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Your eyes say a lot: How much you slept, how much you drank the night before, and how well you tend to your skin. That’s why the best eye creams are such a crucial piece of the skin care puzzle. While it’s tempting to use whatever you have on hand to target the undereye area, it’s worth taking a beat to understand the three primary reasons men need eye cream: fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
Fine lines show up as a result of the skin losing elasticity due to aging or UV damage. Puffiness can happen for a number of reasons related to lifestyle, such as allergies, hormones, diet, and sleep. Dark circles can be caused by either hyperpigmentation or vascular issues that expose the blood vessels behind the delicate, thin skin of the under-eye area, causing them to look darker.
The Best Men’s Eye Creams, According to GQ
Looking for Something Specific?
To get the best results, it’s important to align your skin concern with the specific benefits of any given product. And for that, you need to look to ingredients. “Some ingredients in eye creams specifically target eye concerns such as undereye bags, puffiness, or hollowness and may not be found in a regular face moisturizer,” says board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD. “Additionally, some eye creams are formulated with specific delivery systems to increase the efficacy of the eye cream in the specific eye area.”
Once you understand your unique needs, check out our picks for the best eye creams below. We’ve tested plenty over the years and found the best creams that can help banish dark circles, reduce puffiness, and brighten up your under-eye area.
Best Eye Cream Overall: Ursa Major Forest Alchemy Eye Cream
Ursa Major is known for its inimitable, plant-powered formulas, which pack a ton of unique active ingredients into potent formulas to hydrate, firm, brighten, and boost the skin’s barrier. Even if you don’t recognize these hero ingredients (look, Chaga extract isn’t exactly a household name), you can trust that the brand has vetted each of them extensively for performance.
And while many top-shelf eye creams may cause sticker shock, just know that this little container will last you months (even when applied both morning and night), so you get a great return on your dollar. I find this formula to be denser than most. I like it when my eye creams are thicker, like a moisturizer, because I find restricting how much I use easier since I only want a smidge.
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness: The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
One of the easiest sells on this roster, The INKEY List’s eye cream provides near-instant firming and depuffing results by way of its caffeine-spiked formula (doubly so if you store it in the fridge and benefit from cold application). With continued use, the peptides in this one will help skin produce more collagen to keep fine lines, sagging, and, by virtue, puffiness at bay—all for just $11.
The Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross’s eye serum is a must for anyone who wishes they had started using an anti-wrinkle eye cream yesterday (or years ago). The retinol- and bakuchiol-rich formula can actively reverse existing signs of aging, targeting even the subtlest wisdom lines (often called “crepiness”). Apply this one at night, opposite your daytime SPF application, for the best possible defense against accelerated UV damage. If you feel like you’re too late to the game using eye cream and already have crepiness around the eyes, you’re not actually late; just use this one to make up much of the difference.
The Best Overnight Eye Cream: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This is the first eye product I truly fell in love with over a decade ago. It feels like creamy butter on the skin, and that density is what ensures you wake up with exactly as much moisture in your skin. It always leaves me looking well-rested (even when the alarm clock is a couple of hours sooner than I’d like). If you dedicate an eye product to overnight use, then consider this one—though it’s perfectly fine for morning use, too.
The Best Reusable Eye Patches for Men: Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask
If under-eye masks work better for your routine, we recommend these reusable ones from Dieux Skin. These patches are best used as a plus-up to your everyday eye cream. Apply a sliver of your chosen product to the skin around your eyes. Then, affix these patches with the narrower end pointed to the inside corners of your eyes (the wider end should cover your expression lines at the outside corners of your eyes). The reusable gels go on top of your eye cream or serum for 15 to 20 minutes to help boost ingredient absorption by creating an occlusive barrier and giving you that cold zing (if you store them in the fridge) to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Once finished, clean the patches by patting hand soap on each one, rinsing, and drying them with a clean hand towel. These patches cost about the same as any single-use patches; granted, you’ve got to buy the actual eye cream or serum separately—though I’ll absolutely go to bat for the brand’s fortifying, hydrating Auracle Eye Serum, which is enriched with peptides and antioxidants to firm and protect.
Best Brightening/Boosting Eye Serum: Patricks ES2 Triple Technology Eye Serum
Version updates aren’t just for tech—they happen in grooming, too. And when they come from science-meets-luxury grooming brand Patrick’s, we get excited. The brand’s Eye Serum was already a favorite, but now it’s been refreshed as ES2, with a triple-technology formula that is longer lasting with sleeker packaging (it is Patrick’s, after all) and a more accessible price. It’s packed with high-tech actives you shouldn’t bother to pronounce, like acetyl hexapeptide-8 (a peptide that smooths fine lines), alongside natural powerhouses like oat kernel extract and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to de-puff and brighten. I love how smooth, fast-absorbing, and refreshing the rollerball application is, and my eye area felt instantly more awake after a recent red-eye flight. Add this to your eye-care arsenal and help hide whether you worked late or had a late night.
Best Eye Serum for Dark Circles: Typology L33 Eye Serum
Less is more with this concentrated serum formulated for dark circle sufferers like myself. The first thing you’ll notice (aside from the cool dropper application) is its gel-serum texture that won’t run when applying. With 5% caffeine to boost blood circulation, 5% niacinamide to improve microcirculation and smooth fine lines, and 2% albizia julibrissin extract (a plant-based brightening ingredient), this formula is simple yet super targeted. Just dab a little on your ring finger, gently pat it around your eye area, and watch it absorb quickly. It’s fragrance-free, softens the skin quickly, and while dark circles won’t vanish overnight (nothing does that), consistent use will help them fade over time.
Best Softening Eye Cream: Malin+Goetz Revitalizing Eye Cream
This super-potent formula from Malin+Goetz feels like whipped cream in a mini tub, and it’s just as indulgent. Packed with concentrated fatty acids and hydrating peptides, it made my under-eye skin so soft I had to resist the urge to keep touching it (which, of course, you shouldn’t). Marine algae extract helps brighten, while the ultra-softening formula smooths fine lines – I noticed a difference after just a few uses. It absorbs well without suffocating the delicate under-eye area, a common issue with thicker creams. Beyond the results, I loved the apothecary-esque icy cobalt blue packaging, which adds a dose of style to your grooming cabinet.
Best Grab and Go Eye Serum: Oars+Alps Wake Up Eye Stick
In our well-curated list, you’ve probably noticed that the world of eye products is pretty diverse—from serums to creams, patches to rollerballs. Sometimes, you need serious rejuvenation (like a patch or rich cream), and other times, you need a quick, on-the-go treatment to wake up tired eyes. That’s where this Oars+Alps stick shines. Housed in a matte plastic stick that’s easy to grip and won’t scratch everything in your bag (I loved this thoughtful design), this formula is a wake-up call. It’s got caffeine to boost flow, aloe to soothe, and plant- and algae-based ingredients to reduce inflammation and puffiness. The cooling sensation feels refreshing, and within about 10 minutes, your eye area will look brighter. Will it erase under-eye bags forever? No. But it’s a darn good pick-me-up when you need a midday refresh.
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Geologie Dark Circle Formula
If you struggle with dark circles like I do, having a mix of formulations in your skin care lineup is worth it—and if you prefer a cream over a serum, this small tube from Geologie might be your new best friend. It’s packed with the greatest hits—hyaluronic acid for hydration and caffeine to boost blood flow—but the standout is the kojic acid, a byproduct of fermenting rice or soybeans that’s been making waves on social media. Kojic acid limits melanin production, brightening the under-eye area over time and evening skin tone. You won’t see instant results, but with consistent use, you’ll notice those dark circles gradually fade—and that’s the mark of an effective under eye cream.
Best Single Use Eye Patch: Borghese Restorative Eye Sheet Masks
A reusable eye mask is great for customizing your serum routine as you choose which formula to apply. But sometimes you want a patch preloaded with all the good stuff, and these restorative eye mask sheets from Italian skin care experts Borghese are hard to beat. Caffeine jumpstarts circulation, but the real mojo comes from a blend of fruit extracts. Acai, avocado, and even olive oil (because it’s Borghese) all work to hydrate, firm, and brighten the under-eye area. Remove the film, put a mask under each eye, and let the ingredients soak in for 15 minutes. With six treatments at an accessible price, it’s a no-brainer investment to use a few times a week to keep your under-eyes fresh while you relax at home.
Best Nourishing Eye Cream: Blue Lagoon BL+ Eye Cream
I discovered Blue Lagoon’s skin care line at the actual Blue Lagoon in Iceland, soaking in the incredible geothermal spa after a flight. A key element of the line is its use of rich in minerals Icelandic seawater, and after trying a few samples, I became a convert. This cream is so nourishing it’s like a face moisturizer for your eye area, thanks to squalane, which locks in moisture, and ceramides, which hydrate. The B+L Complex, with microalgae and silica, helps prevent collagen breakdown, while the signature Blue Lagoon seawater adds nourishment. It might not be the best for dark circles, but it excels in under eye skin nourishment, protection, and smoothing fine lines. Iceland gets cold, and if there’s a brand you can trust to develop an ultra-hydrating, protective eye cream, it’s Blue Lagoon.
About the Expert
David Kim, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and Founder of LIGHTSAVER.
FAQ
How should you apply eye cream?
The best way to apply eye cream is by dabbing with your ring finger since it naturally applies the least pressure to the sensitive under eye area. Dr. Kim advises, “Apply it with your 3rd and 4th finger with gentle pressure to ensure the cream gets absorbed.” Tap, don’t rub, starting from inside and moving outward to evenly distribute the cream. If it’s a roller ball, apply light pressure in circular motions.
What is the difference between an eye mask and cream?
The key differences between an eye mask and an eye cream come down to texture, purpose, and frequency of use. Dr. Kim explains that, “Eye cream has a thicker texture, making it better for deep wrinkles and dry skin while addressing long-term concerns like hydration and fine lines. Eye masks, on the other hand, are lightweight and deliver more immediate benefits—think de-puffing, brightening, and a refreshed appearance.” Because of these differences, their usage varies. Dr. Kim adds that, “Eye cream is meant for daily use, whereas masks are used less frequently since they require an extra step whether it’s leaving them on for a while, taking them off, or even sleeping in them. That’s why masks are often used as part of a self-care ritual when you have more time to unwind.”
What is the difference between an eye cream and serum?
The difference between an eye serum and a cream comes down to texture, potency, and how they interact with the skin. As Dr. Kim explains, “Eye serums and creams typically have similar ingredients targeting the same concerns, but a serum is usually thinner in texture, often with a higher percentage of active ingredients.” Because serums penetrate deeper into the skin and leave little residue, they’re an excellent option for those with oilier skin. However, Dr. Kim notes that “because of the higher concentration, serums can cause more irritation, especially for sensitive skin.” On the other hand, while still packed with active ingredients, eye creams have a thicker texture that provides a protective layer on the skin’s surface. “An eye cream helps prevent water loss and shields the skin from environmental factors,” Dr. Kim adds, making it especially beneficial for those with dryness or sensitivity.
What are the differences between rollerball vs pump vs jar applications?
How the formula is dispensed can affect its application and benefits. Dr. Kim explains, “A rollerball is typically metal and cold, which also helps with puffiness.” Beyond the cooling effect, a rollerball can enhance product penetration and provide a gentle massage. These formats usually house thinner formulas, like serums.
A pump is “self-contained and the most hygienic, meaning the formula isn’t exposed to the environment, and you’re not applying the tip directly to your skin or dipping your fingers into the product,” Dr. Kim notes. This format is commonly used for serums and certain eye creams, but it’s less practical for thicker formulas.
For richer creams, a traditional jar application is the most common. “With a straight cream application, you control exactly how much you use, and you always know when you’re running low,” Dr. Kim says. However, because you dip your fingers into the product, it’s not as hygienic as a pump.
Why can’t a moisturizer be used in place of an eye cream?
While moisturizers and eye creams may seem interchangeable, they serve different purposes. Dr. Kim explains, “The skin around the eye is delicate and thin and needs a gentler product than the rest of the face. It all comes down to formulation and the active ingredients.” Even if face and eye creams share similar textures, eye creams specifically address dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. “Eye creams tend to include active ingredients in lower doses because the skin near the eye is thinner and absorbs more than other areas on the face. If the concentration is too high, it could lead to irritation,” says Dr. Kim.
How quickly can an eye cream or serum seriously reduce dark circles or ease fine lines?
Eye creams and serums can help reduce dark circles but won’t reduce bags or fine lines long-term with one use. “It can take weeks to months to improve dark circles,” Dr. Kim says. “Eye creams and serums will help but will not provide overnight results.” That said, some ingredients offer quicker benefits. Hydrators like hyaluronic acid can plump the under-eye area quickly, while circulation boosting Caffeine may reduce puffiness and bags within a few days.
For more lasting results, ingredients like kojic acid or niacinamide take 4–8 weeks of consistent use to improve the eye area. However, skin care alone isn’t enough. Dr. Kim emphasizes, “If your lifestyle isn’t healthy, an eye cream won’t work wonders.” Pair your eye treatment with good sleep, hydration, and daily sunscreen to maximize results, as UV exposure can worsen dark circles.
How We Tested
Adam Hurly: I’ve been a grooming writer and editor for over a decade—and with GQ since 2016—so I’ve tested many good eye creams in my time (and plenty of duds, too). In those years, I’ve had my fair share of constant traveling, all-night clubbing, many binge-drinking sessions, excess sun exposure, etc. Yes, sometimes even I fail to follow the best grooming advice, but I like to think it makes me relatable. Through all of this, I’ve tried a hundred different eye creams, and the ones on this roster remain my all-time favorites (including a couple of relatively new products in the market), which quickly climbed my ranks. I always cross-check my opinions and results with the masses because I know that sometimes, one person’s experience is an anomaly. Thus, the products on this list aren’t just favorites of mine but industry-wide picks.
Michael Stefanov: Besides writing for GQ, I have covered topics ranging from grooming, menswear, fragrances, and watches for InsideHook, Robb Report, Men’s Journal, Esquire, and Men’s Health. Over the years, I’ve learned that eye creams serve different purposes, whether a rollerball for an instant pick-me-up or a rich cream for deep hydration. I’ve dealt with dark circles for most of my life, and as a musician playing late shows, I’ve had plenty of mornings where I needed to look refreshed fast. I’ve tested countless formulas, and each of the above excels in its respective category as of this testing.
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