You guys seem to like this post. A lot. Probably because you, like me, have the bags, the wrinkles, the post-Friday-fun puffiness galore. I hear you. This was one of my first posts ever, and I’m excited to be updating it for you. NOW UPDATED FOR 2020 — CHECK OUT MY NEW, TRIED & TESTED CRUELTY-FREE EYE CREAM CHOICES BELOW.
Why eye creams? Well, I really struggle with dark circles and puffiness around my eyes. It’s not something I noticed until very recently, when trying to figure out “Why on earth do I need to wear makeup every day?” and I examined my face in all its makeup-less glory. Yep, it’s my eyes.
They almost always look red and swollen, and obviously giving up salt in my diet is not an option. It is important to note, though: the appearance of your eye really, really does boil down to lifestyle and genetics. Just something to keep in mind, as we should all be realistic that creams cannot be magic (sadly)!
I will caveat and say I have yet to try all of these eye creams (I will write reviews for the ones I have, and why I love them). Others that I’ve included are here because they have really good reviews in either the UK or USA (often both), claim to get rid of dark circles and puffiness, and do not test on animals or do not use ingredients that do (i.e. are cruelty-free).
The Best Cruelty-Free Eye Creams for Puffiness, Dark Circles & Fine Lines
SUNDAY RILEY AUTOCORRECT EYE CONTOUR CREAM // This is one of the only beauty products I have purchased time and time again. Is it the product that will spend months fixing your eye-area woes? No — but that’s not its purpose. This guy is your morning savior, with cooling properties and light-reflecting particles to make your eyes instantly more awake. I’ve given this as gifts to friends, it’s that good. For your morning eye-cream applications, this is the one you want. Then, in the evening, use something that’s more healing and working to solve your eye concerns.
ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY EYE ELIXIR // So I have tried this one, and I have to say — it’s brilliant. A wonderful price point, great packaging (pumps will keep the active ingredients fresher longer), and a really moisturizing product.
AFRICAN BOTANICS RESURRECTION EYE CREAM // This is an ‘I’m very sorry it’s expensive’ option, but I just had to include this on the list. (FYI, I’m using this currently, and managed to get it 50% off from Space NK. Keep an eye on deals). It’s rich, super hydrating, and really nourishes my skin. Highly recommended for evening use!
BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + PEPTIDE EYE GEL // I love everything from Biossance, and this one is no exception. The gel makes it especially cooling and depuffing (which, let’s be real, we need), and it works wonders for moisturizing those fine lines. A great mid-range staple!
THE ORDINARY CAFFEINE SOLUTION // A really good option if you’re on a budget. At only £5.80/$6.70, this huge bottle will last you forever — and, best of all, it works (it’s my go-to for the morning after the night before).
PERRICONE MD H2 ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY DE-PUFFING EYE GEL // I tested this one a little while ago (it was a PR sample). However — and I say this honestly — this is probably the best eye cream I’ve ever used for depuffing. It’s moisturizing and cooling, which is like the Holy Grail of eye cream activities.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2016 and has been revamped and updated in March 2020 for your reading + shopping pleasure.