Forget your facial moisturizer

While it’d be great to have a single product work for your entire face, the reality is that the active ingredients in facial moisturizers are just too strong for the fragile eye area. And though they’re formulated to hydrate, face creams aren’t as emollient as products designed specifically for your eyes.

Focus on the problem area (or areas)

What defines the best eye cream will differ for everyone, so start your search by focusing on the problems specific to your skin. Below, you’ll find the most common eye issues along with the ingredients to solve them.

• Dark circles

  Dark shadows around the eyes are tough to treat topically, because the cause lies beneath the skin. According to The New York Times, dermatologists attribute the majority of dark circle cases to excess pigmentation. Allergy and sinus issues are another common culprit, causing blood vessels to dilate or leak and the skin to take on a darkish hue.

  Look for products with peptides or retinol to build collagen and thicken skin, suggests Amy Wechsler, M.D., P.C., assistant clinical professor in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, in Allure. Try peptide-packed Kinerase Under Eye Rescue or StriVectin SD Eye Cream.

  Research also indicates that vitamin K — as found in Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue — can help strengthen blood vessels to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

  Finally, consider creams with optical diffusers, which reflect light to provide a brightening effect.

• Puffy eyes

Puffy eyes are a common morning occurrence — the result of fluids that build up as we sleep.

To tighten and de-puff the eyes, look for these ingredients, according to LoveToKnow: "alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, copper and retinol." While alpha hydroxy acids help to regenerate surface cells, the rest of these ingredients are known to stimulate collagen and support elasticity. So as they produce smoother, younger-looking skin, they also have a tightening and deflating effect.

Also, add caffeine to your list, suggests Real Simple. Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., says that caffeine actually constricts blood vessels and pushes fluid out of the skin.

Note that gels like Cellex-C Under Eye Toning Gel and Murad Moisture Silk Eye Gel are often preferred over creams, because they provide a cooling sensation that calms skin and reduces swelling.

• Fine lines and wrinkles

  There’s mainly one culprit behind the onset of fine lines and wrinkles: age. But the active ingredients in today’s eye creams are effective at fighting it.

  Look for formulas with retinoids or peptides to boost collagen and antioxidants to fight free radicals. These tried-and-true ingredients not only work to repair prior damage, but they also prevent future signs of aging.

  Consider these products: Dr. Michelle Copeland Rewind Eye Formula or M.D. Forte Rejuvenating Eye Cream w/ Retinol.

  Remember to protect your eyes from premature aging by adding sunscreen to your routine. Or shorten your regimen with a two-in-one product like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Eye Moisture Cream SPF 15.

• Multiple problem areas

  If you’d like to address more than one problem, you don’t need to overload your bathroom counter with various products. Instead, look for a multi-tasking product like MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Anti-Aging Eye Complex that can combat dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet all at once.

Don’t forget to hydrate

With so many new age-defying ingredients, it’s easy to forget the one element essential to any good eye cream: hydration. Pick a product rich in humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. They draw water to the skin, giving it a softer, younger appearance.

See also:

Eye-Catching Options for Long Lashes

Eyebrow and Eyelash Tinting: Dangerous Dyes?