All eyes are on these must-have eye creams

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The skin around the eyes is considered the most sensitive of the face. Next to the eyelids, it’s also the thinnest, making it vulnerable to such issues as lack of rest, too much sun, and too much stress.

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We’re constantly causing damage to this skin every time we squint, laugh, cry, or rub our eyes. Plus, time is not our friend, as anyone who has witnessed fine lines and crow’s feet that seem to creep up out of nowhere can attest. 

Since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, it’s also more susceptible to irritation, dryness and environmental damage. Research shows this skin doesn’t have the same amount of collagen or as many oil glands as the rest of the face, which exacerbates early signs of aging.

The good news is it’s never too late to start treating the skin around our eyes with some TLC. Shop our picks for the best eye creams to use at any age below. 

Summary of the best eye creams

Best retinol eye cream: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Eye Cream
Best eye cream for dry skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream
Best eye cream for dark circles: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright + Vitamin C Brightening Eye Cream
Best natural eye cream: Wildcraft Pure Radiance Vitamin C Eye Cream
Best multipurpose eye cream: Weleda Plumping Eye And Lip Cream
Best anti-aging eye cream: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream

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Best eye creams explained

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Eye Cream

Why we love it: For mature skin, retinol is the number one ingredient to look for in an eye cream. “I recommend the Retinol Reface Eye Cream from Indeed Labs (because) it’s a one-and-done product to tackle dark circles and puffiness while instantly helping minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Chanel Cruz, Calgary-based Shoppers Beauty Pro.

You only need a tiny amount to achieve maximum coverage. Cruz suggests using your ring finger to apply “because it tends to be your weakest finger to apply cream on the delicate skin around the eye. Spread directly to the opposite finger, and then tap lightly under both eyes.”

Price: $25
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream

Why we love it: This under-eye moisturizer has a hyaluronic acid base that glides on smoothly and offers a soothing shot of moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. It instantly quenches skin and stays that way all day. Not only is it well priced, but it’s ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance-free and comes in a lightweight gel format. It also wears well under foundation. 

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Price: $23
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart | Shoppers Drug Mart

Olehenriksen Banana Bright + Vitamin C Brightening Eye Cream

Why we love it: Your eyes will light up when you see all the goodness packed in this nifty jar of sunshine. This eye cream is ultra-hydrating and is packed with vitamin C, orange extract and banana powder to instantly brighten undereyes. Collagen helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet as well as helping improve concealer application. Plus it smells amazing! 

Price: $60
Where to buy: Sephora | Ole Henriksen | Amazon

Wildcraft Pure Radiance Vitamin C Eye Cream

Why we love it: This cooling eye gel helps immediately to brighten under-eyes, giving your face a refreshed and revitalized look. The gel is rich in vitamin C, cucumber extract and mango butter, plus the antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum that moisturizes and also helps improve dark circles, dullness and fine lines. Wildcraft is a Toronto-based, 100% natural, minimalist skincare brand where the products are affordably priced and made in small batches. 

Price: $38
Where to buy: Wildcraft | The Detox Market

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Weleda Plumping Eye And Lip Cream

Why we love it: This cream is gentle, soothing, fragrance-free and hydrates the area around the eyes, helping reduce the appearance of lines, allowing for a firmer-looking eye area. Works just the same on lips. Weleda was founded in 1921 and its success continues to this day. Products are made with vegan-friendly ingredients and brim with antioxidant properties that help improve the regeneration of skin. 

Price: $44
Where to buy: Well.ca | Amazon

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream

Why we love it: As with all Aveeno products, this cream is gentle and is clinically proven to moisturize and nourish that delicate skin around the yes. It has anti-aging properties and helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and those dreaded crow’s feet. Works towards minimizing the appearance of early aging signs plus improving the look of dark circles and puffiness. The product is ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic and non-greasy. 

Price: $30
Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart