Do I Really Need an Eye Cream?
When it comes to skincare, the debate around eye cream continues.
Do we really need a separate product for the delicate skin around our eyes, or can our regular moisturiser do the trick?
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face. It’s also one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, like fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
This is why many people go for a specialised eye cream designed to target these specific concerns.
I personally use my wonderful (DIY) aloe vera gel with botanicals, I change the formula depending on the ingredients at hand. The skin around my eyes looks hydrated, healthy, plump, refreshed and firm.
Eye creams typically contain ingredients like caffeine to reduce puffiness, hyaluronic acid for hydration, or antioxidants like vitamin C and E to brighten and protect the area. Not everyone knows how to formulate the perfect eye cream (heck, I’ve had to study for years to get to where I’m at!) BUT I’ve got you covered with my LOVELY recommendations below.
Do You Really Need the Eye Cream in Your Skincare Routine?
For a long time I’ve been wondering about this. I just had a nagging feeling at times because I knew I’m really taking care of my skin with great overall products that contain what my eye contour area needs to stay hydrated, moisturised and treated properly for the common problems: dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, etc.
But, at times, I don’t really have much time to add proper skincare products and resort to a quick ‘clean, tone, moisturise’ routine. Then is when I feel I’m lacking a good product around my eye area.
The Answer:
I’d say you probably DO need an eye cream if you’re only following the ‘traditional’ cleanse, tone, moisturise routine because your cleanser and toner will lack ingredients that are necessary for your eye area and your moisturiser will also be too thick for this sensitive area. Also, eye creams have their own pH which should be around 6 or 7 instead of 5.
I’d say you probably DON’T need an eye cream if you’re using serums (which are naturally lightweight) or lightweight products that contain active ingredients in your skincare routine because they usually contain ingredients that can benefit your eye area (if you use serums that don’t contain ingredients that benefit your eye area then yes, I’d say you would need an eye cream).
Ingredients to Look Out For in Your Other Skincare that Will Benefit Your Eye Area…
If your serums contain the below then I’d say don’t bother with an eye cream. **If your serums have essential oils in them you might want to watch it because we want the amount to be on the low end. Better to be safe than sorry and get yourself a separate eye cream if that is the case.
We’re looking for ingredients that help with moisturising but also offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, firming, anti-wrinkle and also repairing benefits like vitamins, humectants, emollients and so on.
Let’s see:
For your Vitamins A, B3 and E look out for:
- Oils with Vitamin A like rosehip oil, apricot kernel oil, etc
- Oils high in antioxidant Vitamin E like grapeseed oil, pomegranate oil, etc
- Natural peptides like pea extract which is said to contain vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
For your Vitamin C look out for:
- Products with Ascorbyl palmitate in them if possible, which is the best form of Vitamin C in natural skincare. More info from my friends at Formula Botanica here.
For moisturizing and hydrating look out for:
- Natural ingredients like aloe vera juice
- Hydrosols like rose water
- Hyaluronic acid or any other humectant like glycerin
Other:
- Caffeine (not a must in my opinion but still worth adding to the list as it helps with puffiness)
- Fruit extracts like cucumber
You can certainly use eye cream as part of your skincare routine (it does feel like you’re pampering your eye area separately which can be a lovely experience) but at least know if this is a necessary step in your routine, or not.
Also, it is good practice that you know exactly what your serums contain.
Eye Creams Made with Organic, Natural Ingredients
If after reading the above you still feel you need an eye cream or are not happy with the one you have I recommend, here are some eye creams I recommend. They all contain excellent natural ingredients and they’re not too pricey. See what you think.
1. EYE CREAM from Christina Moss Naturals:
HERE’S THE LINK TO THE PRODUCT.
Ingredients list: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF (Vegetable – Made From Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Almond Oil), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Albizia Julibrissin (Persian Silk Tree) Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chrondus Crispus (Irish Moss) Extract, Asparagopsis Armata (Red Algae) Extract, Ascophyllum Nodostrum (Knotted Wrack) Extract, Sorbitol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Lactic Acid. *Certified Organic Ingredients.
My comments: This formulation is a beautiful blend of hydrating, nourishing, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Aloe Vera juice provides a soothing and refreshing base, while Grape Seed Oil helps moisturise and soften the skin without being too heavy. The Emulsifying Wax made from Organic Coconut and Almond Oils ensures the product has a smooth texture, and the Stearic Acid adds structure and creaminess. I love the inclusion of the Persian Silk Tree Bark Extract for its potential to firm and brighten the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate boosts hydration by attracting and holding moisture, and the seaweed extracts like Irish Moss, Red Algae, and Knotted Wrack provide a natural dose of minerals and antioxidants to nourish and protect. The blend of Citrus Fruit Extracts delivers brightening and toning benefits, and Vitamin C and Vitamin E offer powerful antioxidant protection. With Citric Acid and Lactic Acid added for gentle exfoliation, this formula helps promote smoother, more radiant skin. The use of certified organic ingredients is an extra bonus!
2. EYE CREAM from Eavara:
HERE’S THE LINK EO EAVARA’S EYE CREAM.
Ingredients list: Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Emulsifying Wax, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Glycerin, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Organic Borage Seed Oil, Organic Primrose Oil, Rose Essential Oil, Organic Witch Hazel Extract, Organic Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Extract, Organic White Willow Extract, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin E, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Cellulose Gum, Citric Acid.
My comments: This formula is a beautiful mix of nourishing and hydrating organic ingredients. Aloe Leaf Juice provides a soothing, lightweight base, while Emulsifying Wax and Organic Coconut Oil create a smooth, creamy texture that leaves the skin feeling soft. The combination of Organic Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate helps lock in moisture, making this a great choice for hydrating the skin. I’m especially impressed by the inclusion of Borage Seed Oil and Primrose Oil, which are both rich in essential fatty acids and help to calm and nourish the skin. The Rose Essential Oil adds a luxurious touch, while Witch Hazel and White Willow Extract provide natural toning and clarifying benefits. Jojoba Oil balances the skin’s moisture levels, and Rosemary Extract offers antioxidant protection. The addition of Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, and Vitamin E helps to stabilise the formula and nourish the skin. Gentle preservatives like Sodium Benzoate and Gluconolactone keep the formula fresh without harsh chemicals. This formula is packed with lovely organic extracts that work in harmony to hydrate and protect!
For more on borage seed oil and primrose oil, check them out on my anti-inflammatory oils post.
3. EYE CREAM from Spirit Nest:
HERE’S THE LINK TO THE PRODUCT.
Ingredients list: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylic/Triglyceride, Squalane, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Olea Eurpaea (Olive) Oil, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid
My comments: This blend features a wonderful combination of hydrating and nourishing ingredients. The Aloe Vera and Glycerin provide a lightweight, soothing moisture base, while Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside help to lock in hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. I love the addition of Squalane and Grape Seed Oil, both known for their ability to balance and soften the skin without clogging pores. The rich Shea Butter, Sesame Oil, and Olive Oil add deep nourishment, making this a great choice for dry or dehydrated skin. The inclusion of Evening Primrose Oil and Pomegranate Seed Oil brings rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory benefits, perfect for soothing and revitalising. With natural Lavender Oil, this formulation also has a calming, relaxing scent, while Vitamin E and Beta-Sitosterol offer antioxidant protection. Finally, the natural preservatives Sodium Levulinate and Sodium Anisate ensure the formula stays fresh without harsh chemicals.
4. EYE CREAM from Beauty by Earth:
HERE’S THE LINK TO BEAUTY BY EARTH EYE CREAM PRODUCT.
Ingredients list: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Xylitylglucoside (and) Anhydroxylitol (and) Xylitol, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Organic Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Organic Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Kernel Extract, Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Organic Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sclerotium Gum, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Essential Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Essential Oil.
My comment: This formula is packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients like Organic Aloe Vera and Vegetable Glycerin, making it perfect for calming and moisturising the skin. The inclusion of Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate provides lightweight, non-greasy moisture, while Xylitylglucoside and its components help to retain water in the skin for lasting hydration. I’m a fan of the Coffee Seed Extract for its caffeine content, which can help reduce puffiness, and the Sea Buckthorn is a powerhouse of nutrients for skin rejuvenation. With natural extracts like Cranberry, Cucumber, and Pineapple, this formula delivers a boost of antioxidants and skin-brightening benefits. The rich Shea Butter adds deep nourishment, and the lovely combination of Jasmine and Coffee essential oils give this a luxurious sensory experience.
5. From Bee Naturals (not a Cream, More Like a Balm):
HERE’S THE LINK TO BEE NATURAL’S EYE BALM.
Ingredients list: Olive Oil, Unbleached Beeswax, Rice Bran Oil, Avocado Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil
My comment: I absolutely love the simplicity of this product! It’s made with just a handful of powerful ingredients: Beeswax, Olive Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Avocado Oil, and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, with a touch of Carrot Seed Essential Oil. The Carrot Seed Oil is rich in vitamin A, which is known for its skin-rejuvenating properties. Olive and Avocado Oils are fantastic for nourishing dry skin, providing deep hydration and a healthy glow. What I really appreciate is the Meadowfoam Seed Oil—it’s so similar to our skin’s natural sebum, making it great for balancing moisture levels without being heavy. The straightforward, natural ingredients make this product a total winner for me!
Wanna Use JUST ONE INGREDIENT?
Then you’d need an oil instead of a cream. The oil is:
Why is it the best oil for your eye area?
- Extremely light so it is easily absorbed (the skin we have around the eye area is very thin)
- Helps retain elasticity and tone
- Can diminish the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and tackles fine lines and wrinkles
- Non-irritant
- Highly nourishing packed with Vitamin A and D
- Non-oily feel
- A great oil for dry, prematurely aged or irritated skin
HOW TO APPPLY:
Simply apply a little amount of the oil around the eye area and leave on. If there’s an excess of oil (it might take you a little while to get the hang of the right amount) just wipe it off. Avoid applying too close to your eyes and never apply on your eyelid.
BEST TIME TO USE THE OIL:
As part of your daytime routine.
Eye Cream or No Eye Cream?
So, eye cream or no eye cream?
It comes down to your unique needs and preferences. If you feel like your eyes need a little extra care, a good eye cream can be a game-changer.
If not, your regular skincare routine may already be doing the job.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you swear by your eye cream, or do you think it’s an unnecessary step?
Share your experience in the comments below! 😊
