6 Best Face Moisturizers for Eczema That Repair, Hydrate, and Calm
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
If you’ve finally reached the point where you’re ready to stop guessing and start finding the best face moisturizers for eczema, you’re in the right place. “When you’re dealing with dry, rough patches, you need a moisturizer that does more than just add hydration. It should help repair the skin barrier and still feel comfortable and lightweight enough for everyday wear,” says Sarah Sung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle. Because when your barrier is compromised, even a so-called “gentle” cream can sting, burn, or leave skin feeling tight and angry.
To find formulas that do more than just moisturize, look for ceramides that restore barrier function, humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid that draw water in, and soothing ingredients (like oatmeal) to calm irritation—all without fragrance, harsh preservatives, or pore-clogging fillers.
Ahead, you’ll find our favorite derm-backed picks that check every box and prove finding comfort and relief is possible.
Our Top Face Moisturizers for Eczema
- Best Overall: Colorescience Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer, $78
- Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $25
- Best for Barrier Repair: Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream, $27
- Best Long-Lasting: Sonsie Multi Moisture Cream, $48
- Best Budget: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, $14
- Best for Itch Relief: CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream, $25
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What moisturizer is best for facial eczema?
- How do over-the-counter face moisturizers for eczema compare to prescription formulas?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Colorscience Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer
Colorscience
Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Lightweight, non-greasy hydration is key for eczema-prone skin (since heavy occlusives can trap heat and make skin irritation worse), but, as we previously mentioned, moisture alone often isn’t enough. Colorescience Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer goes a step further by actively strengthening a weakened skin barrier. “In addition to delivering sheer hydration, it features hyaluronic acid, prickly pear cactus, and squalane, which are known for their hydrating and barrier repair properties,” says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And it’s not just any hyaluronic acid: The formula uses a tri-molecular version that draws water into multiple layers of the skin for deeper, longer-lasting hydration. Microbiome-supporting lactobacillus ferment, combined with calming botanicals like snow mushroom, helps ease redness and flaking, leaving dry skin more comfortable, balanced, and better able to handle everyday stressors (like UV and blue light) that tend to trigger eczema flare-ups.
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Colorscience Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the Colorscience Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“Ultra light, hydrating and luminating, the Colorescience Barrier Pro cream is my go-to daily moisturizer. Two pumps applied all over my face and neck, it dries down quickly and sits well under makeup. When I’m flaring up, I’ll add an extra pump and add in a few extra spritz of the Colorescience Barrier Pro Serum Spray.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tri-molecular hyaluronic acid, prickly pear cactus, squalane, snow mushroom, lactobacillus ferment
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: One of our six favorite La Roche-Posay products of all time, the 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a dermatologist-backed staple for eczema-prone skin thanks to its barrier-repairing formula and lightweight feel. It’s made with a blend of ceramides to replenish the skin’s protective lipid layer, niacinamide to calm redness, glycerin for lasting hydration, and the brand’s signature thermal spring water to support a balanced skin microbiome. “It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and can repair the skin barrier in just one hour while keeping it hydrated for up to 48 hours,” says Dr. Goldenberg. Whether you use it on your face or body, it absorbs quickly and won’t clog pores.
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“It's up there with Aquaphor as a product that I can trust to perform no matter how dry or damaged my skin barrier is. It doesn't go big on fancy fine-line-reducing ingredients or anything; instead, it focuses on hydration. It leaves my skin wrapped in a cocoon of moisture—but not the overbearing and itchy kind! It plays nicely with my angry eczema flare-ups, and has no fragrance so that I can use it on my kids, too.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Barrier Repair: Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
Dr. Althea
147 Barrier Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Remember when we said the more hyaluronic acid, the better? Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream takes that literally. The “1-4-7” stands for one key barrier-strengthening botanical (guaiazulene), four types of ceramides, and seven forms of hyaluronic acid—a formula designed to hydrate skin at multiple depths and rebuild a damaged moisture barrier. Additionally, those ceramides are especially important for eczema-prone skin: “They play a critical role in rebuilding the skin’s lipid matrix, preventing moisture loss and fortifying the barrier against irritants,” says Dr. Sung. Rounding things out are avocado extract and soothing artemisia, which help calm redness, sensitivity, and flaking.
Silva applying the Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from Silva
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“Packing in the hydration overnight is one of the easiest ways to take care of my skin during the winter months. I’ll do my full nighttime routine starting with cleanser and a light toner, then add my first lighter moisturizer (currently Colorescience), apply my serums and finish it off with a thick layer of the Dr. Althea Barrier Cream. I use a hefty quarter sized dollop and apply it all over my face, rubbing the excess into my hands. Sealing everything in with the barrier cream leaves my skin plush and dewy by morning. And, it’s right around $25, so my wallet feels better when using a larger amount of the product.” —Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: guaiazulene, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, avocado extract, artemisia
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Long-Lasting: Sonsie Multi Moisture Cream
Sonsie
Multi Moisture Cream
Sonsie
Why it's worth it: Why it's worth it: Originally launched as The Multi Moisture Mask, this formula recently got a new name—Sonsie Multi Moisture Cream—after people started using it for more than just masking. Now it’s officially a do-it-all hydrator you can slather on your face, body, or leave on overnight. Co-founded by Pamela Anderson, the brand keeps things simple but smart with this cream: It packs 12% glycerin and a very low-molecular-weight (50 kDa) hyaluronic acid that sinks deeper into the skin rather than sitting on the surface. “Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and hold water within the epidermis, delivering both immediate relief and lasting hydration,” says Dr. Sung. The texture is plush and leaves skin bouncy and calm—among the many reasons it snagged a 2025 Best of Beauty Award.
Tester feedback from Shipin
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“Hydrating. Nourishing. Consistent. Sonsie's cream simply works, day in and day out. That's saying something for me, who has dry but acne-prone skin, and plenty of allergies that cause dermatitis. Given that I test beauty products for a living, I'm constantly battling eczema breakouts, but I can rely on this ribbony formula to bring my skin back to a healthy baseline. It quells inflammation, feels like a million bucks (so elegant!), and is fragrance-free. It's a truly elevated daily moisturizer, and I haven't even talked about the packaging yet, which is a simple aluminum tube that sits beautifully on your counter, but also travels really well (as a frequent flier for work, I always have this in my carry-on). You only need a dab, and it'll stretch across your whole face, leaving a pretty, glowy sheen. I tend to prefer a lightweight moisturizer in the morning, so I'll primarily use this thicker cream in the evenings—almost like an overnight mask. And while it is on the heavier side, it never feels suffocating on the skin; it's no wonder it won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Budget: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, which is basically a shortcut way of saying: This stuff is really safe for sensitive, reactive skin. “It’s a silky lotion that feels weightless going on, yet hydrates like a cream,” says Dr. Sung. The formula leans on five ceramides and hyaluronic acid to “repair the lipid barrier and bind moisture into the top layer of the skin, so flakes, tightness, and rough patches become way less noticeable,” says Dr. Sung. And because it’s fragrance-, dye-, paraben-, and lanolin-free, and formulated without common allergens, it plays nicely with prescription topicals and everyday makeup. “Its non-comedogenic formula also minimizes breakouts while supporting barrier recovery for irritated skin,” she adds.
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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"I have uber sensitive skin, so I need a moisturizer that 1) won't break me out and 2) keep my skin hydrated all day. Which is why I love this Vanicream moisturizing cream. It feels amazing, and just a dab of it keeps my skin fresh all day, without any touchups. I also love how I can use it year-round—not too heavy for the summer but also not too light for the winter (when my skin gets super dry and flaky)." —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Itch Relief: CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe
Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream doesn’t just hydrate—it goes after the itchiness that typically comes with those dry, rough patches. Its standout ingredient, 1% pramoxine hydrochloride, delivers fast-acting relief, so skin can start healing instead of staying irritated. The rest of the formula focuses on long-term barrier repair: “Packed with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this rich cream replenishes lipids and draws water into the epidermis for up to 24 hours,” says Dr. Sung. She adds that its proprietary MultiVesicular Emulsion (MVE delivery system “gradually releases moisture throughout the day, keeping chronically dry eczema calm and supple.” Even with petrolatum and shea butter in the mix, it absorbs without a greasy feel, making it easy to use on both the face and body.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 1% pramoxine hydrochloride, ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What moisturizer is best for facial eczema?
When dealing with facial eczema, take extra care to check the ingredient lists of your skin-care products. “Ceramides prevent moisture loss and fortify the barrier against irritants,” says Dr. Sung. From there, look for humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to attract water to the skin. Emollients—think shea butter or petrolatum—help “fill in gaps between skin cells, creating a smooth, protective layer,” while colloidal oatmeal can calm itch, she says. A final bonus? Niacinamide, which Dr. Sung says helps “reduce inflammation and support natural barrier function,” so skin stays calmer and more resilient over time.
How do over-the-counter face moisturizers for eczema compare to prescription formulas?
Over-the-counter eczema creams are designed to be gentle, daily barrier builders, relying on ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and glycerin to hydrate and calm irritation. “The best moisturizers for eczema focus on mild anti-inflammatory effects,” making them ideal for maintenance or milder flare-ups, says Dr. Sung. Prescription treatments, on the other hand—such as topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors—offer stronger inflammation control, but they “carry risk like skin thinning or sensitivity with prolonged use,” she says. Dr. Sung’s advice: start with OTC formulas to strengthen and soothe the skin, and only “step up to prescription options when necessary, and under medical supervision.”
Meet the experts
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Goldenberg Dermatology based in New York City
- Sarah Sung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of The Perq based in Seattle
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face moisturizers for eczema, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Why the Internet Thinks Emma Stone and Anne Hathaway Got “New Faces” — and Why It’s Wrong
Collage: Briana Rengifo; Source Images: Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
There are a million and one things happening on the internet right now that would make anyone want to throw their phone off a bridge. One of the things that’s been doing it for me lately is the “new face” discourse that’s dominated the online celebrity rumor mill for the better part of 2025. If a famous person shows up anywhere looking a little different than the last time they were seen, my social media feeds flood with videos and comments declaring they must’ve undergone several plastic surgeries because they’ve been suddenly rendered “unrecognizable.”
The celebrities this phrase is thrown at are usually women who, sure, might have changed a little over the years but still largely look like themselves. Claiming that they’ve undergone surgical “transformations,” as they’re often called, is in itself a big reach with no evidence behind it, for one. But the fact that we’re so quick to use a term as extreme as “new face” to describe anyone whose look seems to have changed for reasons we can’t know is a sign of something more concerning: that we’ve become willing to disconnect ourselves from reality to justify our continued shaming of women’s appearances. Let’s look at a few examples.
Anne Hathaway was declared to have a “new face” after sitting front row at a Ralph Lauren show in April and then again after her Met Gala appearance in May. Netizens, professional content creators, and even doctors raced to make claims of a brow lift, facelift, and/or blepharoplasty without accounting for the tight-as-a-drum ponytail she wore to both events. Jennifer Lawrence has also been a recent target of “new face” discourse. Even though she’s only 35, she’s been similarly accused of rendering herself unrecognizable with various age-reversing cosmetic procedures (all of which she’s denied having done, save for Botox). Then there’s the one I really don’t get: Emma Stone. People online called her appearance at the Eddington premiere in June her “new face reveal,” and the blepharoplasty/facelift rumors have been rampant ever since (like Lawrence, she’s only 35).
Jennifer Lawrence at a red carpet premiere in October.
Photo: Getty Images
I could spend the rest of this story talking circles around the exact changes people have perceived in these women’s faces, but it would ultimately be beside the point. Because no matter how you slice and dice the speculation, going so far as to say that any of them have a “new face” is a wild exaggeration.
Hathaway, when she lets down those snatched updos, still has smile lines and a wrinkle here and there, and her eyelids appear slightly hooded rather than pulled back—like those of a typical (albeit very beautiful) 42-year-old. Lawrence’s eyes are as deep-set as ever, and her face has kept its rounded shape with full cheeks. Stone has certainly changed her eyebrow shape and, obviously, cut her hair short, but when I see her in motion in recent interviews (like this one with the BBC), I don’t see the drastic cosmetic transformation everyone else apparently does. When she laughs, her rounded cheeks push up toward her eyes, and her eyelids disappear into their natural hoods. Her forehead scrunches and relaxes when she inevitably makes a funny face or two. It doesn’t feel all that different from watching Easy A.
Are we not willing to accept that people’s faces are bound to change a little as they get older? Warranted, there are celebrities out there who do undergo drastic plastic surgery transformations that can be worth talking about in the right context. Kris Jenner did get what I think is fair to call a “new face;” hell, I mistook her for Kim Kardashian the first time I saw her post-facelift earlier this year. But making that leap for anyone whose face seems to have changed in tiny ways over a long period of time? It doesn’t account for the happenings of real life, like getting older. Or getting pregnant (Lawrence had a baby earlier this year, by the way). Or weight fluctuation, or medical conditions. It doesn’t even account for the simplest of factors, like using different makeup and hairstyling techniques. (Mara Roszak, hairstylist to actresses like Zoe Saldana, Stone, and Olivia Wilde, told Allure recently that for a “snatched” effect, she sometimes makes tiny hidden braids behind a client’s ears, pulls them up and back, and secures them behind the head.) Most of this “new face” discourse is simply not tethered to reality.
Hathaway at the Met Gala in May.
Photo: Getty Images
Hathaway at a WWD event in October.
Photo: Getty Images
It’s also a thinly veiled weapon of misogyny. Some women are praised for their so-called transformations, while others are shamed for doing too much for their faces. “I’ll have what she’s having” was a common sentiment when Hathaway went viral, but recent images of Stone posted by Roszak have drawn comments like “lol she doesn’t look like her anymore,” and “BRING BACK her unique face.” Either way, these women are held to narrow—and contradictory—parameters of what they ought to look like and what’s acceptable to do to your own face. It scares me to think that, if I were in their position at my current age of 31, I could just as easily be put on blast for having changed entirely simply because I tried something new with my look, went through something difficult that altered my appearance, or simply aged just enough for someone to notice (all of which I have done recently).
It all speaks to a deep fear of the changes that come with getting older, including aging. All three of the women I’ve discussed in this story have been in the public eye for at least a decade, and they all became household names by the time they hit their early 20s. It would be delusional to think that none of their faces would change through their Hollywood tenure, and yet the internet acts as if their respective, gradual aesthetic evolutions are shocking. Regardless of whether plastic surgery played a role in those evolutions, the change itself and the passage of time are what I think make people uncomfortable. These generational icons are not the same bright-eyed 20-somethings they were at the start of their careers, and it’s far easier to judge them for changing than it is for us to reckon with our fear that our faces are going to change eventually, too. So it doesn’t take a psych degree to understand that a lot of this commentary is pure projection.
Emma Stone en route to an appearance in October.
Photo: Getty Images
There’s definitely value in being aware of plastic surgery and how celebrities can use it to align with (and, in turn, reinforce) beauty standards—but the language we use when talking about that is important. Anyone who’s made content on social media, whether personally or professionally, knows the power of a catchy hook. Be honest, what’s more likely to get your attention? “Jennifer Lawrence has an entirely new face, and here’s how she got it.” Or: “Jennifer Lawrence’s face looks a little bit different but not that much, and it’s probably just because it’s evolving gradually with the passage of time.” Even I, with all my lecturing, would probably stick around to watch the former.
On social media, it feels normal for us to use and hear language designed to elicit a strong feeling that makes people want to stop, watch, judge, and react. It’s how we’ve been conditioned to operate on the internet since short-form video became a thing and impeded our ability to pay attention to anything for more than a few seconds at a time. But if we’re not stopping to think critically about what we’re hearing and seeing on the little dopamine machines we call phones, that junk winds up impacting our beliefs and perceptions in real life, too (I mean, just look at incel culture if you think I’m wrong).
And that makes us all a bunch of assholes. Because labeling such small changes a “new face”—especially on social media—rarely serves to challenge beauty standards the way people seem to think it does. It’s purely for our entertainment, with a “gotcha” kicker. And women, as usual, are the ones on full display while the rest of us get to watch the show… at least for a few moments before we scroll on to the next thing.
8 Best Hydrating Eye Creams for Bright, Bouncy Undereyes
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
If the skin under your eyes has been looking dull, crepey, or dry lately, it is time to invest in one of the best hydrating eye creams. Your undereyes are thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, which is why they’re usually the first place to show fine lines or puffiness. While your regular moisturizer can handle most of your skin’s needs, the eye area calls for something a little more targeted—think lighter textures, soothing ingredients, and formulas that won’t sting or migrate into your eyes. Whether you’re dealing with dark undereye circles, makeup settling into creases, or seasonal dryness, these editor- and derm-approved picks will help keep your undereyes plump, smooth, and hydrated.
Our Top Hydrating Eye Creams
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye, $125
- Best for Mature Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, $30
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream, $56
- Best for Droopy Lids: Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye, $48
- Best for Dry Skin: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, $32
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: Chantecaille Blanc Peony Eye Serum Dark Spot Corrector, $235
- Best for Puffiness: Isdin Isdinceutics Vital Eyes Night Eye Cream, $112
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $20
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What does an eye cream do that a facial moisturizer can't?
- Can hydrating eye creams reduce fine lines or dark circles, or do they just moisturize?
- What eye cream should I use if I have sensitive eyes??
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
SkinCeuticals
A.G.E. Advanced Eye
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: A.G.E. isn’t just an ironic acronym—it stands for advanced glycation end-products, molecules that form when sugar binds to proteins like collagen and elastin, speeding up visible skin aging. The 2023 Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye cream targets this process with a blend of peptides for deep hydration, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and antioxidant-rich extracts from pomegranate and bilberry to brighten and protect. Other hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin and sorbitol, help keep the delicate undereye area smooth and supple. “With regular use, patients have definitely noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes,” Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have really deep crow’s feet when I smile—the downside of having an expressive face—but this stuff has helped soften their look and keep them from getting further etched in when my face is at rest. It feels balmy and nourishing but not heavy, and I appreciate that it hasn’t seemed to exacerbate the milia around my eyes.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: caffeine, peptides, proxylane, flavonoids
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: yes
Best for Mature Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
RoC
Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Once upon a time, you could only get retinol with a doctor’s prescription—but RoC helped change that, being one of the earliest brands to introduce over-the-counter formulas. So, you can bet the brand knows a thing or two about retinols. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream pairs gentle yet effective retinol with moisture-replenishing ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and vitamin E to “smooth fine lines, fade dark circles and hyperpigmentation, plus improve skin texture where it’s thinnest,” says Aegean H. Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, CA. The added hydrators help buffer the potential irritation from retinol while keeping the delicate undereye area moisturized and supple. Because retinol can increase sun sensitivity, “I recommend using it at night, layered with a thicker moisturizer to help reduce irritation, especially if you’re not already using facial retinols,” says Dr. Chan.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“RoC's eye cream has been a tried-and-true formula for many years now. I'm probably aging myself by linking to this review I wrote in 2021, but with the added years (I'm 32 now), my concerns about volume loss and creasing around the eyes are even more prevalent, so RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream has made its way back into my nighttime rotation. After all, not much can beat retinol in terms of wrinkle-reducing efficacy. I've never had any sensitivity using it either, perhaps because irritating-soothing glycerin is one of the top ingredients. All in all, this is a very affordable eye cream that outperforms many pricier formulas.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5)
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: not disclosed
Best for Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Biossance
Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Recognized by the National Eczema Association, Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is fragrance-free and packed with gentle ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and panthenol to hydrate and soothe without irritation. “Squalane, in particular, is a fantastic ingredient for supporting the skin barrier, which is why I like this eye cream for those with sensitive skin. It helps give the formula a lovely, light texture on application,” says Dr. Chan. Fun fact: The brand’s squalane is sustainably derived from sugarcane rather than traditional shark liver, making it a win for both your skin and the planet. With added peptides and sustainably sourced marine algae, this cream leaves the delicate eye area soft, calm, and subtly refreshed.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“This eye cream feels incredibly smooth and silky; there’s absolutely no tugging on my sensitive undereyes. When my skin’s feeling extra dry, those fine lines tend to pop, but this delivers a deep dose of hydration that plumps everything right back up. I’ll admit, I wasn’t wild about the natural scent at first, but it fades almost instantly—and the buttery texture completely makes up for it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, algae, paracress extract, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: not disclosed
Best for Droopy Lids: Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye
Innbeauty Project
Extreme Cream Eye
Sephora
Kohl's
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: If your lids are starting to look a little saggy—or just feel dry and tired—Innbeauty’s Project Extreme Cream Eye brings them back to life. Hydration is key for droopy lids because well-moisturized skin looks firmer and more elastic. This ophthalmologist-tested formula combines humectants like glycerin and tremella mushroom extract that draw in moisture with emollients like squalane that lock it in, leaving skin soft and supple. It’s also loaded with peptides to help firm and tighten over time, while botanical extracts like Centella asiatica and paracress soothe and support elasticity.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“This is the grocery store rotisserie chicken of eye creams: It's thick, juicy, and hits every time without fail. Given that it looks and feels more expensive than it actually is, I like to take my time with it as if I were a rich lady with all the time in the world for pampering. After washing and toning my face, I only need one pump to fully slather the area above and under both eyes. Then I slap on some silicone eye patches, pour a (probably too big) glass of wine, and let it get to work while I catch up on my shows. But regardless of whether I leave it on for five minutes or 30, I always come away with brighter and more retentive undereyes. In this tiring-AF time, that's more than I could ever ask for.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: paracress, biomimetic peptides, bio-retinol, amino acids, snow mushroom
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Belif
Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Lexi Herrick
Why it's worth it: Just like its name suggests, Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel provides an instant splash of hydration—the kind that feels lightweight, absorbs fast, and leaves your undereyes looking plump and refreshed. This K-beauty favorite (and 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner) doesn’t just hydrate: It brightens, firms, and wakes up tired eyes. Caffeine and hyaluronic acid team up to depuff and drench skin in moisture, while niacinamide and vitamin C help fade the look of dark circles. Meanwhile, adenosine and collagen visibly smooth and boost elasticity. Bonus: The pen-like applicator and cooling ceramic tip make it easy to get a refreshing pick-me-up anytime you need it.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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“The applicator for this eye cream is incredibly smooth and easy to use. This is one of my favorite products to bring with me when traveling or on the go. It's so gentle and hydrating, instantly adding moisture to my undereyes. I also have very sensitive skin under my eyes, and this has never given me an ounce of irritation.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, adenosine, collagen
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Chantecaille Blanc Peony Eye Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Chantecaille
Blanc Peony Eye Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Chantecaille Blanc Peony Eye Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: Let’s say it one more time for the people in the back: We love a cooling-tip applicator when it comes to eye creams. The Chantecaille Blanc Peony Eye Serum Dark Spot Corrector nails it on the chic design and luxe feel, but it’s also so much more than sleek packaging. Known for incorporating botanicals into nearly all their skin-care formulas, Chantecaille packs this brightening serum with white peony extract to help even tone and proprietary thiamidol to visibly fade dark spots over time. Ginger extract and peptides smooth and energize tired eyes, so the entire area looks more even in tone and texture.
Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I’m…exhausted. Between the nonstop stream of horrific news and being back in the office four (!) days a week, my body just can’t catch up, and it’s beginning to show in the form of perpetual puffy undereyes. My only reprieve? Aside from some much-needed extra sleep, my tired undereyes are loving their new 30-second cooling treatment with the Chantecaille Blanc Peony Eye Serum every morning. Its metal applicator cools on contact as the lightweight fluid—made with brightening peony extract and anti-inflammatory niacinamide—glides right onto sleepy skin. Now, if only it could make me some coffee too." —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: white peony, bitter ginger extract, thiamidol, peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: not disclosed
Best for Puffiness: Isdin Isdinceutics Vital Eyes Night Eye Cream
Isdin
Isdinceutics Vital Eyes Night Eye Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Han applying the Isdin Isdinceutics Vital Eyes Night Eye Cream
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Made to work while you snooze, Isdin Isdinceutics Vital Eyes Night Eye Cream syncs up with your skin’s natural overnight repair mode so you wake up looking a little more rested. A key ingredient, “caffeine, is excellent for helping limit water retention,” says Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. While the formula taps caffeine’s depuffing powers, glycerin draws in hydration, shea butter locks it in, and rice extract helps smooth and soften delicate undereyes. The brand’s LiftFirm complex—a blend of red sea algae and evergreen tree extracts—helps firm and tighten the skin. There’s also melatonin, which adds an antioxidant boost, helping repair damage from daily stressors as you rest. Come morning, your eyes look brighter and noticeably less puffy.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I usually toss applicators as soon as I open packaging (sorry, not sorry), but this sizable metal ball actually adds to the experience, so it's staying! It's extra cooling, doubling as a massage tool as I circle around my eyes, and I find it actually helps the product sink in, so I barely have to use my finger pads at all. While you need to use an eye cream long-term to see more noticeable effects, I'm already quite impressed. After my first few uses, I didn't feel the need to apply concealer! (And I always feel like I need at least a dab under my eyes to hide discoloration and make me look awake, so this is major.)” —Sarah Han, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: melatonin, LiftFirm (read sea algae and evergreen tree extract), rice extract, caffeine, red algae
- Fragrance-free: no
- Ophthalmologist-tested: not disclosed
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
CeraVe
Eye Repair Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: We appreciate it when a product name gets straight to the point, and CeraVe Eye Repair Cream does exactly what it promises. “This is a great option for those with dry and sensitive skin around the eyes, given the formulation includes barrier-supportive ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. I love the texture of this product; it’s very moisturizing but doesn’t feel too heavy. It provides a noticeable smoothing effect that works well under makeup. I also like this for a night treatment,” says Dr. Chan. It rivals pricier formulas for a fraction of the cost, making it the ultimate drugstore eye cream for restoring the undereye area while keeping it soft and resilient.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Ophthalmologist-tested: not disclosed
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an eye cream do that a facial moisturizer can't?
The main difference between an eye cream and a regular facial moisturizer comes down to the formulation. “The skin around the eyes is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and tends to be more sensitive,” says Dr. Chan. Because of that, eye creams are made with a lighter texture and gentler ingredients that are less likely to cause stinging or irritation—even if they migrate a bit into the eyes. Many are also ophthalmologist-tested to ensure they’re safe for use near such a delicate area. In short, while your moisturizer hydrates the rest of your face, an eye cream is carefully designed to nourish, protect, and smooth the skin where it matters most.
Can hydrating eye creams reduce fine lines or dark circles, or do they just moisturize?
“Eye creams often include specific active ingredients that can help with the common undereye complaints, in addition to moisturizing. Products with retinols and certain peptides can help improve skin texture, fine lines, and other skin changes associated with photodamage,” says Dr. Chan. These formulas are usually made with lower concentrations, so they’re gentle enough for the delicate eye area. Meanwhile, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides boost hydration and strengthen the skin barrier, while occlusives such as dimethicone lock in that moisture. So, a good eye cream does more than just plump the skin—it can also help soften fine lines, refine texture, and gradually brighten the undereye area.
What eye cream should I use if I have sensitive eyes?
If you have sensitive eyes, “it’s best to be cautious with products that contain strong actives, like retinoids, or potential irritants, such as fragrance. Because the skin around the eyes is more sensitive than elsewhere on the face, those ingredients can sometimes cause stinging or redness,” says Dr. Chan. When in doubt, patch-test any new eye cream on a small area for several days first to make sure your skin can handle it before applying it more widely.
Meet the experts
- Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
- Aegean H. Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist and medical director of California Dermatology Group based in Santa Barbara, CA
- Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best hydrating eye creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.