We Found the Best Drugstore Eye Creams That Are Just as Good as Luxury Options

“This has peptides and ceramides which help hydrate the eyelid skin,” reports Dr. Lal. This editor-approved CeraVe pick also includes caffeine to shrink under-eye bags and hyaluronic acid to infuse the skin with hydration. It was beauty expert Bianca Rodriguez’s first-ever eye cream, and “it was a strong staple in my skincare routine throughout high school and college,” she says. “You get a great amount for the price tag, which was (and still is!) a dream come true.”

Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, puffiness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am 36 and just started noticing fine lines and the beginning of crow’s feet. I saw improvement after one use!”

Moisturizing the skin around the eyes is essential for preventing premature signs of aging. This eye cream from E.l.f. Cosmetics soothes and hydrates the under eyes, keeping the area dryness-free and providing a smooth base for foundation and concealer.

Key ingredients: Cucumber extract, shea butter, green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, peptides

Best for: Dryness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Let’s not sleep on E.l.f’s Holy Hydration line, people! This past summer, I took the mini version of the hydrating collection on a European vacation, and the eye cream was the first product in the line I used to the last scrape. I’m a fan of how hydrated and plumped my under-eye area looked once I woke up, especially since I devoured several glasses of wine the night before. The plumpness can be credited to a nourishing cocktail of hyaluronic acid and peptides.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

No7 is a brand that’s earned its reputation for being effective yet affordable. This one does it all: plumping and moisturizing ingredients take on puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, shea butter

Best for: Puffiness, fine lines, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I remember going to a Target with my mom in my youth and triumphantly returning with tubes of No7 Eye Cream. We had read online that an independent study had shown that this particular eye cream was sold out everywhere in Europe after a study showed that it reduced wrinkles. Since then, I’ve favored No.7 eye creams, including this one, because they’re reliably creamy and moisturizing. This one, in particular, uses the brand’s form of peptide technology, which is a form of technology used by pricier brands to improve elasticity and hydrate the skin.”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director

Every skin lover knows how powerful and effective retinol is, but sometimes, it can be too strong to use around the eyes. “I love Cetaphil’s new Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum,” says Dr. Engelman. “The formula contains a gentle yet effective retinol alternative to help minimize the look of dark circles, fine lines, and signs of fatigue around the eye area. The lightweight formula also incorporates Vitamins B3 and B5 to help hydrate, soothe, and repair skin’s moisture barrier while botanical extracts help target dullness and uneven skin tone.”

Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamin B3, vitamin B5

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have always hated my dark circles. I’ve been using this for a week, and it does make the skin under my eyes feel refreshed. The lotion applies smoothly, and you really don’t need much at all. It isn’t sticky or wet; just somewhere in between. There really isn't any scent. My dark circles have diminished in appearance, and I’m happy about that.”

Even if you don’t have a full eight hours of sleep, this eye cream can help you fake it. The lightweight gel, which draws from K-beauty technology, fuses vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to brighten, de-puff, and plump. Those ceramides also collaborate with the lipids in the formula, strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, lipids, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Best for: Dark circles, puffiness, compromised skin barrier

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have used a $72 serum in the past to achieve the same results as this Byoma product delivers. It truly de-puffs and brightens my eyes in a noticeable way! It’s lightweight and moisturizing and doesn’t change the way my makeup sits on my skin.”

If you want visible results, the Neutrogena eye cream is a classic for a reason. “This is a great agent with hyaluronic acid and retinol to hydrate the plump the skin,” says Dr. Lal. It’s also a favorite for anyone looking to prevent or soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Fine lines, dark circles, dryness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been buying Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair for 5 years. I use it under my eyes, corner of eyes, and for lip lines. It works wonderfully and I highly recommend it. Sometimes, I dab it all over my face and the results never disappoint. I am 72 years old and people think I look 10-12 years younger than my stated age. I don’t bother with other brands, because in my humble opinion, the others can’t compare.”

If fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are your main concern, this powerful cream can tackle them. “This is an OG with both retinol and peptides. This is great for wrinkly skin and dark circles,” says Dr. Lal. This product comes in two different formulations, one for the lid and one for the under-eyes. With consistent use, you won't believe the results. With efficacy like this, we understand why this skincare line is a favorite of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Key ingredients: Retinol, kelp extract, squalane

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this and have used it for a long time. Goes on smooth and creamy, soaks in immediately, but doesn’t burn or make my skin itchy. It actually gets rid of my under eye bags. I put it on in the morning before I go to work, and by the time I get there, no bags. Great product. It actually works, unlike some of the creams. The longer you use it, the better your under-eye bags and lines look.”

This drugstore eye cream counts dermatologists among its fans. The formula features copper peptides, plant stem cells, and kakadu plum, which work in tandem to firm and plump skin while shielding the area from future damage.

Key ingredients: Copper peptides, plant stem cells

Best for: Fine lines, dullness, puffiness

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I definitely can say this product works to lift the eyelids and decrease dark circles and bags. I ran out of this product about two weeks ago and decided to try a different eye cream. Within a week, my eyelids and under eyes were looking droopy, and [my] skin looked more loose and dry. Back to using the lifting eye cream I go….it’s the best!”

Retinol can be irritating, but this eye cream is made to be gentle on even the most sensitive skin. The formula combines retinol and caffeine to create a dynamic duo that reduces puffiness and the appearance of fine lines.

Key ingredients: Retinol, thermal spring water, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have tried lots of eye creams over the years and, though many have been great for moisturizing and reducing puffiness, this is the first one that actually lightens under eye circles too. (Many claim to, but this one works!) This product is amazing! It leaves my skin feeling smooth, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and lightens the shadows under my eyes. I’m so glad my dermatologist recommended this product!”

If you have extra sensitive skin or are prone to experiencing eczema, finding products that won’t cause a flare-up is tough. Avène’s Soothing Eye Contour Cream is specifically designed to de-puff, hydrate, and calm angry skin; the National Eczema Association even gave it the organization’s seal of approval.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract, thermal spring water

Best for: Puffiness, dryness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I get itchy dry patches around my eyes, and this finally relieved the dryness and itchiness! Very moisturizing. It is a very tiny bottle, but you only need a little bit, and it spreads on thin. This is very effective, and I’m so happy to have found this product!”

If you’re not a fan of heavier formulas, it might be time to try a serum. This one is packed with peptides and caffeine to plump and de-puff simultaneously, helping you look wide awake (even when you don't look it).

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, caffeine

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, dark circles

Ulta rating: 4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I didn’t have high hopes for this product simply because I thought I needed medical intervention for my under eye area. It was looking so crepey, and lines were showing a lot with makeup on, even with eye creams. I now use this day and night, I noticed the result the first day! I am actually blown away. My under eye looks smooth and hydrated. Not crepey at all. I will continue to buy this!”

This affordable cream combines hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce dark circles and puffiness, all in a lightweight gel. Because it sinks in quickly, it’s a great option to wear underneath concealer during the day.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Never needed to use this kind of product before, but I’m glad I did. I have been using it for about two weeks now, and the bags that I had are half the size they were! Putting anything around my eyes has always been something I never wanted to do, but I am so glad that I tried this eye cream. I will continue using it as a preventive measure because I look younger, and I like that!”