Expert-Approved Anti-Aging Eye Creams

As if aging isn't daunting enough, try strolling the drugstore aisle or perusing your favorite online retailer to find an eye cream that meets your specific skin concerns. Your head may be exploding at the thought. We're right there with you. While it's great to have options, the sheer number of creams, salves, serums, and even masks available for the choosing is flat out overwhelming. Of course, you can start by honing in on your skin type: dry, oily, acne-prone. These are all descriptors that help you select the product that suits you best, but when it comes to eye cream, things are a bit different.

Yes, it's still skin on your face, that likely falls within the general skin type category, but the skin under our eyes kind of lives in a world of its own—and should be treated as such. "The skin around the eyes is the finest textured yet most expressive part of the face and needs a very targeted treatment," says Amanda Bell, makeup artist and global educator for Pixi Beauty. While certain parts of your face may be craving a rich, heavy hydrator, a thicker cream may be too dense for your delicate under eye area. It can actually weigh it down, which over time and if done too often can cause sagging and more wrinkles. The exact opposite of what you're trying to correct. So, instead of randomly choosing a product, take a cue from these pros who share why these picks are their top choice.

Typically we focus on under eye, but saggy lids are a product of aging skin as well. Dr. Shari Sperling loves this botanical extract and peptide rich cream that she says is extremely hydrating and brings moisture to eyelids.

Shop Now: SkinCeuticals Eye Cream, $72, dermstore.com.

Suzanne LeRoux, green beauty expert and founder of Grace + Tonic Botanical Beauty says that this water-free formula delivers a high-potency concentration of botanical eyebright and green tea to the eye area. "Because the skin around the eyes is thin and has much fewer oil glands than the rest of your skin, using an oil-based formula will help keep the eye area properly moisturized, which wards off premature fine lines and wrinkles," says LeRoux.

Shop Now: Grace + Tonic Eye Serum, $29.99. target.com.

If you're looking for something a bit on the lighter side, that doesn't compromise moisture, try Dr. Sperling's second pick. It's a gel-meets-cream that contains both hyaluronic acid and fatty acids, two known moisture boosters that help soften fine lines and plumps any crepiness around the eye.

Shop Now: Neutrogena "Hydro Boost" Hyaluronic Acid Gel Eye Cream, $14.97, amazon.com.

As the name suggests, this was made specifically by a dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, who says that it's safe on both upper and lower eyelids, it contains plant extracts that improve lid contractility and can lift the upper eyelid. It has hyaluronic acid booster to enhance your own hyaluronic acid levels and increase skin elasticity. If that's not enough, it also contains a unique anti-aging peptide created to stimulate collagen and improve fine lines and wrinkles associated with crow's feet. Lastly, it has astaxanthin, nature's most potent antioxidant, that is far stronger than vitamin C.

Shop Now: Dr. Kenneth Mark Tighten and Lighten Eye Cream, $95, kennethmarkmd.com.

This formula has a combination of plant collagen/peptides and humectants that work in synergy to help smooth fine lines. Botanical extracts rosehip, jasmine, rosemary, and lavender revitalize and soothe the delicate eye area without leaving any residue. It's perfect to wear under makeup, which is another reason why makeup artist Amanda Bell chose it.

Shop Now: Pixi Beauty Collagen Eye Serum, 24, pixibeauty.com.

Beauty expert Dr. Robb says that the skin around the eye is very thin and often one of the first areas we see aging. He prefers eye creams that can be used on the full eye area, including the delicate eye lid. PCA Skin's Ideal Complex Eye Cream is one of them. It has a powerful combo of anti-aging peptides, antioxidants, and stem cells. "Another fun attribute is that it comes in two textures—a lightweight gel that can be used for all skin types and a richer cream for drier or more mature skin," he says.

Shop Now: PCA Skin Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream, $88, dermstore.com.

Doctor Carolyn Jacob, MD Founder and Director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, says that this cream repairs and replaces collagen and elastic tissue that may be damaged or lost from the skin under eyes.

Shop Now: Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology, $85, alastin.com.

"It has a balmy formula with optical diffusers that reflects light away from the eye area, so it instantly illuminates while working below the surface to fight signs of aging and deeper causes of dark circles," says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum.

Shop Now: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex Eye Cream, $90.43, amazon.com.

Also on Dr. Nussbaum's list is this multi-tasking cream that not only boosts collagen and elastin in skin, but also helps clear up dark circles. It has nerve calming proteins to smooth the effects of repeated muscle action (i.e. squinting and frowning)—an ideal solution for patients who visit for neuromodulators (nerve relaxers) like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.

Shop Now: Skin Better Science "InterFuse Treatment" Cream Eye, $100, skinbetter.com.