The skin around our eyes is exceptionally delicate, making it crucial to use the right products to care for this sensitive area. Among the most popular skincare options formulated for the eye region are eye serums and eye creams. While both target the same area, they differ significantly in their composition, application, and intended benefits.
Key Differences: Weight and Active Ingredients
The primary distinctions between eye serums and eye creams lie in their weight and the concentration of active ingredients they contain. Although both products are designed for the eye area, their mechanisms of action are distinct.
Eye serums are typically much lighter in texture and feature a more concentrated, targeted dose of active ingredients. Dermatologists note that many eye serums are formulated with ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and retinoids, known for their firming and tightening properties. This concentrated formula allows them to penetrate deeper layers of the skin surrounding the eyes.
In contrast, eye creams have a heavier feel and are formulated with nourishment in mind. While they may not contain the same intensity or volume of active ingredients as serums, they are designed to provide robust hydration and moisture.
Benefits of Eye Serum
Eye serums are primarily utilized for their fast-acting and targeted formulas. They are particularly effective for individuals seeking a product that can absorb into the deeper layers of the under-eye skin, delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients.
The benefits of incorporating an eye serum into your skincare routine include:
- Reducing puffiness
- Minimizing dark under-eye circles
- Diminishing fine lines
- Boosting hydration in the under-eye area
Expert-Recommended Eye Serums
Dermatologists recommend several effective eye serums:
- Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage Treatment: This vegan formula is highly hydrating due to glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and is praised for its ability to depuff and brighten the under-eye area.
- Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Eye Advanced Serum: This serum aims to de-puff the eye area with a cooling stainless-steel applicator. It contains caffeine and arginine to reduce puffiness and firm the skin.
- Perricone MD Neuropeptide Firming & Lifting Eye Serum: Recommended for its lifting effects, this serum helps to give the eyes a lifted appearance while firming and smoothing the skin with ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide.
Editor-Favorite Eye Serum
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, recommends the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum. She notes its ability to deliver significant moisture to the under-eye region with a small amount and its effectiveness in tackling puffiness and dryness after prolonged screen time.
Benefits of Eye Cream
A primary benefit of eye creams is their ability to moisturize the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. Many eye creams achieve this through the inclusion of lipids, which help prevent water loss from the skin and protect against external irritants.
Additionally, many eye creams are formulated with peptides and antioxidants designed to constrict blood vessels, thereby minimizing puffiness. They provide a nourishing layer that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function.
Expert-Recommended Eye Creams
Dermatologists suggest the following eye creams:
- RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream: This retinol-based cream is specifically formulated to be gentle yet effective for the eye area, treating and preventing wrinkles. It is also non-comedogenic.
- Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: This cream is recommended for its moisturizing properties, utilizing avocado oil and beta-carotene for a straightforward, nourishing formula.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Cream: Containing ceramides for hydration and peptides to address fine lines, this cream is praised for its firming effects on the eye area.
Editor-Favorite Eye Creams
Several editors at Shop TODAY have found success with specific eye creams:
- Amanda Fama, an editor at Shop TODAY, highlights a hydrating under-eye cream that provides immediate softness and reduces puffiness without irritating sensitive skin.
- Lauren Witonsky, an associate partnerships editor, found her go-to eye cream after trying this product, noting brighter and more lifted under-eye areas after the first application. The metal applicator offers a soothing application experience.
- Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor, relies on a specific eye cream for reducing bags and puffiness, noting its long-lasting effect and light texture that leaves no residue.
- Shannon Garlin, an associate editor, uses Sunday Riley's Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream for extra help after long days. She appreciates its caffeine content for depuffing and its ability to moisturize without feeling heavy, resulting in a refreshed appearance.
How to Apply Eye Serum and Eye Cream
It is generally recommended to apply any eye serum or eye cream by placing a small amount on the ring finger. Gently massage and/or pat the product into the skin, typically in an upward and outward direction, starting from the innermost area of the under-eye.
Dermatologists advise applying eye serums underneath your facial moisturizer because they may be less occlusive than eye creams. Eye creams, being more occlusive, can be applied on top.
Which Product is Best for You?
Determining the best product for your needs depends on your specific skincare goals. If you are looking for a more targeted and fast-acting solution, an eye serum might be more beneficial. For those whose primary goal is to maintain hydration and nourishment, an eye cream is an excellent choice.
It is also worth noting that many eye serums and eye creams can work together synergistically to address multiple concerns and achieve healthier, more radiant-looking eyes.
How to apply eye cream correctly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use eye cream and eye serum together?
Yes, using both eye cream and eye serum simultaneously is likely to yield better results by targeting multiple skin concerns at once. It is recommended to apply the eye serum first, allowing it to penetrate the skin, followed by the eye cream. Applying eye cream on top of eye serum can help prevent serum evaporation and enhance its efficacy.
How often should you use eye cream and eye serum?
The frequency of use for eye creams and eye serums typically depends on factors such as manufacturer instructions, physician advice, ingredient formulations, and underlying skin conditions. Most products advise usage once or twice per day, with exceptions for those containing retinol. Individuals with sensitive skin or a tendency for milia may need to adjust their regimen based on their body's response.