I Swear By This Drugstore Eye Cream for Hydrating My Dry, Tired-Looking Eyes—and It’s Under $20

Even on my best, well-slept days, I often have dry, tired-looking eyes—thanks to perpetual dark circles, puffiness, eye bags, you name it. Thankfully, I’ve found that applying a hydrating eye cream can really help—and it doesn’t always have to be an expensive, luxury pick either. The one eye cream I swear by for hydrating and smoothing my perpetually dry, tired under-eyes is an affordable drugstore pick—specifically, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream.

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line is beloved by many—Jennifer Garner is known to be a longtime fan of the products (including the best-selling face cleanser and SPF moisturizer), not to mention it’s also an editor-favorite here at Prevention (our Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis Finigan, calls the Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel-Cream her “ride-or-die moisturizer”). I’d never tried anything from the line myself, but after seeing that the eye cream is also top-rated with over 21,000 ratings on Amazon and is also affordable (it’s currently on sale for under $20!), I knew I had to try it myself.

Needless to say, it didn’t take long for this best-selling drugstore eye cream to become my go-to for smooth, hydrated under-eyes—here’s why.

Features at a Glance

Key Ingredients	Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone
Size	0.5 fl oz
Fragrance-free	Yes

I used the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream consistently for approximately three months total. I applied it in the morning and at night, after using my cleanser and toner but before applying my face moisturizer (I love the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Hydration Moisturizer—another great drugstore pick!). For application of the eye cream, I followed the brand’s instructions to dot the cream around my eye area and smooth in until throughly absorbed.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye-Gel Cream is packed with super hydrator hyaluronic acid, as well as glycerin and dimethicone, to help lock in long-lasting moisture for more supple and smooth skin in the eye area. It comes in a unique, lightweight gel-cream texture—which allows it absorb quickly, like a gel, but provide the intense moisturizing power of a cream, according to the brand. Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for daily use, the formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and is also free of fragrance, dyes, and oil.

What I immediately loved about this eye cream is the consistency—it truly does feel like something in between a gel and a cream, with a lightweight texture that goes on super nicely. In fact, it absorbs so nicely into the skin on my under-eyes—without any greasy or sticky feeling at all—that it feels like my skin just drinks it up when it’s applied (like a refreshing drink of water for my under-eyes!). Better yet, it also has a really nice cooling effect—I love that once I smooth it in, my whole eye area instantly feels so cool and refreshed. Honestly, even just this cooling sensation usually helps make my tired eyes feel more awake!

In spite of how light the gel-cream is, it’s also surprisingly moisturizing—true to its name, the Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream truly does give a boost of hydration to my eyes. I’ve recently been struggling with a lot of dryness on my skin, especially during this winter season, and my delicate under-eye area has mostly been suffering the brunt of it. But since I started using this eye cream consistently, I’ve noticed that my usually-dry, rough under-eyes feel more hydrated as well as more soft and smooth.

I also love that this eye cream is gentle on eyes. I sometimes experience sensitivity and irriation around my eyes (they tend to get dry from allergies and wearing contacts), but this product has never caused any irritation during the months I’ve been using it. In fact, the ophthalmologist-tested formula is not only free of fragrance but also dyes and oils—and it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

After months of trying this popular pick, you can consider me a true fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream. This lightweight, fast-absorbing eye cream has been a game-changer for my perpetually dry, tired-looking eyes, thanks to its deeply hydrating and soothing formula that’s packed with hyaluronic acid. I also love that it gives a really nice cooling effect that makes my tired eyes feel more instantly more awake and refreshed.

Just don’t take it from me, though: Thousands of reviewers also rave about the pick, including those with mature skin. “This Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel is an awesome product! After cleansing my face each evening, I’ve used this gel nightly for two weeks, and I’ve definitely noticed a nice difference in the skin around my 58-year-old eyes when I wake up in the mornings,” one Amazon shopper shared. “It seems to help smooth ‘crows feet’ and other wrinkles under and beside my eyes. It’s very hydrating…A great find at an excellent price!”

If you want to try out the eye cream yourself, you’re in luck: The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream is currently on sale at Amazon for nearly 30% off, meaning you can snag one for under $20 right now. Add it to your cart now—and check out other picks from Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line (including Jennifer Garner’s favorites!), below.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Facial Cleanser

Now 35% Off

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

Now 25% Off

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Night Pressed Serum

Now 46% Off

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream

Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.