Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but that doesn't stop us from stressing over fine lines and wrinkles. If you've looked in the mirror recently and noticed crow's feet (totally normal!), don't fret. Whether you're in your mid 30s or early 50s, crow's feet are very common and a natural part of the aging process when it comes to your skin.
According to Dr. Amy Spizuoco, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist and founder of True Dermatology in New York City, crow's feet are fine lines and wrinkles that typically appear on the outer corners of the eyes. They are "usually brought on by things like sun exposure, frequent facial motions and gradual collagen loss that comes from aging," she explains.
Also, Spizuoco adds that the eyes are one of the first places to exhibit signs of aging, due to the fact that they are more sensitive and thinner.
Along with Spizuoco, we spoke with Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, to learn more about what causes crow's feet and how to treat them.
Keep scrolling to read our complete curated list of expert-recommended skin care products to help rid your skin of crow's feet from top brands like RoC, Olay and more. We also tapped our mothers to share a few of their go-to creams, serums and sunscreens as well.
The best products for crow's feet, according to experts
Budget-friendly option: RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
- Reduces wrinkles
- Softens skin
- May cause irritation
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol | Format: Eye cream
Spizuoco loves this affordable drugstore cream from RoC and says that works well to help crow's feet. This anti-aging skin care product is formulated with retinol and is super gentle on the skin. It also has nearly 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, so you'll be in good company once you select "Add to Cart."
Cost-effective expert pick: Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream
- Gentle on skin
- Very hydrating
- Can cause irritation
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, zerumbone, peptides | Format: Eye cream
Camp recommends this hydrating eye cream from Paula's Choice that is good for a variety of skin types, including combination, oily, dry, mature and normal skin. "Made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, this eye cream targets under-eye concerns to improve discoloration, dullness and firmness," he explains.
Provides 24-hour hydration: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eyes Cream
- Brightens skin
- Reduces fine lines
- Fragrance free
- Cleanse your skin before using
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol | Format: Eye cream
Another favorite of Spizuoco, this brightening night cream from Olay contains retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The brand recommends applying this lightweight cream every night around your eyes for 24-hour hydration.
Mom approved: Korres Apothecary Wild Rose Bright-Eyed Cushion Cream
- Makes skin soft
- Goes on smoothly
- Very hydrating
- Mixed reviews on brightening
Size: 0.51 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin | Format: Eye cream
Jude Bender, who is the mother of senior SEO editor Jess Bender, is a big skin care junkie and refers to the Korres Apothecary Wild Rose Bright-Eyed Cushion Cream as one of her favorites. Bender loves that it smells nice and feels good on her skin when applying. This hydrating cream specifically targets puffy, tired eyes, so it's the perfect formula to reach for after a wakeless night.
Infused with zinc oxide: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Lightweight
- Not greasy
- May leave white cast
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide | Format: Sunscreen
Spizuoco also suggests this oil-free sunscreen for helping get rid of crow's feet. Enriched with zinc oxide and niacinamide, this non-greasy sunscreen can also be used to treat acne-prone skin. This moisturizing formula is great for sensitive skin, but some customers note that it may leave a white cast after application.
Brightens skin: La Roche-Posay Pure 10% Vitamin C Serum
- Absorbs quickly
- Brightens skin
- May be sticky
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, salicylic acid | Format: Serum
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky’s mom Sarah Whitman is a massive fan of this vitamin C serum from La Roche-Posay. “I believe I saw a difference with using this serum. My skin looked firmer and brighter,” she shares. “It has a bit more gel consistency while I like creamier, but overall, I would use again,” Whitman adds.
Offers protection from sun: EltaMD UV AOX Tinted Mineral Sunscreen for Eye Area
- Easy to apply
- Non-irritating
- Mixed reviews on quality
Size: 0.4 oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, peptides, vitamin E & bisabolol, persian silk tree extract | Format: Eye sunscreen
Camp also suggests this tinted mineral sunscreen to help with crow's feet or wrinkles. "As a physical sunscreen, this product, which is formulated for use around the eyes, contains zinc oxide to provide SPF 30 protection in a tinted formula," he explains.
Good for traveling: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Eye Cream with Retinol
- Very soft
- Makes eyes less puffy
- Can irritate eyes
Size: 0.05 | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, retinol | Format: Eye cream
Bender calls this Charlotte Magic Eye Cream by Charlotte Tilbury her go-to product for fighting fine lines and wrinkles. She says she can have a "field day" with this cream and loves bringing it with her on vacation so she doesn't miss a day of her skin care regime when traveling. This super soft cream is also infused with vitamin C and retinol to help combat signs of aging.
Mom's favorite: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme
- Very hydrating
- Easy to apply
- May cause burning
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Exclusive night peptide, hyaluronic acid | Format: Eye cream
Bender swears by this Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme. She absolutely loves this product and uses it every day to help sooth her skin. She equates applying this product to drinking a cup of water, as it is super hydrating.
This popular eye gel creme contains hyaluronic acid, is good for anti-aging and works wonders on normal, dry, combination and oily skin.
Splurge option: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream
- Super moisturizing
- Reduces wrinkles
- Expensive
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycyrrhizin acid, caffeine | Format: Eye cream
This moisturizing cream is "a propriety blend of ingredients, plus glycyrrhizin acid and caffeine, are included in this popular eye cream to improve the appearance of under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet," notes Camp.
What causes crow’s feet?
Crow’s feet, which are also known as lateral canthal lines, oftentimes form in the outer corners of your eyes as you mature.
In addition to aging, Camp also explains that sun damage, squinting and smiling can all cause crow’s feet. “Over time, UV radiation causes photodamage, meaning it contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots,” he states.
Spizuoco says that crow’s feet often begin to appear in your 20s to early 30s. “However, this can vary depending on skin care practices, genetics and sun exposure,” she suggests. “Sunscreen prevents any UV-induced collagen degradation,” Spizuoco adds.
How to treat crow’s feet
When it comes to treating crow’s feet, Spizuoco suggests looking for components that increase collagen while moisturizing and smoothing fine wrinkles.
In order to find the perfect cream, serum or sunscreen to help with crow’s feet, it is important to consult the list of ingredients in the product before purchasing. Spizuoco recommends the following:
- “Retinol and retinoids promote collagen and accelerate cell division,” she explains.
- “Peptides assist in repairing and fortifying the structure of the skin,” Spizuoco notes.
- “Vitamin C works to promote collagen production and protects against damage from environmental factors,” she adds.
- “Hyaluronic acid moisturizes and plumps the skin to make fine wrinkles less noticeable,” she continues.
- “Niacinamide enhances suppleness and fortifies the skin’s barrier,” says Spizuoco.
Frequently asked questions
Spizuoco, says the short answer is no. "However, with the correct components, you can prevent deeper lines and drastically lessen their appearance," she suggests.
Spizuoco explains that hydration and active components such as peptides and retinol can help reduce and postpone fine wrinkles. "Sunscreen, however, is crucial for preventing fine lines and wrinkles," she recommends.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best products for crow's feet by enlisting the recommendations of two board-certified dermatologists. Our editors also consulted their mothers with mature skin to share a few of their tried-and-true favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Amy Spizuoco is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founder of True Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
