The 12 best drugstore eye creams and serums that offer high-end results

The world of budget beauty, in particular the best drugstore eye creams and serums, has come on leaps and bounds. 

You might be surprised when you see the hefty price tags of some of the best eye creams. But with affordable skincare brands booming and new products hitting the shelves every day, you can find quality ingredients in creams and serums for half the cost of luxury formulas. 

Whether you're looking for a great eye cream for puffy eyes or swaying between retinol vs vitamin C, we've tested dozens of creams and reached out to skin experts to help you find your perfect match - because it is out there. "Most people could benefit from an undereye cream, especially if you have dry, crepy skin," agrees Dawn Attewell, a registered aesthetics nurse at Therapy House. Here are our top 12 formulas that cover every skin concern. 

The best drugstore eye creams, tried and tested by our beauty team

Ok, this isn't technically the best drugstore eye cream for brightening – it's actually a drugstore eye serum. For many, that light and slippery texture will be a welcome thing, as it sinks into the thin, delicate skin under the eyes without a trace. On testing, we found the feel of the product ideal to use during the day as it provides a smooth, plumped, and non-sticky layer that sits perfectly under makeup. If, however, you have very dehydrated or dry skin around your eyes, you may prefer a richer cream. 

That aside, we reckon this product has something to offer everyone. It contains ascorbic acid, which is the most potent and effective form of Vitamin C for maximum antioxidant and skin tone-perfecting properties. It also packs in light, plumping hyaluronic acid (HA) and moisturizing glycerin. This is a very impressive formulation for the price and from a brand that we associate more with soft glam makeup than serious skincare. Kudos to Revolution for creating such a solid, effective eye cream at such a low price. 

If you’re looking for an eye cream that’ll instantly conceal unwanted dark circles while hydrating and brightening your under eyes, we highly recommend snagging Honest Beauty’s Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream. This unique eye cream comes in two shades, offering a subtle concealer effect as well as skincare benefits.

Our shopping writer started her day massaging a dot of this eye cream into her under-eye area and instantly saw the brightening and glowy effect from the cream’s subtle tint. In fact, during testing, she felt confident enough to leave the house without having to apply her best drugstore concealer. In addition to its instant blurring effect, this cream is filled with great, nourishing ingredients for the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and squalene, both of which gently plump up lines and give skin a soft, bouncy feel. Plus illuminating pearl brightens and deflects away signs of tiredness, making this a great multitasker. 

Definitely the most unique drugstore eye cream on this list, the Peace Out stick brings something completely new to the eye care game. Formulated like a balm in twist-up packaging, it really feels like lipstick for your eyes. When we tested this, we loved the ease of application and lack of mess. A winner for those who like speedy and fuss-free skincare, this stick couldn't be quicker to use. It leaves a lightweight layer of a balm-like texture under the eyes that is hardly noticeable, and comfortable for sleeping in. Exercise caution if you have dry skin, though, as this may drag on some skin types.

Formulated with retinol (keep reading to find out more on how to use retinol eye products), it works to address a rough skin texture and improve fine lines and wrinkles. The morning after application, we did notice that under eyes looked smooth and healthy. As it is retinol, this product can only be used in the evening, and you should also be wearing an SPF during the day. Thanks to the formula and packaging, this stick has a lovely massaging effect that can become quite addictive. However, be cautious not to over-apply, especially if you have sensitive skin. "Many believe the more product you use, the more effective it will be," Attewell says. "This isn’t true. Applying too much product can not only clog your pores but also irritate your skin." As long as you don't get carried away when applying, this cream/balm hybrid is a great, easy option. 

Another serum, and no apologies for including it – if your idea of the best drugstore eye cream is a soothing, cooling de-puffing little number then you couldn't go wrong with this Revitalift Eye Serum. As well as including three ultra-proven active ingredients (hydrating HA, brightening niacinamide and circulation-boosting caffeine) the best thing about this product is its excellent applicator. 

The unique wand contains three metal ball bearings that gently spread the serum onto the skin while giving the whole undereye area an effective massage. We found this to be deliciously cooling on puffy morning eyes and it gently revs up circulation and boosts lymphatic drainage to shift fluid build-up from under the eyes. We kept ours in the fridge during testing to amp up the cool factor and became addicted to our morning roll-around ritual. Honestly, it feels gorgeous. You can also expect gradual, gentle improvements in skin tone and instant plumping of fine lines. Although this isn't as punchy as, say retinol eye cream, it still offers plenty of bang for your buck. "To get the most skin-replenishing benefits, I recommend applying the eye serum to damp skin, as this is the best way to lock in hydration," says Attewell. 

Ceramides, a blend of lipids found naturally in the skin, are the hero ingredient of this particular eye cream. Boasting three different varieties, this product should help strengthen your skin barrier’s defenses. Why is that important? The skin barrier – that is, the uppermost layer of your skin – is key in protecting against the damaging effects of UV, pollution, and environmental wear and tear.

However, this top layer weakens as we age (and can be compromised further by diet, stress, and using the wrong products) meaning we can experience more dryness and irritation. That’s far from ideal for the thin, delicate skin around the eyes. CeraVe’s protective formula looks to replenish supplies of lipids while plumping hyaluronic acid, moisturizing glycerin, and brightening niacinamide work on smoothing out puffy eyes and dark circles. We love that it's also fragrance-free, making it ideal for a range of skin types, particularly reactive or sensitive skin. 

If using the best mascaras for sensitive eyes is your jam, or you're prone to allergies, hayfever, or skin flare-ups under your eyes or on your eyelids, this will be one of the best drugstore eye creams for you. Formulated to relieve tightness and irritation as well as reduce sensitivity, it features a calming cocktail of anti-inflammatory neurosensine, niacinamide, nourishing shea butter, and the brand’s signature thermal spring water. We also found that it felt light and absorbed well on our eyelids (crucial before applying eyeshadow!).

Those with allergies that cause itchy eyes as well as those who wear contacts will appreciate its featherlight, soothing texture. Furthermore, this eye cream – along with the rest of the Toleriane range – has been given the seal of approval from Allergy UK. Impressive credentials.

Want a product that can handle – or even, dare we say it, reverse – the effects of harsh conditions like too much time in the sun without your trusty sunglasses, or late nights staring at the computer screen? This tried-and-tested eye cream from everyone's favorite childhood drugstore brand Neutrogena addresses the above scenarios as well as generalized tired eye symptoms, and as a result, has become a fixture in our SOS beauty kits. 

As drugstore eye creams go, this has an unusually light texture. It's a gel-cream hybrid that feels refreshing and lightweight yet works just as hard as its creamier counterparts and boasts a hydrating formula thanks to always-a-winner hyaluronic acid and glycerin. We put it through its paces during a late-night Netflix true-crime binge and woke up looking surprisingly refreshed with less-noticeable dark circles than we deserved, considering the minimal hours of sleep we got.

For years, No7 has been at the forefront of high-performance, low-cost beauty, and this eye cream is a brilliant example of its continued excellence in the field. This has the brand's most concentrated version of their Matrixyl 3000 Plus technology – a peptide (mini-protein) complex that helps stimulate collagen production and makes skin appear firmer. This complex lies at the heart of Protect & Perfect Eye Cream, giving it more fighting power against deep lines and wrinkles. What’s more, it also contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, which not only protect against environmental aggressors but also help create an even skin tone. 

Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin, the pea-sized amount of cream we used went a long way. A few days in we did see some brightening effects, and other testers reported visible smoothening and plumping after two weeks of use. It did seem to be on the less effective side when it came to reducing puffiness, but for those looking for a little lift and softening of deep-seated lines, you might have just met your match. 

This is one of the pricier drugstore eye creams on our list, but the ingredients are working hard to justify that spend. If you’re already a fan of the face serum in the Mineral 89 range, you’ll love this product, which offers the same hydrating benefits (courtesy of the brand’s 89% Vichy Volcanic Water and hyaluronic acid). 

Where the eye cream differs is in the additions of pure caffeine extract to brighten and tighten and a collagen-boosting peptide, derived from algae that helps both decongest and ‘thicken’ the skin. This works to increase the space between veins and skin, thus reducing the appearance of dark circles. Its water-like texture means it slides on like a dream, too. After a few days of use, we found that our eye areas were noticeably softer and more awake-looking without tell-tale fatigue shadowing even after a late night out. The gel texture is also a huge pro for those who want a lighter formula for wearing under makeup.

When it comes to ingredients that improve skin, retinol is widely regarded as the gold standard. Why? Well, it does it all. It helps stimulate the production of the skin’s building blocks (collagen and hyaluronic acid), prevents pigmentation, and increases cell turnover. "Retinol actually has proven anti-aging benefits for the sensitive skin beneath the eyes," says Dr Charlotte Woodward. "Retinol is a form of vitamin A which regenerates new cell growth, helps the aging cells to slough off and be replaced by younger-acting skin cells, and also rebuilds critical collagen to restore elasticity." Such benefits usually come at a price, so this affordable product from The Inkey List really is a unique find. 

Formulated with heavyweight hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help reduce dryness, it also smoothes, brightens, and firms. Note: If your skin tends to sit on the more sensitive side of the spectrum, ensure you patch test first as some users did report reactivity. However, all in all, this is an excellent, effective eye cream, as we did notice smoother skin on the undereye area after a few weeks. As for how effective it is against hyperpigmentation, we think that might take a longer trial period; but luckily, we're talking drugstore eye creams here, so it's a pretty sustainable experiment.

Patchology offers some of the best face masks for fusing both quality and convenience and they've done the same with their roll-on eye serum that combines the qualities seen in the best facial rollers with an impressive serum for easy application, a soothing feel, and impressive results. The jade roller creates a cooling effect on application, soothing the undereye and reducing overt puffiness. 

The lightweight serum absorbs quickly leaving the undereye area feeling quenched and hydrated, however, it's not one that will banish dark circles so if that's what you're looking for this may not be the drugstore eye cream for you. And while the jade roller applicator does make this super easy to apply with no mess in sight, we found that you do have to be careful not to drag the skin when applying. The best way to use it is to keep it upside down for a few seconds to lubricate the roller and tip your head back when applying.

You can never have too many depuffing eye creams. But if you'd rather have a cream-based formula rather than L'Oreal's eye serum, Honest Beauty Depuff + C works wonders. We applied this eye cream in the mornings some days and at night on others and noticed how awake and hydrated our under eyes looked each time. So, whether you worked late and barely got any rest or you're looking for an eye cream to add to your nighttime skincare routine, we highly recommend adding this cream to your cosmetic bag.

This de-puffing eye cream comes in an aluminum squeeze tube, which helps the cream stay cool although it is possible to squeeze out too much, compared with a pump. It's ingredients consist of daisy flower extract that helps reduce your eyes' puffiness and dark circles, vitamin C, which provides antioxidants and gives you a brighter under eye, and neutralizing pigments, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and peptides for firmness. This all-star list of ingredients takes care of almost everything, although being for the eye area they come in lower doses, so you'll need to wait for results. 

How we tested the best drugstore eye creams

When it comes to eye creams, you can never be too picky. Many people question, is eye cream necessary? But experts agree that the skin under the eyes is thinner than elsewhere and needs proper TLC to look its best. 

With this in mind, we looked at a variety of factors when testing the best drugstore eye creams. Texture and formula were the main things we took into consideration, as the type of eye cream that works best can vary by skin type and concern. We also paid attention to how the creams performed overnight or throughout the day, their feeling on the skin, ingredients, and value for money. 

Is it good to put moisturizer under your eyes?

If you want to know whether moisturizing under your eyes is good for you, the answer is yes! All skin benefits from moisturizing hydration, and dehydrated skin can be tight, uncomfortable, and lack radiance. However, whilst regular face moisturizers can help with hydration, you will see the best results from using specialist eye creams designed for the undereye area.

"The skin around the eyes is very delicate. It is three to five times thinner than on most of the face and therefore very sensitive to the slightest internal or external pressures which can cause fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles," advises medical aesthetics doctor, Dr Victoria Manning. "A great eye cream is essential for addressing such concerns and providing hydration to enhance radiance and keep the skin looking youthful."

How to choose the best drugstore eye cream

What's considered the best drugstore eye cream will vary depending on a person's under-eye skin needs, and the same goes when choosing your perfect eye cream.

• For lines: If your main concerns are wrinkles, choose an eye cream with peptides as they help target fine lines and wrinkles. Our two favorite drugstore eye creams on this list that are formulated with peptides are No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Eye Cream and Honest Beauty Depuff + C Eye Cream. 
• For tone: Licensed esthetician, Christian Ishmon says there are a lot of great ingredients in eye creams to tackle pigmentation and shadows caused by lack of plumpness in the skin, but vitamin C and glycerin are two you should look for. "Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps treat melasma and wrinkles on the face," says Ishmon. "Glycerin helps pulls water from the air and keeps the skin hydrated."
• For puffiness: Caffeine is a common ingredient if you're looking to de-puff your under eyes and reduce dark circles. And if you suffer from dryness, snag an eye cream with hyaluronic acid as its main ingredient.

What vitamin is good for the eyes?

"Vitamin C is a potent collagen booster known for its skin-brightening properties and can help thicken the delicate under-eye area," Attewell says. "Vitamin E is also an excellent choice; as an antioxidant, the ingredient helps to protect the skin from oxidative damage and free radicals while soothing skin irritations."

For at-home solutions, Dr. Woodward recommends green tea. "Green tea has soothing vitamin B2 and Vitamin E, both of which are critical for skin health. Caffeine and tannin, both of which are found in green tea, help to reduce blood vessels in the eye area, helping to reduce dark circles and puffiness," she says.

Can I put retinol under my eyes?

"Absolutely, but just go carefully, as the under-eye area is very delicate," says Attewell. The first thing you need to do is learn how to use retinol generally, to be sure that it is right for your skin type and needs. "Applying retinol to your undereye can help promote active cell renewal, especially with its potent benefits. I would recommend slowly adding retinol into your skincare routine and speaking with your doctor if you have any questions regarding your tolerance," says Attewell.

Ishmon says retinol has a lot of benefits, but be careful not to go overboard as applying retinol more often, or in a stronger formula than you need "can cause itchiness, acne breakouts under the eye area, and cause the skin to start scaling."

How can I plump under my eyes?

Plumpness can be enhanced by multiple different things, including your water intake and how hydrated your under eyes are. When it comes to skincare, hyaluronic acid is the hero ingredient. "As we age, and especially with exposure to UV radiation, the amount of natural hyaluronic acid in the skin declines," says Dr Woodward. "When used as an ingredient in an eye cream, it plumps up the skin cells beneath the eye where they tend to thin with age and fall closer against the bone structure to create deep shadows."

Away from eye creams, there are various treatments you can seek out for enhanced plumpness. "You can treat yourself to a facial or book radiofrequency treatments like Morpheus8 to promote collagen and elastin production. There is also exfoliation – which is great for removing stubborn dirt and impurities, making space for brighter and healthier skin. But, most importantly, make sure you use SPF daily," says Attewell.