Eye Cream Showdown
Caleb Ryan
| 19-01-2026
Finding a good eye cream feels way harder than it should be—especially when you have sensitive under-eyes that react to almost everything.
I’ve learned the hard way that plenty of eye creams promise miracles but end up doing… nothing, or worse, causing irritation. After lots of trial and error, these are the few that didn’t give me a rash and how they actually performed.

1. Clarins Eye Cream

This one definitely sits on the luxe end of the spectrum. While it didn’t make a noticeable difference for my dark circles, it did help reduce puffiness. My under-eyes looked a bit more refreshed in the mornings, just not brighter. It’s soothing and gentle, but the results didn’t fully wow me.

2. Dermalogica Eye Cream

Out of the bunch, this is the one I reach for the least. It does help with puffiness, but the texture is on the thicker side, which I don’t always love for the eye area. It feels a bit heavy, especially during the day, though it’s still gentle enough for sensitive skin.

3. Estée Lauder Eye Cream

This one stands out for its gel-like texture. It feels cooling, absorbs nicely, and provides solid hydration. Over time, I noticed some improvement in how dark my under-eyes looked. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and works well both morning and night.

4. Kiehl’s Eye Cream

My forever favorite. This checks all the boxes for me—deep hydration, zero irritation, and excellent wear under makeup. It keeps my under-eyes smooth and comfortable all day without making concealer crease. Simple, reliable, and effective.
Eye creams aren’t one-size-fits-all, especially when sensitivity comes into play. These are some of the few formulas that my skin can tolerate, each with its own strengths. While not all of them tackle every concern, they prove that gentle yet effective eye care does exist. For me, Kiehl’s remains unmatched—but finding what works for your eyes is always worth the effort.