With dozens of eye creams on the shelves that contain a wide array of age-defying ingredients, we often forget about the most important function of any eye cream: hydration.
Over time, the once supple and youthful-looking skin around the eyes can become parched and thin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. An eye cream that effectively hydrates the delicate eye area can help restore much-needed moisture for younger-looking skin. Better yet, start using a hydrating eye cream early on to keep skin supple and prevent lines and wrinkles from forming in the first place.
To address dry skin around the eyes, look for a product rich in humectants, which draw water to the skin, as well as other key moisturizing ingredients. Kinerase Pro Therapy Ultra Rich Eye Repair is a deeply hydrating cream that is ideal for mature skin.
Hydrating ingredients to look for:
- Glycerin is an emulsifier that is found in many moisturizers, because it helps attract moisture and pull water into the skin. It also strengthens the skin’s barrier and keeps skin soft and supple.
- Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, but breaks down as people age, which leads to dry, dull, sagging skin. When found in skincare formulas like SkinMedica TNS Night Eye Repair, hyaluronic acid can help the skin absorb moisture and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lactic acid, part of the alpha hydroxy acid family, gently exfoliates the skin. Specifically, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without causing adverse reactions. It also helps to keep skin moisturized.
Top 5 hydrating eye creams
- NeoStrata Eye Cream - PHA 4. With a powerful combination of antioxidants, sodium hyaluronate and 4 percent PHA (gluconolactone), this formula hydrates the skin, while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Skin will appear softer and smoother. This cream is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested.
- Exuviance Hydrating Eye Complex. This polyhydroxy cream combines effective ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E, soothing botanicals, 3 percent gluconolactone and 1 percent lactobionic acid. All skin types can take advantage of this oil-free formula to strengthen the skin barrier while smoothing and toning the skin.
- Cosmedicine Eye Specialist Essential Moisture Treatment. For very dry skin, try this luxurious formula to provide intense hydration and soften lines and wrinkles. It will improve collagen synthesis for tighter, firmer skin with fewer lines. Licorice extract is added to brighten pigmented complexions.
- MD Skincare Continuous Eye Hydration Advanced Technology. This fast-absorbing formula features humectants, moisturizers and key extracts. Phospholipids provide instant hydration, while uniquinone and vitamins C and E prevent future environmental damage. Caffeine improves circulation and decreases puffiness.
- H2O Plus Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishment Treatment. In addition to drenching the skin with moisture, this oil-free formula defends against environmental damage and diminishes lines and wrinkles. Protective ingredients such as Provitamin B and vitamins A, C and E are combined with restorative sea botanicals for an anti-aging powerhouse.
Humectants, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid are all effective at combating dryness and dehydration — especially when combined with other key vitamins and nutrients. Keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and protected and you’ll be pleased to notice plumper skin and fewer fine lines and wrinkles.