top of page
  • Writer's pictureKate Markovitz

All About Eye Creams

An eye cream was the FIRST "anti-aging" product that I jumped into using, but many often wonder "Do eye creams work?"


Why an Eye Cream?

The skin around your eyes is more fragile (thinner & more delicate) than the rest of your face!

This explains why it may be the area that show signs of aging first - think fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydrated skin, which also happens we age, is another reason you may have those "laugh lines" earlier than you anticipated.

An eye cream, essentially a moisturizer for this sensitive area, may help these signs of aging and keep the skin around your eyes healthy and hydrated.

It's also important to use a SAFER/CLEAN eye cream. Many contain harmful ingredients and chemicals.

I had an optimologist join my Beautycounter team because she was convinced the chemicals in eye creams were leading to the decline in eyesight earlier in women.


Common Complaints


Fine lines / Wrinkles / Aging


As mentioned above, the complaint of fine lines is the result of the aging process! Thinner skin, dehydrated skin .. and sun exposure (!) .. add up to naturally having fine lines around our eyes as we age! Keeping eye skin moisturized it a way to help combat this process.


HOWEVER, eye creams are NOT going to be a "quick fix" for fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, with consistent use, you may see improvements or help to slow the process of fine lines and wrinkles. More invasive treatments, such as Botox, will provide quicker, instant smoothing results (I'm not well-versed in that area!)


Dark Circles


Dark circles are a difficult top and quite honestly, there are many factors that go into them (I actually have an IG highlight talking about them here).


Why do we get dark circles?

  1. Genetics

  2. Aging

  3. Food Sensitivities/Allergies - overactive immune system / histamine response

  4. Gut Health - low stomach acid / leaky gut

  5. Liver - detoxifying + clearing pathogens

These are the root causes of dark circles under the eyes... while of course, I can get you an eye cream to help, my top advice would be to think about food sensitivities (and if you don't know if you have any - remove the top common allergens: wheat, dairy, soy, peanut, corn, egg, sugar to name a few) and focus on healing your gut (probiotic foods) and supporting your liver (egg yolks, cruciferous veggies, beets).


I also highly recommend making sure you are well hydrated and getting enough sleep. So so so important!!


What Ingredients are Effective?


If you ask your dermatologist, they may recommend a retinol as it can help with cell turnover. You may know my stance on this ingredient already: I'm not a fan because of the side effects/safety... ESPECIALLY when we have a less irritating form available - namely, Bakuchiol (data here) - found in Beautycounter's Countertime Eye Cream.

Another ingredient proven to brighten the eye area, fade dark circles, diminish puffiness and reduce the appearance of crow's feet is Persian Silk Tree Extract (Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract - data here). This is found in Beautycounter's Countertime Eye Cream.


Beautycounter Eye Products


Here is a breakdown of Beautycounter's clean eye products. This is the brand I use and trust. Beautycounter products are formulated without 1,800 harmful or questionable ingredients (called The Never List). I'm a big fan of the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream :)


Beautycounter Eye Creams | Holistic Kate


Quick Recommendations

  • Budget-friendly: Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream

  • Focus on reducing fine lines and wrinkles: Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream

  • Focus on being proactive (aka no signs of aging yet): Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream

  • Focus on puffiness: Counermatch Eye Rescue Cream + Cooling Masks

  • Focus on discoloration/dark circles: Countertime Eye Renewal Cream (+ diet changes! Avoid food sensitivities + improve gut health + get enough sleep!)

If you want a personalized recommendation, I invite you to fill out my 1-1 consultation form.. it's free!



How to Apply


Because the area around our eye is so sensitive, use your RING FINGER to apply eye creams because it is the weakest finger and will apply the least amount of pressure. Don't pull or swipe, just dab on gently.


Another tip: Apply your eye cream before your serum. Some serums are powerful with a lot of active ingredients that aren't necessary for that thin eye skin. The eye cream can help protect it from the serum.


Hope you learned something about eye creams!


Remember if you need recommendations, fill out this form :)


This blog post is an example of what I send directly to my clean beauty subscribers every Tuesday (but they get promotions, deals + more!). Sign up to receive my emails:



310 views1 comment
bottom of page