materials Sensitive skin friendly ConsCan be easy to overapply Remember when I said you need to consider why and when you’ll be using an eye cream before buying one? Well, Marlowe 127 makes that choice easy as it’s ideal for anybody at any time. It is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed specifically for men to combat puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Packed with vitamin C to brighten, caffeine to reduce under-eye bags, and deeply hydrating squalane, it refreshes tired eyes and smooths aging skin. I’ve used it after long nights out, and nights lost to stress. In both scenarios, it helped me mask my flirtation with insomnia by leaving my skin looking more awake than it has any right to.
Formulated without parabens or phthalates, it’s also a great option for sensitive skin. My skin is easily aggravated around the eyes, and I’ve never had a reaction using his stuff. Marlowe keeps skincare simple yet effective, perfect for men who want to look sharp without overthinking it. Clean, powerful, and efficient, this eye cream fits seamlessly into any routine without fuss.
Not to mention, at $20, it’s one of the best values on this list. Plus, the tube is made up of at least 50 percent recycled material, while the box it comes packed in is 100 percent sourced from recycled materials.
Read More: Best Skincare Brands for Men
Key IngredientsSqualane, vitamin C, caffeineDay or NightBothSize0.5 ozBest Eye Cream For Young Men
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel-Cream
Now 59% Off
Credit: joe lingemanProsExtremely hydratingUnder $15Silky smooth gel textureConsNot great for guys with more severe dark circlesWhen you’re in your twenties, baggy eyes are usually self-inflicted. But all those late-night ragers or long work hours and stress do show up on even younger faces. Tired skin is usually dehydrated, which shows up as bags and dark circles. So for younger men, it’s important to keep the skin around your eyes well-hydrated. It could mean you look like you got nine hours of sleep when you actually got three.
This eye cream wasn’t strong enough to address more severe dark circles and wrinkles, but it did a great job at keeping eyes hydrated for some extra moisture after a long night. Similar to the brand’s hydro boost moisturizer, this eye cream is more of a gel than a cream. Its silky consistency absorbs immediately into the skin—another boon for younger men who may be new to skincare and less patient with products.
This lightweight formula is also ideal for both day and night, however, it works best for prevention rather than correcting eye blemishes. If you’re looking for wrinkle reduction or other solutions, you may want something more potent. Still, its sub-$15 cost will prove useful for younger dudes on a budget.
Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerinDay or NightBothSize0.5 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness
Kiehl’s Eye Fuel
ProsQuickly de-puffsGreat for post red-eye flightsAlso can help reduce appearance of dark circlesConsSmell can be strong for someJust like your morning cup o’ Joe, this easy-to-apply gel contains caffeine to wake up your peepers after a long night. It quickly de-puffs the under-eye area to make it look more alert and uses the power of vitamin B3 to reduce dark circles. Use the eye gel after a sleepless night or a long flight to easily reset your face.
If you want to look instantly more alert, this fast-acting, lightweight gel is exactly what you need. Not to mention, this cream delivers results fast. After using every night for a week, my eyes looked years younger and far smoother. It’s the perfect tool to have on hand for early mornings, late nights, and any time your eyes need a little pick-me-up (like, say, spending hours staring at a computer screen).
One caveat: the fragrance is strong, which may make it unsuitable for sensitive skin (especially around the eyes) or anyone who is especially picky about fragrance.
Read more: Best Kiehl’s Products
Key IngredientsCaffeine, vitamin B3Day or NightBothSize0.5 ozBest Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
ProsImprovement can be seen inless than a weekTested and recommended by dermatologistsFragrance-freeConsCostly considering the size of the tube and how long it lastsSwipe this around your peepers at night to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles that make you look tired. The retinal in the formula goes to work quickly—I saw a difference after just a few uses. There is also ceramide to help reinforce the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to hydrate it.
I just always appreciate when a product says exactly what it’s going to do and then delivers on those promises. This retinoid-packed eye cream really does smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: both after just a few uses and over time. More than just that, it went on smoothly without feeling sticky or too slick and had more of a matte finish, which I personally like.
IngredientsRetinal, ceramides, hyaluronic acidDay/NightNightSize0.5 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Eye Cream for Eye Lids
Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream
ProsSpecifically formulated for eye lidsContainer lasts a long time, only need to use a small amount to cover entire eyesResults can be seen in under a weekConsThe most expensive option on this list at $115Some with sensitive skin may see a reaction When it comes to eye creams, most focus on attacking dark circles, discoloration, and bags under the eyes (though, to be clear, you should be using these all around the eyes). But the effects of aging can also be felt on the eyelid. This cream is specifically formulated to lift and firm the skin above the eyes with its potent peptides, which boost collagen by stimulating the skin’s natural repair process.
The formula also features phytoactives, a collection of natural compounds that work to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin. I can confirm, the effect is immediate; I saw a difference in as little as four days after using twice daily. The cream is, however, on the thicker side, so if you have oily skin, you may want to look elsewhere.
Key IngredientsPeptides, phytoactivesDay or NightBothSize0.5 ozBest Value Eye Cream
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Now 28% Off
Credit: joe lingeman ProsUnder $15 Versatile formula Sturdy cap, good for travelConsThick, not ideal for oily skin While many are marketed as anti-aging products and can cost some dough, not every effective eye cream needs to break the bank. This multi-purpose option contains all the ingredients you want in an eye cream, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help reduce puffiness and dark circles and keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and happy at under $15. In short, it solves a bunch of different skin issues, at a price point that’s hard to beat.
The well-rounded ingredients address all sorts of issues from dark circles to eye bags and everything in between. Keep in mind that it likely won’t give you instantaneous results thanks to the gentler formula (and lower price point), but with consistent use, it can improve the overall look of your eye area. Another thing to keep in mind, this is thick, possibly even too thick to use during the day if you have oily skin or just don’t like the feel of heavy creams on your face.
Key IngredientsCeramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamideDay or NightBothSize0.05 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Eye Cream for Travel
Atwater Eye Moisturizer
ProsFragrane-freeSturdy, leak-proof cap Gentle on sensitive skinNon-comedogenicConsContainer doesn’t last long considering priceThe Atwater Eye Moisturizer is a compact, travel-ready solution for tired eyes brought on by a long flight or drive. Formulated with peptides, amino acids, and antioxidants, it helps firm, lift, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a refreshed look. There’s also caffeine that works to reduce puffiness and dark circles by tightening the skin and improving circulation.
The 0.5 oz tube is ideal for travel, easily fitting into any Dopp kit or toiletry bag. Plus, its sturdy cap feels leak-proof, ensuring it stays secure on the go. Also, the formula is non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores), hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. It’s my go-to eye cream whenever I’m traveling.
Read More: Travel Grooming Essentials
Key IngredientsPeptides, amino acids, and antioxidantsDay or NightBothSize0.5 ozBest Unscented Eye Cream
Papatui Awakening Eye Gel
ProsFragrance-freeOne of the cheapest options on this list at $10Easy-to-use metal roller Silk gel texture ConsContainer doesn’t last as long as other, more expensive options Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is known for many things: natural charisma, action movies seemingly predestined to make bank, and biceps the size of basketballs. But he’s been in the public eye for so long, it often goes unremarked that his now 53-year-old face looks nearly identical to what it was in the late nineties. So, after years of being asked about his skincare routine, he decided to drop his own brand last year with Papatui. And no product represents his age-defying attributes more than its unscented eye cream.
Dispensed through a slick, easy-to-use metal roller, the gel-like cream glides effortlessly around the eyes with an immediate awakening sensation. For this, you can thank its combination of skin hydrating hyaluronic acid, protective ectoin (an amino acid that helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier), and alerting caffeine. Best of all, it’s completely unscented, so those with sensitive skin will see no reaction or irritation.
A lot of unscented eye creams still have a slight chemical smell to them, but this option is truly scentless. Also, unlike many others, you don’t seemingly have to pay a few more bucks for the lack of fragrance. It’s an incredible value at $10, especially considering that I can get weeks out of one container while using it every day.
Key IngredientsHyaluronic acid, ectoin, caffeine.Day or NightBothSize0.5 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Luxury Eye Cream
Patricks ES2 Triple Technology Eye Serum
ProsNon-greasy, perfect for oily skinGentle formula for sensitive skinMetal roller application, easy-to-useConsAt $60, this is one of the more expensive options When it comes to luxury skincare brands for men, few are more reliable than Patricks. Whether it’s with an ultra-foamy body wash with a cologne-quality scent or hair thickening shampoo that actually does plump up strands, the brand always ensures its quality matches its price point. So whenever Patricks launches a new product, I pay attention. Its latest release? ES2 Ultra-Smoothing Eye Serum, and it did not disappoint.
Now back and better than ever, the ES2 delivers seamless execution and even better visible results. The non-greasy formula, led by hero ingredients glycerin and niacinamide, works to combat any issue you’re facing by reducing puffiness, fighting dark circles, and minimizing wrinkles. The application is effortless thanks to a sleek, metal rollerball applicator that cools and depuffs the under-eye area while delivering just the right amount of serum.
After consistent use for a month, I noticed a clear improvement: reduced puffiness, smoother texture, and a brighter, more youthful appearance under the eyes. It’s an effective, no-fuss solution for anyone looking to tackle fine lines and revitalize tired-looking eyes.
Key IngredientsGlycerin, niacinamide, oat kernel extractDay or NightBothSize0.5 oz
How to Apply Eye CreamGenerally, you want to be very gentle when applying eye cream because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face. Pulling and tugging can increase issues like sagging or wrinkles over time. The best way to apply eye cream is by using your ring finger and using a gentle tapping motion.
Use a pea-sized amount (you don’t need more than that as eye creams tend to be very concentrated) and gently tap it onto your skin with your ring finger, starting at the inner corner of your eye and working outward. Follow under your eye, then work up to the corner and finally up to just under your brow bone (think of it as a big circle around your eye).
One caveat here: if your eye cream is a tube with an applicator tip (bonus point if it’s a cooling metal tip or rollerball), you don’t need to use your fingers. Smooth it directly onto your skin using the applicator, but remember to apply minimal pressure. If you need to rub it in a bit more, use your tapping motion.
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What Age Should Men Start Using Eye CreamThere’s no perfect age to start using an eye cream, but it’s always easier to prevent than to treat signs of skin aging. For this reason, starting an eye cream in the 20s-30s can be helpful, says dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD. That said, it’s also never too late to start, so if you’re just starting to notice crow’s feet or dark circles, it is fine to start at any age.
Can You Use Moisturizers Instead of I get the appeal of using moisturizer as an eye cream to save time and money. However, dermatologist Dr. Bradley Glodny recommends a separate product designed specifically for the delicate under-eye area. Eye creams are formulated with targeted ingredients to address common concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. And because this skin is especially sensitive, regular facial moisturizers can often be too harsh. For most men, a dedicated under-eye cream is the better choice.
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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.Â
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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