Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
The 9 Best Eye Creams for Men in 2026, According to a Grooming Editor
Bags be gone!
Reviewed by Christian GollayanStyle and Reviews DirectorMAYBE YOU PULLED an all-nighter prepping for a big presentation, or maybe you took Andrew W.K.’s partying advice too literally. Either way, the raccoon eyes are here to stay—at least for the day. Poor decisions (and unintentional rhyme schemes) aside, a little eye cream will be the best solution until you can hit the sheets. Not to mention, just like your favorite moisturizer, night cream, or sunscreen, they are a killer defuser for wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.
Best Eye Creams
- Best Overall Eye Cream for Men: Marlowe No. 127 Eye Cream
- Best Eye Cream For Young Men: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel-Cream
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness: Kiehl's Eye Fuel
- Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
- Best Eye Cream for Eye Lids: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream
The first place men typically notice signs of aging is around the eyes. Those crinkly lines in the corners of your peepers, aka crow’s feet, come without warning, and once they arrive, eye creams are an invaluable resource. They help by hydrating the skin and boosting collagen production to minimize the prevalence of these cracks and lines.
Seriously, eye creams, like the best anti-aging creams and moisturizers, actually work. Still, knowing which one is right for you can be confusing. There’s certainly no shortage of them out there, but when you’re choosing the right eye cream for you, the biggest things to consider are why and when you’re going to use it.
What To Consider
There’s certainly no shortage of eye creams out there, but when you’re choosing the right eye cream for you, the biggest things to consider are why and when you’re going to use it.
Ingredients
Depending on what you’re hoping to address with an eye cream, you’ll want to look for certain ingredients.
- Hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin: Hydrating and moisturizing agents commonly found in eye creams, which help to attract and retain water within the skin, leading to a plumper and smoother appearance.
- Ceramides, peptides: Help to fortify skin and improve the skin’s natural barrier.
- Antioxidants: Common options, like vitamin C or E, will work to address dark circles by boosting collagen production, which reduces pigmentation and evens out skin tone.
- Niacinamide: Similarly fights dark circles while also helping skin retain moisture to minimize puffiness.
- Retinol, bakuchiol: Both can help smooth wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes.
- Caffeine: Reduces puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels and stimulating blood circulation.
Day or Night
The ingredients in the formula will inform you when it is best to use that specific eye cream. For instance, retinol should only be used at night because it can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Other ingredients, like SPF, are unnecessary to use at night. Most eye creams, however, can be used both day and night, so the other factor you might want to consider is weight. Wearing a heavy eye cream during the day may feel uncomfortable, whereas a lighter, gel formula might not be hydrating enough for night use.
Size
Compared to daily moisturizers, eye creams can often cost more, largely because they're formulated to target signs of aging around the delicate eye area. That said, they can be well worth the investment. To get the most value, pay attention to the product size. While larger tubes may seem pricey upfront, they usually last longer, saving you money over time. On the other hand, if you travel frequently or have limited counter space, a smaller container will be the better choice.
How We Selected
As a dude in his thirties, crow’s feet and I have officially started our long-term relationship. We’ve moved on from casual coffee dates after long nights of drinking in my twenties to more serious, regular meals. As such, I’ve been trying eye creams for years now.
For this story specifically, I also consulted with fellow Men’s Health writers on what products they prefer. Based on this intel, along with some of my go-tos, I evaluated over 50 eye creams on how they felt being applied, their ingredients, and how effective they were at reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. After a year of this research and testing, I’ve chosen the following nine as the best night creams for men to buy in 2026.
Best Deal
Marlowe No. 127 Eye Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth, fast-absorbing application
- Versatile formula
- Tube made from at least 50 percent recycled materials
- Sensitive skin friendly
Cons
- Can be easy to overapply
Remember when I said you need to consider why and when you’ll be using an eye cream before buying one? Well, Marlowe 127 makes that choice easy as it’s ideal for anybody at any time. It is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed specifically for men to combat puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
Packed with vitamin C to brighten, caffeine to reduce under-eye bags, and deeply hydrating squalane, it refreshes tired eyes and smooths aging skin. I’ve used it after long nights out, and nights lost to stress. In both scenarios, it helped me mask my flirtation with insomnia by leaving my skin looking more awake than it has any right to.
Formulated without parabens or phthalates, it’s also a great option for sensitive skin. My skin is easily aggravated around the eyes, and I’ve never had a reaction using his stuff. Marlowe keeps skincare simple yet effective, perfect for men who want to look sharp without overthinking it. Clean, powerful, and efficient, this eye cream fits seamlessly into any routine without fuss.
Not to mention, at $20, it’s one of the best values on this list. Plus, the tube is made up of at least 50 percent recycled material, while the box it comes packed in is 100 percent sourced from recycled materials.
Read More: Best Skincare Brands for Men
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, vitamin C, caffeine |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel-Cream
Pros
- Extremely hydrating
- Under $15
- Silky smooth gel texture
Cons
- Not great for guys with more severe dark circles
When you’re in your twenties, baggy eyes are usually self-inflicted. But all those late-night ragers or long work hours and stress do show up on even younger faces. Tired skin is usually dehydrated, which shows up as bags and dark circles. So for younger men, it’s important to keep the skin around your eyes well-hydrated. It could mean you look like you got nine hours of sleep when you actually got three.
This eye cream wasn't strong enough to address more severe dark circles and wrinkles, but it did a great job at keeping eyes hydrated for some extra moisture after a long night. Similar to the brand’s hydro boost moisturizer, this eye cream is more of a gel than a cream. Its silky consistency absorbs immediately into the skin—another boon for younger men who may be new to skincare and less patient with products.
This lightweight formula is also ideal for both day and night, however, it works best for prevention rather than correcting eye blemishes. If you’re looking for wrinkle reduction or other solutions, you may want something more potent. Still, its sub-$15 cost will prove useful for younger dudes on a budget.
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Kiehl's Eye Fuel
Pros
- Quickly de-puffs
- Great for post red-eye flights
- Also can help reduce appearance of dark circles
Cons
- Smell can be strong for some
Just like your morning cup o' Joe, this easy-to-apply gel contains caffeine to wake up your peepers after a long night. It quickly de-puffs the under-eye area to make it look more alert and uses the power of vitamin B3 to reduce dark circles. Use the eye gel after a sleepless night or a long flight to easily reset your face.
If you want to look instantly more alert, this fast-acting, lightweight gel is exactly what you need. Not to mention, this cream delivers results fast. After using every night for a week, my eyes looked years younger and far smoother. It’s the perfect tool to have on hand for early mornings, late nights, and any time your eyes need a little pick-me-up (like, say, spending hours staring at a computer screen).
One caveat: the fragrance is strong, which may make it unsuitable for sensitive skin (especially around the eyes) or anyone who is especially picky about fragrance.
Read more: Best Kiehl's Products
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, vitamin B3 |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
Pros
- Improvement can be seen inless than a week
- Tested and recommended by dermatologists
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Costly considering the size of the tube and how long it lasts
Swipe this around your peepers at night to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles that make you look tired. The retinal in the formula goes to work quickly—I saw a difference after just a few uses. There is also ceramide to help reinforce the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to hydrate it.
I just always appreciate when a product says exactly what it’s going to do and then delivers on those promises. This retinoid-packed eye cream really does smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: both after just a few uses and over time. More than just that, it went on smoothly without feeling sticky or too slick and had more of a matte finish, which I personally like.
Read More: Best Skincare Brands for Men
| Ingredients | Retinal, ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
| Day/Night | Night |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream
Pros
- Specifically formulated for eye lids
- Container lasts a long time, only need to use a small amount to cover entire eyes
- Results can be seen in under a week
Cons
- The most expensive option on this list at $115
- Some with sensitive skin may see a reaction
When it comes to eye creams, most focus on attacking dark circles, discoloration, and bags under the eyes (though, to be clear, you should be using these all around the eyes). But the effects of aging can also be felt on the eyelid. This cream is specifically formulated to lift and firm the skin above the eyes with its potent peptides, which boost collagen by stimulating the skin’s natural repair process.
The formula also features phytoactives, a collection of natural compounds that work to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin. I can confirm, the effect is immediate; I saw a difference in as little as four days after using twice daily. The cream is, however, on the thicker side, so if you have oily skin, you may want to look elsewhere.
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, phytoactives |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Under $15
- Versatile formula
- Sturdy cap, good for travel
Cons
- Thick, not ideal for oily skin
While many are marketed as anti-aging products and can cost some dough, not every effective eye cream needs to break the bank. This multi-purpose option contains all the ingredients you want in an eye cream, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help reduce puffiness and dark circles and keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and happy at under $15. In short, it solves a bunch of different skin issues, at a price point that's hard to beat.
The well-rounded ingredients address all sorts of issues from dark circles to eye bags and everything in between. Keep in mind that it likely won’t give you instantaneous results thanks to the gentler formula (and lower price point), but with consistent use, it can improve the overall look of your eye area. Another thing to keep in mind, this is thick, possibly even too thick to use during the day if you have oily skin or just don’t like the feel of heavy creams on your face.
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.05 oz |
Atwater Eye Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrane-free
- Sturdy, leak-proof cap
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Container doesn't last long considering price
The Atwater Eye Moisturizer is a compact, travel-ready solution for tired eyes brought on by a long flight or drive. Formulated with peptides, amino acids, and antioxidants, it helps firm, lift, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a refreshed look. There’s also caffeine that works to reduce puffiness and dark circles by tightening the skin and improving circulation.
The 0.5 oz tube is ideal for travel, easily fitting into any Dopp kit or toiletry bag. Plus, its sturdy cap feels leak-proof, ensuring it stays secure on the go. Also, the formula is non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores), hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. It’s my go-to eye cream whenever I’m traveling.
Read More: Travel Grooming Essentials
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, amino acids, and antioxidants |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Papatui Awakening Eye Gel
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- One of the cheapest options on this list at $10
- Easy-to-use metal roller
- Silk gel texture
Cons
- Container doesn't last as long as other, more expensive options
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is known for many things: natural charisma, action movies seemingly predestined to make bank, and biceps the size of basketballs. But he’s been in the public eye for so long, it often goes unremarked that his now 53-year-old face looks nearly identical to what it was in the late nineties. So, after years of being asked about his skincare routine, he decided to drop his own brand last year with Papatui. And no product represents his age-defying attributes more than its unscented eye cream.
Dispensed through a slick, easy-to-use metal roller, the gel-like cream glides effortlessly around the eyes with an immediate awakening sensation. For this, you can thank its combination of skin hydrating hyaluronic acid, protective ectoin (an amino acid that helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier), and alerting caffeine. Best of all, it’s completely unscented, so those with sensitive skin will see no reaction or irritation.
A lot of unscented eye creams still have a slight chemical smell to them, but this option is truly scentless. Also, unlike many others, you don’t seemingly have to pay a few more bucks for the lack of fragrance. It’s an incredible value at $10, especially considering that I can get weeks out of one container while using it every day.
Read More: Best Athlete Grooming Brands
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ectoin, caffeine. |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
Patricks ES2 Triple Technology Eye Serum
Pros
- Non-greasy, perfect for oily skin
- Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- Metal roller application, easy-to-use
Cons
- At $60, this is one of the more expensive options
When it comes to luxury skincare brands for men, few are more reliable than Patricks. Whether it’s with an ultra-foamy body wash with a cologne-quality scent or hair thickening shampoo that actually does plump up strands, the brand always ensures its quality matches its price point. So whenever Patricks launches a new product, I pay attention. Its latest release? ES2 Ultra-Smoothing Eye Serum, and it did not disappoint.
Now back and better than ever, the ES2 delivers seamless execution and even better visible results. The non-greasy formula, led by hero ingredients glycerin and niacinamide, works to combat any issue you’re facing by reducing puffiness, fighting dark circles, and minimizing wrinkles. The application is effortless thanks to a sleek, metal rollerball applicator that cools and depuffs the under-eye area while delivering just the right amount of serum.
After consistent use for a month, I noticed a clear improvement: reduced puffiness, smoother texture, and a brighter, more youthful appearance under the eyes. It’s an effective, no-fuss solution for anyone looking to tackle fine lines and revitalize tired-looking eyes.
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide, oat kernel extract |
| Day or Night | Both |
| Size | 0.5 oz |
How to Apply Eye Cream
Generally, you want to be very gentle when applying eye cream because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face. Pulling and tugging can increase issues like sagging or wrinkles over time. The best way to apply eye cream is by using your ring finger and using a gentle tapping motion.
Use a pea-sized amount (you don’t need more than that as eye creams tend to be very concentrated) and gently tap it onto your skin with your ring finger, starting at the inner corner of your eye and working outward. Follow under your eye, then work up to the corner and finally up to just under your brow bone (think of it as a big circle around your eye).
One caveat here: if your eye cream is a tube with an applicator tip (bonus point if it’s a cooling metal tip or rollerball), you don’t need to use your fingers. Smooth it directly onto your skin using the applicator, but remember to apply minimal pressure. If you need to rub it in a bit more, use your tapping motion.
What Age Should Men Start Using Eye Cream
There’s no perfect age to start using an eye cream, but it’s always easier to prevent than to treat signs of skin aging. For this reason, starting an eye cream in the 20s-30s can be helpful, says dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD. That said, it’s also never too late to start, so if you’re just starting to notice crow’s feet or dark circles, it is fine to start at any age.
Can You Use Moisturizers Instead of Eye Creams
I get the appeal of using moisturizer as an eye cream to save time and money. However, dermatologist Dr. Bradley Glodny recommends a separate product designed specifically for the delicate under-eye area. Eye creams are formulated with targeted ingredients to address common concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. And because this skin is especially sensitive, regular facial moisturizers can often be too harsh. For most men, a dedicated under-eye cream is the better choice.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Bradley Glodny, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Park Ave. Derm in New York, NY.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, NY
Shop More of Our Favorite Skincare
Moisturizers for Oily Skin | Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin | Sunscreens | Moisturizers for Combination Skin | Moisturizers for Dry Skin | Body Lotions | Night Creams | Foot Creams | SPF Moisturizers | Body Washes for Dry Skin | Bar Soaps | Natural Soaps | Biodegradable Soaps | Face Washes | Moisturizing Body Washes | Deodorants | Sunscreen for Working Out | Skincare Brands
Additional reporting by Garrett Munce
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
Save Up to 60% In Amazon’s Hidden Golf Section
Save Up to 58% on Fitness Equipment and Gear
Save Over 50% on Editor-Approved Garmin Watches
9 Great-Smelling Body Washes That Get the Job Done
