Do you need eye cream — or is your moisturiser enough?.

The eye cream question is one of the most reliably debated in dermatology. Opinions among skincare professionals sit near the extremes: either eye creams are an essential step for uniquely delicate tissue, or they are a marketing category with no functional difference from the moisturiser already in use.

Both positions are partially right.

The argument for eye cream

The periorbital area — the skin immediately around the eyes — is thinner than skin elsewhere on the face. It has fewer sebaceous glands, making it more prone to transepidermal water loss and less well-equipped to self-moisturise. Fine lines in the periorbital area typically appear earlier than comparable lines elsewhere, a result of thinner tissue, repetitive muscle movement, and cumulative sun exposure.

The industry argument is that a dedicated eye cream is formulated with this in mind: lighter emollients, gentler preservatives, and a concentration of ingredients appropriate for the site. Some facial products are unsuitable around the eyes because they can cause milia (small keratin-filled cysts) from over-occlusion, or because fragrance and high-concentration actives increase sensitivity risk in a delicate area.

These arguments are legitimate.

The argument against a separate product

The evidence that dedicated eye creams outperform a well-formulated facial moisturiser applied to the same area is sparse. Several dermatologist reviews and consumer studies have found no statistically significant difference in outcomes when comparing dedicated eye creams to equivalent facial moisturisers on periorbital skin.

The composition of most eye creams — in terms of active ingredients — is similar or identical to the parent facial moisturiser in the same range. The primary differences are often a smaller volume at a higher price per gram, a lighter texture, and the absence of fragrance.

The practical answer

Whether you need a dedicated eye cream depends on the moisturiser you are using.

You may not need one if: your facial moisturiser is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and uses gentle emollients. It is likely safe and functional around the eye area. Apply sparingly, away from the lash line.

You may benefit from one if: your facial moisturiser is heavy, fragrance-containing, or comedogenic; if you are managing specific periorbital concerns such as persistent darkness or significant puffiness; or if you have a history of milia around the eyes.

A retinol note: retinol applied too close to the eye area is a common cause of periorbital sensitivity. If you are using retinol on the face, a separate, retinol-free moisturiser for the periorbital zone is reasonable — not because the skin requires a specialised cream, but to avoid active-overload in a sensitive area.

What the evidence supports

Caffeine, in sufficient concentration, has modest evidence for reducing periorbital puffiness, likely via vasoconstriction. Retinoids, carefully applied, can improve fine lines in the periorbital area. Peptides with evidence for collagen-stimulating activity — such as palmitoyl tripeptide-1 — appear in both eye creams and facial moisturisers for this purpose.

The Lux & Glo position

The ritual's moisturiser — formulated with squalane, shea butter, and avocado oil — is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and designed to support the barrier. Applied sparingly around the eye area, it provides the hydration and occlusion the skin requires in that zone. A dedicated eye cream is an optional addition, not a necessary step.