Updated on  February 20, 2024
4 min read

Hyaluronic Acid Under Your Eyes (6 Best Products & Benefits)

6 sources cited
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Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid Under Eyes?

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that helps to moisturize skin cells. It’s found naturally in the body’s joints, eyes, and skin. Hyaluronic acid in the skin makes up 50% of the total in the body.1 

Hyaluronic acid’s ability to retain water makes it a key ingredient in reversing signs of aging.

Its effects include:

  • Repairing dark eye circles
  • Increasing skin elasticity
  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Moisturizing dry skin

Hyaluronic acid is commonly used under the eyes to brighten dark circles and reduce eye puffiness. 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream 

Hyaluronic acid eye cream is effective because it retains moisture and large amounts of water, which help combat the signs of skin aging. This also gives skin a more youthful appearance. 

The key benefits of hyaluronic acid eye cream include the following:

  • Hydrating dry skin
  • Increasing volume
  • Diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Removing dark circles 
  • Soothing puffiness
  • Increasing skin elasticity
  • Brightening skin to improve complexion 
  • Helping to build collagen (the support system of skin cells)

Safety Precautions 

Because hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in our body, it is safe to use on the skin. It is essential to follow the directions when applying under-eye cream.

Possible risks of using hyaluronic acid cream under the eyes includes an allergic reaction. To avoid skin irritation, applying a patch test is recommended before using a new skin product. 

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Around Eyes

Since the skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, it is recommended to use a small amount of eye cream or serum containing hyaluronic acid. 

For best results, apply under the eyes twice a day—once in the morning before applying makeup and again during your nightly skincare routine.

Steps to applying hyaluronic acid around your eyes include:

  1. Apply serum or cream to clean damp skin to help lock in moisture
  2. Use your ring finger to apply tiny dots using a semi-circle motion
  3. Gently tap in the cream until fully absorbed
  4. Wait about 90 seconds before applying concealer or makeup

6 Best Hyaluronic Acid Creams for Dark Circles Under Eyes

1. Best Overall: Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream Anti Aging

The Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream is designed with key ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, to combat dark circles and signs of aging. 

Pros: 

  • Contains aloe vera
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Works for all skin types

Cons

  • It does not reduce puffiness
  • Not fast-absorbing

2. Best for Under Makeup: Eucerin Anti-Age HYALURON FILLER

Eucerin Anti Age HYALURON FILLER

Eucerin Anti-Age Hyaluron Filler Eye Treatment restores skin volume. It reduces wrinkles using its unscented formula, which is good for sensitive skin. It contains SPF 15, making it suitable for everyday wear under makeup.

Pros

  • SPF 15
  • Dermatologically proven
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Pricey

3. Best for Tired Eyes: Olay Deep Hydrating Eye Gel

Olay Deep Hydrating Eyegel

Olay Deep Hydrating Eye Gel uses light blue cooling gel and hyaluronic acid to plump under eye skin, resulting in brighter, less tired eyes. 

Pros

  • Fast-absorbing
  • 24-hour hydration 
  • Restores elasticity 

Cons

  • It does not reduce wrinkles 

4. Best for Crow’s Feet: RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream

RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti Aging

RoC Multi Correxion 5-1 eye cream uses a unique Hexyl-R Complex to combat five different concerns, including dark circles, discoloration, density, tone, and wrinkles.

Pros

  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Designed for both men and women

Cons

  • Not fast acting
  • Not for sensitive skin

5. Best for a Budget: DERMA E Hydrating Eye Cream

DERMA E Hydrating Eye Crea

DERMA E Hydrating Eye Cream utilizes hyaluronic acid, green tea, and vitamin E to hydrate, lift, and reduce puffiness in the under-eye area and eyelids. It is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Pros

  • Includes natural ingredients
  • Vegan
  • Small business owned 

Cons

  • Not suitable for all skin types

6. Best for Quick Results: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream uses a unique formula, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, to reduce dark circles, fine lines, and even skin tone. 

Pros

  • Quick, visible results
  • Combats dark circles and crow’s feet

Cons

  • Not for sensitive skin
  • Can cause irritation 

Tips for Choosing Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream 

The abundance of anti-aging eye creams on the market can make selection overwhelming. It’s important to choose a reputable brand backed by research. 

When choosing an effective anti-aging eye cream, look for:

  • Proven ingredients that are backed by clinical studies
  • A high percentage of the active ingredient (higher than 2%)
  • Products formulated by grounded scientific research
  • Products free from alcohol and fragrance
  • A respected manufacturer that offers a range of products
  • Creams that include a blend of natural herbs and botanicals

Summary

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in our body’s joints, skin, and eyes. It has proven effective at reducing the signs of aging, including locking in moisture, removing dark circles, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Eye creams containing hyaluronic acid are safe to use on delicate under-eye skin. They are recommended for daily and night use. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results.

Updated on  February 20, 2024
6 sources cited
Updated on  February 20, 2024
  1. Papakonstantinou, E., et al. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.” Dermato Endocrinology, 2012.
  2. Harvard Health Publishing. “The hype on hyaluronic acid,” 2020.
  3. Dermstore. “How to apply your eye cream,” n.d.
  4. Pavicic, T., et al. “Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011.
  5. Yingfang, F., et al. “Hyaluronic acid-cross-linked filler stimulates collagen type 1 and elastic fiber synthesis in skin through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in a nude mouse model.” Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019.
  6. Consumer Review. “Is your eye wrinkle remover effective,” n.d.
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