When shopping for an eye cream for dry skin, the ingredient list should be your main consideration. “Look for ingredients that act as humectants to help draw moisture into the skin,” advises Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract and grab onto water in the atmosphere, helping to hydrate skin and plump it up for a smoother, more even texture. Newman notes that the type of hyaluronic acid matters: “Many formulations use hyaluronic acid that cannot penetrate the skin due to the size of the hyaluronic acid molecule in the product,” he explains. Keep an eye out for sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that has a low molecular weight, meaning it can absorb more deeply into the skin.

While hydrating ingredients are key, you’ll also want to look for emollients, like ceramides. “Ceramides help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, lock in moisture and protect the delicate skin around the eyes, preventing dryness and irritation,” says Dr. Frank. Another good emollient is squalane, a non-comedogenic oil that closely mimics your own sebum. “It works synergistically with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin soft and supple,” says Newman. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) also helps fortify the skin barrier, as well as offers anti-inflammatory properties that’ll help minimize dark circles and puffiness.

Lastly, seek out peptides. “Peptides act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin structure and firmness,” explains Newman. “In eye creams, these synthetic peptides are used to support the skin’s natural barrier function, improve hydration and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Beyond finding the right ingredients, it’s essential to avoid the wrong ones, says Jennifer Levine, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York, NY. “It is important to find a product that does not contain pore-clogging ingredients, as this can cause milia,” she warns. Though they look similar to whiteheads, milia are very hard cysts made of keratin buildup under the skin that cannot be easily or safely removed at home. Paraffin and mineral oil can lead to the formation of milia around the under-eye area. If you’re prone to these little bumps, Dr. Frank recommends seeking out a gel cream rather than a thicker texture.