We break down the differences between natural and organic eye creams (yup, they’re different) and share our favourites from both categories.

How to Pick the Best Natural and Organic Eye Cream?

The words “natural” and “organic” get lumped together so often in skincare that it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking they’re the same thing. The reality is, however, that they’re quite different in many important ways.

Here are a few tips on how to distinguish between “natural” and “organic” skincare:

Identifying natural skincare

Natural skincare primarily consists of ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or animal by-products.

The realm of natural skincare is mostly unregulated by the FDA. There’s no legal definition for the term “natural” and no strict regulations regarding how the term “natural” can be used to market skincare products.

As such, the word “natural” is often loosely used by brands. In some cases, products that claim to be “all-natural” can still be highly processed and contain synthetic ingredients. That is why some people prefer to make their own DIY natural eye cream instead.

However, if that’s not for you, fret not. When it comes to buying natural eye cream, here are some ways to ensure you’re getting the real deal:

• Familiarize yourself with the scientific names of ingredients. Some ingredients may sound like synthetic compounds. For example, Benzyl alcohol is a natural by-product of plants, Sodium chloride is just salt, and Citric acid is from citrus fruits. These names can understandably confuse anyone, but learning more about them can help you make more informed choices.
• Check the eye cream’s ingredients list. Make sure that the natural ingredients are found at the top of the list, signifying that they make up the majority of the formulation. Synthetics (if any) should be listed towards the bottom, which means there are limited quantities of it.
• Check the criteria of recognized certifying bodies. Organizations like FI-Natura, for example, have specific standards for certifying if a product is natural or not. Consulting these criteria can help give you a better idea of what you should be looking for in a natural eye cream.

Identifying organic skincare

Organic skincare uses organically-certified ingredients cultivated without pesticides, fertilizers, or antibiotics. They also contain no synthetics, GMOs, and are not animal-tested.

Unlike natural skincare, organic skincare undergoes stricter regulations. In the US, for example, organic products are required to adhere to the standards of the National Organic Program, overseen by the USDA.

Products that contain at least 70-100% organic ingredients are labeled either “100 Percent Organic,” “Organic,” or “Made with Organic…”, along with the USDA logo. So, if you’re shopping for an organic eye cream, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these logos.

USDA Organic Logos (From:USDA.gov).

The USDA isn’t the only organic certifying body – over 80 other authorized agents worldwide can certify if a product is organic. You can search for them all here.

If you’re looking for other ethical choices, be sure to check out our favorite picks for vegan eye creams and cruelty-free eye creams.

Superstar natural eye cream ingredients

Once you’re able to distinguish natural and organic eye creams, you’ll definitely want to make sure that the eye cream you choose also contains these amazing natural anti-aging ingredients:

Vitamin C and E

Vitamin C and E is a powerful age-fighting combination that safeguards the vulnerable skin around the eyes. Both antioxidants have photoprotective properties that prevent UVB and UVA damage. They also inhibit free radical damage responsible for the breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant found in red grapes, nuts, and berries. It protects the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation and is 17 times more potent than Idebenone. Resveratrol also tackles hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, the primary catalyst for melanin production in the skin.

Niacinamide

Otherwise known as vitamin B3, Niacinamide is an anti-aging powerhouse. It increases the antioxidant capacity of the skin and addresses skin discoloration. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the skin barrier function and improving skin texture.

Aloe leaf juice

Often referred to as a medicinal plant, Aloe Leaf is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Its light consistency is easily absorbed by the skin, providing excellent moisturization. It also strengthens skin integrity, which improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Go easy when using pure aloe around the eyes. The skin in that area is extra thin and fragile, so any Aloe allergies you may have could result in redness and irritation. Be careful about putting it too close to the lash line as well, as this may seep into your eye and cause discomfort.

Green tea leaf extract

Green tea is another polyphenol-rich ingredient that fights against free radical damage. It protects the fragile under-eye skin against sun damage. It also provides long-lasting hydration that minimizes the appearance of dark circles. Green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help reduce under-eye puffiness.

The effect of eye creams on the skin is subtle, but they can show remarkable results depending on how early you start using them and how regularly.

Product consistency and skin type suitability

Before buying an eye cream, factor in your skin type versus the product’s texture. When both are compatible, it ensures you’ll get the most benefit from an eye cream’s claims.

Eye creams for dry skin tend to be thicker and contain more oils to seal in much-needed moisture. This type of formulation is not suited to oily skin since heavier ingredients typically have comedogenic properties that worsen oiliness and trigger acne breakouts. If you have oily skin, choose eye gels or creams with thin, lightweight formulations that won’t clog pores.

Be sure that you are applying eye cream correctly to maximise its effectiveness.

When it comes to sensitive skin, it’s important to watch out for triggers like denatured alcohol, fragrances, and essential oils. Sensitive skin tends to be more reactive to certain ingredients and is prone to developing rashes, redness, or inflammation. Since the skin around our eyes is already quite sensitive, it’s good to keep those ingredients out of your eye cream.

SkinCarisma is a great resource that helps consumers identify and understand the ingredients in their skincare products. Just type the name of a product in the search bar, and you’ll get a complete analysis of its contents.

Packaging

Natural and organic eye creams contain many active ingredients that are sensitive to light and air. They also contain fewer preservatives, which means they have shorter shelf lives. This makes packaging all the more important.

Good packaging safeguards the product from exposure and helps prolong its shelf life and effectiveness.

The removable lids of eye cream pots or jars can leave the product overly exposed to air, causing essential active ingredients to degrade and lose potency. Similarly, transparent bottles and jars expose the product to light, which is bad news for light-sensitive compounds.

Using opaque pump bottles or roll-on tubes can offer better protection for your eye cream. Airless pumps are even better because the product is completely sealed off from air and other contaminants.

Airless pumps with built-in applicators take it one step further. These types dispense the product onto the applicator, which you can then use to massage the product into your skin. It minimizes air exposure, wastage, and removes the need to touch the product with your fingers.

5 Best Natural and Organic Eye Creams

OSEA Eye Gel Serum

Osea Eye Gel Serum (From:Amazon).

Key features:

• Beta Glucan, Hyaluronic Acid, and Seaweed for moisturization
• Aloe Leaf Extract to improve skin barrier function
• Citric Acid to improve skin texture
• Resveratrol to even out hyperpigmentation
• Formulated without irritants
• Best for all skin types

The OSEA Eye Gel Serum contains Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant found in red grapes, nuts, and berries. The gel-type formula is lightweight, oil-free, and highly absorbable, and a small amount of product goes a long way, making this our Best Overall pick.

This eye cream treats dull, tired-looking under eyes to a blast of soothing hydration. Beta Glucan penetrates deep into the dermis, stimulates collagen production, plumps the skin, and reduces wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid attracts moisture into the skin, while vitamin-rich Seaweed soothes skin irritation and speeds up skin healing.

Skin barrier function and resilience is enhanced with the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Aloe Leaf extract. Citric Acid, a popular AHA, further complements this by addressing imperfections on the skin’s surface and sloughing off dead skin cells.

Resveratrol takes care of dark under-eye circles with skin brightening components that inhibit the production of melanin.

OSEA is an entirely organic brand that has been delivering plant-based, gluten-free, and synthetics-free products since 1996.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment (From:Amazon).

Key features:

• Vitamin C and E to fight free radical damage
• Green Tea Leaf Extract to minimize under-eye puffiness
• Jojoba Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Shea Butter to hydrate the skin
• Formulated without irritants
• Best for dry or mature skin

The Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment is an ultra-moisturizing eye cream with an innovative and hygienic applicator that helps massage the eye area. The eye cream also doubles up as a treatment for wrinkles around the corners of the mouth, making this our Strong Runner-Up pick for natural and organic eye cream.

Vitamin C and E, a potent anti-aging combo, prevents the breakdown of collagen in the thin skin around our eyes and keeps wrinkles at bay. And the anti-inflammatory benefits of Green Tea Leaf extract takes care of under-eye puffiness by improving microcirculation around the eye area.

Very dry or mature skin will benefit from the ultra-hydrating mixture of Jojoba Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Shea Butter. These organic emollients condition and soften the skin, preventing fine lines and improving the appearance of existing wrinkles.

Juice Beauty is made with certified organic ingredients only and formulated without harmful synthetic components. The brand also advocates sustainable packaging using recycled plastic for their bottles and FSC paper for product boxes.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

Keys Eye Butter

Keys Eye Butter (From:Amazon).

Key features:

• Cucumber extract to refresh the under eyes
• Aloe Vera extract to improve skin elasticity
• Shea Butter for moisturization
• Formulated without irritants
• For all skin types

The Keys Eye Butter is formulated with safe, natural ingredients that brighten and nourish the eye area. The hygienic airless pump bottle minimizes waste and protects the eye cream from oxidation so that it stays effective longer. This makes the Keys Eye Butter our top pick for Best Budget eye cream.

This eye cream is formulated with extracts taken from naturally distilled organic Cucumbers, which refreshes the under eyes and reduces swelling. The skin also gets a deep hydration dose with the combination of unprocessed Shea Butter, Avocado and Carrot Seed Oil, and Aloe Vera extract. Together, these ingredients improve skin elasticity, rejuvenate, and soften the skin around the eyes.

In 2006, the Keys Eye Butter was named one of the safest eye creams in the market by the Environmental Working Group.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème (From:Tataharperskincare.com).

Key features:

• Aloe Vera extract to improve skin elasticity
• Centella Asiatica to stimulate collagen
• Mango Seed Butter for moisturization
• Willow Bark extract to improve skin texture
• Formulated without irritants
• Best for dry skin types

The Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème is a multi-correction eye cream packed with 30 effective botanical ingredients. It doubles as a treatment for visible lines around the lips and works well under makeup, making this our Best Premium pick for natural and organic eye creams.

This best-selling eye cream keeps the eye area looking youthful with moisturizing Mango Seed Butter, which rebuilds the skin barrier and improves its ability to retain moisture.

Soothing Aloe Vera extract enhances the skin’s elasticity, while Centella Asiatica maintains healthy, supple skin by stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. Texture and fine lines are also improved with the skin-refining properties of Willow Bark extract.

According to their website, 66% of the Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème ingredients are organically farmed. The brand is also Natural Cosmetic certified by Ecocert Greenlife.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

Eminence Organic Skincare Cucumber Eye Gel

Eminence Organic Skincare Cucumber Eye Gel (From:Amazon).

Key features:

• Niacinamide to brighten the skin
• Vitamin E to address photodamage
• Citric Acid to improve skin texture
• Cucumber extract and Shea Butter for hydration
• Bearberry extract to address hyperpigmentation
• Formulated without irritants
• Best for dry or combination skin types

The Eminence Organic Skincare Cucumber Eye Gel is a lightweight, fast-absorbing gel formulated with active herbal ingredients. This unique eye gel leaves the bottle as a cream but sets on the skin as a gel. It also gives off a cooling effect that refreshes tired and puffy eyes, making this our top pick for Best Texture.

The award-winning eye gel targets discoloration and brightens the eye area with Niacinamide and Bearberry extract. Citric Acid addresses skin roughness by improving skin cell turnover, while Vitamin E prevents premature wrinkles caused by UV damage.

Finally, the nourishing combination of Cucumber extract and Shea Butter soothes and firms the skin while providing long-lasting moisture.

Eminence Organic Skincare has multiple certifications from various organizations such as the USDA, Demeter, and Leaping Bunny. They advocate the use of Biodynamic® ingredients and farming practices in the creation of their products.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

If you’ve enjoyed our picks for best natural and organic eye creams and want to find out more, be sure to check out our top 10 favourite eye creams!