Many experts say eye creams aren’t essential. But if you use one (l do), you might as well get the best. And by “best,” I mean best for the delicate skin under your eyes, your wallet, the poor animals, and the planet.
So, let’s check out some great vegan eye creams!
This post contains affiliate links.
1. UpCircle – Coffee Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and coffee
UpCircle’s whole business model is built on sustainability. You see, the company uses upcycled ingredients that would have otherwise gone to waste. Think coffee grounds and argan shells.
For this particular product, UpCircle used repurposed maple bark extract (great for reducing inflammation!).
Oh, and there’s a bit of cucumber extract to work on those puffy, tired-looking eyes, too.
You can use your finger, but I prefer to use the cream with UpCircle’s eye roller. It helps with lymphatic drainage. Plus, I love how nice it feels on my skin!
Pros:
- Improved, more practical packaging (lots of folks used to complain about faulty pumps)
- Hydrates and reduces inflammation
- Eligible for UpCircle’s refill scheme with a 20% discount
Cons:
- It may not be for you if you don’t like the smell of coffee
2. Caudalie – Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Grapevine shoot extract, hyaluronic acid, and vegan collagen
I won’t bore you with all the science, but resveratrol has been proven to boost collagen production and speed up skin regeneration.
So, I decided to give resveratrol a shot.
Of course, I still wanted something vegan, and Caudalie’s eye cream just seemed like the perfect choice since they paired the resveratrol with vegan collagen.
Pros:
- Added mineral pearlizers make it a decent makeup base
- Has anti-aging properties
- Comes in a squeeze tube with a cooling, decongesting metal applicator
Cons:
- Pricey
3. Skinfix – Triple Lipid-Boost 360° Eye Treatment
Key Ingredients: Patented lipid multiplier, alfalfa seed, and saccharomyces complex
Would you believe me if I told you this formula contains a fungal extract? Don’t gag and scroll down just yet!
Yes, technically, saccharomyces are a type of yeast. But it’s good yeast. The sort of good yeast that will help you keep crow’s feet away and improve the skin texture under your eyes.
I mean, if makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan trusted the Triple-Boost 360° cream with Maude Apatow’s glam look, why shouldn’t you?
Pros:
- Fragrance-free formula
- Boosts elasticity and plumps the skin
- Looks great under concealer (little to no creasing)
Cons:
- Can take a while to get absorbed
4. Cocokind – Revitalizing Eye Cream
Key Ingredients: Persian silk tree, hibiscus acids, and oat extract
Between the ceramide recovery balm and the retinol body cream, Cocokind has been keeping my skin fresh and nourished for a while now.
So, it was about time that I tried their eye cream.
And to be honest, it did a great job of hydrating. It’s now one of my go-to fixes when dry under-eye skin decides to ruin my day.
Pros:
- Hydrates like crazy without looking greasy
- Comes with a cooling metal applicator tip
- Has a gentle exfoliating effect
Cons:
- Not the best for depuffing
5. Derma E – Stem Cell Lifting Eye Treatment
Key Ingredients: Copper peptides and Kakadu plum (rich in vitamin C)
This eye cream was called a “facelift in a tube” by happy clients. Obviously, this is an exaggeration, but there’s a bit of truth.
The formula can help you get more youthful-looking eyes. After all, copper peptides are known to fight free radical damage and stimulate collagen production.
The cherry on top? This eye cream is quite affordable!
Pros:
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Reduces fine lines
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Might need a double application
- Could leave a film behind
Bonus Pick: Pacifica – Wake Up Beautiful
Key Ingredients: Granactive retinoid, melatonin, and Chaga/Reishi mushrooms
If you’re brave enough (and definitely not pregnant) to dap retinoids around your eyes, Pacifica’s Wake Up Beautiful might be the right pick for you.
The retinoid in the cream isn’t as intense as traditional retinol, so it’s a bit more suitable for the thin skin under your eyes.
What’s up with the melatonin, you ask? Well, this is a night-time cream, but the melatonin isn’t here to help you sleep at all. Melatonin works as an antioxidant when applied topically!
Pros:
- Feels hydrating and soothing
- Gets absorbed quickly (so you don’t have to sleep with greasy under-eyes)
- Can depuff and possibly delay aging over time
Cons:
- Could cause irritation
- Wearing sunscreen the next morning is non-negotiable
Final Thoughts
No matter which eye cream you choose (vegan or not), it’s never going to be a magic fix.
You still need to get your beauty sleep, destress, protect your skin from sun damage, and resist the urge to rub your eyes!