Your eyes can show signs of stress, poor sleep, and even puffiness from crying! But while dark circles are cute on pandas, they don’t look as appealing on HUMANS.
Tired eyes are a big no-no when it comes to meeting new people or while delivering a presentation. You can’t change the fact you lost sleep last night.
But don’t worry fellow beauty enthusiasts! With the best Korean eye cream, you might just get away with it…
7 Best Korean Eye Creams for Dark Circles, Wrinkles, and Fine Lines
1. Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream
Our Pick
If you like weird ingredients with the most value, this is the best Korean eye cream for you.
Packed with snail mucin, the Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream is the best choice for skin regeneration.
Something About Snails
Snail Mucin or Snail Slime can easily HEAL wounds and SOOTHE skin problems and signs of aging — especially around your eye area.
Snail slime is great for eye creams because it has ingredients that promote supple skin such as:
- Antimicrobial Peptides
- Glycoprotein
- Hyaluronic Acid
The Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream has an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in its snail mucin which promotes SKIN CELL GROWTH.
The combination of snail mucus filtrate and EGF make it a great Korean eye cream for lightening dark circles and filling in the appearance of fine lines for older users.
And even people with a sensitive skin type can enjoy this snail peptide eye cream. The overall formula is paraben, artificial color, and fragrance-free.
Beware of the Burn
The only catch with using Snail Mucin is that it causes a dull, burning sensation when you first apply it.
It ISN’T a sign of irritation though. The burning is a common effect for skin that still hasn’t adjusted to the rich properties of Snail Mucin.
Snail mucin is highly allergenic and may cause a temporary warm sensation when applied.
Pros
- Promotes skin regeneration
- Paraben-free and fragrance-free
- Moisturizing
- Fills in fine lines
- Brightening properties
Cons
- May cause a mild burning sensation during the first few uses
2. A.H.C. The Real Eye Cream for Face
Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
An eye cream that can also be a face moisturizer? This Korean eye cream from Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics (AHC) does just that!
Anti-Aging Formula
A.H.C. The Real Eye Cream for Face contains Antarcticine, which is a glycoprotein from (you guessed it!) the Antarctic Sea. This helps retain moisture even in a cold climate.
It prevents and lessens signs of aging like the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area because it promotes keratinocyte growth.
We suggest you also try using this cream for your whole face or on any extra dry patches you have. It’s a great way to add more moisture to your skin barrier.
6 ECOCERT ingredients are the main components of the formula. They improve skin elasticity with regular use.
Fun Fact: ECOCERT is a certification body for natural ingredients and organic cosmetics.
Fragrance Isn't Always Fun
While we love sweet-smelling Korean skincare products, an eye cream is better off without them. Added fragrances can aggravate irritation around the eye area.
Some users noticed that the smell of this eye cream can be too much. They don’t really enjoy applying something with a strong aroma to the most vulnerable part of your face.
People with sensitive skin should also watch out for the added fragrance since it could cause BREAKOUTS AND RASHES for them.
Packaging Problems
Watch out for the product packaging and container.
Long-time users observed that the paint tends to peel off and mix with the actual eye cream.
Just be EXTRA CAREFUL during application.
Pros
- Designed for the whole face
- Absorbs well into the skin
- Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle formula
- Promotes elasticity
Cons
- Has added fragrance
- Not for those with a sensitive skin type
- Container tint tends to peel off
3. Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Best for Anti-Aging
Another one from Mizon? Yes indeed. This Korean brand has got eye cream game. While the Snail Repair Eye Cream focuses on skin regeneration, this one emphasizes the benefits of collagen to make your skin firm.
Underwater Treasure
The Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream is made up of 42 percent marine collagen, an ingredient known for its ability to support connective tissues. This translates to less fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area as these signs of aging are caused mainly by a decrease in collagen production.
This makes it the best choice for those 25 years old or above because collagen production in the skin naturally decreases at that age. We know. While life gets tougher, our skin does not.
This is why collagen-rich Korean eye creams are the best preventions against dreaded lines that come with aging.
In particular, this eye cream is recommended for use even before aging symptoms start to appear. And since this is paraben- and fragrance-free, it is perfect for users with sensitive skin types.
Insta-worthy Instantly
We don’t expect skincare products to be magical, but this Korean eye cream is close. Users report they felt and saw a difference the next day after trying this out.
Not for Oily Skin
While this eye cream is adequate for sensitive skin types, some users with oily skin do have problems with it. Because of the eye cream’s thick formula, it can cause milia.
Milia are those benign white bumps that appear on the skin and are common among babies. Even though we prefer to have a smooth baby skin texture, it’s not the same as having it forever. Milia can appear like syringoma at times and trust us, you won’t love the sight of it.
Apart from causing milia to some, the thickness of the eye cream also means a slower absorption rate compared to lightweight formulas. This may leave sticky residues especially if you already have oily skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains marine collagen
- Ethanol-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Works well with older users
Cons
- Thick formula can slow down absorption and leave a sticky residue
- Not suitable for oily skin types
4. Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream
Best for Puffiness
The best thing about this Korean eye cream is it effectively reduces eye bags and puffiness around the eyes. This makes it a good choice for those fond of (or forced to) pulling all-nighters. We’re looking at you, sleep-deprived students!
The secret of the Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream lies in its highly moisturizing botanical ingredients that correct skin tone.
Because it is moisturizing, it tends to have a heavy and thick formula. But this is not a problem because it is absorbed quickly by the skin.
A Floral Paradise
As its name suggests, having orchids as one of this eye cream’s main ingredients surely has its benefits.
This eye cream contains a superior antioxidant ingredient extracted from Jeju orchids in South Korea. This helps strengthen the skin around your eye area while providing a natural Korean glow.
The antioxidants found in Jeju orchids are capable of reversing damage caused by free radicals and UV rays exposure. And because it strengthens the skin, it gives a slight lift while smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A Little Goes a Long Way
If you’re looking for Korean eye creams that are not only effective but give you your money’s worth, this is a good way to go. There’s a lot of eye cream in the pot, and you need only a small amount every time.
Users say you only need to use less than a pea-size amount for the product to do its beauty magic.
The Downside
Stay Away from Heat
The common problem with moisturizing eye creams is their tendency to melt due to warm temperatures. This Korean eye cream is no exception. Because of this, it might not be the best choice for summer months.
Users report feeling extra sweaty under the eyes when using this, which may be the eye cream melting off because of the heat.
Pinch Your Nose
Another downside of this eye cream is its strong scent. As mentioned earlier, fragrances are not your friends when it comes to skin care.
A lot of people who have tried this eye cream complain about the overpowering floral smell. This may be due to the flowers in its ingredients that contribute to its fragrance.
Observe the Changes
Many users report having milia after prolonged use. Just like the Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream, this Korean skin care product tends to cause those small bumps that don’t look so good on the face.
That’s why it is recommended to observe your skin’s reaction to this eye cream first. The bumps tend to show up weeks after the first application, so it might be better to find a sample size and see if it suits your skin.
Conceal the Darkness
While this eye cream efficiently reduces puffy eyes, it does little to nothing for those dark circles around your eyes. Users don’t notice any visible changes in their under-eye shadows, so you might need to use concealer with this one.
Pros
- Contains botanical ingredients that help tone skin
- Great results for both young and old users
- Thick formula that absorbs quickly
- Good for getting rid of eye bags
- Moisturizing
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Does not reduce dark circles
- Strong scent
- Not suitable for hotter months
- May cause milia to some users
5. Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Cream
Best for Hydration
When it comes to hydration, not many Korean eye creams compare to the Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Cream. If you have dry skin, this fast-absorbing Korean eye cream is your good news. What’s even better is that many users report visible changes within a week of using the eye cream.
Because the skin around your eye area is very delicate, having dry skin aggravates the situation. This is why hydration is an important factor to consider when combatting the signs of aging.
What's Inside?
The Laneige Perfect Renew Eye Cream boasts of advanced ceramide water. According to a study published in The International Society of Dermatology, ceramide-containing emulsions improve barrier function. This aids in skin hydration and serves as protection against skin irritation.
This Korean eye cream also has jojoba esters for skin conditioning and moisturizing. More importantly, it has Vitamin E – one of the best ingredients for dry skin types.
However, the eye cream does contain added fragrance in the form of glutamic acid.
On The Other Hand
When it comes to the packaging, the bottle is quite heavy, which makes it cumbersome to carry around. It does come with a spatula for hygienic purposes, but for an on-the-go application, tubes would be the clear preference.
Compared to the other best Korean eye cream options on this list, one of the more evident downsides of this eye cream is its price. Users say the results did not justify the amount paid for. While it is super hydrating, this is not the best eye cream for fine lines.
However, there are many who stand by this eye cream despite its high price. Some even report seeing improvements on their skin within a week of using it.
In general, this eye cream is for those with damaged and dry skin, especially for the colder months when the skin needs more moisture.
Pros
- Highly hydrating
- Nourishing properties
- Fast results
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- High price
- Doesn’t really work on fine lines
- Not suitable for those with oily skin
6. Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream with Avocado
Best for Dark Circles
Joining the list is this Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream from Saturday Skin. Dark circles is a common problem that it seeks to solve.
Whether you’re not getting enough sleep or it’s just part of your genetics, dark circles and puffiness are tricky to fight.
Luckily, this Korean eye cream is specially formulated to lighten those pesky dark circles!
What's Inside?
This Korean eye cream has a unique peptide formula called Cha-7 es Complex. It helps speed up the skin’s regeneration process. This renews the skin around your eye area to bring out a plumper skin texture. It brings out a brighter skin tone to lighten dark circles.
It also has Date Seed extract which is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. This has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on skin which smooths and hydrates the areas around your eyes while protecting it from damage
Finally, Avocado Protein extract enriches and retains moisture on the skin for a longer time. It makes sure that your under-eyes continuously receive hydration to keep them supple and firm.
This eye cream is also free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic colors.
On the Other Hand...
For its many benefits, the Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream still has its faults. Users mostly complain about its deceiving packaging.
The bottle appears to be large and hefty, but the product inside is only a total of 1 fluid ounce. Many think that it’s not great value for money.
Also, while it does contain potent ingredients that improve and lighten dark circles and puffiness around your eye area, it takes a while to work. Many users only notice the brightening effects after a few weeks of use.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Brightens and reduces dark circles and puffiness
- Smoothening properties from Date Seed extract
- Hydrating
- Free from chemicals
Cons
- Expensive for its volume
- Takes time to see results
7. Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Eye Cream
Best for Dry Skin
Excessively dry skin is more susceptible to prominent, saggy under-eyes. Innisfree’s The Green Tea Seed Eye Cream is around to make sure you’re covered.
Though it’s marketed for all skin types, it’s particularly effective for dry skin. This is because of the rich ingredients it has in its formula.
Indeed, Innisfree lives up to its being a cult K-beauty brand among fans.
What's Inside?
As seen from its name, Green Tea is this product’s star ingredient. It has both Jeju Green Tea Extract and Jeju Green Tea Seed Oil. These work together to provide and retain moisture on your eye area for much longer.
It’s also mixed in with an ingredient called Panthenol. This boosts the effects of the Green tea by repairing the skin’s barrier. It makes the barrier stronger and less vulnerable to damage.
Your undereyes will be plumper, firmer, and much healthier with regular use of this Korean eye cream.
You should also know that this doesn’t contain any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or mineral oil.
On The Other Hand
What users don’t enjoy about this is its fragrance. Upon opening the tub, you’ll immediately notice the scent. It’s because of the rich content of green tea oil and extracts.
Also, since it’s highly moisturizing, many like to complain that it feels too thick under their eyes. People with oily skin also find that it makes their under-eyes look greasy. This is definitely catered better for those with dry skin.
Pros
- Highly hydrating
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Firms and plumps the skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
- Looks greasy on people with oily skin
The Elephant in the Room: Are Eye Creams Even Necessary?
You might be thinking why an eye cream would be an option in the first place. You have a good moisturizer you could also apply under your eyes, so why else, right? Not quite.
Research reveals the skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to damage.
More Care Needed
Your eyes are the first organs that reveal aging. Remember that FRIENDS episode when Phoebe tells Joey he can’t pass off being a 19-year-old because the wisdom in his eyes gives him away? Well, for most people, that so-called wisdom means fine lines and wrinkles.
The goal of using eye creams is to delay the manifestations of aging around your eye area and to slowly fix existing signs of aging.
Be sure that you also know how to apply eye cream properly. Your eye area is extra sensitive, so you have to be gentle.
PRO TIP: Using your ring finger is the best way to apply eye cream because it provides the lightest touch and least force on the skin around your eyes!
Ingredients to Consider
This Vitamin A derivative is like a good friend you don’t want to see too often. While it has the ability to tighten skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it can be very drying. In addition, it also makes the skin more prone to sun damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
The main function of hyaluronic acid function in skincare is to provide the skin with the moisture it needs. Hyaluronic acid is already present in the body, but with aging and exposure to pollution and UV rays, the amount present in our skin decreases. This translates to dryness.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol is merely Vitamin E. As a nutrient, we need this vitamin to support our immune system. This can be taken orally, but is also commonly a nutrient used in the skin care industry to improve skin appearance.
Its anti-aging properties are best reaped during shut-eye so that the skin can absorb its thick consistency properly.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a great role in collagen synthesis and has antioxidant properties.
What’s even better is that studies show that Vitamin C can help treat photodamaged skin. So if you’ve been skipping sunscreen before, you should prioritize this ingredient.
The Verdict
Korean beauty culture emphasizes skin health more than anything else, so you can be assured that Korean eye creams are tailored towards improved skin health.
But before handing over your hard-earned money to these Korean skincare brands, make sure to read the ingredients first to confirm there are no irritating substances for your skin type.
In the end, we are still hoping for the day when crow’s feet are limited to actual crows and not crinkly lines around our eyes.
Your eyes are the windows to your soul. Let’s try not to ruin the view.
CHANGELOG:
August 16, 2021 – Updated product descriptions, improved article formatting, reviewed and updated overall content
July 13, 2021 – Reviewed and updated article links
