Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist -  Written by Nikitha Terence (Beauty Expert)  on 21st Nov 2020

Eye creams vs. Eye gels: Which one should you use?

Eyes creams vs eye gels

For many people, when it comes to makeup products, there is no space for any compromise. All kinds of creams, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, sunscreens are on their list.

Our eyes are the most sensitive part of the body. We all know that. While some products beautify us and boost our self-confidence, some top dermatologists recommend eye creams or gels for very specific reasons.  

What are eye creams? 

Dark circles, puffy eyes, sleepy face. All a result of a lack of adequate sleep. There are many hacks to follow if you want to pause the process of dehydration near the eyes. But how would you like if you wake up with no traces of any of this tiredness? It is the point where the miracle healer called the "eye creams" come in to play.

Eye creams are just like our facial moisturizers, but they are not the same. According to dermatologist Dr. Ruta Peckuviene, 

eye creams have to be lighter in texture, creamy and white in most cases that leave behind a soft, greasy trail on the eye area. They must be filled with rich ingredients that provide hydration, slow down the wrinkles, and improve blood circulation by putting an end to the puffy, dark circles.  

Since the eyes and eyelids are always busy protecting our eyes by blinking for more than 100,000 times a day, they tend to wear out soon, and the aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines are seen in and around the eye area. To address this condition, it is essential to start using eye creams from your early 20's, which is like the ripe years for the aging signs to appear on your skin.

Another bonus point is that oily skin peers can use these eye creams because the area around the eyes is dry and needs constant hydration. To give your eyes the care that it needs, we must utilize only water replenishing ingredients.  

Fun fact:

Glabella is the term used for the space that is found in between the eyebrows. 

What are eye gels? 

What are eye gels?

The favorite part of any oily skin peers cosmetics set is the thin consistency of their products. Most of the time, they opt for products filled with hydrating factors and ingredients, which is the only way for them to survive.

The gel-based commodities tend to soak under your skin instantly, and it can set the makeup at the right place. Not only is this most effective on oily skin, but the dry skin people can also enjoy the luxury of the gel products.  

Which is the best: eye creams or eye gels 

When it comes to eye creams or eye gels, the latter has the majority of votes, the reason being: no matter what our skin type is, since our eyes are continually at work, the skin around it dries up often, and the results of that are the evident dark circles under the eyes.

Of course, we all know the common distinction between an eye cream and eye gel product is its consistency. Eye creams fall under the thick, creamy texture, which can be heavy at times, whereas eye gels have a thin elasticity that has a lasting and refreshing finish on the face. Since eye creams are more of a denser shade, many cosmetics enthusiasts are not a favorite as they feel it leaves off a greasy look.

Sometimes it is combined with, say, a concealer or a heavy highlighter. They end up in uneven crease lines, which adds on more years to your face.

On the other hand, the eye gels can be very well applied before your makeup session as it is super absorbable and leaves no trace behind, and what's more, you can gain an added cooling effect.

When it comes to choosing the best among the two, it depends on the individual's interest. If you love both of these products for varied reasons, then you can, without thoughts, try both the eye creams or eye gels.

Eye creams are recommended to be put on under your eye layers and below the eyebrow area as a nighttime routine as in this way. You need not fear the oiliness that shoots up and gains its maximum benefit while having a peaceful night's sleep. But it is not a bad thing if you want to use it as your day cream but remember to use a small pea-sized portion and apply it using your pinky finger, as it would not give that extra pressure on your sensitive part.

So you need to have any discrete while using eye gels during the day time as it is one of the best ways to awaken your eye puffiness if you aren't much of a morning person. 

Similarities between the two of them  

Both the eye creams and the eye gels have the wondrous property of making the fine lines, dullness, puffy appearance, loss of elasticity under and around the eyes' area. Since both miracle healers can work individually or as a team to fight all eye problems, the components present inside each of their formulas are almost similar. When you use an eye cream and eye gel, it does not mean that all your aging signs will diminish correctly in time. It just delays the process of aging, hydrates, and smoothens out the eye area for the time being.

Fantastic fact:

1,3,7-trimethylxanthine is the scientific name for caffeine. 

Ingredients used in the eye cream and eye gel

Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum
Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum
Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum
Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum

Hyaluronic + PGA 2% Face Serum

₹ 595

When to use: AM / PM

Frequency: Everyday

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  • Kerrin Birchenough, a makeup artist and an esthetician herself, believes that retinol, which is the best derivative form of Vitamin A, works very well for eye creams. Many centuries ago, it was also utilized for curing night blindness by physicians! 
Granactive Retinoid 2% Face Cream
Granactive Retinoid 2% Face Cream
Granactive Retinoid 2% Face Cream
Granactive Retinoid 2% Face Cream

Granactive Retinoid 2% Face Cream

₹ 689

When to use: PM

Frequency: Twice a week

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  • There are misconceptions that witch hazel has the most soothing and healing properties that help eliminate the puffiness under your eyes. However, it is not advisable to use regularly, as its heavy ingredients can irritate the eyes. 
  • One device that is going around the town and making its place in most millennials kits is jade rollers. Said to be one of the best relaxing tools that can ease our faces' tiredness and help the products be quickly absorbed, it is also a life savior for depuffed eyes. Any skin type people can try it out, but the more gentle you are with these rollers, the more beneficial it is.   

Did you know:

The petals of the witch hazel plant are said to be sensitive to temperature, i.e., they curl up when it is cold and unfold when it is too hot! 

Benefits of eye creams and eye gels  

A research study has shown that when eyeliner is applied to the area near the inner eyelash part has more significant risks of contamination of tear ducts and increased risk of damage to the ocular surface than the outer layer. To decrease these kinds of issues, we must always be careful about what kind of products you are using for your skin's health.

Experts believe that the regular facial moisturizers are not fit for reducing dark circles, but there is an exception here. If your moisturizer contains fragrance and is alcohol-free, you can apply a limited amount around your eyes and see if it works for you.  

Summing it up! 

Beauty is all about finding what suits you best and how well it reveals your personality. As there are many research and experiments conducted on most beauty products associated with your eyes, you must do your part of the homework and make a selective decision based on the ingredients that help bring out the glow.