There’s a moment that hits when you glance in the mirror one morning and think: “Wait, when did I start looking tired even after eight hours of sleep?” Maybe it’s the faint lines that weren’t there a year ago. Maybe it’s the shadowy crescent moons under your eyes that concealer just isn’t hiding anymore. Or maybe your under-eye area is just… puffy. And cranky. And asking for help.
That’s exactly where I found myself two winters ago, during a particularly brutal New York February. My usual moisturizer wasn’t cutting it, and the \$85 eye cream I’d been gifted during fashion week? Glorious, but not exactly sustainable to restock every two months. So I began my search for eye creams that deliver real results — without eating up my entire beauty budget.
And let me tell you: drugstore eye creams have leveled up. I’ve tested dozens over the past year — some were forgettable, but some blew me away. Below are 9 of the absolute best I’ve found, all under \$40, all available at stores like Target, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Walmart, or your neighborhood CVS and Walgreens. If you’ve been on the fence about picking one up, consider this your definitive guide.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
Price: \$11–\$20
Best for: Deep hydration, layering under makeup
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Target
Let’s start with a classic. This is one of the first drugstore eye creams I ever loved — and I keep coming back to it. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream is a deceptively simple product. There’s no fancy marketing around dark circles or anti-aging miracles. But what it does do, it does so well: it hydrates deeply and instantly, using hyaluronic acid as its star ingredient.
The texture is what makes this so wearable. It’s a lightweight, cooling gel that melts into the skin. I love using it before concealer because it prevents that dreaded crepey look. I’ve also dabbed it on midday over makeup when my skin feels tight — it absorbs fast and gives a soft plumpness without disturbing your foundation.
Usage tip: Store this in the fridge for an extra cooling boost in the morning, especially during allergy season or after a night of crying (been there).
2. RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Price: \$20–\$30
Best for: Fine lines, long-term firming
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, CVS
This is a sleeper hit. It’s not flashy, but it has a cult following for a reason. The RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is one of the only retinol-based eye creams at the drugstore that doesn’t irritate my skin — which is a minor miracle in itself.
It uses a milder, time-released retinol that targets fine lines, crow’s feet, and skin texture. I noticed a subtle tightening effect after two weeks of nighttime use, and after about a month, my under-eyes just looked… better. Brighter. Smoother. Less tired.
Usage tip: Only use at night. Retinol makes skin sensitive to sunlight, and this formula works best while you sleep. Always follow with SPF in the morning, even around the eyes.
3. Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum
Price: \$22–\$28
Best for: Brightening, barrier repair
Where to buy: Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Target
I was skeptical at first — Cetaphil isn’t exactly known for high-tech formulations — but this gel-serum completely earned its place in my routine. It’s packed with niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin B5, making it perfect for stressed or compromised under-eyes.
The texture is that rare sweet spot between gel and cream — lightweight but still nourishing. I’ve used this during allergy flare-ups and even post-laser treatments when my skin felt angry and raw. It calms, soothes, and hydrates without causing milia or puffiness.
Usage tip: A little goes a long way. Gently tap it around the orbital bone — don’t slather or rub, especially if you’re applying makeup after.
4. Olay Super Eye Serum
Price: \$32–\$35
Best for: Multitasking (brightening + firming + smoothing)
Where to buy: Amazon, Target
This one is my Swiss army knife. If I’m packing for a trip or paring back my skincare routine, this is what I grab. The Olay Super Eye Serum is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and includes niacinamide, vitamin C, caffeine, and aloe vera — basically everything you want in one bottle.
I’ve used it as a morning serum before heavier creams, or solo when my skin feels oily. It works great under concealer, and I’ve even used it as a mid-day touch-up to smooth out dry patches.
Usage tip: Pat this on with your ring finger — never drag. It’s gentle enough for both AM and PM use, and the pump bottle makes application super hygienic.
5. Naturium Vitamin C Super Eye Cream Plus
Price: \$20
Best for: Glow, overnight moisture
Where to buy: Naturium.com, Target
I didn’t expect a \$20 eye cream to feel like a \$90 one — but that’s what this delivers. It has a dense, buttery texture that melts into skin like a night balm. Packed with vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid, it gives you that juicy, well-rested glow by morning.
I don’t use this under makeup — it’s too rich. But at night? It’s a dream. When I wake up, the texture around my eyes looks visibly smoother and less puffy.
Usage tip: Layer this over a thin gel serum (like Cetaphil’s) to seal in hydration overnight.
6. Byoma De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel
Price: \$14
Best for: Puffiness, lightweight hydration
Where to buy: Ulta Beauty
Some mornings, I need a shot of espresso under my eyes — and that’s what Byoma delivers. This eye gel is incredibly refreshing. It has peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, and the cooling sensation helps calm puffiness within minutes.
It’s not heavy-duty enough for deep lines or dry winter days, but for summer mornings or pre-Zoom prep? It’s perfect. Plus, it layers beautifully with SPF and concealer.
Usage tip: Store it upside-down to get the product to the tip faster. You’ll want to apply it directly from the tube and then tap gently with fingers.
7. Eucerin Brightening Eye Cream
Price: \$35
Best for: Dark circles, hydration + color correction
Where to buy: Ulta Beauty, Amazon
This one surprised me. It’s technically an eye cream, but it wears more like a hybrid between skincare and concealer. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and light-reflecting pigments that immediately brighten — and I mean immediately. I use this on no-makeup days to look a bit more polished without reaching for concealer.
The coverage is sheer, but enough to mute purplish tones or dullness. It also works beautifully as a color-correcting base under regular makeup.
Usage tip: Don’t blend it out like foundation — pat it into place and let it set before layering any other products.
8. Bubble Morning Rays Brightening Eye Cream
Price: \$14
Best for: Teen or beginner skincare, gentle brightening
Where to buy: Ulta Beauty, Walmart
This one’s technically marketed to Gen Z (or Gen Alpha, honestly), but I have zero shame admitting it lives in my own bathroom. It’s gentle, effective, and a joy to use.
Formulated with peptides, niacinamide, and caffeine, it’s soothing without being sticky. The texture is light and non-greasy, and it absorbs fast. Think of it like your daily vitamin — nothing dramatic, but something that keeps you consistently looking awake.
Usage tip: Works great as a midday refresh — dab it over your concealer for a cooling lift.
9. Versed Weekend Glow Brightening Eye Gel
Price: \$15
Best for: On-the-go depuffing
Where to buy: VersedSkincare.com, Target
I adore this for its rollerball applicator. It glides on smoothly and applies just the right amount of product — no messy fingers or overdoing it. It contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine, so it brightens and depuffs in one go.
I use this when I’m running late and need a fast fix. It’s especially nice during travel — it lives in my carry-on and gets rolled on right before I land.
Usage tip: Keep it in the fridge or toss it in your bag with an ice pack. Cold + caffeine = the ultimate under-eye reset.
Where to Shop These Eye Creams in the U.S.
One of the best things about these products? They’re accessible. You don’t have to jump through hoops or wait for overseas shipping. Here are my go-to places to grab them (sometimes at a discount):
- Target – Great selection, in-store or online, and usually includes newer indie brands like Versed and Bubble.
- Ulta Beauty – Carries almost everything on this list, and you can use points or coupons for even more savings.
- Amazon – Especially helpful for bulk purchases or for those of us with Prime. Just be sure to buy from official stores or reputable sellers.
- CVS / Walgreens – Often overlooked, but their beauty sections have seriously upped their game. Many carry dermatologist-recommended brands like RoC and Olay.
- Brand Websites – Thrive Causemetics, Versed, and Byoma all offer free shipping and bundle deals directly from their sites. Worth checking for first-time buyer discounts too.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after testing dozens of eye creams over the years—cheap, expensive, hyped, and hidden gems—it’s that effectiveness doesn’t always come with a luxury price tag. These drugstore finds prove exactly that. Whether you’re dealing with puffiness that won’t quit, dark circles that seem permanent, or just looking for a little more brightness and hydration in your routine, there’s something on this list that can truly make a difference—without draining your bank account.
The skin around our eyes is delicate, expressive, and often the first to show stress, fatigue, or time. Taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. It’s about consistency, ingredients that support your needs, and textures that make you want to come back to the jar (or tube, or rollerball) every single morning and night.
And that’s the beauty of these products. They don’t promise miracles—but they deliver results. Reliable, comforting, effective results that make you look more awake, more refreshed, more like yourself. That’s the kind of beauty investment that always pays off.
So whether you’re building a routine from scratch, upgrading your skincare arsenal, or just finally ready to give your under-eyes the love they deserve, I hope this guide helps you discover a formula (or two) that earns a permanent spot on your shelf.
Let your skin tell the story—hydrated, bright, and beautifully yours.
