Sagging eyelids? Hooded eyes? Here’s our foolproof guide for choosing the perfect eye-lifting cream and our favorite picks.

**waiting response from L’oreal

How to Pick the Best Eye Lift Cream for Hooded Eyes?

Aging is a normal process that everyone goes through. It happens both internally and externally. Skin aging, in particular, is one of the most noticeable hallmarks of aging. One of the first signs of skin aging can be seen in the eye area. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the skin on the rest of our bodies. Because of its delicate nature, it’s one of the first parts of our body to become saggy and droopy.

This effect is even more prevalent in people with hooded eyes. With hooded eyes, the skin hangs down over the crease, making the eyes look smaller. Because of its inherent shape, wrinkles and crow’s feet also appear more prominent in hooded eyes.

As we age, the skin loses more and more of its elasticity. As a result, sagging eyelids and fine lines usually occur. Besides aging, saggy eyelids on hooded eyes can also occur due to sun exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition. Thus, it is important for people with hooded eyes to start using eye creams as early as possible.

Fortunately, there are some potent eye lifting creams that can restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin around the eyes. This article will guide you in choosing the best eye-lift cream for hooded eyes.

Skin-firming ingredients

When choosing an eye cream, make sure to read the ingredients list carefully. After all, the efficacy of the product will largely depend on its active ingredients and formulation. To help you with that, we’ve compiled a list of potent skin firming ingredients that will help fight sagging eyelids and promote skin tightening. Find out more about them below:

Retinol

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that’s found in both plants and animals. They’re also naturally-occurring in the skin. Retinol is a ‘weak’ type of retinoid with low concentrations of retinoic acid. It is less potent than other retinoids but it is also less irritating and drying.

Retinol has been proven to promote skin cell renewal, boost collagen production, and encourage skin repair. With stimulated skin repair processes, wrinkles on the eye area can be significantly reduced. Additionally, retinol’s cell renewal properties can lift and rejuvenate sagging eyelids.

New retinol users may experience temporary redness, flakiness and peeling. These side effects are known as retinization. These are normal in the primary phases of retinol use and should go away after four to five weeks of continued use. If the side effects persist after this period, it may be indicative of sensitivity to retinol, so always patch test before trying new products.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is the collective name for a class of naturally-occurring fat-soluble compounds. Research shows that it’s effective in reducing dark circles and diminishing hyperpigmentation. Thanks to its skin-firming properties, it can also restore the eyelid’s original shape.

AHA

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a class of chemical compounds naturally-occurring in plants and animals. Studies found that AHA’s topical application is effective in reducing wrinkles, stimulating collagen synthesis, and promoting skin firmness.

Although AHA is safe to use, its topical application can cause increased sun sensitivity and photodamage. To prevent this, the US-FDA recommends applying sunscreen and limiting sun exposure when using AHA.

Avoid using AHAs and retinol at the same time. Applying them simultaneously onto the fragile eye area skin can increase the risk of skin irritation. This may even lead to over-exfoliation.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a chemical compound that’s abundant in the plant Babchi. Babchi has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine in curing various skin diseases. This is thanks to its ability to treat acne, melasma, photoaging, and hyperpigmentation.

Studies show that Bakuchiol is an effective ingredient for skin firming and lifting. Its desirable skin tightening effects have been found to be comparable to that of Retinol. Even better, these desirable effects come without the burning, scaling, and dermatitis associated with retinol.

One study even showed that bakuchiol users exhibited fewer adverse effects than retinol users. Moreover, studies also showed that while retinol makes the skin more photosensitive, bakuchiol actually makes it less photosensitive. Because Bakuchiol is both gentle and potent, it’s considered an ideal retinol alternative. It’s a great option for people with sensitive under-eyes.

Skin type suitability

Before choosing an eye cream, it is important to first determine what your skin type is. Although most potent eye creams contain essentially the same active ingredients, some eye cream formulations are better suited for specific skin types. Finding the right formulation would not only make the eye cream work more efficiently but can also prevent adverse skin reactions.

• For dry skin types: We recommend thick eye creams or serums. These formulations are effective in locking in moisture in the skin. Also, look for active ingredients that help prevent water loss like Ceramides. For extremely dry skin, oil-based eye creams containing emollients like Squalene can be effective in restoring skin moisture.

• For oily skin types: Go for lightweight or water-based eye creams to prevent clogged pores. Heavy eye creams are more likely to trigger breakouts. Additionally, check to see if the eye cream contains comedogenic ingredients like beeswax and certain oils.

• For sensitive skin types: Avoid eye creams with known skin irritants like alcohol and artificial fragrances. Additionally, you should avoid strong exfoliating eye creams since sensitive skin is prone to inflammation and redness.

Although considered safe in controlled amounts (10% or less), strong AHAs can cause stinging and burning sensations on sensitive skins. If you’re using extra-strength AHA in your other skin care products on your face, avoid applying it on your delicate under-eye area to prevent eye irritation

Knowing when and how to apply your eye cream can also ensure you’re maximising the effectiveness of your eye cream

Hygiene

Most cosmetics have preservatives to prevent them from spoiling. Spoilage in cosmetics usually occurs due to bacterial and fungal growth. However, most eye-area cosmetics tend to have little and/or weaker preservatives. This is because the eye area is very sensitive. Cosmetics with strong preservatives can easily irritate the eyes. Due to this, eye area cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives compared to other cosmetics.

This is where good product packaging comes especially handy. Tubes and airless pumps work great in preserving eye creams as well as shielding them from bacterial contamination. Due to its structure, tubes don’t expose the unused portion of the eye cream as much as jars do.

Airless pumps also work great in keeping unused eye creams safe from bacterial accumulation. Since only the product that gets pumped out gets exposed, the rest of your eye cream is hygienically-preserved.

Bacterial contamination of eye cosmetics can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis. Moreover, bacterial accumulation can also alter the pH levels of eye creams. This change can cause some of its active ingredients to become less potent.

Meanwhile, eye creams stored in jars are the most susceptible to bacterial accumulation. and pathogenic contamination. This is especially important if you are considering making your own DIY eye cream. Additionally, it exposes the eye cream to frequent air exposure, making the eye cream more vulnerable to oxidation.

Aside from hygiene problems, jar-type packaging can decrease the potency of some eye creams. Constant air exposure can cause volatile eye cream ingredients like Vitamin E to deteriorate.

If your favorite eye cream only comes in jars, there are certain ways to prolong its shelf life while still keeping it free from bacterial contamination. First, use a clean cosmetic spatula to handle the eye cream instead of your fingers. This way, you won’t transfer the bacteria on your fingers to the remaining product.

Second, and more ideally, purchase refillable containers. For watery or lightweight eye creams, it is ideal to transfer the product into refillable airless pumps. For eye creams with heavier consistencies, go for refillable tubes.

6 Best Eye Lift Cream for Hooded Eyes

FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream With Triple Hyaluronic Acid

FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid (From: Amazon)

Key features:

• Retinol for youthful-looking skin
• Citric Acid (AHA) for skin tightening
• Vitamin E for reducing dark circles and skin firming
• Ceramides to lock in moisture for increased hydration
• Safe for all skin types
• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and essential oils-free

The FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid is our pick for Best Overall as it contains a potent mix of key ingredients that are effective in lifting hooded eyelids. Plus, it comes in a handy and hygienic tube packaging. Tube packaging not only prevents bacterial contamination but also minimizes a product’s air exposure. The product’s also free from known irritants like fragrances, essential oils, and alcohol. Most importantly, it’s safe even for sensitive skin.

This rejuvenating eye cream has Retinol, a powerful anti-aging ingredient. Retinol is effective in reducing fine lines on the under-eye area. It also has Citric Acid, a popular type of AHA. Research shows that citric acid is effective in increasing dermal glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are polysaccharides that aid in keeping the under-eye skin youthful. They reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity, and promote skin tightening.

This eyelid tightening cream also contains Ceramides. These aid in hydrating the skin around the eyes by locking in moisture. These help the eye area maintain its suppleness and youthful look. Moreover, its Vitamin E ingredient promotes skin renewal. This helps promote firm skin and prevent sagging eyelids.

The FAB skincare line is certified cruelty-free by PETA. Even though the company recently expanded its market to China, PETA still considers them cruelty-free.

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RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment

RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment (From: Amazon)

Key features:

• Retinol for rejuvenating dark, puffy, and wrinkled eyes
• Stearyl alcohol for soft and moisturized under-eye skin
• Hygienic tube packaging
• Gentle hypoallergenic formula that’s safe for daily use
• Best suited for Dry Skin
• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and essential oils-free

The RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment is our Strong Runner-Up as its highly-effective anti-aging formula restores the youthful appearance of sagging eyelids. Aside from its high ratings on Amazon, it’s also reasonably priced. Its hygienic tube packaging limits the product’s exposure to air and pathogens. It’s also hypoallergenic and free from artificial fragrances and essential oils. Moreover, its gentle formula is safe for daily AM and PM use.

This eyelid tightening cream contains Stearyl Alcohol. Despite alcohol’s infamous reputation for being a drying and irritating ingredient, Stearyl Alcohol is one of the exceptions. In fact, stearyl alcohol is a non-toxic emollient that induces skin hydration. Emollients are moisturizing compounds that reinforce the skin barrier function against skin dryness. The topical application of stearyl alcohol promotes dewy under-eye skin.

According to the US-FDA, products labeled “alcohol-free” may still contain fatty alcohols like stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol. This is because, in cosmetic labeling, the term ‘alcohol’ refers to ethyl alcohol.

This also contains Retinol, a gold-standard ingredient for diminishing wrinkles, pigmentary spots, and under-eye skin dullness. When used on sagging eyelids, retinol can aid in skin lifting by stimulating collagen production and increasing cell proliferation.

According to the one-year clinical study conducted by the RoC® skincare line, the skin benefits of their RoC® Retinol do not plateau over time. In fact, it was found that their formulation even becomes more effective with continued use.

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L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream (From: lorealparisusa.com)

Key features:

• Pro-Retinol A and Stimuplex™ for soft and smooth eye area
• Glycerin for boosting skin hydration
• SPF 25 for protection against UVB rays
• Best suited for Dry Skin
• Alcohol-free and essential oils-free

The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream is our Best Budget eye cream as it delivers excellent results at a very affordable price point. This highly-rated Amazon product contains Pro-Retinol A. This ingredient aids in diminishing wrinkles and reducing eye puffiness. It also contains Stimuplex™, a L’Oreal registered trademark that refers to a collection of potent skin firming ingredients.

Take note that this product’s packaging claims that it contains Centella Asiatica. However, L’oreal’s official ingredients list does not include said ingredient. To clarify this discrepancy, we’ve written to L’oreal. As of writing, we’re still currently waiting for their response.

Despite this, we still consider this product as our best budget eye-lifting cream. With its inclusion of retinol, the quintessential skin lifting and firming ingredient, this product presents an irresistibly sweet deal. Further considering its potent formulation, no other retinol product at the same price point can beat this eye cream.

This eyelid tightening cream also has Glycerin. This humectant is effective in boosting skin hydration, especially in people with dry skin. When applied properly, this product’s SPF 25 sunscreen ingredient can add a layer of protection for our eye area from the damaging effects of UV rays.

This eye cream is ideal for people with dry skin because its formula is highly hydrating. However, it is not recommended for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It contains several comedogenic ingredients like Stearic Acid and Retinyl Palmitate that can trigger breakouts.

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Alpyn Beauty – Natural PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm

Alpyn Beauty – Natural PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm (From: Amazon)

Key features:

• Bakuchiol for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Vitamin C and Vitamin E for brightening under-eye skin
• Ceramides for improved moisturization
• Safe for all skin types
• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and essential oils-free
• Vegan and non-comedogenic

The Alpyn Beauty – Natural PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm packs in several potent anti-aging ingredients that effectively promote firm and lifted eyelids. It has Bakuchiol, a powerful yet gentle compound that’s effective in strengthening the skin and stimulating collagen production similar to retinol. Fortunately for those who are sensitive to Retinol, Bakuchiol’s skin benefits come without the retinoid-related adverse effects (i.e. erythema and dermatitis). This is why this product is ranked as our Best Alternative to Retinol.

It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These two powerhouse antioxidants are clinically-proven to be effective in brightening dark circles and diminishing crow’s feet. Working together, they can rejuvenate and smoothen the eye area.

It also contains Ceramides which foster hydration by regulating transepidermal water loss (TEWL). These help in maintaining the soft and smooth texture of the under-eye skin. Another great thing about this eye cream is that it’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free and essential oils-free. The absence of these skin irritants makes this product safe even for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.

The Alpyn Beauty skincare line is vegan and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. They practice sustainable manufacturing processes and use minimal packaging to preserve the environment. Plus, all their products are non-comedogenic.

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Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream

Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream (From: Amazon)

Key features:

• Time-release Retinol for softening the appearance of wrinkles
• Vitamin E for firm under-eye skin
• Hygienic tube packaging
• Safe for all skin types
• Ideal for all-day use

The Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream is ranked as our Best All-Day Treatment. It contains Time-release Retinol which is a unique ingredient that minimizes the usual side effects of retinol. It is designed to gradually break down on the skin over a long period of time to ensure maximum effectiveness. This makes it ideal for all-day use. Additionally, it also comes in a handy and hygienic tube packaging, making it easy to apply on-the-go.

Photodamage makes the skin lose its elasticity, making it droopy and saggy. The Vitamin E in this product helps improve the appearance of photodamaged skin by strengthening the skin barrier and decreasing oxidative stress. Aside from that, this eye cream is also paraben-free and alcohol-free. It’s ideal for daily use and is safe for all skin types.

The Dr. Brandt skincare line through its Dr. Brandt Foundation annually conducts its #SayILoveYou campaign. This year, they’re committing themselves to advocate for mental health causes as well as to seek justice and support for the Black Community.

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La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream (From: Amazon)

Key features:

• Retinol for diminishing crow’s feet
• Adenosine for enhancing Retinol efficacy
• Citric acid (AHA) for skin tightening
• Hygienic tube packaging
• Best suits dry and sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and essential oils-free
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic

The La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream contains a potent mix of ingredients that diminishes fine lines and visibly lifts the eyes. Its unique formulation minimizes the adverse effects of Retinol while maximizing its skin benefits. Its gentle and hydrating formula doesn’t contain artificial fragrances, drying alcohols, and harsh oils. This makes it suitable even for dry and sensitive skin. This is why we’re ranking it as our Best Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin.

This product contains a potent concentration of Retinol that effectively fights wrinkles. Aside from that, it also contains Retinol Booster Complex (Adenosine + Retinyl Linoleate). This improves Retinol efficiency by speeding up its penetration rate and reducing its undesired effects (dryness and irritation).

The La Roche-Posay skincare line is an active cosmetic division of L’Oréal. This dermatological skincare brand specializes in formulating products that are safe for people with skin conditions like extreme skin dryness, acne, visible facial redness, and sensitive skin. They’re also committed to only using packaging that efficiently preserves their products’ intact tolerance and efficacy (i.e. tubes and airless pumps).

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If you’ve enjoyed our picks for best eye creams for. hooded eyes and want to find out more, be sure to check out our picks for eye creams for drooping eyelids or our all time top 10 favourite eye creams!