Even with the most diligent intentions, the eye area can easily be problematic. Dryness, puffiness, eye bags, fine lines, and dark circles—all are perfectly normal issues that quickly arise around the eyes, which makes sense given that the area has some of the most delicate skin on the entire body. Eye creams are an effective way to treat the sensitive area, but a new and exciting genre of skincare has shown promising results for treating eye-related woes too: eye serums. The best eye serum can deliver potent ingredients more efficiently to the skin than an eye cream, helping to better address signs of puffiness, dehydration, and visible shadows. We dive into under eye serums, how to apply them, and which is the best eye serum—keep reading!
What Is an Eye Serum?
An eye serum is a highly concentrated formula designed to absorb quickly and address particular eye-specific needs. They will usually have a lighter or thinner texture, much like a facial serum does, with targeted ingredients designed to accomplish specific tasks, whether that be brightening, depuffing, or addressing the appearance of fine lines. Eye creams tend to have thicker, more occlusive textures with the purpose of locking in hydration.
Additionally, some might enjoy the lightweight texture and quick absorption of an under eye serum if they’re prone to milia (small, white bumps that form under the skin sometimes from using excessively rich creams) or want to quickly layer makeup atop their skincare without needing it to set first.
Speaking of overly rich eye creams, there is a possible link between heavy creams in excessive amounts causing chronic puffiness to the delicate under eye area. While more research is needed to find a definite link, some dermatologists suggest using only the amount of hydration needed around the eyes and nothing more. All this info makes an eye serum a particularly great choice for anyone, as the lightweight texture is ideal for all skin types.
Eye Serums vs. Eye Creams
While it might be tempting to plot eye serums against eye creams, the two work hand-in-hand to benefit the delicate eye area. Much like how a facial serum and a moisturizer work together to better treat your skin, an eye serum and eye cream can work congruently. However, eye serums are perfectly happy working alone, as most have plenty of hydration and treatment ingredients to be effective on their own. (That said, if your under eyes are especially dehydrated, pairing an eye cream over an eye serum can be helpful.)
What Can an Eye Serum Do?
An eye serum can effectively address a handful of common issues. Here are a few of the most beneficial effects of an eye serum when used consistently.
- Brightening
While a lack of sleep can help exacerbate dark circles, some people are just naturally prone to darkness under the eyes no matter how many hours of sleep they clock. The best eye serum for dark circles can help brighten the look of darkness with ingredients that address discoloration. Look for formulas that include ingredients that target the long-term appearance of darkness, like vitamin C, and also ingredients that immediately disguise the look of dark circles, such as pearl or gold powder.
- Reducing Puffiness
Eye serums are heralded for many good reasons, but their ability to address stubborn puffiness around the eyes is perhaps their most notable trait. While eye creams can accomplish this difficult task, the best eye puffiness serum is able to better penetrate the skin and work deeper to de-puff. Seek out formulas that contain caffeine, one of the most effective ways to quickly deflate puffy eyes.
Also, an under eye serum is less likely to cause puffiness around the eyes (either from irritation or too rich of a formula) while an eye cream can potentially do so for some users. Additionally, many of the best eye serums intentionally have applicators that help to massage in the product, which aids the serum to absorb better but also manually helps massage fluid out from under the eye, too.
- Hydration
The beauty of an eye serum is the hydration it delivers—not too little and certainly not too much. The water-based formula allows for quicker hydration and absorption, permitting the hydrating and active ingredients to get to work faster. It also won’t be too hydrating, so as not to weigh down or over-hydrate the delicate area. Look for serums that tout hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and algae, that can provide all-day moisture.
- Addressing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As we’ve learned, the best eye serum can target certain common eye woes and that certainly includes fine lines. Their ability to absorb quicker allows them to penetrate deeper and visibly firm and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Many ingredients can accomplish this firming effect, but peptides and botanical ingredients (like honeysuckle extract) are most notable in the best lifting eye serums.
How to Use an Eye Serum
As with many skincare products, consistency is key when it comes to eye serums. To achieve the impressive potential benefits listed above, it’s ideal to apply thoughtfully morning and night with your skincare routine. After moisturizing, apply the serum under the eyes (most formulas are specifically designed for under the eyes, but check with your doctor if you can apply the formula on your eyelids, too). If it comes with an applicator, use it to gently massage the serum into the skin, working to lightly push fluids from under the eye, too.
The Best Eye Serum
Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum
If you’re looking for the best eye serum, try our beloved Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum. Hydrate, reduce puffiness around the eye area, and visibly firm the skin with our award-winning serum. The formula includes a handful of potent ingredients, including Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid, honeysuckle leaf, and caffeine to help accomplish numerous tasks instantly. The serum also includes apricot oil, which is known for its skin-smoothing and antioxidant properties, cocooning the eye in lightweight hydration. Plus, the cooling ceramic applicator and fine dust of 23-karat gold brighten, visibly reduce shadows under the eyes, and depuff instantly.
Looking to take your under eyes to the next level? Try an under eye serum, which provides so many benefits and instant results you’ll have no choice but to massage in morning and night and admire your luminous skin.
