In short: An eye cream contains oils and lipids and gives the eye area rich care. It suits you when the skin there feels dry, and works especially well in the evening. An eye gel is light, water-based and feels cool. It suits you when you want fresh care that absorbs quickly, for example in the morning or under make-up. Many people use both: the gel in the morning, the cream at night.
Why the eye area gets its own care
The skin around the eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and has fewer sebaceous glands. It is constantly in motion as you blink, laugh and make expressions. That is why it often shows dryness earlier than the cheeks or forehead. Dedicated eye care is made for this area: used sparingly, without unnecessary fragrance and with a texture that feels comfortable there.
At a glance
- Eye cream: rich, with oils and lipids, ideal for a dry eye area and in the evening
- Eye gel: light, water-based, cooling feel, ideal in the morning and under make-up
- Combine both: gel in the morning, cream at night
- Amount: a lentil-sized amount is enough for both eyes
What is the difference between eye cream and eye gel?
Eye cream: rich and nourishing
An eye cream is an emulsion of a water phase and an oil phase. The oils and lipids settle on the skin and help it hold on to moisture. The skin feels supple and soft. A cream makes the most sense when your eye area feels dry or tight, and in the colder months.
Eye gel: light and fresh
An eye gel usually contains little or no oil. It consists mainly of water and humectants such as hyaluronic acid. The texture absorbs quickly, leaves no film and feels cool. A gel is a good choice in the morning, under make-up and for anyone who doesn’t like rich textures around the eyes.
How to tell the difference in the INCI
A look at the ingredient list tells you a lot about the texture:
- Oils and butters such as Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (jojoba oil) or Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (sunflower oil) point to richer care.
- Fatty alcohols and emulsifiers such as Cetearyl Alcohol are typical of creams.
- A short list with Aqua and humectants such as Sodium Hyaluronate or Glycerin, but no oils, points to a gel.
Our guide How much water is in skincare? explains how to read an INCI.
Our Eye Cream: rich, without parfum
In the Anti-Aging Eye Cream, organic coconut water comes first in the INCI. It is joined by organic jojoba oil and organic sunflower oil, hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), retinol, panthenol and vitamin E (Tocopherol). Two plant cell cultures are thoughtfully selected: from raspberry leaves and from edelweiss. Read what is behind these cell cultures in our guide Plant stem cells in skincare.
The Eye Cream is formulated without parfum. Because it contains retinol, sun protection belongs in your daytime routine, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before use. More on this in Retinol or retinal: what is the difference?
Our Eye Gel: short and clear
The Anti-Aging Eye Gel has a deliberately short formula with seven ingredients: water, hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), acetyl glucosamine, glycerin and organic cucumber extract, plus pentylene glycol and citric acid. It contains no oils, no parfum and no retinol. The texture is cool and light and absorbs quickly. The gel is meant for morning and evening use.
Selected with care. Developed with ambition. Since 1927.
Which care suits you?
- Your eye area feels dry: eye cream, especially in the evening.
- You like light textures or wear concealer: eye gel in the morning.
- You want both: gel in the morning for freshness, cream at night for rich care.
- You already use a retinol product on your face: start with the eye gel or introduce the eye cream slowly so your skin isn’t overwhelmed.
How to apply eye care
- After cleansing and serum: eye care goes on after your serum and before your face cream.
- Use a little: a lentil-sized amount is enough for both eyes.
- Use your ring finger: it applies the least pressure. Gently pat the product along the orbital bone, from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
- Keep your distance: don’t apply right up to the lash line and don’t get it in your eyes.
- Let it absorb: then apply make-up or face cream.
What eye care can and can’t do
Good eye care leaves the skin feeling supple and cared for and can make the eye area look fresher. But it doesn’t replace sleep, sun protection and rest. If swelling, redness or itching persist, have it checked by a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eye cream?
There is no single one for everyone. What matters is what your skin needs: a rich cream for dryness, a light gel for freshness. Also check the INCI for fragrance or retinol, and choose what fits your routine.
Do I even need an eye cream?
You can use your face cream if your skin tolerates it well. Dedicated eye care is made for the thin skin, used more sparingly and often formulated without parfum.
Can I use eye gel and eye cream together?
Yes. The easiest way is to split them over the day: gel in the morning, cream at night.
At what age is eye care worth it?
There is no fixed age. As soon as your eye area feels dry, dedicated care can make sense.
Can eye care get into the eye?
No. Apply it only to the skin around the eye. If some gets into your eye, rinse with clean water.
As of October 2026. The full INCI is on every product page.