"Approximately 61 per cent of women above the age of 35 globally purchase under eye creams, yet it remains one of the most scrutinised and dubious beauty products. Most under eye creams" endorsement features tall, sometimes exaggerated claims, and only a few deliver visible results. This is because several eye creams are formulated with ingredients that can be commonly found in moisturiser jars as well—hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin. The best under eye cream in India is the one that effectively targets concerns specific to the area—think dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, says celebrity dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. Under eye cream versus regular moisturiser: Understanding the difference “While a regular moisturiser focuses on hydration and barrier repair, an under eye cream must work inside-out to tackle the various signs of ageing that show up around the eyes,” explains Agarwal. While every under eye cream doesn"t outweigh a regular moisturiser"s formula, some combine potent active ingredients with smart delivery systems. “From implementing research-backed ingredients like caffeine, retinol, and PDRN to even championing metal tips or roller balls to make sure the application is even, smooth, and and convenient, the best under eye creams on the market do have an edge over moistruisers for the under eye skin in particular.” Approximately 61 per cent of women above the age of 35 globally purchase under eye creams. Photograph: (Instagram.com/clinique) How to choose the best under eye cream The function of common emollients and humectants in under eye creams is restricted to keeping the area plump, soft, and healthy. What makes an under eye cream investment-worthy are ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and vitamin A-derivatives that have been scientifically proven to assist with under eye concerns, notes Agarwal. “Research indicates that caffeine is an effective ingredient for addressing puffiness by constricting blood vessels, which can help reduce fluid retention. Concentrations between 0.5 to 3 per cent are commonly recommended, with results typically noticeable after 4-6 weeks of consistent use twice a day,” says Agarwal. “Then, peptides—that show up as acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 on ingredient labels—promote lymphatic drainage and support capillary walls.” “FROM IMPLEMENTING RESEARCH-BACKED INGREDIENTS LIKE CAFFEINE, RETINOL, AND PDRN TO EVEN CHAMPIONING METAL TIPS OR ROLLER BALLS, SOME UNDER EYE CREAMS DO HAVE AN EDGE OVER MOISTRUISERS FOR THE UNDER EYE SKIN IN PARTICULAR” –– Dr Madhuri Agarwal While these ingredients are considered milder than retinoids and are most effective with long-term use, retinoids are faster-acting, cites Agarwal. “They have been shown to support skin thickening and collagen production. However, apply cautiously around the eyes; it is advised to begin with a gentler formulation, and use it up to thrice a week.” Vitamin K is another underrated ingredient that defies darkness and pigmentation under the eyes. The best under eye cream for dark circles and puffiness must combine targeted actives with delivery systems designed for thin, sensitive skin. The best under eye creams in India Photograph: (Instagram.com/aminu.life) Aminu Under Eye Serum: Best under eye cream for puffiness Not everyone may notice fine lines and wrinkles; however, pigmentation and puffiness are common concerns. This eye serum from Aminu packs over 20 active ingredients including ceramides, niacinamide, caffeine, glycerin, coffee seed extract, and a slew of botanical extracts to depuff, smooth, and plump the skin under the eyes. The formulation steers clear from harsh actives, making it the best under eye cream for every skin type. Priced at ₹1,850 Available at Aminu.life Photograph: (Instagram.com/evelynndevroe) Eucerin Dark Circle Corrector: Best under eye cream for dark circles A popular product in most French pharmacies, this made-in-Europe under eye cream features a patented ingredient complex called Thiamidol, which defies pigmentation by targeting unevenness and dark spots. Besides being the best under eye cream for dark circles, the formula also nourishes, courtesy of shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin. Priced at ₹2,394 Available at Nykaa.com Photograph: (www.clinique.com) Clinique All About Eyes: Best hydrating cream for under eyes Trust the pudding-like texture of this eye cream to instantly smoothen and soften dry, damaged skin. Supercharged with caffeine, green tea, wheat bran, and olive fruit extracts, and glycerin, this under eye hydrator alleviates puffiness and dullness, leaving the skin looking fresh. This best hydrating cream for under eyes can even be used under make-up instead of a primer. Priced at ₹4,250 Available at Sephora.in Photograph: (Instagram.com/caudalie) Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream: Best under eye cream for dark circles and puffiness Irrespective of the type of dark circles—vascualar or pigmentary—this caffeine-laden under eye cream will combat darkness and unevenness. With viniferine (extracted from a grapevine sap), Caudalie"s patented ingredient and niacinamide on the inside, this under eye cream"s tube comes with a ceramic applicator to make blending seamless. Priced at ₹3,875 Available at Tirabeauty.com Photograph: (amc.apglobal.com) Laneige Bounce & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask: Best under eye cream for bags This gel-textured formula is among the best under eye cream for bags, given the double-duty formula depuffs and firms at once. Panthenol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, adenosine, and fermented extracts equip the formula to deliver cooling, calming, and hydrating effects. Priced at ₹2,400 Available at Nykaa.com Photograph: (en.zalando.de) Abib Collagen Eye Cream: The best under eye cream for fine lines For those who struggle with sensitive eyes, this soothing formula from Korean brand Abib makes for a winning choice. Packed with floral extracts, mango seed butter, collagen, macadamia seed oil, and allantoin, this under eye cream features one of the most nourishing, soothing, and non-irritating and -sensitising formulas on the market. Priced at ₹2,600 Available at Foyforyou.com Photograph: (Instagram.com/kiehlsitaly) Kiehl"s Avocado Eye Cream: Best under eye cream for dry skin For those just getting started with eye care, this under eye cream is an ideal choice. Loaded with avocado oil, vitamin A, caffeine, shea butter, vitamin E, castor oil, and sunflower seed oil, this green-hued buttery formula is the best under eye cream for dry skin. Priced at ₹3,000 Available at Kiehls.in Photograph: (songofskin.com) In a category crowded with claims, the under eye creams that last are the ones built around ingredients, not urgency. Frequently asked questions on the best under eye creams Q. Which is the best under eye cream in India? A. There is no single best under eye cream in India. The right formula depends on the concern being addressed, whether dark circles, puffiness, fine lines or dryness. Brands like Celimax, Aminu, Kiehl"s and Caudalie offer formulations that target different under eye needs. Q. How to apply an under eye cream? A. An under eye cream should be applied using a small amount, roughly the size of a grain of rice per eye. Use the ring finger to gently tap the product around the orbital bone, avoiding excessive rubbing or pressure. Q. Do under eye creams work? A. Under eye creams can work when they contain targeted, research-backed ingredients such as caffeine, retinoids and peptides. Results are gradual and depend on consistent use, formulation strength and the specific concern being treated. Q. How does under eye cream work? A. An under eye cream works by delivering concentrated active ingredients to the thinner skin around the eyes. These formulations are designed to address concerns like pigmentation, puffiness and fine lines without compromising the skin barrier. Q. Is under eye cream necessary? A. An under eye cream is not essential for everyone. While a regular moisturiser can provide hydration, it may not address specific concerns such as dark circles or puffiness. Whether an under eye cream is needed depends on skin type, age and individual concerns. "
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