Eye Serum vs. Eye Cream vs. Moisturizer: What’s the Difference?

The older you get, the more you need to worry about things like wrinkles, gray hairs, and getting hurt doing things that wouldn’t have bothered you as a nine-year-old (trampolines, tree climbing, running, walking, etc.).  This article is meant to address under eye wrinkles and the difference between eye serum vs. eye cream vs. moisturizer.

I remember being a kid and wondering what the big deal was about under eye wrinkles.  Sure, I had a couple eyelid creases, but I never thought I would be affected by actual wrinkles.  I also didn’t understand all of the never-ending commercials about eye serums and eye creams.  I remember thinking to myself, were eye wrinkles actually a problem for people?

Looking back, my naïveté was astounding.

Now pushing 30, I am well aware of my eye wrinkles.  Years of smiling and squinting directly into the sun (kidding), has produced some pronounced creases and wrinkles around my eyes.

Some people are proud of their wrinkles and consider them a “road map” of their lives.

I like this sentiment.

Personally, though, I’d rather internalize my road map and not have it show up on my face for as long as humanly possible, without the aid of plastic surgery.

So, I dab a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid under my eyes each morning and night.  If I need to look my best and extra fresh, I’ll dab a little concealer for men under those bad boys to hide any dark circles as well.

Recently, I’ve found that I’m not only aware of my dark circles and wrinkles, but I am also aware of other people’s as well.  Instead of looking at people’s eyes when being spoken to, I find myself secretly looking under and around their eyes, inspecting and cataloguing their facial creases and analyzing them against mine.

I am always looking for new ways to help people, and this blog gives me a conduit to achieve that goal.  Some people are aware and might be self-conscious about the wrinkles around their eyes.  I wanted to write an article that sheds light on the differences between eye serum vs. eye cream vs. moisturizer and how they can possibly benefit you.

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Eye Serum vs. Eye Cream

Both eye serum and eye cream specifically target the thin skin around the eye.

A good eye serum or eye cream will:

• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines, including crow’s feet
• Minimize puffiness below eyes
• Diminish the appearance of eye “bags” or “circles”
• Reestablish skin elasticity and firmness while mitigating droopiness

However, the biggest difference between eye serum and eye cream is their texture.

Eye serums tend to have a gel like consistency, and creams tend to be more viscous, like a typical moisturizer or lotion.

As a result, eye serums tend to absorb easier and deeper than eye creams.  Since eye serums are not diluted with moisturizers, active ingredients are able to penetrate faster than creams.

Due to the difference in delivery systems, eye serums tend to be more reparative in nature, whereas eye creams tend to be more preventative.  In other words, eye serums are up for tackling already damaged skin, but creams are adequate for preventative maintenance.

So, to make things easy, if you look in the mirror and don’t see any serious issues around your eyes, opt for the cheaper, less expensive eye cream.  However, if you look in the mirror and think to yourself, “oh shit, my wrinkles, crow’s feet, bags, etc. look really bad,” it might be time to consider using an eye serum.  Another hint, if people tell you “wow, you look really tired”, and you don’t feel tired, it might be time to invest in the serum.

According to Skin Pen, by Bellus Medical, cellular turnover slows in your 30’s.  In addition, collagen and elastin decrease, which leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines.

It’s in your 30’s where it might be time to consider switching over to a serum from a cream, or using a combination of both, one in the day and one at night (depending on ingredients).

Remember, if you need a quick way to hide dark circles, try using a CC Cream Tinted Moisturizer to camouflage problem areas on the skin.

CC Cream for Men by Strictly Man Supply Co.

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Can I Just Use a Moisturizer?

The skin around the eyes is less than one millimeter thin.  Combined with roughly 25,000 blinks per day, a lower quantity of oil glands in the area, and rubbing throughout the day due to allergies or fatigue, it’s no wonder why the area around the eyes is one of the first places to show visible signs of aging.  (Source)

As such, eye creams and eye serums contain specific ingredients in varying amounts to address the visible problems around eyes.  Moisturizers, on the other hand, contain ingredients in amounts not set to address eye problems specifically.  Moisturizers generally contain ingredients that hydrate and provide nutrients in a formula that tends to absorb quickly without penetrating deep into the skin; some moisturizers contain fragrances, which can irritate the thin skin around the eyes.

Last, eye serums and eye creams are generally tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists to ensure that they won’t irritate the eyes.  However, moisturizers may not have this level of testing for eyes in particular.

Ideally, you’d use a quality eye serum or eye cream as opposed to using a moisturizer to address and prevent issues around your eyes.  However, something is better than nothing in this case. If you are a minimalist and just want to get through your grooming routine as quickly as possible, a quality moisturizer will be just fine.  Just remember to avoid using moisturizers that contain fragrance.

Our Choice Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost (Click for Amazon Price)

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How to Apply Eye Serum, Eye Cream, or Moisturizer

Step 1.  Cleanse your face using a quality cleanser

Step 2.  Pat dry using a clean towel.  Avoid wiping.

Step 3.  Apply a small amount of serum, cream or moisturizer to your ring finger.  The ring finger has the softest touch balanced with the most control.

Step 4.  Dab, don’t wipe, below the eyes and on the sides where crow’s feet start.  Allow it to penetrate the skin.

Step 5.  Moisturize the rest of your face.

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What to Look for in Eye serum vs. Eye cream vs. Moisturizer

Look for some of the ingredients below when choosing a quality eye serum, eye cream or moisturizer.

Retinol: Made from vitamin A, boosts collagen, reduces fine lines, plumps the skin, and improves skin tone and color.

Important Note:  Serums, creams or moisturizers containing retinol should only be applied at night.  Retinol increases cell turnover.  This new skin is sensitive and should not be exposed to the sun. (Source)

Vitamin C: Stimulates collagen, provides “antioxidant protection against UV-induced photo-damage” (Source)

Hyaluronic Acid: Molecule that retains water and moisturizes skin

Peptides: Proteins that encourage collagen production, which revives aging skin (Source)

Ceramides: Lipids that provide a barrier, locking moisture within the outermost layer of the skin

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Other Basic Tips for Great Skin

• Cut down on sodium: The ideal limit recommended by the American Heart Association is 1,500mg of sodium per day.
• Get good sleep: 7-9 hours per night according to the National Sleep Foundation
• Drink lots of water: Check out “8 Fantastic Benefits of Drinking Water After Waking Up” for tips on how to start your day off with getting adequately hydrated.
• Avoid Smoking: Everyone knows this.
• Wear SPF Sunscreen: This is arguably the best way to prevent wrinkles and pre-mature aging from the sun.

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Our Choice Eye Serum: TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum (Click for Amazon Price)

Our Choice Eye Cream: Organys Eye Cream (Click for Amazon Price)

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Thanks for reading “Eye Serum vs. Eye Cream vs. Moisturizer: What’s the Difference?”!

Check out more of our popular articles: A Wingman for Your Face: CC Cream Tinted Face Moisturizer for Men,  Best Haircut for Your Face Shape, a Men’s Guide, or The Ultimate Guide to Concealer for Men

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For more great reading, check out:

• The Derm Review
• Healthline
• Dermstore
• Gold Elements 
• Life Hacker

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