The skin around the eyes is thinner and moves more than almost anywhere else on the face, so it's often the first place fine lines and crow's feet show. Peptides are a popular choice here because they're gentle and easy to layer. Here's which of our peptides suit the eye area, how to apply them safely, and a simple routine.
Why the eye area needs a gentler approach
The skin under and beside the eyes is thinner than on the cheeks or forehead, and it has fewer oil glands, so it dries out more easily. Every smile, squint and blink also creases it, which is why expression lines tend to show at the outer corners first. That means the eye area usually does best with:
- Small amounts: one drop of serum or a rice-grain of cream is enough for both eyes.
- Light, hydrating textures: water-based serums with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, followed by a moisturiser if skin feels dry.
- Mild products only: keep strong acids and retinoids away from this area, or use them much less often.
- Daily sunscreen and sunglasses: squinting in bright Aussie sun is a big part of why crow's feet form.
Which peptides suit the eye area?
- Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8): the best-known "expression line" peptide. It's used in eye serums for the look of crow's feet and lines at the outer corners.
- SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3): a longer cousin of Argireline used for the same areas. Many people use both together.
- Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4): used for the look of fine lines and smoother texture, including under the eyes. It's light and suits mornings or nights.
- GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1): used for firmer-, smoother- and more radiant-looking skin. A good night-time pick for the under-eye area if it looks dull or crepey.
Introduce one new peptide at a time so you can see how your skin responds. Our best peptides for fine lines guide compares them in more detail.
Serum or cream around the eyes?
Our peptide serums are water-based and light, so they absorb quickly and sit well under concealer. They're the easiest way to use Argireline, SNAP-8 or Matrixyl on the eye area.
Our GHK-Cu Cream is richer, with a moisturising base of safflower and sweet almond oils. It suits drier under-eye skin at night. Use only a tiny amount, as too much rich cream near the eyes can feel heavy and may migrate into the eyes while you sleep.
How to apply peptides around the eyes
- Cleanse and gently pat skin dry.
- Put one drop of serum (or a rice-grain of cream) on your ring finger. It applies the lightest pressure.
- Dot it along the orbital bone, the bony ridge you can feel under the eye and out towards the temple, and at the outer corners where crow's feet form.
- Gently tap it in. Don't rub or drag the skin.
- Stay on the bone. Don't apply to the eyelids, the lash line or the inner rim, and keep products out of your eyes. Product naturally spreads a little as it warms.
If a product gets in your eye, rinse it out with plenty of clean water. If irritation continues, stop using it and ask a pharmacist or health professional.
A simple eye-area routine
Morning
- Gentle cleanse or a splash of water.
- Argireline, SNAP-8 or Matrixyl serum, tapped along the orbital bone and outer corners.
- Your usual moisturiser.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied gently up to the orbital bone, plus sunglasses outdoors.
Night
- Remove make-up and cleanse. Use a gentle eye make-up remover rather than rubbing.
- GHK-Cu serum, or a rice-grain of GHK-Cu Cream on drier under-eye skin.
- A light moisturiser if your skin wants one.
For the full layering order across your whole face, see our AM/PM peptide routine.
Tips for the eye area
- Less is more: extra product won't work faster. It's more likely to sit on the skin or end up in your eyes.
- Keep retinol and acids apart: if you use retinol or AHA/BHA products, keep them away from the eye area or use them on different nights from GHK-Cu. Our GHK-Cu vs retinol guide explains how to schedule them.
- Store serums in the fridge: a cool serum feels refreshing on puffy-looking morning eyes, and it helps the mixed serum last. See how to store peptides.
- Sleep and sun matter: good sleep, staying hydrated and protecting your eyes from the sun all help the eye area look fresher.
- Be patient: cosmetic changes in how skin looks and feels build over 4–12 weeks of regular use. Take photos in the same light to compare.
Patch test first
The eye area is sensitive, so patch test any new product before using it here. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm or behind the ear once a day for 2–3 days, then try it on a small spot near the outer corner of one eye. If you notice redness, itching, stinging, swelling or flaking, stop and wash it off. Don't apply to broken, sunburnt or irritated skin. GHK-Cu Cream contains sweet almond oil (tree nut). If you wear contact lenses, have a skin or eye condition, or you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional first. Our patch testing guide has more detail.
FAQ
Can I use my face serum around my eyes?
Yes. Our peptide serums are gentle enough for the eye area when you use a small amount, tap it along the orbital bone and keep it off the eyelids and out of the eyes.
Which peptide is best for crow's feet?
Argireline and SNAP-8 are the peptides most often used for the look of expression lines like crow's feet. Matrixyl and GHK-Cu suit general fine lines and texture. Many people use an expression-line peptide in the morning and GHK-Cu at night.
Can I use GHK-Cu Cream under my eyes?
You can, at night, on the orbital bone only. Use a rice-grain amount and patch test first, as the eye area is more sensitive than the rest of the face.
How long until I notice a difference?
Most cosmetic studies look at results after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use, and changes are subtle and gradual. Results vary from person to person and last only while you keep using the product.
Every peptide we use is independently lab-tested for identity and purity before it goes into our creams and serums. For laboratory research materials, see Ultimate Peps; lab testing is available from QLD Analytical (Queensland, Australia).
For topical cosmetic use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. — The Ultimate Performance Team