Eye cream vs face cream: is there a real difference

What actually differs

The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face and close to the eyes themselves. So brands tend to adjust eye products in a few ways: they often leave out added fragrance, they test near the eye area, and they pick textures that will not migrate into the eyes. Many also come with a small spatula or a metal tip for applying a tiny amount.

What does not always differ is the core ingredient story. Augustinus Bader puts TFC8 in both its Rich Cream and its Rich Eye Cream. Dr. Barbara Sturm lists purslane in both its Face Cream Rich and its Eye Cream. The eye version is a related formula in a smaller jar, not a different science.

Matching pairs: listing facts and price per ml

Prices are listing prices at the time of writing. Price per ml is price divided by ml.

Texture and fragrance

Notice that the Augustinus Bader Rich Eye Cream listing calls it lightweight, while the face cream it matches is the brand's richest. Eye creams are often lighter than you expect, so they sit well under concealer. Dr. Barbara Sturm's eye cream listing also says lightweight and refreshing, and it is pointed at morning use.

Fragrance is the other common difference. The Augustinus Bader eye cream listing says fragrance-free. If your face cream contains added fragrance, it is a less comfortable choice around the eyes. Check the full ingredient list; our guide on reading ingredient lists helps.

Can you use face cream around your eyes?

Often, yes. If your face cream is fragrance-free and does not sting or make your eyes water, many people simply take it up to the orbital bone. If it is rich, use less near the eyes, since heavy creams can migrate into the eyes overnight. Stop using any product that stings, and see a doctor if irritation persists.

Reasons to buy a separate eye cream are practical: you want a lighter texture under makeup, you want a fragrance-free option when your face cream is scented, or you like the small jar and applicator. Our luxury eye cream guide lists options from several brands.

Note.Keep all creams off the lash line and out of the eyes. If a product gets in the eye, rinse with water.

How to apply eye cream

Use eye cream after serum and before face cream. A rice-grain amount for both eyes is a common starting point. Tap it along the orbital bone with the ring finger rather than rubbing. Our how to apply eye cream page has the full method, and eye cream before or after moisturizer covers the order.

1. 1

   Cleanse, then apply essence and serum.

2. 2

   Take a rice-grain amount of eye cream.

3. 3

   Dot it along the orbital bone under and over each eye.

4. 4

   Tap gently with the ring finger, staying off the lash line.

5. 5

   Apply face cream around, not over, the eye area.

Value: what the small jar costs you

Per ml, eye creams in our pairs cost about twice as much as the matching face cream: $14.33 against $6.30 for Augustinus Bader, and $10.00 against $4.80 for Dr. Barbara Sturm. But you use much less eye cream each day, so a 15 ml jar lasts a long time. Our page on how long a jar of face cream lasts shows how to estimate it.

Gift sets can bring the cost down. The Augustinus Bader Rich Renewal Trio pairs a 30 ml Rich Cream with a 15 ml Rich Eye Cream; see our gift set guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an eye cream? No. It is optional. A gentle, fragrance-free face cream that does not sting can work around the eyes.

Why is eye cream so expensive per ml? It comes in small jars, usually 15 ml, so the price per ml runs higher, often about double the matching face cream.

Can I use eye cream on my whole face? You can, but it is an expensive way to moisturize. A 15 ml jar would run out quickly.

Does eye cream go before or after moisturizer? Usually before, after serum. Follow the brand if it says otherwise.