Investigators have found that ingredients—such as retinoids, vitamin C, and caffeine—included in eye creams may reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and hyperpigmentation in periorbital skin.

In a new literature review published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, the investigators analyzed clinical studies on the efficacy of retinoids, vitamins C and E, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide in treating periorbital skin issues.

The findings indicated that:

• Peptides and hyaluronic acid are reported to enhance collagen production and hydration.
• Niacinamide and ceramides are noted to help reduce wrinkles and improve skin barrier function.

The investigators stated that a limitation of the study was its lack of clinical trials specifically targeting eye cream formulations for periorbital skin, complicating direct comparisons because of variations in study designs, sample sizes, and concentrations of active ingredients.

The studies included in the review examined the possibility that certain ingredients in eye creams may be effective for periorbital skin issues. However, more research—including large-scale clinical trials comparing eye creams to other dermatologic treatments—may be needed to determine the effectiveness of eye cream formulations on periorbital skin.

The authors reported no potential conflict of interest.