Eyes can tell a lot about our health, age, and freshness or fatigue. No amount of makeup can hide that we were up all night, sick, extremely exhausted, or worried about something. There is no hiding but it doesn't mean that our eyes don't need some rest and care. Even if it's all part of life and aging is also natural, we should still look after ourselves and look out the best way possible. Most of the time, we rely on the moisturizers we use, even for the skin under our eyes but these lotions and creams are not made for this sensitive part of our face. Dermatologists recommend using eye creams to avoid any irritation and reaction in our eyes and the skin around them.

These products can be very expensive but the good news is that we don't need to pay a hefty amount for the best drugstore eye cream to give us good results. So, I have looked for a few reputable drugstore eye creams to minimize puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles.

Some Tips to Choose the Best Drugstore Eye Cream

Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist in New York says that the ingredients used in best eye creams from drugstores make a lot of difference. It's best to avoid creams with heavy dyes and fragrance. This is the list of things that you should pay attention to:

• Hyaluronic acid: It acts as a hydrating agent and keeps the skin under your eyes hydrated.

• Peptides: They help in producing a protein called collagen that gives strength to your skin making you look fresh and young.

• Ceramides: These fats are found naturally in your skin and they are best for treating dry skin.

• Antioxidants: These include a combination of different vitamins that help in releasing the oxidative stress in your skin caused by pollution and UV rays.

• Niacinamide: It's a type of vitamin B3 that helps in treating wrinkles and age-related skin problems.

• Retinol: It is derived from vitamin A that improves collagen production and exfoliates your skin to reduce wrinkles. The problem is that it can cause dryness and irritation if it is not combined with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid.

• Caffeine: As the name suggests, it will wake up your skin by constricting blood vessels and reduce puffiness under your eyes.

• Patch test: As always, when you are trying anything new, do a patch test on your inner forearm or neck and leave it for 24 hours. If it doesn't cause any reaction, you are good to go.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

When you head down to your nearest drug store, you can easily get confused with so many options in front of you. That's why it's better to keep a few general things in mind that will help you in finding the right cream that will work for you. These include:

• Brand reputation

• Quality of ingredients

• Price

• Reason for buying

• Light, hydrating and easily absorbed

• Possible cons and allergic reactions

• Does it work or not?

Top Picks for You

Based on the things I have just mentioned about brand reputation, ingredients, price, and how well these eye creams work, I have compiled a list of best drugstore eye creams for you.

For Wrinkles: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream

This eye cream is a great option for wrinkles and fine lines as it contains retinol and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Use it at night and put on sunscreen during the day after using it because retinol can be a little harsh for some skin types. It is also clinically tested and proven to help in minimizing wrinkles and making the skin under your eyes bright and smooth.

Anti-Aging: Olay Total Effects 7-in-one Anti-Aging Transforming Eye Cream

If you want an eye cream that is not just for slowing down signs of aging but it works for the long-term as well, this is the cream you want to have. The formula includes vitamins B and E that nourish your skin and exfoliate it to slow down aging. VitaNiacin Complex also works against aging and gives your skin a bright and fresh look. It cleanses the skin around your eyes and the vitamins help in treating wrinkles and dark spots. You just have to test it before using it to be sure that it doesn't irritate you. Olay eye cream also moisturizes your skin to make it look bright and youthful.

For Dark Circles and Hydration: e.l.f. Illuminating Eye Cream

Now, this cream is what it is called value for money. You get to experience so many benefits for just $10. It hydrates the skin and minimizes dark circles as the formula contains vitamin E, jojoba oil, and cucumbers. It is one of the best drugstore eye creams for dark circles. It is very soothing and doesn't irritate your eyes. It is vegan and free from irritants like parabens, triclocarban, phthalates, and ethoxylates. It is liked by customers for its skin brightening effect as this testimony proves: "This eye cream is soothing and helps my dark circles! Been using it for a couple of weeks, and I have noticed my eyes look brighter. I'm a teacher who wakes up early, so anything to help me look more awake is appreciated! The best thing about this cream: a little goes a long way! I think this tub will last me for a long time."

For Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

If your skin is prone to allergies and irritation, this eye cream is made just for you. It reduces puffiness and dark circles. It moisturizes the skin around your eyes with the formula that contains three essential ceramides that also work on restoring the protective barrier of your skin. It is reliable for sensitive skin because it was developed with dermatologists and tested by ophthalmologists. CeraVe eye cream also got the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. I have to say that the credentials and claims of this cream are pretty solid.

For Dry and Rough Skin: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream

Hyaluronic acid is what you should be looking for if you want an eye cream that can hydrate your dry and rough skin. Along with hyaluronic acid, the formula contains vitamin complex and licorice extract to make your skin smooth and bright. It absorbs very quickly giving you a light and smooth skin. It is also dermatologist-tested, so it will not irritate your delicate skin.

Know Your Products

Choosing an eye cream is mainly about the reason you want it, your budget, and keeping the pros and cons in mind. For this reason, I have looked at all the sources, recommendations by dermatologists, and user reviews to give you some good options that will work for you. Now you have some idea about what to look for when you go to a drugstore. It's simply another way of taking care of yourself to look fresh.