The 18 Best Eye Serums of 2023
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Our best overall pick is Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Not to throw shade at creams, but if you want visible results from your topicals, serums are where it's at. "With an eye serum, the focus is more on the active ingredients than on the moisturizing properties," explains New York dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "The formulation should still be hydrating, but it won't be as rich as a cream."
For a serum that can do it all, we recommend Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum. It beat out the competition with its ability to combat fine lines and crows feet with retinol. Eye serums can be some of the priciest per-ounce products on the market, which is why we also singled out The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum as our top budget option.
Dennis Gross MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, notes that serums have a thinner consistency than creams with more of a gel-like finish. "While it depends on the make and model, eye serums tend to be more targeted treatments," he adds.
There are eye serums for just about every skin type and concern, from dark circles and under-eye bags to crepiness and crow's feet. "Top ingredients may include anti-aging peptides, growth factors, antioxidants, retinol, and humectants," Dr. King tells Byrdie.
We conducted hours of research on the best eye serums, evaluating formulas based on their active ingredients, benefits targeted, and how well they deliver results. After considering dozens of options and consulting with board-certified dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
Best Overall
Thanks to retinol, bakuchiol, and ferulic acid, this potent serum fights signs of aging and damage while effectively depuffing.
Read Full Review:I Tried Dr. Dennis Gross’ Eye Serum and It Smoothed My Under-Eye Skin in 3 Weeks
What We Like
Airtight container
Contains retinol
Noticeable results
Can be used morning and night
What We Don't Like
Expensive
When it comes to over-the-counter skincare products that actually yield noticeable results, Dr. Dennis Gross is one brand you can count on, and the Triple Correction Eye Serum is no exception. "It's FDA-approved to be applied both under the lid and on top for a lifting effect and incorporates retinol for treating crow's feet, fine lines, and 11s," says Dr. Gross. Thanks to the gel-like consistency, he adds, it boasts a cooling, depuffing effect.
In addition to retinol, this eye serum contains anti-aging newcomer bakuchiol, plus antioxidant all-star ferulic acid and rambutan to tackle the signs of photoaging. We also like that it comes in an airtight container and can be used morning or night.
Price at time of publish: $69
Active Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, rambutan | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, toning, cooling, depuffing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
Best Budget
This affordable pick calls on caffeine to depuff, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and EGCG to minimize the appearance of dark circles.
Read Full Review:This $7 Caffeine-Powered Serum Is Like Coffee for My Dark Circles
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Generous amount
Noticeable results
What We Don't Like
Dropper bottle
You don't have to shell out tons of money to make a difference in your eye area. Case in point: this brilliant tincture from The Ordinary. It calls on caffeine to depuff, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and unsung hero EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) to minimize the look of dark circles.
Price at time of publish: $8
Active Ingredients: Epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Depuffing, toning, hydrating | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
Olay Eye Lifting Serum
Best Drugstore
This gentle drugstore standby is packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Good for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
Results aren't drastic
From the drugstore aisle, we're loving Olay's Eye Lifting Serum. The fragrance-free formula is chock full of skincare standbys like glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol (vitamin B5), and green tea extract, plus it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, green tea | Benefits: Firming, lifting, smoothing, tightening | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Related:The 18 Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams of 2023
SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
Best Splurge
This luxe antioxidant-rich gel can improve the look of dark circles and other pigmentation concerns while fighting free radicals.
What We Like
Minimizes dark circles
Neutralizes free radicals
Airtight container
What We Don't Like
Vitamin C gives the gel a slight smell
According to Dr. King, products containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and other antioxidants can address various eye-area concerns. Her favorite is SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel. "The antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment and will therefore brighten dark circles, improve pigmentation, and also prevent free-radical damage from UV light exposure," she explains.
Price at time of publish: $98
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, phloretin | Benefits: Reduces discoloration, protective, depuffing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
"Serums combine higher concentrations of active ingredients like antioxidants and anti-aging peptides. They are generally light and quickly absorbed." — NYC-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD
Organys Spark Rejuvenating Eye Formula
Best Depuffing
Thanks to a combo of caffeine, vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this formula leaves the eye area depuffed and hydrated.
Read Full Review:I Tested Organys’ Budget-Friendly Eye Treatment and It De-Puffed My Eyes
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Airtight container
Can be used morning and night
What We Don't Like
Contains alcohol
Puffy eyes got you down? Your best bet is Organys Spark. It banishes under-eye bloat with caffeine, reduces discoloration with vitamin C, then moisturizes and plumps with peptides and hyaluronic acid.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Depuffing, smoothing, reducing discoloration, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
"Overall, I found the Organys Spark Eye Cream to be quite effective in hydrating and soothing the skin surrounding my eyes." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester
Stacked Skincare Firming Eye Complex
Best Firming
This firming eye serum counts on astaxanthin to tighten, minimize the look of lines, and protect against free radicals.
What We Like
Quick results
Minimizes fine lines
Neutralizes free radicals
What We Don't Like
Dropper bottle
This firming eye serum is a go-to for Byrdie senior editor Lindsey Metrus. The star ingredient is astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that tightens the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines while simultaneously repairing and preventing free-radical damage.
Price at time of publish: $60
Active Ingredients: Astaxanthin, blue passion flower | Benefits: Firming, smoothing, toning | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Marla Rene Beauty & Co. IlluminEyez Eye Serum
Best Smoothing
This smoothing serum contains retinol to fight lines and crepiness while caffeine and vitamin E depuff and soothe, respectively.
What We Like
Contains retinol
Minimizes fine lines
Generous amount
What We Don't Like
Has a slight smell
If it's smoother skin you're after, we recommend IlluminEyez. This gentle yet effective eye serum tackles fine lines and crepiness with retinol while calling on caffeine and vitamin E to depuff and soothe.
Price at time of publish: $56
Active Ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, vitamin E | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, soothing, depuffing | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Related:The 16 Best Anti-Wrinkle Eye Creams of 2023
Murad Youth Retinol Eye Serum
Best for Crow's Feet
This serum is formulated with multiple retinoids to target crepiness, crow’s feet, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles.
What We Like
Contains retinol
Noticeable results
Airtight container
What We Don't Like
Contains fragrance
Murad is another tried-and-true skincare brand that delivers on its promises. It contains multiple retinoids to target crepiness, crow's feet, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles—and you can count on noticeable results in as little as four weeks.
Price at time of publish: $89
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating, retexturizing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Skinergy Beauty Eye Rewind Brightening Eye Serum
Best Brightening
The antioxidant-rich formula combats dark circles and eye bags while lightening, brightening, and hydrating under-eye skin over time.
What We Like
Gentle enough for AM/PM use
Instantly wakes up the eye area
Brightens under-eye skin over time
What We Don't Like
Relatively pricey
Dark and puffy under-eyes got you down? This serum is here to save the day. The formula—which is brimming with skin-loving ingredients like kojic acid, retinyl palmitate (a retinoid derivative), bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and almond oil—helps combat dark circles and eye bags while simultaneously lightening, brightening, and hydrating the delicate under-eye zone. The result? A fresh and rejuvenated appearance, as if you actually got enough sleep the night before.
Price at time of publish: $43
Active Ingredients: Kojic acid, retinyl palmitate, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, almond Oil | Benefits: Brightening, depuffing, firming | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener
Best Tightening
This quick-fix serum temporarily lifts, tightens, and depuffs your entire eye area.
What We Like
Works instantly
Noticeable results
Works well under makeup
What We Don't Like
Results are temporary
"My favorite for tightening is Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx," says Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and attending physician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. As if by magic, this quick-fix potion instantly lifts, firms, and depuffs your entire eye area.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Silicates, seaweed extract, alfalfa, peptides | Benefits: Tightening, depuffing, smoothing | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Related:The 12 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness of 2023
Fenty Skin Flash Nap Instant Revival Priming Eye Gel-Cream
Best for Under Makeup
Great layered under concealer, this lightweight gel hydrates and preps the eye area for smooth makeup application.
What We Like
Hygienic container
Works quickly
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Contains fragrance
Need something to apply before swiping on your concealer? Fenty Flash Nap has your name on it. This lightweight gel quickly hydrates and smoothes to prep the eye area for makeup and make you look more awake.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, horse chestnut | Benefits: Smoothing, hydrating | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Related:The 8 Best Under-Eye Concealers of 2023
Meaningful Beauty Youth Activating Smoothing and Refreshing Eye Serum
Best for Instant Results
The unique applicator of this serum helps fight puffiness while the formula immediately hydrates and smoothes fine lines.
What We Like
Instant results
Minimizes fine lines
Ergonomic applicator
What We Don't Like
Contains dye
"This formula instantly awakens eyes," says board-certified dermatologist Marie V. Hayag, MD of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics. She appreciates that it immediately hydrates the skin and smooths fine lines while firming the under-eye area with continued use. "The unique ergonomic applicator also helps to reduce puffiness," she adds.
Price at time of publish: $58
Active Ingredients: Melon leaf stem cells | Benefits: Smoothing, cooling, depuffing | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advanced Serum
Best for Long-Term Results
This intensive eye serum is formulated with research-backed ingredients to smooth and tighten the eye area over time.
What We Like
Contains retinol
Minimizes fine lines
Noticeable results
What We Don't Like
Dropper bottle
If you're in it for the long game, your best bet is Hylamide SubQ. With retinol, peptides, and darutoside, this intensive eye serum contains a medley of researched-backed ingredients to smooth and tighten the skin over time.
Price at time of publish: $39
Active Ingredients: Darutoside, peptides, retinol | Benefits: Smoothing, depuffing, hydrating, tightening | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Related:The 13 Best Drugstore Eye Creams of 2023
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum
Best With Retinol
This serum blends retinol and niacinamide to smooth skin, reduce fine lines, and even out skin tone.
What We Like
Contains retinol
Minimizes fine lines
Evens skin tone
What We Don't Like
Contains alcohol
We're also big fans of Sunday Riley 5 Stars. Don't let the cute container fool you—this eye serum blends skin-smoothing superstars retinol and niacinamide to reduce fine lines and deliver a more even skin tone.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide | Benefits: Smoothing, retexturizing, hydrating, cooling | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Related:The 14 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2023
Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Depuffing Eye Serum
Best With Caffeine
The caffeine in this formula helps to constrict blood vessels, instantly improving the appearance of tired, puffy eyes.
What We Like
Tightens
Noticeable results
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Contains fragrance
Dr. King likes caffeine-infused eye products like Charlotte Tilbury's Cryo-Recovery for puffy, droopy skin. "Caffeine constricts blood vessels and can therefore reduce the amount of fluid accumulating," she tells Byrdie.
Price at time of publish: $68
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, ice wine essence | Benefits: Depuffing, tightening, cooling, reducing discoloration | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Dr. Althea To Be Eyeconic Eye Serum
Best K-Beauty
This gentle K-beauty formula is packed with panthenol, adenosine, and cica to enhance the entire eye area.
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Generous amount
Fragrance-free
What We Don't Like
Results aren't dramatic
Korean skincare brand Dr. Althea's take on eye serum is this ultra-gentle, silky-smooth formula that works to enhance the entire area. Standout ingredients include natural anti-inflammatory panthenol, wrinkle-reducing adenosine, and K-beauty favorite cica (centella asiatica).
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Panthenol, adenosine, centella asiatica | Benefits: Softening, smoothing | Size: 0.84 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
Best Soothing
It depuffs and brightens while soothing irritated skin.
What We Like
Cooling roller ball
Dries quickly
What We Don't Like
Contains paraffin
This soothing eye serum from Clinique comforts irritated skin with vitamin B5 and depuffs with a dose of caffeine, while antioxidants like grape seed extract work to brighten dark circles and correct uneven skin tone. The metal roller ball also has a cooling affect on tired eyes, and the lightweight formula dries quickly—a perfect choice for your pre-makeup skincare routine.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Caffeine, panthenol, grape seed extract| Benefits: Soothing, depuffing, brightening | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Best Gel
This hydrating eye treatment addresses dark circles and safeguards your skin from free radical damage.
What We Like
Evens skin tone
Addresses dark circles
Nice consistency
What We Don't Like
Pricey
If you like the feel and consistency of a gel, Dr. Loretta is your best bet. This hydrating eye treatment leans on the brand's proprietary ingredients Chromabright and Lipochroman, promising to address dark circles, correct uneven skin tone, and protect against free radicals. Not only that, but alage extract supports collagen production and strengthens the skin barrier. The price is steep, but a little goes a long way, so overall we think this product is worth the spend.
Price at time of publish: $60
Active Ingredients: Chromabright, Lipochroman, algae extract | Benefits: Tightening, hydrating | Size: 0.67 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Triple Correction Eye Serum is hands down the best eye serum out there today. The intensive yet gentle blend of retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, and rambutan provides noticeable results, and you can use it both morning and night. On the other hand, The Ordinary Depuffing Eye Serum will only run you a few bucks and makes a visible difference in dark circles and under-eye bags.
Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and attending physician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Marie V. Hayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Fifth Avenue Aesthetics in New York City.
Ife J. Rodney, MD, is a dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.
Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dennis Gross, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare.
What to Look For in an Eye Serum
Healing Properties
“The skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face and is prone to damage,” explains board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD. “An eye serum should both heal and maintain the overall health of your skin.” Her recs? Common ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, which can help target puffiness, lines, and wrinkles and improve the appearance of dark circles.
For instance, Sunday Riley 5 Stars Eye Serum contains both retinol and brightening niacinamide, and SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel leans on vitamin C and ferulic acid to address dark circles and reduce puffiness.
Hydrating Ingredients
Because the skin surrounding the eye area is so delicate, Dr. Rodney recommends reaching for formulas packed with hydrating ingredients. “These will plump the skin, making it more vibrant and youthful,” she says. “Some helpful ingredients include glycerin, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.”
If the skin around your eyes is thirsty, go with Organys Spark Rejuvenating Eye Formula or Fenty Skin Flash Nap.
Clean, Vegan, and Cruelty-Free
Finally, Dr. Rodney recommends clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas, noting she's seen an increase in demand from her patients. "I look for as few ingredients as possible, which reduces the chance of skin irritation or clogged pores," she says. "These are also free of fragrance, parabens, and sulfates"—all of which are known to potentially cause irritation and reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin.
If your eye area is particularly sensitive, Olay's fragrance-free Eye Lifting Serum is a great choice. But if you prefer a clean formula, go with Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of eye serums?
<p>Like regular face serums, eye serums contain concentrated doses of various actives, like retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides. This allows them to target various concerns, like crepiness, fine lines, crow's feet, <a data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">dark circles</a>, and under-eye bags.</p><p>"If you want to address a specific issue with active ingredients, then look for a serum that features a high concentration of that active ingredient," says Dr. King. On the other hand, if you're simply looking to moisturize the eye area, an <a data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">eye cream</a> might be the way to go.</p>
How do you apply eye serums?
<p>Deposit a small amount of product onto a clean finger (roughly the size of a grain of rice or two grains if you're doing both eyes at once). Next, tap the serum all-around your under-eyes, eyelids, and up to the brow bone. Then gently pat it in circular motions until it's absorbed. <br/>Eye serums should always be applied to clean skin, typically right after washing your face. Additionally, Dr. Gross notes, "Eye serums and creams can be layered for added treatment, but ultimately your selection should be based on what you're looking to treat the most."</p>
How often should you use an eye serum?
<p>You can apply an eye serum up to two times per day. In fact, daily use is often recommended to achieve the desired results. However, you may want to work your way up to everyday use with products containing retinol to avoid irritation.</p>
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a regular Byrdie contributor and commerce writer specializing in cosmetics and wellness. For this story, she interviewed five dermatologists and compiled their insight and recommendations before researching various products, active ingredients, and formulations. As a skincare enthusiast, Theresa has personally tried several products from the above list, including Dr. Dennis Gross, Charlotte Tilbury, Peter Thomas Roth, Sunday Riley, and Meaningful Beauty. You can find more of her articles on The Spruce and MyDomaine.
