Say Goodbye to Dry Under-Eyes With Dermoi-Approved Solutions

As someone who regularly struggles with dry, flaky skin under and around my eyes, I know how uncomfortable it can be. It’s not just a cosmetic issue, but it affects how makeup sits and how confident I feel.

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, making it especially prone to dryness and irritation. In this article, I’ll explore the best products specifically formulated to relieve and repair dry skin around the eyes.

The eye area has one of the thinnest skin barriers, with just 3 layers in the stratum corneum compared to 15+ elsewhere on the face. It also contains fewer oil glands, which makes it more vulnerable to dehydration and environmental stressors. This anatomical fragility explains why it's often the first place to show signs of dryness, irritation, and aging.

Here are the main reasons why dryness around the eyes is so common:

• Fewer Oil Glands: Unlike the T-zone, the under-eye area has less supportive fats and natural oils to trap moisture and protect the skin barrier.

• Harsh Skincare Ingredients: Using retinoids, exfoliating acids, or alcohol-based toners too close to the eyes can trigger dryness and flaking.

• Environmental Exposure: Wind, cold air, and even indoor heating can rapidly dehydrate the eye area. A study published in Skin Research and Technology found that exposure to dry air significantly reduces stratum corneum hydration and leads to fine wrinkles.

• Age-Related Changes: Skin beneath the eyes is thin and has less collagen and elastin proteins to retain shape. As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen, elastin, and ceramides. This makes the under-eye area thinner and drier over time. 

Based on both dermatological research and personal experience, here are the standout ingredients to look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Is a moisture magnet, pulling water into the skin for long-lasting plumpness.
• Ceramides: Reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
• Squalane: Softens and seals hydration without clogging pores.
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Calms irritation and supports skin healing.
• Peptides: Stimulate collagen to firm and strengthen delicate skin.

Best for: Fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles

If your under-eyes are dry, flaky, or looking extra tired, these dermatologist-recommended patches are your intensive overnight fix. Each patch contains 1,254 self-dissolving microneedles that painlessly infuse powerful actives deep into the skin to hydrate, brighten, and smooth fast.

• 4-D Hyaluronic Acid contains 4 kinds of HA to form a multi-layer hydration network and boost elasticity.
• Daisy Flower Extract visibly brightens and reduces dark circles.
• Hawkweed Extract targets puffiness and under-eye bags.
• Copper Lysinate & Amino Acids soften fine lines and support skin repair.
• Madecassoside & Glycerin calm and nourish even sensitive under-eyes.

Comfortable for overnight wear or 2-3 hour use, they’re ideal for moisturizing sensitive under-eye skin.

Best for: Dark circles, puffiness, and tired under-eyes

If you prefer a daily option instead of overnight patches, try a lightweight daily balm like Medik8’s Illuminating Eye Balm that delivers an instant brightening boost. This balm blends hydrating actives and optical diffusers to visibly soften shadows and refresh tired skin.

• Red Algae Extract helps reduce puffiness and fluid retention.
• Illuminating Minerals reflect light to visibly reduce dark circles.
• Cucumber Extract cools and calms dull, dry eyes.
• Hyaluronic Acid restores a dewy, fresh finish to fatigued eyes.
• Glycerin nourishes and softens the delicate eye area.

The non-greasy texture sits beautifully under makeup and offers a subtle glow, making it perfect for daily hydration.

Best for: Dryness, crow’s feet, and visible aging

For those concerned with deeper aging signs, Jan Marini’s eye cream provides intensive repair. This advanced treatment targets multiple signs of aging with growth factors, peptides, and hydrating agents. The mid-weight texture absorbs easily, making it ideal for daily use.

• TGF beta 1 & Thymosin beta 4 stimulate skin regeneration and repair damaged tissue.
• Anti-aging Peptides boost collagen and improve elasticity to firm the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid delivers a plumping effect that softens fine lines instantly.
• Aloe Vera & Antioxidants soothe and protect sensitive under-eye skin.
• Squalane & Elastin support barrier function and soften dry, uneven texture.

Ideal for mature or dry under-eyes, this formula restores resilience, improves texture, and leaves the eye area looking visibly refreshed.

Best for: Dry, tired under-eyes and lips with visible signs of aging

More than just an eye cream, Osmosis Illuminate is a multi-functional serum designed for both the eyes and lips. It delivers intense hydration, antioxidant protection, and peptide-powered rejuvenation, making it ideal for dry, thinning skin.

• Coenzyme Q10 & Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 boost cellular energy, repair damage, and firm the skin.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) & Vitamin C brighten and reduce discoloration.
• Snow Mushroom Extract & Beta Glucan lock in moisture for plumper, smoother skin.
• Queen of the Night Flower & Red Algae Extracts refresh and restore dull, stressed eyes.
• Vitamin E & Squalane prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier.

This advanced serum revives the skin’s luminosity and resilience, perfect for those targeting both fine lines and dryness.

• Use your ring finger to apply because it's the gentlest.
• Dab (don’t rub) along the orbital bone, not directly on the lash line.
• Apply eye cream after serum but before moisturizer.
• Use morning and night for best results.
• Always follow with SPF during the day.

Dry, flaky skin around the eyes can be stubborn, but with the right combination of science-backed ingredients and targeted treatments, it’s possible to restore comfort, smoothness, and radiance. From microneedle patches that infuse deep hydration to brightening balms and peptide-rich creams, these Dermoi-approved products address not just dryness but also puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Remember, caring for the eye area isn’t just about appearance but about keeping one of the most delicate parts of your skin healthy and protected for years to come.

Farage MA, Miller KW, Maibach HI, editors. Textbook of Aging Skin. 2017;

Scaccia S. Effective Treatments for Under Eye Darkness and Crepey Skin [Internet]. U.S. Dermatology Partners. 2024 [cited 2025 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/blog/treatments-for-eye-darkness-and-crepey-skin/

Egawa M, Oguri M, Kuwahara T, Takahashi M. Effect of exposure of human skin to a dry environment. Skin Research and Technology. 2002 Nov;8(4):212–8.

4D Hyaluronic Acid (HymagicTM-4D) [Internet]. Ulprospector.com. 2025 [cited 2025 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/1506/747789/4D-Hyaluronic-Acid-Hymagic-4D