The 9 Best Eye Creams for Sagging Eyelids

Sagging, droopy eyelids are a fact of aging for many people, often exacerbated by genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle factors like smoking or lack of sleep.

"As we age, our skin loses elasticity which causes the skin around the eyes to sag and wrinkle," explains board-certified dermatologist Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, assistant professor and director of clinical research in the department of dermatology at New York Medical College.

There's no way to turn back the tides of time, and they can't guarantee dramatic changes, but these dermatologist-recommended best upper eyelid creams, gels and ointments can help firm and tighten the skin around your eyes.

We chatted with two dermatologists and a medical aesthetician, who broke down the most important attributes of eye creams and how to find the best one that suits your skin-care needs. Our tops picks are based on their criteria, including:

• Quality ingredients
• Effectiveness
• Ease of application

The retinol in this product boosts production of collagen, a protein that's critical for helping your skin and tissues stand firm and resist the pull of gravity. Retinol is like Retin-A (both are vitamin A derivatives) but doesn't irritate your skin as much, says Michele S. Green, MD, a dermatologist with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

The caffeine in this cream shrinks blood vessels, which not only lifts eyelids but also minimizes dark circles under your eyes.

Constricted blood vessels means less fluid leaking out. That runaway fluid "causes sagginess and puffiness," Dr. Marmon says.

"This cream has pro-retinol to stimulate collagen production for increased firmness and vitamin C for brightening," Dr. Marmon says.

The vitamin C helps strengthen and brighten the eyelid skin, she notes. The vitamin is naturally present in the skin, promoting collagen formation and protecting against sun damage.

According to Dr. Marmon, this product is "simple moisturization that works for even the most sensitive, irritated skin."

Hydration is especially important for the skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, which is thinner and doesn't have as many pores to let moisture in, explains Annie Christenson, a medical aesthetician at Houston Methodist Hospital.

This product is oil-free, comes with an air pump and contains the triad of ingredients to lift eyelids: peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Another trick to save sagging skin: In general, use a gentle patting motion when applying not just creams but also makeup and removers, Dr. Marmon says.

The hyaluronic acid and vitamin K in ISDIN K-Ox Eyes brightens and moisturizes delicate skin around the eyes, Dr. Marmon says.

Like vitamin C, vitamin K is an antioxidant that fights cell damage by neutralizing free radicals generated by ultraviolet light and air pollution. That bolsters the natural framework of your eyelids.

According to Dr. Marmon, a mixture of 21 peptides in this formulation increases collagen production and reinforces aging skin.

The caffeine in this cream de-puffs and firms the eyelids while also combating wrinkles, Dr. Marmon says. Typically, what's good for the eyelids is also good for the under-eye area. Sagging, wrinkling, puffiness and dark circles all overlap, she explains.

This multi-function eye cream not only enhances eyelid firmness, it also hydrates while reducing fine lines, puffiness and dark circles under your eyes, Dr. Green says.

Plus, broad-spectrum protection helps minimize sun damage and more droopiness going forward.

Eyelid skin is more delicate and sensitive than the rest of your face, Dr. Green says. Here's what to look for in a product for sagging eyelids:

Retinol boosts collagen and elastin. "These are like the scaffolding of the skin, and as we age, they become less elastic and don't snap right back," says Dr. Green.

Unlike Retin-A, retinol is available over-the-counter.

Caffeine is an antioxidant that can guard against damage from collagen-destroying free radicals. Pollution and harmful UV rays from the sun are prime offenders when it comes to saggy and aging skin.

Peptides strengthen collagen and signal collagen production, which may contribute to firmer eyelids, according to Christenson.

While some dermatologists are all for using your regular face products on your eyes, others suggest making sure the product specifically says it's for your eye area. "This penetrates better and it won't travel that much," Christenson says. That means when you blink (or otherwise move your eyes), the product won't leak in and irritate them.

‌Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the price per ounce of Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream. We appreciate readers who bring errors like these to our attention! If you spot something in one of our articles, please contact us.‌