Sure, we'll admit it: There is something undeniably satisfying about using a luxurious eye cream. You know, the kind that comes in a fancy glass jar that feels heavy in your palm and smells like a fresh rose garden (or something equally sublime). Problem is, the novelty tends to wear off when you see the price tag, which can run upwards of $100 (and beyond). The good news? You don't actually have to fork over half your paycheck to get your hands on an excellent eye cream. In fact, there's a bevy of worthy options patiently waiting on the shelves at your local drugstore, and promise the same line-smoothing, wrinkle-fighting, dark circle-reducing work as the expensive versions. Dermatologists are down with affordable eye creams, too, which is just another reason you should drop what you're doing and go see what the drugstore aisle has to offer. But first, check out the undereye treatments we're personally partial to, along with a few formulas recommended by skin-care professionals. (Did we mention they're all under $20?)
Photos: Courtesy of brands
Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream
This affordable eye cream, which comes recommended by New York City-based dermatologist Sejal Shah, is shown to reduce crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles in just three short weeks. That, and it'll knock your dark circles down a notch in four. You can credit a blend of botanical extracts, marine collagen, and caffeine for this, as they all work in tandem to help rejuvenate the eye area and provide a brightened effect.
$11 (Shop Now)
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Cetaphil dropped this ultra-hydrating gel eye cream just a few months ago, yet it's already managed to impress editors and skin experts alike. Dermatologist Shari Marchbein previously told Allure that it's the blend of skin-loving niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and licorice root, combined with dimethicone — an ingredient that gives the formula a silky-smooth texture — that make this drugstore eye cream option so excellent. The eye area instantly feels nourished and soothed after tapping it on, a result that never goes unnoticed when it comes to skin care.
$16 (Shop Now)
Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream
Another favorite of Shah's is this eye cream from the Yes to Grapefruit line, which aims to correct uneven skin tone and lessen the appearance of dark circles (clinical results showed it did so in just four weeks). Spot-fading fruit acids brighten the skin and diminish dark marks, while licorice root calms inflammation and helps to combat undereye darkness. Oh yeah, and did we mention it's just six bucks?
$6 (Shop Now)
Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Under Eye Cream
According to New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, the undereye skin becomes crepey over time because the elastin gets damaged by environmental factors, including pollution and sun exposure. "Think of your skin like a rubber band; when elastin is damaged, the skin cannot bounce back to its original shape when stretched," he says. To prevent the aforementioned stretching, Zeichner recommends an eye cream, like this one by Aveeno, which contains ingredients — blackberry and dill extract — that aid in keeping elastic fibers strong.
$18 (Shop Now)
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
CeraVe is a known dermatologist favorite, so it's no surprise Shah added this to her list of recommendations. The weightless, hyper-nourishing formula is made with ceramides to help restore the skin's natural protective barrier, as well as a patented technology that replenishes ceramides and provides long-lasting hydration. It's also super-gentle, contains no fragrances or non-comedogenic ingredients, making it ideal for those who have sensitive eye areas.
$10 (Shop Now)
Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Cream
This gentle eye cream is anything but wimpy: It's packed with aloe, along with a handful of extracts, including cotton and white genepi, to gently de-puff and nourish the eye area. It's also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and allergy-tested, so your sensitive eyes can remain unbothered.
$9 (Shop Now)
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
You could rest cold tea bags on your eyes for 10 minutes, or you could swipe on this cooling rollerball, which acts like a mini massager. The light gel inside the rollerball contains caffeine to help shrink bags fast, and there's zero stick factor, so you can layer on concealer immediately.
$10 (Shop Now)
This eye cream delivers a one-two punch: Immediately, caffeine and rice peptides de-puff and brighten. Over time, retinol derivatives minimize fine lines. The result? A time machine for tired eyes.
$12 (Shop Now)
E.L.F. Illuminating Eye Cream
Infused with cooling cucumber, super-hydrating jojoba and anti-oxidant rich vitamin E, the creamy formula packs a powerful punch against sallow under-eyes. Plus, the tiniest dab of product does the trick — so you don't have to worry about repurchasing for a long time.
$10 (Shop Now)
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
This natural beauty pick has some serious de-puffing powers — the caffeine in this formula shrinks puffy morning eyes in a matter of a minute (we've personally witnessed this). That's reason alone to nab one of these — but another one would be the ingredient list filled with aloe extract, rose hydrosol and green tea extract (amongst other botanical goodies), which make for a super hydrating and nourishing eye cream.
$15 (Shop Now)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream For Eye
Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this gel-like formula is like an IV for dry under-eyes. It absorbs in a flash, creating a supple canvas for concealer.
$18 (Shop Now)
RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream
This three-time Best of Beauty winner works on a time-release schedule. The retinol-spiked formula absorbs slowly, so it'll never irritate skin.
$20 (Shop Now)
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