2023’s Top 15 Drugstore Eye Creams – Tested and Reviewed

2023's Top 15 Drugstore Eye Creams - Tested and Reviewed

The Best Drugstore Eye Creams that Actually Work!

image Svetlana Damjanac / Getty

I’m here to reveal a shocking truth: you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy, high-end eye creams! Some of the best drugstore eye creams can easily rival or even beat their $250 counterparts. Yes, you heard that right! But of course, it all depends on choosing the right formula. So, to help you find the best budget-friendly options, I’ve consulted three dermatologists: Dr. Dendy Engelman, Dr. Michelle Henry, and Dr. Karan Lal. Together, we’ve compiled a list of the top tested-and-reviewed drugstore eye creams for every skin type. Whether you want to plump fine lines, soothe puffiness, or brighten dark circles, we’ve got you covered!

Before you brush off the need for eye creams, let me remind you that they’re actually a smart choice. Unlike face creams, eye creams are specifically formulated for the hypersensitive skin around your eyes. They contain gentler ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation. So, if you’re in the market for your first-ever eye cream or looking for a new formula on a budget, fear not! I’ve gotchu covered with these top drugstore eye cream picks from real reviewers:

Our Top Picks for the Best Drugstore Eye Creams in 2023:

  1. Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Wrinkles – RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream image
    • Price: $22 at Amazon
    • Pros: Packed with retinol to smooth fine lines
    • Cons: Some testers found it too drying and irritating.
  2. Best Caffeine Drugstore Eye Cream – The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream image
    • Price: $11 at Amazon
    • Pros: Testers love the lightweight, non-greasy feel
    • Cons: May not be hydrating enough for those with dry skin.
  3. Best Drugstore Eye Cream with Snail Mucin – COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream image
    • Price: $22 at Amazon
    • Pros: Wears super well under makeup
    • Cons: There’s not a ton of scientific research regarding snail mucin.
  4. Best Drugstore Eye Cream Patches – Pacifica Eye Bright Undereye Vitamin C Patches image
    • Price: $5 at Ulta Beauty
    • Pros: Contains vitamin C for brighter skin
    • Cons: Some testers noted a bit of tingling upon first application.
  5. Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Dark Circles – Beyou Brightening Caffeine Eye Cream image
    • Price: $18 at Target
    • Pros: Contains caffeine to temporarily “tighten” puffiness too
    • Cons: Not very widely available in stores.
  6. Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Nighttime – Olay Retinol 24 Max Night Eye Cream image
    • Price: $20 at Amazon
    • Pros: Two types of retinol for major anti-aging effects
    • Cons: Some testers found it too strong for their sensitive skin.
  7. Best Drugstore Eye Gel – InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Cream image
    • Price: $15 at Amazon
    • Pros: Filled with peptides to help encourage collagen production
    • Cons: Gel can feel a bit tacky for a few minutes after applying.
  8. Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin – CeraVe Eye Repair Cream image
    • Price: $14 at Amazon
    • Pros: Contains niacinamide to soothe skin
    • Cons: Likely won’t yield dramatic before-and-afters.
  9. Best Drugstore Gel-Cream Eye Cream – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream image
    • Price: $15 at Amazon
    • Pros: Lightweight and non-greasy
    • Cons: A few testers said it felt a bit sticky after applying.
  10. Best Firming Drugstore Eye Cream – L’Oreal Paris Triple Power Eye Treatment image
  • Price: $28 at L’Oreal
  • Pros: Some testers swear they saw a difference within a week
  • Cons: Retinol-based formula can irritate sensitive skin.

For the complete list of best drugstore eye creams, along with reviews and expert advice on choosing the best one for your needs, read our full article here.

Now that you know the secret to fabulous under-eyes without breaking the bank, go ahead and give one of these amazing drugstore eye creams a try. Your skin will thank you!

FYI: We updated this article in September 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on drugstore eye creams, including several we personally tested, consulted a few dermatologists for their takes on how to use them, and showed you how to choose the best drugstore eye cream for yourself.