Our top picks for the best eye creams to keep age and stress away.

The skin around our eyes is thin, delicate, and sensitive. As such, this area is often the first to display signs of age or fatigue, even in our 20s. To keep those visible hints of stress at bay and maintain a youthful, refreshed look, we sometimes need a bit of extra help. One way to go about this is by using a good under-eye product.

How to Pick the Best Eye Cream in Your 20s?

Our 20s is when our lifestyles drastically change. For many of us, it is the time when we step out of education and into the full responsibilities of adulthood.

This unique period of our lives means that our skin is also facing unique challenges. The pressure from our jobs, loan payments, and maintaining a social life can take a toll on our skin. Eventually, those tell-tale signs of late nights and stress show up all too easily around our eyes.

While some might think that using eye creams as early as our 20s is too soon, we know that prevention is better than cure. However, not all eye creams are suitable for people in their 20s. So, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before you decide to shell out for a miracle cure-all:

• What is your most pressing under-eye issue?
• Are you sensitive to any ingredients?
• What’s your skin type?
• Do you do your skincare in the morning or at night?

Star ingredients for hydration

The number 1 thing that slows down signs of aging is sun protection. Number 2 is hydration, which keeps our skin soft and supple. It also improves elasticity, prevents sagging, and keeps fine lines and wrinkles away. However, just drinking water isn’t enough to keep your skin hydrated on a cellular level.

To combat skin dryness, you’ll want to go for a hydrating eye cream.

Make sure to look for eye creams containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and neuropeptides. Hyaluronic acid replenishes lost moisture by attracting water molecules into the skin. And ceramides and peptides help by improving the skin’s moisture barrier. If sun protection is your key priority, be sure to check out our favourite eye creams with SPF.

Star ingredients for brightening

Our 20s is easily one of the most sleep-deprived periods of our lives. For many of us, this is often due to lifestyle habits, demanding work hours, or because we’re starting a new family. This lack of sleep has a serious effect on our skin, causing it to thin out and look dull. It can also cause poor blood circulation, which can make dark circles even more prominent.

Aside from the stresses of life, there are other reasons why the skin around our eyes can look dull or dark. Sometimes, it’s due to hyperpigmentation that becomes worsened by sun exposure. Other times, it’s caused by under-eye puffiness, which tends to emphasize already dark under eyes.

Fortunately, there are specific ingredients that can brighten tired eyes. Niacinamide and vitamin C are ideal for discoloration and hyperpigmentation issues, while green tea and caffeine can work wonders for puffiness by improving blood circulation and flushing out excess fluid around the eyes.

Fragrance/alcohol/essential oil-free

Sensitive skin can react badly to products containing fragrance alcohol or essential oil. The negative effects can range from stinging sensations, redness, itching, or breakouts.

Just remember, if your skin is sensitive, the skin around your eyes is even more sensitive. Always err on the side of caution.

To ensure your products are safe for your skin, run them through SkinCarisma’s Ingredient Analyzer or INCIDecoder. Both websites provide a detailed but straightforward breakdown of skincare product ingredient lists. They also help pinpoint potential trigger ingredients for your skin.

Skin type and consistency

Just like all other skincare products, eye cream is also affected by your skin type.

Due to a lack of sebum production in that area, we usually do not get overly oily under our eyes. People with drier skin types, however, can get excessively dry under their eyes. As such, they often need thicker and more hydrating eye creams. On the other hand, people with oily skin will benefit more from a lightweight eye gel that’s easily absorbed. Thus, it’s important to consider if you should be using an eye cream, gel or serum. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to check out our favourite gentle eye creams that are suitable for people with eczema.

Day/night

Your lifestyle and personal preferences determine which eye cream you should be using.

In the morning, choose a lightweight eye cream that won’t affect makeup application. If you wake up with puffy eyes, a roll-on eye cream or eye gel is your best bet. These can reduce puffiness by stimulating the blood circulation around the eyes.

Richer eye creams, on the other hand, are best used at night. Since they’re thicker, they take time to work into the skin and can leave a slightly greasy feel afterward. Be sure that you are applying eye cream correctly to maximise its effectiveness.

Price

Cheaper skincare products tend to contain (denatured) alcohol. Alcohol is used to dilute a product’s consistency, making it feel more lightweight.

It also helps other ingredients penetrate the skin barrier more easily. However, high concentrations of denatured alcohol can overly dry out the skin. When skin is dehydrated, sebum production goes into overdrive, which can cause breakouts.

It may seem unjustified to pay so much for such a small amount of product. But keep in mind that eye creams are highly concentrated and formulated specifically for our skin’s most sensitive areas. They also provide a multitude of benefits and contain a more potent concentration of active ingredients.

Budget-friendly eye creams may contain the same star ingredients as their pricier counterparts even though their potency is markedly less. So, if your under-eye issues are not severe, you could be equally well-served with the budget-friendly eye creams.

8 Best Eye Creams for Your 20s [2021]

Here are our picks for the best eye creams for your 20s:

1. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• 5C Vitamin Complex
• 8-Peptide Blend
• Natural anti-aging ingredients
• Titanium dioxide for UV protection
• Irritant-free
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Best for sensitive skin

Drunk Elephant’s philosophy is based on providing clean, biocompatible skincare options. The C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream helps restore balance and glow to the skin without causing irritation. And it does this using all-natural yet powerful ingredients. For these reasons, this award-winning eye cream takes the top spot on our list.

A radiant and more youthful complexion

The C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is enriched with five forms of vitamin C. This radiance-boosting combination of antioxidants works to improve skin texture and fix hyperpigmentation issues. The eye cream also contains a blend of eight different peptides and ceramides, all of which increase hydration and strengthen the skin’s overall resilience.

An excellent, all-natural anti-aging defense

Sun exposure and pollution are mainly responsible for speeding up our skin’s aging process. To combat this, the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is formulated with vitamin E and titanium dioxide which safeguard against UV damage.

The eye cream is also fortified with superoxide dismutase, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and ubiquinone (or Q10). These naturally-occurring anti-aging ingredients stop the occurrence of oxidative stress on the skin. They also reduce free radical damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollution.

A powerful formulation that’s gentle and non-irritating

As a clean skincare brand, Drunk Elephant steers clear from chemicals or synthetics that can irritate the skin. These include essential oils, fragrances, artificial coloring, silicones, alcohols, and chemical sunscreens. It’s this commitment to cleanliness that makes the eye cream exceptionally safe for sensitive skin types, even when used twice daily.

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

Though many sing praises of its formulation and texture, the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream doesn’t come without downsides. Many complain that the amount of product (15ml) doesn’t last quite as long as other brands, especially considering its hefty retail price. Some have also encountered packaging problems, such as the bottle pump breaking down after a few weeks of use.

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2. Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Clinically-proven to provide 26 hours of hydration
• Ideal for prevention of fine lines and wrinkles
• Pure, lightweight, herbal formula
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Best for dry and sensitive skin

Self-styled as a “truthful skincare brand”, belif integrates South Korea’s advanced knowledge in skin science with the established herbalist traditions of Napiers, a British-based apothecary established in the 1860s. In line with this, the belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb is created with only the purest, natural ingredients, making this our first runner-up pick.

Gentle but effective care for fine lines

This eye cream is formulated with herbs that improve skin quality and promote better overall moisturization, making it less likely for the skin to develop fine lines and wrinkles. The main herbs used to combat fine lines are comfrey leaf extract, which contains a moisture-retaining compound called allantoin; and pennyworth herb extract (or Centella Asiatica), which strengthens the skin barrier, calms irritated skin, and speeds up wound healing.

Long-lasting moisturization for day and night

The irritant-free herbal formula is clinically-proven to provide up to 26 hours of elasticity-boosting moisture to the inner and outer layers of the skin. It saturates the skin thoroughly while leaving it feeling light and refreshed, making it great for daytime use under makeup.

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb (From:belifusa.com).

Drawbacks

While the belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb claims to be mostly free of irritants like sulfates, mineral oils, silicones, and other synthetic preservatives, it does come with quite a bit of fragrance that some consumers find to be irritating on the skin. Buyers also take issue with the jar-type packaging because it increases the chance of the product becoming contaminated from one’s fingers.

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3. Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller (From:garnierusa.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Contains vitamin C and caffeine
• Cooling, lightweight gel formula
• Ideal for dark circles and puffiness
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Suitable for all skin types

With over 100 years in the business, French brand Garnier has consistently used naturally-derived ingredients in their products. And this practice has remained strong long after the introduction of their skincare line in 2007. The Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller delivers the same nature-inspired skincare at a reasonable price, making this our best budget pick.

Brighter and more refreshed eyes with every use

The eye gel is formulated with vitamin C, which brightens the skin tone; and caffeine, which increases microcirculation and gets rid of morning puffiness. It also contains cooling mint extract and peppermint oil that gives tired eyes a refreshing pick-me-up. Working the gel into the skin with the metal ball roller also helps remove excess fluid responsible for under-eye puffiness.

Quick and convenient touch-ups whenever you need it

The gel-type consistency makes the product easy to apply during the day and can be used under SPF or makeup. Its compact packaging lets you store it in the smallest of purses, and the roll-on applicator also makes quick touch-ups easy wherever you go.

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

One of the more common complaints about this eye gel is its tendency to irritate the skin and cause bumps or rashes. This could be a result of not wearing SPF when wearing the product during the day, as vitamin C is one of its primary ingredients. It could also be due to peppermint essential oil in the formulation, which could be irritating for sensitive skin types.

Another drawback users have reported is that the roller ball can often become clogged when the eye gel dries up, making it difficult to use.

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4. Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream

Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Contains caffeine and three types of hyaluronic acid
• Ideal for dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, and sagging skin
• Lightweight, irritant-free formulation
• Ophthalmologist-tested for contact lens wearers
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Suitable for oily, sensitive, and combination skin

Hada Labo has been Japan’s leading skincare specialist since its introduction in 2004. Hyaluronic acid features prominently in most of their skincare products, alongside other ingredients like collagen and botanical extracts, as seen in the Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream. This multifunctional eye cream addresses the signs of aging and stress, making it our pick for best in Asian beauty.

A superior hydrating formula that addresses signs of aging

This eye cream contains Super Hyaluronic Acid™, a blend of three hyaluronic acid types (HA). The three kinds of HA include macro HA, micro HA, and HA plus, combined in a formula unique to Hada Labo Tokyo.

With the formula, the amount of hydration the skin receives is double than one gets from regular hyaluronic acid. The product is also able to efficiently penetrate more layers of the skin to help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

A botanical anti-aging solution that’s safe for the sensitive eye area

The addition of other ingredients like collagen and Camapu extract helps to plump and soothe the skin, while Pink Silk Tree Bark Extract has skin strengthening properties that help firm and lift the skin around the eye area.

This lightweight eye cream is formulated without irritants such as fragrance, parabens, and mineral oil, making it safe for both day and night use. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested and is deemed safe for contact lens wearers.

Brighter-looking eyes

The Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream contains caffeine, which is known to improve microcirculation around the eye area and eliminate excess fluid that makes under-eye puffiness more noticeable. The eye cream also contains light-diffusing pigments that make the under-eye area appear more radiant.

Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream (From:hadalabotokyo.com).

Drawbacks

While most users claim that the Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream is moisturizing, many also say that its watery consistency is too light for drier skin types, and has a tendency to become absorbed right away. This can be especially troublesome in dry climates. Since hyaluronic acid works by attracting moisture from the air and binding it to the skin, drier climates may not have enough humidity for this to happen beneficially.

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5. Tatcha the Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment

Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Undereye Moisturizer (From:Tatcha.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• 2-in-1 concealer and eye treatment
• Contains Hadasei-3™ and hyaluronic acid
• Contains Akoya Pearl extract
• Ideal for dark circles and wrinkles
• Best for AM use
• Suitable for all skin types

Helmed by Victoria Tsai, the Tatcha brand is inspired by traditional beauty secrets and practices of Kyoto’s geishas. The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment is a multipurpose tinted eye cream that uses prized Japanese ingredients to brighten the skin tone and address aging signs.

A unique anti-aging formula that nourishes the under-eyes

The eye cream is enriched with hyaluronic acid and Hadasei-3™, a unique formulation that consists of Uji Green Tea, Okinawa Mozuku Algae, and Akita Rice. These three ingredients are prized Japanese anti-aging superfoods rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides that help prevent premature aging signs and boost skin renewal.

Illuminates the eye area and reduces dark circles

The Tatcha Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment is a 2-in-1 product that also functions as a concealer. It contains Akoya Pearl extract, which brightens the skin with “light-refracting pearl pigments”. These pigments leave a subtle sheen on the skin and help lessen the appearance of dark circles while improving the skin tone. An additional benefit of Akoya Pearl extract is that it also helps minimize glycation, which speeds up skin aging.

Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Undereye Moisturizer (From:Tatcha.com).

Drawbacks

The Tatcha Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment gets impressive reviews for its brightening and moisturizing capabilities. However, some users have claimed that the products sometimes separates and settles into the creases or lines under the eyes, which can emphasize wrinkles even more. Others also bemoan how the eye cream doesn’t come in more diverse shades.

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6. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme (From:Amazon.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Contains vitamin C and collagen
• Contains banana powder
• Ideal for dry, dull, and uneven skin texture
• Also beneficial for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles
• Improves makeup wear around the eyes
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin types

The Ole Henriksen brand originally started as a spa-based skincare line, specializing in natural and cruelty-free formulations for all skin types. Their award-winning Banana Bright Eye Crème delivers luxurious moisture to the skin while brightening the under eyes and targeting aging signs.

A skin-priming, anti-aging eye treatment

This eye cream is enriched with vitamin C and collagen, which inhibits free radical damage, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenates and hydrates the skin. Its weightless formula also acts as a skin primer, allowing a smoother concealer application that lasts longer.

Color-correcting and brightening effect

The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème is formulated with banana powder, inspired by a makeup trick that makeup artists use to address discoloration and fine lines. The eye cream is subtly tinted with “banana powder-inspired pigments” that help color-correct dark circles and illuminate the under-eye area, giving the eyes a brighter and more well-rested appearance.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme (From:Sephora.com).

Drawbacks

The eye cream gets top marks for concealing and brightening; however, some people have claimed to experience redness and itchiness after using the product. Since the eye cream does contain vitamin C, citrus extracts, and fragrances, it may not be ideal for people with very sensitive or reactive skin, especially when worn without SPF.

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7. Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-on for Puffy Eyes

Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes (From:Origins.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Contains yeast extract, Hoelen mushroom extract, aloe vera, and caffeine
• 100% Vegan
• Lightweight gel formula
• Ideal for puffy eyes and dark circles
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Best for combination skin types

Established in 1990, Origins is a brand committed not only to creating skin-safe and planet-safe products. In line with this, the Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes is comprised of high quality, nature-derived ingredients and non-toxic skincare alternatives, refined and formulated with the help of advanced scientific research.

An all-natural treatment for puffy eyes and dark circles

The Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes is formulated with yeast extract, hoelen mushroom extract, and caffeine. Yeast extract contains elements that moisturize and brighten the skin, while hoelen mushroom extract has skin conditioning properties that help soothe visible redness.

Together, the two compounds work to calm and nourish the skin and lessen dark circles. In addition, caffeine improves microcirculation in the small vessels around the eyes, helping reduce excess fluids responsible for eye bag-inducing puffiness.

A safe, lightweight, and convenient solution for tired-looking eyes

The eye gel is 100% Vegan, containing only a concoction of nature-based ingredients and organic essential oils to keep the eye area looking youthful and moisturized. It’s gentle enough to be used during the day and night. And the convenient tube and roller ball packaging makes it easy to bring and use anywhere.

Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes (From:Makeupalley.com).

Drawbacks

The Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes is considered skin-safe and non-irritating for most skin types due to its use of nature-derived and organic ingredients. However, the eye gel also contains essential oils such as lemon and orange peel oil and fragrances like limonene and citronellol. People with very sensitive skin may find these irritating on the eye area.

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8. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream (From:itcosmetics.com).

Key features for under-eye care in your 20s:

• Contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine
• Contains hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, and peptides
• Blue tint to combat under-eye darkness
• Ideal for tired, puffy eyes, dark circles, and fine lines
• Safe for AM and PM use
• Suitable for sensitive, oily, and combination skin types

IT Cosmetics, which stands for Innovative Technology, creates skincare products based on the clinical knowledge and experience of practicing plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream, in particular, has been eight years in the making and is developed to brighten the under-eye area while addressing aging signs.

A potent, brightening boost for the under-eyes

This eye cream comes packed with skin-rejuvenating ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine. Vitamin C prevents free radical damage and improves skin thickness under the eyes, while niacinamide brightens the skin tone and addresses hyperpigmentation. Caffeine also minimizes puffiness, which can worsen the appearance of under-eye shadows.

Another feature of the Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream is its unique blue tint, which also helps minimize under-eye shadows and brighten dark circles.

Intense moisturization your skin will love

The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream is formulated with several hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and cucumber extract. This eye cream delivers quick-absorbing moisture that’s clinically-tested to rehydrate skin, smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, and improve under-eye firmness.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream (From:Amazon.com).

Drawbacks

Many users of the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream swear by its ability to moisturize and brighten; however, its quick-absorbing consistency may leave a bit more to be desired for those with very dry skin. Some also state that the eye cream doesn’t work well under makeup, often leaving their concealer looking patchy.

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Conclusion

When buying eye creams in your 20s, it’s best to focus on what your most immediate skin concern is. You also don’t necessarily need to go for eye creams with many active ingredients, as those types are usually meant for more mature skin. By simply being mindful of your skin type and sensitivities, you’ll surely be able to find an eye cream that will deliver what you need. Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas on what eye creams can do and if you would like to try some DIY before taking the plunge and buying commercial eye creams, be sure to check out our guide to DIY eye creams.

How did you find our recommendations? If you liked what you’ve read and be sure to take a look at our 10 top eye creams. If you think we missed out on including other amazing eye products, drop us a line in the comments section below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!