Eye Cream vs. Moisturizer: What Sets Them Apart?

Even a casual glance reveals that the skin around our eyes differs from the rest of our face. But does this distinction justify a separate product? While some people strongly advocate for eye cream, others consider it unnecessary.

The response varies depending on whom you consult—and, to some degree, your budget. Eye creams are typically pricier and packaged in smaller quantities compared to regular moisturizers. They are also formulated with active ingredients tailored for delicate skin, though many components overlap with standard moisturizers.

If you’re inclined, you could splurge on La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, priced at $350 for just over half an ounce at Neiman Marcus. Alternatively, you could opt for the Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller, available on Amazon for around $8. For a budget-friendly option, a $5 jar of Pond’s Dry Skin Cream from Target or any local drugstore works just as well.

But is any of this truly essential? Despite being close to our eyes, it’s still just skin—right? As long as it’s kept clean, hydrated, and protected from the sun, isn’t that sufficient?

Dermatologists emphasize that the situation is more complex than it seems.

“The skin on the eyelids is the thinnest in the entire body,” notes Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

She highlights that the fragile skin surrounding your eyes measures less than a millimeter in thickness. The constant stress from 28,800 daily blinks, combined with a scarcity of oil glands and frequent contact with dirty hands—from phone screens to subway poles—creates a challenging environment for this delicate area.

The skin around the eyes is not only prone to showing signs of aging but is also one of the most prominent features of the face, according to

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Elite MD in San Francisco. As she explains, eyes are a focal point during conversations, and this area is often where eczema first appears.

For many, the annual spring allergy season is a nightmare, turning even the most youthful and smooth-skinned individuals into puffy-eyed creatures. Papri Sarkar, a board-certified dermatologist in Brookline, Massachusetts, notes that some patients inquire about eyelid surgery due to allergy-related puffiness. Instead of surgery or creams, she advises patience and antihistamines.

This might make you want to shield your eyes with oversized, wraparound sunglasses. (Jaliman strongly endorses this, by the way.)

All three dermatologists agree that the eye area deserves extra care, both as a preventive measure before wrinkles appear and after fine lines have started to form. While eye cream is one option, it’s not the only solution.

(Although our discussions focused on eye cream, each doctor emphasized that sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, both aesthetically and medically, from head to toe. So, we’re reiterating it here: Sunscreen is essential. Don’t skip it.)

Understanding the Difference Between Eye Cream and Moisturizer

You can absolutely apply the same moisturizer you use on your face to the eye area. It will hydrate the skin effectively. However, eye creams are specifically formulated with key differences compared to regular facial moisturizers.

For instance, active ingredients like retinol are present in lower concentrations to avoid irritating the sensitive skin around the eyes. Additionally, eye creams are almost always free of fragrances, eliminating another potential irritant. Jaliman notes that many brands undergo testing by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists.

Certain ingredients commonly found in eye creams provide fast, temporary solutions for issues specific to the eye area. Caffeine, for example, is a popular choice as it tightens blood vessels around the eyes, according to Jaliman.

Research has demonstrated that caffeine works effectively as a vasoconstrictor, promoting blood flow when applied topically to the skin. This makes it ideal for a quick fix after a sleepless night. One study revealed noticeable results—both immediate and long-term—using a three-percent caffeine formulation.

“Caffeine is a standout ingredient in eye creams,” Sarkar explains. “Its small molecules can penetrate the pores effectively. Unlike topical collagen, which doesn’t absorb well, caffeine makes a noticeable difference when applied.”

Badreshia-Bansal highlights peptides for their collagen-boosting properties, making them excellent for preventing wrinkles. Polypeptides and oligopeptides have been proven to enhance collagen production, which naturally declines with age, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Jaliman praises hyaluronic acid, an effective hydrating agent currently popular in skincare, for its gentle plumping and moisturizing effects. Sarkar also recommends vitamin C for its skin-brightening benefits.

All three experts agree that using eye cream on your entire face won’t cause harm, though it might strain your budget. However, applying a lower concentration of active ingredients like retinol to areas that could benefit from stronger formulations isn’t ideal.

Using regular moisturizer around the eyes can lead to problems, according to Jaliman. It may be too oily, and she has observed patients developing milia—small, stubborn white bumps that often require professional removal with a scalpel or laser.

“A $20 eye cream from the drugstore is a worthwhile purchase,” Jaliman states. “It’s a smart investment.”

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Eye Cream Without Breaking the Bank

While scientific research supports the effectiveness of many eye cream ingredients, there are affordable alternatives to pamper your skin.

“You don’t need to spend $200 on an eye cream,” Jaliman emphasizes.

Badreshia-Bansal notes that part of the allure of eye creams lies in the ritual of applying a specialized product.

“Many people appreciate the texture and formulation,” she explains. “It glides on smoothly and feels indulgent.” If a luxurious experience matters to you, there are plenty of eye creams that deliver.

Roller applicators included with some eye serums can provide a pleasant experience and help evenly spread the product, according to Badreshia-Bansal. Storing them in the refrigerator adds a refreshing, cooling effect. However, Sarkar mentions that a cold compress offers similar benefits at no cost.

While Sarkar appreciates eye cream, it doesn’t make her top three essentials. (Those are cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer.) For those unwilling to spend extra or dedicate space to another product, she suggests diluting existing products by half with a basic moisturizer.