10 Best Natural Eye Creams to Brighten Your Look

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Why Natural Eye Creams?

First off, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an eye cream with clean and natural ingredients instead of any old drugstore eye cream or “luxury brand” from the beauty counter.

Sadly, many eye care products on the market are made with cheap, synthetic ingredients which may do more harm than good to your delicate eye area. While researching eye creams I came across a popular eye cream that has PTFE (the same chemical used in Teflon non-stick coating) in it. You’ll want to steer clear of something like that!

Here are some reasons why opting for a natural eye cream is better for your health and the planet:

1. Gentle on Delicate Skin: The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face, making it prone to irritation and allergic reactions. Natural eye creams are formulated with gentle, non-toxic ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation or adverse reactions, making them suitable for the delicate eye area.
2. Free from Harsh Chemicals: Conventional eye creams often contain synthetic ingredients, such as parabens, petrolatum-derived ingredients, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, artificial fragrances and synthetic colorants, which may pose potential health risks. Look for the EWG VERIFIED™ seal on the eye creams with the cleanest ingredients.
3. Nourishing and Nutrient-Rich: Natural eye creams are often enriched with botanical extracts, antioxidants and essential oils that nourish and replenish the skin. These natural ingredients provide essential nutrients, hydration, and protection, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of the delicate eye area.
4. Effective Anti-Aging Benefits: Many natural ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides, offer potent anti-aging benefits without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic compounds. These ingredients help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness, promoting a more youthful and radiant complexion.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Natural eye creams are often produced using sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including environmentally safe ingredients and packaging.
6. Cruelty-Free and Ethical: Natural eye creams are often cruelty-free and not tested on animals, aligning with ethical and compassionate values. Look for the Leaping Bunny certification or the PETA approved logo to assure that a product is truly cruelty-free.

Overall, using a naturally formulated eye cream allows you to nourish and protect the delicate skin around your eyes with gentle, non-toxic ingredients from companies that promote ethical and environmental sustainability as well.

Key Eye Cream Ingredients to Look For

When choosing a natural eye cream, you’ll want to look for ingredients that are gentle yet effective at addressing common concerns around the delicate eye area, such as crow’s feet or fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Here are some top ingredients to look for in a high-quality eye cream:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin, hyaluronic acid (listed as sodium hyaluronate on the ingredient list) helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes by retaining moisture and improving skin elasticity.
• Squalane: Plant-derived squalane provides intense hydration that leaves skin looking smooth and plump. It also offers antioxidant protection from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution.
• Caffeine: Caffeine from coffee seed extract or green tea extract helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and under-eye bags. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties that help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from environmental damage.
• Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that help to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity, resulting in smoother, firmer-looking skin around the eyes. They also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Usually shown on ingredients list as tetrapeptides.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. When applied to the delicate eye area, it hydrates and soothes the skin, preventing dryness and keeping it soft and supple.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E (also known as tocopherol) provides antioxidant protection and helps prevent premature aging and maintains the health and vitality of the skin around the eyes.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles by inhibiting melanin production. It also boosts collagen synthesis, aiding in firming and tightening the skin around the eyes. Seen as sodium ascorbate on the ingredients list.
• Seed Butters: Seed butters like shea butter and mango seed butter are rich in fatty acids which help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture around the eye area. Shea butter is gentle on the skin and well-tolerated by most individuals, including those with sensitive skin.
• Moisturizing Oils: Rich natural oils like jojoba oil, moringa oil, argan oil, avocado oil and macadamia seed oil are popular in eye creams because they nourish the delicate skin around the eyes while providing essential nutrients and antioxidants. Jojoba oil is especially popular because it is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts.

When selecting a natural eye cream, consider your specific skin concerns and choose products that contain a combination of these key ingredients for optimal results.

Related: Favorite Natural Face Moisturizer Brands

Top Picks for Natural Eye Creams

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate of green beauty or a newcomer to the world of natural skincare products, our recommendations cover the gamut from affordable natural eye creams to more complex formulas made with specialized ingredients.

No matter your skin type or budget, you are bound to find a favorite eye cream from this curated list.

1.) Best MADE SAFE® Certified Eye Cream: True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream

2.) Best Eye Cream with Bakuchiol: Beautycounter Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

3.) Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: OSEA Advanced Repair Eye Cream

4.) Best Firming Eye Cream: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

5.) Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles: 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

6.) Best Eye Cream with Applicator: Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream

7.) Best Botanical Eye Cream: Fleur & Bee Eyes Eyes Baby

8.) Best Easy to Find Natural Eye Cream: Derma E Stem Cell Eye Lifting Treatment

9.) Best Balm-Like Eye Cream: Ursa Major Forest Alchemy Eye Cream

10.) Best Budget Natural Eye Cream: Acure Ultra Hydrating Eye Cream

11.) Best Organic Eye Cream: Nourish Organic Eye Treatment

12.) Best Eye Cream for Men: Jackfir Evergreen Eye Cream

Application Tips for Eye Cream

Here are answers to some common questions about using eye creams as part of your daily skin care routine.

Should I apply eye cream in the morning, at night, or both?

Generally, it’s beneficial to apply eye cream both in the morning and at night for comprehensive care. In the morning, eye cream helps to hydrate and prep the delicate under-eye area before makeup application, while also providing protection against environmental stressors.

At night, applying eye cream allows for deeper penetration and absorption of nourishing ingredients, aiding in the repair and rejuvenation of the skin during the body’s natural repair cycle.

Consistent application both morning and night ensures continuous hydration, protection, and support for the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a brighter, more youthful appearance over time.

Related: Favorite Natural Face Cleanser Brands

When should I apply eye cream in my facial care routine?

In your facial care routine, it’s generally recommended to apply eye cream after cleansing, toning and applying serum but before using moisturizers or facial sunscreens. Serums typically contain potent active ingredients and by applying serums first, you ensure that its beneficial ingredients can fully absorb and target specific skin concerns.

By applying eye cream before heavier moisturizers, you allow it to penetrate the delicate skin around the eyes effectively, providing hydration, nourishment, and targeted treatment for concerns such as fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.

Can I apply eye cream around the entire eye area?

Yes, most eye creams can be safely used around the 360 eye area, including the under-eye area and the eyelids. However, caution should be used to avoid direct contact with the eyes themselves.

Does everyone need an eye cream?

While not everyone may need an eye cream, incorporating one into your skincare routine can offer specific benefits, especially for those concerned with the delicate skin around the eyes. The skin in this area is thinner and more prone to dryness, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles compared to the rest of the face. Eye creams are formulated with ingredients tailored to address these concerns, such as hydrating agents, antioxidants and peptides.

Additionally, eye creams can provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors and help to maintain the skin’s elasticity. However, individuals with minimal concerns in the eye area or those who already use a well-formulated facial moisturizer may find that they can achieve similar benefits without a dedicated eye cream. Ultimately, the decision to use an eye cream depends on your personal preferences and skincare goals.

Do you have a favorite natural eye cream? Please share your thoughts in the comments!