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If you're intrigued by the wrinkle-softening powers of peptides, you'll be glad to learn that there are plenty of peptide eye creams. Like peptide face creams, they can help fade the look of fine lines and wrinkles (à la retinol), but do so without the risk of irritation.
So what are peptides, you ask? "Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, which are structural components of cells, hormones, and enzymes," explains Tracy Evans, a board-certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. Science-y? Yes. But those building blocks are then absorbed into the skin, where they can do their reparative magic. There are many different types of peptides—some formulas contain one, while others have multiple. The key is finding one that works for your skin and its needs.
Ahead, we rounded up the 11 best peptide eye creams, according to Evans, Bazaar editors, and dedicated reviewers.
The Best Peptide Eye Creams
Skinceuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye For Dark Circles
Pros
- Helps brighten dark circles
Cons
- Over $100
It's an investment, but this eye cream is packed with high-tech skincare ingredients. "Peptides and caffeine help to strengthen the integrity of the delicate skin around the eyes," says Evans, who adds "The caffeine will help with vasoconstriction and the appearance of fine lines."
Key Ingredients: Concentrated Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoid blend, Matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine
Size: 15 ml/0.5 oz
Customer Review:
"I have really bad crows feet on my under eyes, and nothing seemed to work. I tried this for 7 days every morning and night, and for the first time in years, I don't need to cake on concealer!!! Thank you so much! I have confidence I haven't felt in a long time." —Sasha
Pros
- Hydration lasts hours
Cons
- Over $100
Every Bazaar editor is obsessed with this eye cream, which works within just a couple of weeks to fight wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness and maintains those results. It also has the perfect not-too-thick but still creamy texture. We won't lie; it's an investment, but you can also sign up for a subscription to score a 20 percent discount (the worst thing that can happen is you run out).
Key Ingredients: Diamond powder, pure beta glucan, marine plankton extract
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer Reviews:
"The name says it all! I can’t get enough of this product! My eye area is smoother and much brighter after only 2 weeks of use! I love the texture and instant moisture feeling of it." —Tetyana
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers said it can pill under makeup
Peptides work alongside the brand's signature ceramide blend in this lightweight but high-powered formula. Because it also has caffeine to target puffiness and niacinamide to brighten, the affordable tube is an all-around winner.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer Review:
"I absolutely love how this eye cream feels on my skin. It feels very light yet super moisturizing. It is not sticky at all. No strong scent. Definitely worth the price!" —briannaf137
Pros
- Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier
Cons
- May be too lightweight for night
This new eye gel from Cocokind has a weightless, serum-like feel and is ultra-hydrating thanks to the addition of squalane and glycerin. The light pink color isn't just fun—it also helps reflect light for a brighter overall appearance.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, squalane, glycerin
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer Review:
"New fave! It definitely adds a little illumination/glow to the undereyes, which I love! Blends well with the other products I use with it and my makeup!" —Sarah W
Pros
- Larger size than most eye creams
Cons
- Pricey
OneSkin's signature OS-01 peptide has impressive clinical studies behind it. These studies showed that it increased a key collagen production biomarker and decreased a key collagen degradation biomarker. In other words, it helps the skin behave younger. It's also housed in a reusable bottle, and you can order a subscription so you never run out.
Key Ingredients: Moringa oleifera seed extract, fucus vesiculosus algae extract, vegan collagen
Size: 20 ml
Customer Review:
"So far, so good; I've been using the eye serum ever since it came out. My skin looks good, and I use eye serum all over my face as it has the highest concentration of their OS-O1 peptide. It is part of my morning regiment as soon as I get out of the shower." —Brian P
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
Pros
- Helps brighten dark circles
Cons
- Some reviewers said they experienced stinging
This well-rounded formula tackles three main issues for the eye area: softening fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to acetyl hexapeptide-8; brightening and protecting with vitamin C; and depuffing with caffeine. It's a triple threat and one with a cult following.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine
Size: 0.5 oz/ 15 mL
Customer Review:
"The Summer Fridays eye cream with Vitamin C and Peptides is fantastic. It has a light texture that absorbs quickly, brightens dark circles, and reduces fine lines. My eyes look more awake and refreshed after just a few weeks. Highly recommend!" —megan813a
Pros
- Refillable and recyclable packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers say the texture is a bit tacky
Putting on this gel serum first thing in the morning is the best wake-up call (especially if you pair it with the brand's Insta-famous Forever Eye Masks). It works hard, too: The palmitoyl tripeptide complex is a firming powerhouse, while algae polysaccharides reduce the look of dark circles.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, algae extract, algae polysaccharides
Size: .68 oz
Customer Review:
"First of all, I love the packaging, and it’s mostly recyclable. This is amazing eye cream year round. I don’t get milia from it; it doesn’t irritate my sensitive acne-prone skin. Yay!" —TaylorJ38
TULA Skincare Eye Recharge + Replenish Pro-Ferm™ Overnight Eye Cream
Pros
- Great for dry skin
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the pump packaging
Almost like an overnight mask, this is the kind of eye cream you'll notice if you skip the step in the morning. Peptides and bakuchiol help plump up fine lines and wrinkles, while the addition of calming chamomile keeps skin soothed and moisturized.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, chamomile, green algae
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer Reviews:
"This is truly the best eye cream out there. I was having some serious undereye dryness/puffiness, and this is the only product that has rectified it within a matter of days. This is my new go to and I recommend it to everyone I know!" —mlk114
Pros
- Not greasy
- Can be used daily
Cons
This lightweight-yet nourishing cream contains a trifecta of peptides, caffeine, and cranberry fruit extract to firm, brighten, and reduce dark circles.
Key Ingredients: Argireline, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, cranberry fruit extract
Size: 0.7 oz
Customer Reviews:
"I use eye cream for preventative purposes, as well as reduce natural puffiness under the eyes. Since using this cream, I definitely see a brightening around my eye area and a decrease in puffiness. I have sensitive skin, and haven't noticed irritation on my face." —Kudos
Alpyn Beauty Instant Bright Eye Dark Circle Firming Cream
Pros
- Delivers instant results
Cons
- Better for AM use than PM use
The peachy hue in this eye cream cancels out purple and dark circles within seconds—so much so that you might even be able to forgo concealer. The cream itself is also infused with Snap 8 Peptide to firm skin, brightening niacinamide, and a retinol alternative called reneseed.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, reneseed
Size: 0.5 oz / 15 mL
Customer Review:
"I tried so many eye creams, but this one is top-tier! After applying it, my skin feels so good, and I can already see a difference in my dark circles. And the best thing is that it can be used as a primer before concealer!" —laurykritel
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Texture may be too thick for some
Holifrog's eye cream has a devoted following. It's chock full of ingredients that improve elasticity, skin tone, and hydration. Because it's rich, we like this eye cream best for nighttime routines.
Key Ingredients: Mango seed butter, coffee arabica seed oil
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Customer Review:
"I’ve been using Owel for about three weeks now. I’ve seen huge improvement in the skin's elasticity around my eyes. I’ve always had problems with bags under my eyes and have tried countless eye creams. Owel is the only one that has visibly improved my eye area. Holifrog is amazing!" —Kelly G
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Peptides in an Eye Cream?
Peptides are an excellent anti-aging ingredient, and they are well-tolerated by all skin types. "Peptides can stimulate collagen and elastin production and improve the structure properties of the skin," explains Evans. In other words, expect formulas with peptides to help with things like crow's feet around the eyes, as well as generally firm the skin.
Who Can Use Peptide Eye Creams?
That may be the best thing about peptides: "All skin types can benefit from a peptide eye cream as they can be less irritating then retinols," says the derm, who adds that "They are also very good for the delicate eye area."
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Tracy Evans MD, MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco and Corte Madera, California.
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