We all know that the skin around our eyes is more delicate than the rest of our faces. Hence why it’s recommended that you only use your ring finger to apply any appropriate eye treatments. But you may not know that eye creams aren’t your only option when it comes to batting dark circles, puffiness and the signs of aging. In fact, eye balms are much better.
Why? Most creams are made up of large amounts of water. You may think that’s a good thing, but it really isn’t. All that moisture mandates adding extra stuff, like preservatives and additives. Yuck.
Eye balms don’t require water so you only get the active ingredients. Which, after all, is what you’re paying for. They’re also easier on the eye area.
That being said, not all balms are created equal. Look for one that not only smooths but soothes. If retinol freaks your skin out, invest in a balm boasting a gentler alternative. Hydration powerhouses like hyaluronic acid and botanical oils are also important.
While you can shell out big bucks for some treatments (some are totally worth the expense), you can find formulas at more reasonable prices. We’re talking $30 and under.
See below for the best eye balms to add to your skin care regimen.
Honest Calm + Renew Melting Eye Balm, $27.99 at Honest
If you’re the impatient type, you’ll love this moisturizing eye balm. It instantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s all thanks to a mix of Calming Phyto Blend, cell energizer, shea butter, argan oil and aloe.
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense, $245 at Sephora
This super rich balm is exactly what you’d expect from the luxury label. It soothes, smooths and diminishes puffiness. Use the fast-penetrating formula infused with Miracle Broth for an I-got-a-full-eight-hours look.
Kjaer Weis Eye Balm Iconic Edition, $65 at Kjaer Weis
Want to go green? Then add this iconic eye balm to your cart. The luxe formula restores, rejuvenates and revitalizes. It contains the brand’s signature Dioscorea Batatas along with beeswax plus a blend of virgin cold-pressed oils like rosehip seed oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil.
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm, $17.99 at Versed
Boasting a less irritating form of retinol, use Versed’s eye balm at night to see visibly softer fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention a reduction in the look of crow's-feet. There’s also shiitake mushroom extract to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier along with vitamin E and black currant seed oil to keep premature aging at bay as it moisturizes.
TULA Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm, $28 at Ulta Beauty
Hyaluronic acid makes this formula special. The eye balm hydrates while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Another highlight? It immediately cools and brightens.
L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Eye Balm, $95 at L’Occitane
Applying this eye balm is a real treat. Its buttery texture not only feels good going on, it sculpts and combats the visible signs of aging. The brand’s natural alternative to retinol teams up with shea butter for real results. You can use it as a balm or a mask.
Boscia Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm, $26 at Boscia
A seven-peptide complex helps cut down on everything from puffiness to dark circles to fine lines. It cools as it moisturizes and blends seamlessly under or over makeup. How? Well, licorice root extract soothes as it nourishes and protects, while botanical oils supply hydration.
Dr. Hauschka Eye Balm, $55 at DermStore
This eye balm prevents premature aging and diminishes current fine lines and wrinkles at the same time. Its emollient botanical formula offers a unique combo of cocoa butter and jojoba oil. That way your skin stays hydrated and your skin's natural moisture barrier is fortified. Throw in camellia and anthyllis extracts to soothe along with neem and silk powder to support and strengthen and you’ve got one beautiful balm.
StriVectin Contour Restore Firming Moisture Balm for Eyes, $69 at StriVectin
Elastin-targeting peptides are the secret to this eye balm’s success. The rich formula restores contour, elasticity and firmness. There are also hydrating ingredients and naturally-derived extracts to enhance radiance.
BeautyBio The Quench Eye Balm, $95 at BeautyBio
BeautyBio’s buildable formula relies on Persian silk tree bark, jojoba oil, macadamia oil and olive oil to fill in fine lines. The mix also firms and brightens after just one use. With regular use, the eye balm will restore your skin's protective barrier.