As a beauty editor I’ve never liked complicated or long beauty routines. Most days, my skincare routine consists of a carefully chosen mix of serums and moisturizers that work well without a lot of fuss or fanfare. I do expect my products to work hard, but I choose targeted formulas that get to work quickly and often sit smoothly under makeup so I can move on to the next step with little downtime.
Because of that, I used to think that an eye cream was an extra step that I didn’t need to take in my skincare routine. Why add another product when my serum already worked? Also, a lot of eye creams have a thicker formula to nourish the delicate area under the eyes, so I never really liked the idea of putting it on and then waiting for it to sink in.
When I first saw these lighter options which promised to combine the light texture of a serum with the targeted treatment of an eye cream, I was interested. Many years later, I still skip eye cream a lot, but I will never be without an eye serum.
You might like this photo collage of Jamie Schneider trying out the best brightening serums.
This brightening serum is like an IV drip for my skin; it makes it glow.
Woman with eye patches on and a cup of tea
My genes gave me dark circles but these 14 miracle patches keep my eyes bright and free of fine lines.
Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock after using color corrector
These viral color correctors are like magic wands for my under-eye circles. They come in a bottle and are made by Dr. Dennis Gross and Drunk Elephant.
(Thanks to Jazzria Harris for the photo)
What is an Eye Serum
What is an eye serum then? And how is it different from the old eye creams? To find out, I talked to Faye Purcell the head of research and development and lead chemist at Q+A Skincare. Purcell said, “Eye serums are lightweight treatment focused formulas that quickly get to the delicate area under the eyes and deliver active ingredients where they’re needed most.” “They tend to feel more silky, refreshing, and absorb easily than creams.” Peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants, and caffeine are some of the most common ingredients. Because of this, eye serums can help with a lot of skin problems, such as dark circles, puffiness under the eyes, and fine lines and wrinkles, and they feel almost invisible on the skin.
A photo of the HyaluB5 eye serum from La Roche-Posay
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
You might be wondering where to start when picking an eye serum because they can have a lot of different skin care ingredients. To help you with that, I’ve made changes to 11 of my favorite formulas so you can make your eye serum just right for you. This is everything you need to know, along with my honest review of each one…
The Best Eye Creams
- La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum (£34) is the best overall.
- Medik8 C Tetra Eye (£25) is the best serum for brightening eyes.
- Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum (£41) is the best eye serum for firming.
- The best eye serum for hydration is Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum (£18).
- The best retinol eye serum is Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum (£72).
1. Eye Serum from La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5
Best overall eye serum: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum for Dry, Aging Eyes (15ml)
£34 for La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum. Buy it now.
All of the beauty editors I know love La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu line. The Hyalu face serum is often called the best product, but you don’t want to sleep on the eye serum either. This product contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5, which work together to hydrate the skin under the eyes and make fine lines less noticeable. What I like best, though, is that there is a small metal rollerball at the end of the pipette applicator. It spreads the product evenly and cools the area right away to get rid of puffiness. This is the only eye serum you should try, and I promise you won’t be let down.
Pros
- Formula for hydration
Cons of rollerball applicator
- If you use too much, it can get sticky.
2. Medik8 C-Tetra Eye
C Tetra Eye Best is the best serum for brightening the eyes.
Medik8 C-Tetra® Eye £25
Go to the store now
Next, we have an eye serum that contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, in a form that is safe for the area around the eyes. Medik8’s C-Tetra Eye is light, not greasy, and sinks into the skin quickly without causing any irritation. It also works over time to make dark circles and fine lines look brighter. One thing I want to say is that a little bit of this serum goes a long way, so start with a small amount so you don’t put too much on the area.
Pros
- Not too expensive
- Full of vitamin C
Cons
- Use only a little
3. The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal 30ml is the best eye serum for smoothing.
Joseon’s Beauty
Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal £15 SHOP NOW
At first, you might think that Beauty of Joseaon’s Eye Serum feels more like a regular eye cream, but as you rub it into your skin, it really changes. It changes into a light gel serum mix that melts into the skin and gives it a soft matte finish while giving it a lot of moisture. Niacinamide and ginseng root brighten the skin, while 2% retinal works hard to smooth and lift. If you’ve heard about how good retinol eye creams are but don’t know where to start, this is a great choice because it will fight signs of aging without causing too much irritation.
Pros
- Good for people who are new to retinol
- Formula that adds moisture
Cons
- Can make things worse
4. JS Health Illuminating Peptide Eye Serum
The best illuminating eye serum
Vitamins from JSHealth UK
Peptide Eye Serum with Light £24 SHOP NOW
JS Health’s Eye Serum is the best choice for a wide range of skin problems because it contains a mix of hardworking ingredients. At the front, you’ll see a lot of peptides that work to tighten, reduce puffiness, and brighten all at once. There is also caffeine to wake up and lift the area around the eyes, which is great for tired mornings and dull skin, and niacinamide to smooth things out. This serum is also a little thicker than the other ones I’ve suggested, so it’s great for older skin or skin that is dry under the eyes. It deeply nourishes skin so it feels plump healthy and hydrated.
Pros
- Has a mix of hero ingredients
- Metal applicator that cools
Cons
- A little thicker than other formulas
What are the advantages of using an eye serum
Purcell went on to say, “Eye serums work well on most skin types, but they are especially good for people with puffy dark circles or tired-looking eyes.” “Eye serums work on the first area to show signs of tiredness, aging, and dehydration.” They help with puffiness, fine lines, dark circles, and dryness, and they also help skin stay elastic and make more collagen over time.
How to Use an Eye Serum
“After washing, use your ring finger to apply a small amount around the orbital bone, tapping gently instead of rubbing,” Purcell said. “Their lightweight hydrating texture makes them great for morning use under makeup, but you can also use them at night or during the day.”
How We Tried
As a beauty editor, a big part of my job is trying out different skincare products. This way, when I suggest a product to you, you can be sure that it really is the best of the best. A lot of the time, I do this without even realizing it. I keep changing and updating my skincare routine, getting rid of some products and adding new ones that I think I need. You can trust that these are the best eye serums for any skin issue because each one on this list has become a regular part of my skincare routine.
