Do you actually need a separate eye cream?

Sometimes. Eye-area skin is thinner and has different needs than facial skin, so eye-area-specific actives (caffeine for depuffing, retinol formulated for tolerance, hyaluronic acid in lightweight serum textures) have a justifiable role. But most eye creams are face moisturisers in smaller jars at higher prices. Buy for the active, not for the eye-cream label.

What's the best eye cream for dark circles?

True dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation respond to vitamin C (SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex includes phenylethyl resorcinol) and gentle retinoids. Dark circles caused by vascular show-through (genetic or fatigue-related) are harder to treat topically — concealer is often the most effective intervention.

How young should I start using eye cream?

Mid-20s for hydration-focused products. Late 20s to early 30s for retinol or peptide eye products. Sunscreen around the eye area from any age.

Does the Two Dudes Eye Cream make this list?

No. Two Dudes does not currently sell an Eye Cream — the brand's range covers Day Cream, Night Cream, Daily Face Wash, Body Wash, and grooming basics. For under-eye depuffing in their price tier, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is the best alternative we've tested.

The best eye cream in Australia.

Eye creams are the most over-marketed category in skincare. Most are face moisturisers in smaller jars at higher prices. The five products below are the exceptions — products with eye-area-specific formulations and a meaningful effect after six weeks of consistent use.

Tested: April 2026 · The Glow editorial · 6-week test panel Editor: Jess Hartmann, Skincare Editor No paid placements

Eye-area skin is thinner, has fewer sebaceous glands, and shows ageing earlier than facial skin. The justification for an eye-area-specific product is real. The execution by most brands is not — most eye creams use the same humectants and emollients as face moisturisers, just in smaller jars at higher prices. The five products below have eye-area-specific actives or texture profiles that justify the separate purchase.

The ranking.

№ 01

The Ordinary

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Caffeine at 5% — high enough to drive visible depuffing through vasoconstriction. EGCG (green tea polyphenol) for antioxidant protection. Lightweight serum texture. AU$13 at Priceline. The most-recommended budget eye product in beauty media for a reason.

8.8/ 10 GLOW

№ 02

SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Eye Complex

Targets advanced glycation end-products — a key driver of crow's-feet and under-eye discolouration with age. Premium-priced. Real evidence base. The clinical-tier eye cream for established skincare users.

9.0/ 10 GLOW

№ 03

La Roche-Posay

Hyalu B5 Eye Serum

Hyaluronic acid plus vitamin B5. Hydration-focused, well-tolerated, fragrance-free. The pharmacy choice for sensitive eye areas and for users who prefer a lightweight serum over a cream texture.

8.5/ 10 GLOW

№ 04

Kiehl's

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Heavy emollient, occlusive eye cream for dry eye areas. Particularly effective on the under-eye area in winter or dry climates. The opposite of a depuffing product — buy this for hydration, not for de-puffing.

8.0/ 10 GLOW

№ 05

Olay

Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment

Retinol formulated for eye-area tolerance. The most affordable eye-cream retinol that doesn't drive irritation. Buy if you want retinol benefits without prescription-strength tretinoin around the eye area.

7.8/ 10 GLOW

The full ranking, side by side.

Brand	Best for	Price	Score
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution	Best depuffing (budget)	$13	8.8
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex	Best anti-ageing	$135	9.0
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye	Best hydration (sensitive)	$45	8.5
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment	Best dry-eye-area emollient	$58	8.0
Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol	Best eye-area retinol (entry)	$33	7.8

How we tested.

Each eye cream was tested on one eye against a control (no product) on the other eye for two weeks per product. Photographs at day 0, 7, and 14. Scores aggregate across visible result (depuffing, brightness, hydration), tolerance, value-for-money, and meaningful differentiation from a standard face moisturiser.

Frequently asked questions.

Do you actually need a separate eye cream?: Sometimes. Eye-area skin is thinner and has different needs than facial skin, so eye-area-specific actives (caffeine for depuffing, retinol formulated for tolerance, hyaluronic acid in lightweight serum textures) have a justifiable role. But most eye creams are face moisturisers in smaller jars at higher prices. Buy for the active, not for the eye-cream label.
What's the best eye cream for dark circles?: True dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation respond to vitamin C (SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex includes phenylethyl resorcinol) and gentle retinoids. Dark circles caused by vascular show-through (genetic or fatigue-related) are harder to treat topically — concealer is often the most effective intervention.
How young should I start using eye cream?: Mid-20s for hydration-focused products. Late 20s to early 30s for retinol or peptide eye products. Sunscreen around the eye area from any age.
Does the Two Dudes Eye Cream make this list?: No. Two Dudes does not currently sell an Eye Cream — the brand's range covers Day Cream, Night Cream, Daily Face Wash, Body Wash, and grooming basics. For under-eye depuffing in their price tier, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is the best alternative we've tested.