Korean beauty routines are all the rage – and for good reason! K-beauty brands promote long-lasting skin health, nourishing the skin from the inside out with healthy, natural ingredients.
Part of any good Korean beauty routine is applying eye cream. It is the delicate skin around the eyes that show signs of aging first.
Remember that even an amazing Korean moisturizers is not enough to treat that under-eye area properly!
That’s why it’s crucial to choose a Korean anti-aging eye cream that enhances skin elasticity and improves hydration for the eyes in your skincare routine.
Eye creams may be used twice daily, or only at night to help treat dark circles, reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines and promote skin elasticity.
Some of the best-selling Korean eye cream brands use a very unique ingredient: snail mucin or snail extract. It might sound strange at first, but snail mucin actual has super-powers for skin regeneration and preventing wrinkles.
As great as the best Korean eye creams can be, as with all K-beauty products, it is still important to look at the ingredients.
You should choose eye creams that are free of alcohols (which can cause dry skin), PEG 100 Stearate (which may contain traces amounts of dangerous carcinogens), or added fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin around eyes.
If it seems like a lot of work, wading through all the Korean eye cream reviews and ingredient lists, don’t sweat it: I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Here are 8 of the best Korean eye creams, which are perfectly formulated for the sensitive skin around your eyes.
8 Best Korean Anti-Aging Eye Creams – Reviews
I’ve rated each of these K-Beauty eye creams based on what they do best (brighten, reduce dark circles and puffiness, minimize fine lines, etc.), so you can decide which one is best suited for your skin care routine.
Here are 8 best Korean eye creams with only safe and effective ingredients:
1. Benton Fermentation Eye Cream
Our verdict: Best Korean eye cream for new users
For friends just starting out with Korean eye creams, this Benton Fermentation eye cream is a perfect beginner product, touching on all types of eye needs.
It’s packed with fermented ingredients which are popular in Korea, plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid for moisture and anti-aging benefits. The product has been dermatologically tested and is easy to apply.
Why You Will Love It
- Fermented ingredients
While the names can sound strange, these are great for your skin.
Bifida ferment lysate is a yogurt compound that is nourishing and hydrating for the skin.
This K-beauty best-selling eye cream also contains Galactomyces ferment filtrate – that can work magic for reducing signs of aging! It is a fermented yeast that is full of vitamins and helps improve skin elasticity (read more about galactomyces and its benefits for skin in my article here).
- Brightening effect
The formula contains beta-glucan that help smooth out the skin around the eyes and make it appear brighter, too.
- Matte look
It dries without shine, so if you want to go make-up free after application, you can.
- Affordable eye cream
If you’re just starting off with K-beauty, you may have already noticed that many Korean brand products are more affordable than their Western counterparts.
This awesome eye cream is a great value and the best Korean eye cream for beginners. You can often find it on sale (last time I saw it on Amazon for 65% OFF! – check out if the discount is still available here).
Keep In Mind
The cream is pretty thick, if you plan to use it as part of your morning routine, give a few minutes for it to fully absorb before applying makeup.
2. COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
Our verdict: Best Korean eye cream for wrinkles
If you want to target your wrinkles and protect skin from the signs of aging, then this COSRX Snail Peptide cream is going to be your best friend.
It is the eyes that usually show the first visible signs of wrinkles, so you want something that will give you results.
Yes, there is snail mucin (73%, actually) in this eye cream.
Once you get over the initial cringe, hear me out: snail mucin has been used not only in Korean eye creams and Korean skincare for the past 30+ years, it is an ancient remedy used in Roman times and still a folk remedy in modern-day Italy, too.
Snail mucin has been shown to help improve sagging skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
I suggest you to use it as a night cream, giving it plenty of time to work its magic around your under eye area.
Why You Will Love it
- Highly concentrated eye cream
73% Snail mucin and 2% Niacinamide make this a power-packed eye cream to target fine lines and wrinkles.
- Myristic acid
It also has myristic acid to reduce inflammation (helps with puffiness).
- Contains Copper Peptides
Which are wonderful for stimulating collagen production, which has natural anti-aging effects.
Keep In Mind
While this eye cream has raving reviews (after all it’s K-beauty best-selling eye cream!), it is important to remember to use this daily. Don’t expect the “wow” effect over night.
3. [DearKlairs] Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel
Our verdict: Best Korean eye cream for dark circles
If your biggest priority for Korean eye creams is addressing your dark circles, then try this Eye Awakening Gel.
While it still has ingredients that battle wrinkles (copper peptides) and provide hydration (like hyaluronic acid), it also shines as a brightener for those pesky dark circles.
Why You Will Love It
- Gel texture with red bean extract
As a gel it has a lightweight texture, and combined with the natural red bean extract that is antimicrobial, it is ideal for oily skin.
- Caffeine for puffiness
Caffeine in this eye cream helps tighten up the skin and result in a smoother appearance around your eyes.
- Good for sensitive skin
This Korean eye cream is vegan and skin-irritation tested to ensure it will work for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Keep In Mind
This K-beauty best-selling eye cream has a cooling sensation upon use, which is great for relieving puffy eyes, but the feeling may not appreciated by everyone.
4. beaueli Eye Cream For Wrinkles
Our verdict: Best Korean eye cream for dark circles and puffiness
If you’re after an eye cream that can do double-duty, look for this beaueli Korean eye cream. Yes it works on wrinkles, but it also treats dark circles and puffiness with a blend of caffeine and rosehip oil.
Why You Will Love It
- Convenient applicator
Reduce your puffy eyes by gently massaging in this cream with the built-in applicator. There is a tiny hold at the end, so you don’t need to use your fingertips to apply. It feels like a mini spa day for your face, too!
- It brightens dark circles
The ingredients include coffee extract and natural fruit extracts (like mango and grapefruit) that provide vitamin C, which help to make skin appear brighter.
- Moisturizing eye cream
Made with rosehip oil, shea butter and olive oil, this gives your under eye skin plenty of moisture.
- Anti-aging properties
Niacinamide, rosehip and copper peptides all work to reduce wrinkles and give you a youthful glow.
Keep In Mind
If you have sensitivities or allergies, be aware this isn’t the best option for sensitive eyes.
5. Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis Capsule Eye Cream
Our verdict: Best moisturizing Korean eye cream
This stuff wins in not one, but two categories! The roller design helps to eliminate puffiness, and the gentle formula features royal jelly, which also makes this one of the most moisturizing Korean eye creams you can get.
Why You Will Love it
- Improves your skin barrier
Swap tired eyes and dry patches for plumper, brighter eyes. The hydrating royal jelly helps to restore the moisture barrier and heal damaged tissues with regular use.
- Smoothes fine lines
One of the active ingredients is Propolis Extract, which is very high in antioxidants and can reduce the signs of aging: minimizes fine lines and increases skin firmness.
- Treats eye bags
According to many women, this is the best Korean eye cream for puffiness.
While the sea buckthorn oil (which has anti-inflammatory properties) helps naturally reduce puffiness, the included luxurious golden applicator also helps smooth puffy eyes.
Natural Vitamin E and C in the formula help to brighten dark circles and leave you looking fabulous.
- Lightweight eye cream
Despite how moisturizing it is, its actually non-sticky and suitable for all skin types, even oily and combination skin types.
Keep In Mind
For even more de-puffing power, pop the golden applicator in the fridge and use its cooling effects to reduce inflammation while smoothing wrinkles.
6. KAHI Eye Balm
Our verdict: Most convenient to use K-beauty eye cream
This KAHI Eye balm stands out as a moisturizing eye bomb. What’s more, lots of users say it’s a fantastic Korean eye cream for milia (although there are no scientific research to confirm that).
Why You Will Love It
- The convenience of a balm
It comes in a roll-on stick, and won’t leak or drip all over your bag if you bring it on the go. It is thicker than a cream, but you don’t need to apply it to your hands first, just roll directly under each eye.
- Lifts skin
Prevents and treats fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes with salmon collagen.
- Tackles dullness
The jasmine oil in this balm not only helps to reduce the look of tired eyes, but is also leaves a skin-brightening glow. If you find it feels too shiny, you can always massage it in a little before using some face powder.
Keep In Mind
While there are no artificial fragrances used, the balm contains jasmine oil which has a naturally strong smell. If you want something unscented, that’s not it.
7. Thank You Farmer Miracle Age Melawring Dual Balm
Our verdict: Best all-over balm for on-the go
Another solid balm! This one is packed with shea butter and argan oil that not only benefit your eyes, but work for your entire face, as well.
This is the one of the best Korean eye creams that you can use anywhere on your face.
Why You Will Love It
- Skin brightening
Reduces hyper-pigmentation, not only for treating dark circles, but anywhere you have dark spots.
- Treats fine lines and wrinkles
It features allantoin and centella for battling the signs of aging while moisturizing with argan oil and jojoba oil.
- Use it anywhere
You can use this balm anywhere – as it is easy to take on the go and drop in your bag.
But, you can also use it anywhere on your face, its not limited to your eyes only. And, your entire face can benefit: get supple skin and brighter eyes with this intensive eye cream.
Keep In Mind
Since it melts easily at skin temperature, keep it out of direct sunlight and store in a cool location, otherwise it might melt in the tube.
What’s more, while there are no added fragrances, there is a natural bergamot scent which not all users like (although for me it’s a wonderful scent!).
8. Dr.G Royal Black Snail Eye Cream
Our verdict: Best Korean anti-aging eye cream
From one of the leading K-beauty brands, Dr G, we have another snail cream that can battle the signs of aging and leave your skin looking more youthful. It’s the best K-beauty eye cream to prevent aging.
Why You Will Love It
- Bee power
This formula is packed with the power of bees, featuring honey extract, royal jelly and pollen that nourish skin and help to increase firmness.
- Snail mucin + hyaluronic acid
These works together to provide deep moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. What’s more, they not just reduce the look of fine lines, but they actual help prevent them from forming, too.
- Use all over the face
This is a great product for any skin type, not just around the eyes. It works for sensitive skin, too. So go ahead and rub it on your forehead and those smile lines around your mouth, too.
Keep In Mind
This product doesn’t treat dark circles. If that’s your first priority, choose one of best-selling Korean eye creams for dark circles that I reviewed above, instead.
Final Decision: What Is The Best K-Beauty Eye Cream?
Considering the effectiveness, anti-aging properties, safety of ingredients and ease of application, from all of these best Korean eye creams, my absolute favorite is this Benton Fermented Eye Cream.
It prevent premature aging, brightens skin and reduces the puff under eyes.
Simply the best eye cream for all-around!
How To Choose Korean Eye Cream For Dark Circles
If dark circles are your nemisis, then look for these specific ingredients in an eye cream to tackle the appearance of dark circles:
Vitamin C (brightens skin)
Niacinamide
Caffeine (increases blood flow and brightens)
Bakuchiol
How To Choose Korean Eye Cream For Puffiness
For those facing puffiness around the under eye area, the best ingredients to choose in an eye cream are:
Vitamin K (contributes to increased blood flow)
Fermented ingredients (like those in the Benton Eye Cream)
Peptides and Copper Peptides which tighten the skin
Caffeine
How To Choose Korean Eye Cream For Wrinkles
The best Korean eye creams for wrinkles and fine lines contain ingredients that promote collagen production and keep skin hydrated. Some of them include:
Retinol (not recommended during pregnancy)
Ceramides
Bakuchiol
Peptides with amino acids that promote collagen production
Snail mucin
Hyaluronic acid
Vitamin E
Best Korean Anti-Aging Eye Cream – FAQ
Did you know that around the eyes is usually where the first signs of wrinkles and fine lines appear?
Even if you aren’t ready to think about using anti-aging products on your face, you may want to consider protecting the delicate skin around your eyes with Korean eye creams to prevent those fine lines and wrinkles from forming.
Do You Really Need An Eye Cream?
Using an eye cream is all about personal preference, but keep in mind that the delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes if very different from the skin of say, the forehead or chin.
When you select products for your face, you may be choosing a cream only based on skin concerns for your overall face, ones which may be to harsh for the delicate skin around your eyes.
This is why eye creams that target specific issues for the under eye area (like puffiness or treating dark circles) can help to give you a more youthful appearance.
Can I Use A Face Moisturizer Under My Eyes?
Check the ingredients of your regular moisturizer to ensure that everything is suitable to use around the sensitive skin of the eyes.
Avoid alcohols that can lead to dehydrated skin, or scented (even if natural ingredients or essential oils make up the fragrance), since that can cause irritation.
When Should I Start Applying Eye Cream?
You can start using eye cream now, there is no age requirement to start caring for your delicate eye area or to treat dark circles.
Your eyes will reap the benefits of intense hydration, reduced hyperpigmentation the sooner you start.
How To Use A Korean Eye Cream
In Korean skincare, eye creams are applied as one of the final steps, after cleansing, toning, applying moisturizer and serums. You can apply eye cream before using sunscreen or make-up.
Use only a small amount of product, and using your fingertips, gently tap it into the under eye area. Do not rub.
If the cream is very thick, allow a few minutes to fully absorb into the lower eyelid before applying makeup.
How Often Should I Apply Eye Creams?
You should apply eye cream twice a day, morning and evening for best results. As with anything, regular use will provide the best results.
Eye Cream Vs. Gel Vs. Balm – What’s The Difference?
The terms ‘cream’, ‘gel’ and ‘balm’ aren’t just catchy names used as marketing tools, they actually mean different things. The name used tells you something about the formulation of ingredients.
Balms: Balms are composed mostly of fats and oils and sometimes wax to hold it all together. That is why sometimes balms come as a solid and melt at skin temperature. They provide an intense amount of moisture and are the best choice for damaged skin or dry skin during winter months.
Creams: Creams are lighter than balms, being made with water in the recipes. You may find recipes that are 50% water, 50% oils. These are more easily absorbed and great for all skin types.
Gels: Gels are the lightest of all, being water-based. They are fast-absorbing and ideal for oily skin.
What Do Koreans Use As Eye Cream?
Koreans use eye creams with Sea buckthorn oil, ginseng, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, centella, copper peptides, and yes – snail mucin to reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles and prevent wrinkles.
While snail mucin may seem really weird, it is very humanely derived. Snails move across a mesh floor where the mucin is easily collected, and the snails remain unharmed.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Skin Around Eyes
Don’t rub your eyes roughly. The skin around the eye is very delicate and this could lead to wrinkles faster.
Tap product into the skin around the lower eyelids and give a few minutes for it to naturally absorb.
If your are dealing with swelling under the eyes, look into an eye roller that can reduce puffiness. You can also find eye rollers with a cooling effect, too.
Use products that protect the skin and prevents dryness, this can do wonders for keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay.
Try eye patches that are infused with soothing ingredients, specifically for eye skin.
Get enough sleep. Don’t only depend on products to reduce under eye bags, if lack of sleep is the true culprit, deal with the problem and get some more Z’s.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected. Sources of other pictures:
- Pictures of Benton Fermentation belong to Benton Brand. Source: https://bentoncosmetic.us/
- Pictures of COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Cream belong to COSRX Brand. Source: https://www.cosrx.com/
- Pictures of [DearKlairs] Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel belong to [DearKlairs] brand. Source: https://www.klairscosmetics.com/
- Pictures of Beaueli Eye Cream belong to Beaueli Brand. Source: https://www.beaueli.com/
- Pictures of Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Cream belong to Dr. Ceuracle Brand. Source: http://en.leegeehaam.com/
- Pictures of KAHI Eye Balm belong to KAHI Brand. Source: https://kahicosmetics.com/
- Pictures of Thank You Farmer Dual Balm belong to Thank You Farmer Brand. Source: https://www.thankyoufarmer.co.kr/
- Pictures of Dr. G Royal Black Snail Eye Cream belong to Dr. G Brand. Source: https://dr-g.com/