Eye creams are not the anti-ageing magic bullet

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Recent expert evaluations suggest that eye creams are not universally necessary for anti-ageing, as many people can achieve similar benefits using their regular facial skincare products. New affordable options from brands like The Inkey List and The Ordinary offer targeted solutions for specific needs, but experts stress that individual skin type and preference should guide their use.

Eye creams may not be the essential anti-ageing products that marketing campaigns often suggest, according to recent expert assessments. While specialized products designed for the delicate skin around the eyes can offer certain benefits, many people can achieve similar results using their regular facial skincare routines, potentially saving time and money.

Experts note that the need for an eye cream largely depends on individual skin types and preferences. For example, someone with a very dry area around the eyes but oily skin on the rest of the face might benefit from a targeted product to avoid a skincare mismatch. Conversely, if a daily face cream feels too heavy and causes puffiness near the eyes, a lighter alternative specifically formulated for that area might be preferable. Additionally, some people may seek subtle cosmetic effects like light reflection or require lower concentrations of active ingredients such as retinol, which may be tolerated well on the face but could irritate the eye area.

For those interested in exploring eye creams without making a significant financial investment, several new options offer a balance of value and performance. The Inkey List has introduced a range of affordable eye creams catering to various needs. Its Bio-Active Ceramide Eye Cream, priced at £15, is tailored for users who prefer a lightweight day cream elsewhere but desire a richer formula around the eyes. This product delivers lasting hydration that absorbs quickly and includes a peptide complex purported to improve skin firmness over time, based on a reported three-month blind clinical trial.

Another offering from The Inkey List, the Brighten-i Eye Cream (£12), provides a light, refreshing texture with a glowy finish. It aims to deliver comfort and moisture while subtly brightening dark circles, making it a convenient choice for those wanting modest enhancement without applying a gleaming product to the entire face.

Meanwhile, The Ordinary’s new Lacto PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream, priced at £8.70, features a gel-cream formula suitable for users who find traditional eye creams too heavy. Though the ingredient PDRN remains under scientific review—with promising but still preliminary laboratory studies—it is said to produce a mild, temporary lifting effect. This product has garnered positive feedback from users seeking a noticeable but lightweight treatment.

While these formulations provide varied approaches to eye care, experts emphasize that no eye cream represents a universal solution for ageing or other skin concerns. Ultimately, the choice to use an eye cream may boil down to personal skin needs and individual preference rather than an absolute necessity.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.