I spoke to a dermatologist about the ingredients worth looking for, alongside the affordable eye cream formulas that deserve a place in your skincare routine.
Eye cream is one of the things I'm asked about most often as an esthetician, and the questions tend to fall into three camps: do you actually need it, does it really work, and do you need to spend a lot of money on it? The short answer is that it depends on your skin and what you're hoping to achieve, but I certainly don't think you need to spend a fortune to find a good one.
My advice when it comes to eye creams and eye serums is to avoid formulas that promise to do absolutely everything . Brighten dark circles , depuff , smooth fine lines, boost firmness, tackle pigmentation… whilst it's tempting to want all of these benefits from a single product, I'd much rather see people choose a formula with a clear primary focus.
Think of it in the same way you would the rest of your skincare routine —you identify your main concern, then you look for ingredients that are best suited to addressing it.
Of course, that doesn't mean you need a separate eye cream for every concern, or that an eye cream is an essential step for everyone. A well-formulated moisturiser may provide sufficient hydration for some people, whilst others might prefer a dedicated eye product because of its texture, formulation, or targeted ingredients . The important thing is understanding what you're buying and having realistic expectations about what it can achieve.
And when it comes to price, there's good news. Some of the ingredients that can make a meaningful difference to the skin around your eyes are readily available in affordable formulas , so you don't necessarily need a luxury product to get results.
To help make sense of it all, I spoke to dermatologist Sonia Khorana about what makes an effective eye cream, which ingredients are worth looking for, and where your money is best spent.
"An affordable eye cream can be every bit as effective as a luxury one," says Khorana . "I'd focus less on the price tag and more on the formulation." At its most basic, a good eye cream should provide hydration and support the skin barrier. Beyond that, she recommends looking for evidence-backed ingredients that target your specific concerns, whether that's fine lines or pigmentation.
"It depends on what you're trying to address," says Khorana . "For dehydration and fine lines, look for humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, alongside barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and squalane.
Peptides can be a useful addition if firmness and fine lines are a concern." For pigmentation, she recommends vitamin C or niacinamide , whilst caffeine "can temporarily improve the appearance of puffiness". Retinoids are also worth considering if fine lines are your main concern, although she notes that "they need to be introduced carefully and slowly".
"I'd save on the eye cream itself rather than assuming you need to spend a lot for results," says Khorana . "There are excellent affordable formulations on the market, and the ingredients that make a difference—such as glycerin, niacinamide, peptides and ceramides—aren't exclusive to expensive products." If you do want to spend more, she recommends putting that money towards "a well-formulated targeted treatment, such as a retinoid, rather than simply choosing an eye cream because it has a luxury price tag".
In other words, it's the formulation that counts, not the label on the jar.
Key ingredients: Multi-peptide complex, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol.
Why we love it: If you're looking for an affordable eye cream that does more than simply moisturise, this is a great place to start. Its blend of peptides, including argireline and matrixyl peptides, is designed to soften the appearance of fine lines, whilst squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin help keep the delicate eye area hydrated and comfortable.
Expert review: "One of my affordable favourites is the Naturium Multi Peptide Eye Cream," says Khorana . "I like it because it’s a really well-rounded formula for the eye area, particularly if your concerns are dehydration, fine lines and loss of firmness. It contains a blend of peptides and hydrating ingredients without needing to spend a huge amount. I also really like the texture."
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, glycerin.
Why we love it: This cooling gel-serum is a great option if your under-eye area tends to look tired, dull, or dehydrated. The formula combines a vitamin C derivative to help brighten the appearance of the skin with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture. Its signature Tri-Ceramide Complex also helps support the skin barrier, so you're getting more than just a quick-hit refreshing treatment.
Editor review: "The cooling texture makes this one of my faves to reach for in the morning," says Who What Wear UK beauty contributor Grace Day . "I find it's really quick to help take down any sleep-induced puffiness—although it's worth noting that dark circles caused by genetics or pigmentation are less likely to respond so significantly to topical skincare."
Key ingredients: 3% caffeine, 1% escin, glycerin, bacillus ferment.
Why we love it: Caffeine has long been a popular ingredient in products designed to tackle the appearance of under-eye puffiness, and The Ordinary's formula takes a targeted approach with 3% caffeine and 1% escin. The latter is derived from horse chestnut seed and works alongside caffeine to leave skin looking more refreshed and defined.
Editor review: "Although it's actually designed to be used all over the face, I find this lightweight serum to be particularly effective for under-eye puffiness," says Grace .
Key ingredients: Glycerin, cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide, dimethicone, vitamin E, emollients.
Why we love it: When the skin around your eyes feels tight, looks crepey or becomes more prone to fine lines when dehydrated, a nourishing moisturiser can make a noticeable difference to its appearance. Curél's Moisture Repair Eye Cream is designed with exactly this in mind, combining glycerin to draw in moisture with emollients and dimethicone to help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.
It also contains a ceramide-like ingredient that supports the skin's natural barrier.
Editor review: "I’m a big believer in not overcomplicating your skincare routine, and when it comes to the eye area, I think a good moisturising formula can go a long way," says Grace . "This comforting and replenishing formula is a great reminder that you don’t always need a complicated cocktail of actives to get a good eye cream."
Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, squalane, caffeine, resveratrol, ceramides.
Why we love it: Thanks to the inclusion of retinol, RoC's Derm Correxion Eye Repair Dark Circle Cream takes a more active approach to eye care than some of the other formulas on this list to target the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone. More than just a basic hydrating eye cream, this is a good option for anyone wanting a targeted treatment.
Retinol can be irritating around the eyes, though, so it's important to introduce the product gradually and follow the brand's directions if you experience any irritation.
Editor review: "If fine lines and loss of firmness are your main concerns, RoC is a brand worth knowing, particularly for its use of retinol in targeted skincare formulas," says Grace . "I like that this eye cream takes a more active approach, combining ingredients designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone rather than simply providing hydration."
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, caffeine, thermal water, shea butter.
Why we love it: This minimalist, fragrance-free formula provides a welcome hydration boost without layering on lots of potentially unnecessary actives. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help attract and retain moisture, whilst caffeine helps with the appearance of puffiness. The formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and tested on sensitive skin, so it's a reliable one for anyone prone to skin reactions or irritation.
Editor review: "A great option if, like me, you prefer lightweight textures that leave the skin feeling fresh and comfortable without adding too much richness to your routine," says Grace . "With hyaluronic acid at the heart of the formula, it’s particularly appealing if dehydration is making your under-eye area look a little less plump."
Key ingredients: Ceramides, tetrapeptide complex, glycerin, shea butter, liftilience.
Why we love it: Inspired by the brand's bestselling moisturiser, this eye-specific formula combines ceramides to support the skin barrier with a tetrapeptide complex designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and firmness. The texture is dense and nourishing but doesn't feel too thick or heavy around the delicate eye area.
Editor review: "For many years, an eye cream simply wasn’t a staple part of my daily skincare. As a confessed lazy beauty editor, I just couldn’t be bothered to add an extra step to my routine and, let’s be honest, eye creams are often incredibly expensive for a tiny pot of product," says Who What Wear UK beauty contributor Mica Ricketts .
"Since hitting my late 30s, however, I have noticed that the texture around my eyes is changing, and this year particularly I’ve noticed that my under-eyes are so much more dehydrated, which means that any makeup I was applying on top looked rubbish by lunchtime.
This eye cream from The Inkey List has been a brilliant addition to my morning skincare over the last month or so as it’s packed with ceramides and peptides to lock in moisture, smooth the skin and generally make my eye area look more plump and lifted. Plus, it’s tackling some of that post-summer dryness with ease.
Crucially, though, since using it, I’ve noticed that my concealer glides on like an absolute dream and stays in place for hours without ending up clinging to dry patches or settling into laughter lines. And at just £15 a pot, I will happily be repurchasing it when it runs out."
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, niacinamide, caffeine, glycerin.
Why we love it: Hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture into the skin, giving dehydration lines a temporarily plumper appearance, whilst vitamin B5 supports the skin barrier. The formula also contains 4% niacinamide, which can help improve the appearance of uneven tone, alongside caffeine for a more refreshed-looking eye area.
Editor review: "Those who like and need deep hydration but prefer a lighter-textured product will love this cooling serum option," says Grace . "I particularly love the integrated stainless-steel applicator, which adds a cooling, massaging element to application and makes application feel particularly refreshing in the morning."
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, caffeine, squalane, glucosyl ceramide, silk tree extract.
Why we love it: This hydrating, smoothing formula combines multiple forms of hyaluronic acid with glycerin to help hydrate the skin. Caffeine targets the appearance of tiredness, whilst squalane and glucosyl ceramide help support moisture retention.
Editor review: "If you're fed up with your eye cream interfering with your concealer application, a formula like this one will make all the difference," says Grace . "Because it's so hydrating and softening, it creates the smoother-feeling base that concealer needs, and it won't pill once you apply makeup on top."
Key ingredients: Peptide complex, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, caffeine.
Why we love it: This well-rounded eye cream combines peptides, hydration and barrier support in one affordable formula. It's a great option for anyone wanting to target the appearance of fine lines without compromising on hydration or price point.
Editor review: "Although I don't typically recommend multitasking formulas when it comes to eye creams, I do actually really rate this particular formula," says Grace . "It's one I recommend to people who don't necessarily have a specific eye concern, but simply want to improve and ensure skin health in this area."
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, fermented black rice extract, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside.
Why we love it: Since Korean skincare focuses on hydration and supporting the skin barrier, eye creams are one thing that K-beauty brands do particularly well. In this particular formula, fermented black rice extract provides antioxidant benefits, whilst niacinamide helps improve the appearance of uneven tone, and glycerin and hyaluronic acid deliver hydration, whilst madecassoside helps soothe the skin. Again, this is a great all-rounder option for overall eye area maintenance.
Editor review: " Korean skincare is brilliant when it comes to prioritising hydration and skin comfort, and Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream is a great example of that approach," says Grace . "I like the combination of bakuchiol, which is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol, and antioxidant-rich black rice extract—it's a lovely one to consider if your eye area needs moisture as well as a little extra attention when it comes to fine lines."
To find the best affordable eye creams, I focused on formulas that offer genuine value for money, looking closely at their ingredient lists, intended benefits, and suitability for different skin types. As an esthetician, I always look for products that have a clear purpose, whether that's supporting the skin barrier, improving hydration or targeting the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
I also considered texture and how comfortably each formula might fit into an everyday skincare routine, particularly when layered with other products or worn under makeup. The aim was to identify eye creams that justify their place on your bathroom shelf without requiring a significant investment.
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.