You’ve heard the promises: Eye creams reduce or even erase the signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. But eye creams just more-expensive moisturizers in a smaller package?

Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they tend to be thicker. They contain more oil than a regular facial lotion, and they have a lot of active ingredients aimed at the problems we see around the eyes.

The skin around the eyes is more fragile, more prone to dryness, and quicker to show age and fatigue. Squinting and constant movement of the eyes also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles. Eye creams can address some of these issues.

Fine lines and wrinkles come from both sun damage and your skin making less collagen as you age. Collagen helps maintain skin’s elasticity. Vitamin C, peptides, and retinol have boosted collagen production, studies of skin creams show. Ceramide and hyaluronic acid also help; these are moisturizers that help prevent water loss in the skin and improve elasticity. Elemis Pro Collage Eye Renewal, containing advanced marine algae and anti ageing technology is perfect for those wanting to improve the appearance of of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dark circles under the eyes come from genes, sun damage, age, and blood build-up. Sodium ascorbate, or vitamin C, can thicken the skin and help conceal dark circles after about 6 months. Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, and kojic acid can lighten dark circles. AOX eye gel from Skinceuticals is the ideal product for anyone wanting to diminish those dark circles underneath the eyes. 

Puffiness is a build-up of fluid and blood under the eyes. Some studies show that caffeine can help circulation, which could reduce puffiness. Other studies show that cold temperatures are just as effective to treat puffiness. That’s why some people refrigerate their eye creams. Peptide Eye Cream from Elemis is our top pick for banishing puffiness and reviving tired eyes.