It’s All In The Eyes: 7 Essential Japanese Eye Care Creams & Masks

A list of recommended eye creams, serums, and eye masks that are great for fighting those tired eyes caused from long work days or hours spent in front of the computer.

When it comes to our beauty-smarts, most of us consider ourselves relatively savvy right down to knowing everything from great skin cleansing routines, hair care products, season-appropriate hand and nail care and, of course, which collection of makeup is best suited for our skin types. But when it comes to eye care, many of us either forget or consider it to be a regimen that should be considered only post age 30s. Wrong.

Much like the rest of our skin, our eyes are affected by the big bad trio: the sun, fatigue and pollution. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so fatigue, dryness, tugging (when removing eye makeup) and your everyday expressions can play an even bigger role in your eye-appearance. That’s why our eyes need just as much care (if not more) as our skin does.

But how do you find the perfect eye cream? And what other eye care products are good for you? Here is a list of some great products sold at most drugstores and cosmetic stores across Japan that will keep your eyes looking beautiful, healthy and sharp.  

Hydrating Eye Creams

These are creams designed to refresh and ‘wake-up’ your eyes and are best used in the morning after you complete your cleansing and moisturizing routine. 

1. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment (¥3,600) is a rich, hydrating cream packed with nourishing avocado oil and shea butter. It’s ideal for those with sensitive eyes since it’s ophthalmologist-tested and also great for dry skin too, thanks to its luxurious formula.

2. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream (¥4,500) is specially formulated with WrinkleResist24 technology (using ingredients such as Chlorella Extract, Mukurossi Extract and Gambir Extract, Burnet Extract, etc) as well as Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N, which work together to improve wrinkles, firmness and hydration. It also helps with dark circles.

Rejuvenating Eye Creams

These eye creams are specifically formulated to rejuvenate and renew while you sleep, perfect to apply just before you get some shut eye.

1. Astalift Eye Cream

Packed with anti-aging and hydrating ingredients such as squalene and three types of collagen, this eye cream (¥7,000) feels smooth and delicate around the eye area while thoroughly moisturizing and firming the skin. A little of this thick gel eye cream goes a long way!

2. DHC Retino A Essence

DHC Retino A Essence (¥3,800) is definitely a cream to try for those who have sun-damaged skin. This is a mild product safe to use even if you have sensitive skin. It’s important to note that retinol takes time to work, so you’ll need to use this product regularly and give it some time to see the great results.  

Lightening Eye Creams And Eye Masks

Lightening eye creams are designed to minimize dark and puffy eyes often the result of sleepless nights. Eye masks, on the other hand, use a special cotton or hydrogel masks designed to fit just perfectly around the eye area. These masks are so good to pop on when your eye area looks tired, dehydrated or puffy and you have to get out of the door pronto looking your best.

1. Redermic R Eyes with Retinol

This lightening eye cream (¥3,672) visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles as well as dark circles. This is a great product that has a refreshing and smooth application texture with an instant visible lifting effect. Great for those who have sensitive skin.

2. Kose Clear Turn Q10 Eye Zone Mask 

This eye mask is best for de-puffing and firming the eye area. Use it when you feel fatigue in your eyes after a long day. Sold at most drugstores for ¥810 (32 sets).

3. Manuka’s Cosmet Bee & Honey Rich Eye Mask

Soaked with Manuka honey, this eye mask (¥400) not only smells great but will have instant effects on your eyes. Best for brightening and hydrating the eye area.

Remember — just as you would care for the rest of your health and face, give your eyes some extra love — especially on a long day after work. It’s never late to start taking care — and yes, it’s possible to ‘turn back’ the effects of aging, re-stimulate the skin’s production of wrinkle-fighting collagen and elastin fibers, and naturally produce a glow that no makeup can mimic. Get started if you haven’t already!