1. Purpose

This policy provides evidence-based guidance on the safe selection, recommendation, and use of non-prescription eye creams in Australia. ^{1 2}

It defines cosmetic-class eye products, typical ingredient groups, intended cosmetic benefits, safe-use instructions, and key risks for the peri-orbital area. ^{1 3}

The policy covers only cosmetic-class, over-the-counter products that aim to improve appearance and comfort, and does not include any products that claim to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. ^{2 3}

2. Scope

This policy applies to non-prescription eye creams and gels designed for external use on the skin around the eyes (upper and lower eyelids and peri-orbital region). ^{1 8}

It is intended for use in Australian clinical and cosmetic practice settings when providing general skincare and cosmetic advice about eye-area products. ^{2 5}

The policy does not cover:

- Prescription-only products or medicated creams. ^{3 22}

- Post-operative care after eyelid or peri-orbital procedures. ^{9 22}

- Diagnosis or treatment of dermatological, allergic, or ophthalmic disease. ^{11 12}

3. Definitions

Eye cream (cosmetic-class)

A non-prescription topical product applied around the eyes to improve hydration, texture, brightness, or general cosmetic appearance without therapeutic claims. ^{1 2}

Cosmetic-class product

A substance for external contact with the body that cleanses, perfumes, changes or maintains appearance, or protects, but is not presented as a therapeutic good. ^{1 3}

Peri-orbital / eyelid skin

The thin, delicate skin around the eyes that is more prone to irritation, dryness, and dermatitis than many other facial areas. ^{7 8}

High-irritant ingredients (for eyelids)

Ingredients with higher likelihood of irritant or allergic reactions on eyelids (for example strong acids, high-strength retinoids, fragrances, and certain preservatives and pigments). ^{10 13}

4. Regulatory Framework (Australia)

Eye creams described in this policy are considered cosmetics, not therapeutic goods, when their primary purpose is to alter or maintain appearance and they make no therapeutic health claims. ^{1 3}

Cosmetic-class eye creams must comply with Australian requirements for cosmetic ingredients and industrial chemicals regulation, including AICIS registration or exemption where relevant. ^{1 14}

If these products are discussed or promoted in connection with a regulated health service, communication must comply with AHPRA’s Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. ^{5 6}

Advertising must avoid suggesting that cosmetic products are therapeutic goods regulated by the TGA unless they are actually listed or registered therapeutic goods. ^{3 4}

5. Classification of Non-Prescription Eye Creams

5.1 Hydrating Eye Creams

Hydrating eye creams focus on replenishing moisture and supporting the barrier function of the peri-orbital skin. ^{8 15}

Typical ingredients include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, and mild peptides that reduce the appearance of surface dryness and flakiness. ^{14 16}

How to Use — Hydrating Eye Creams

Hydrating eye creams can usually be applied once or twice daily to clean, dry skin using a pea-sized amount for both eyes combined. ^{15 16}

Product should be gently tapped around the orbital bone with the ring finger, avoiding vigorous rubbing or pulling on the thin eyelid skin. ^{7 8}

Application directly on the lash margin or into the eye should be avoided to reduce the risk of product migration and irritation.^{9 12}

5.2 Brightening Eye Creams

Brightening eye creams target cosmetic dullness, uneven tone, and the appearance of tiredness around the eyes. ^{14 16}

Common ingredients include niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, caffeine, and optical diffusers that improve luminosity and the look of mild cosmetic darkening. ^{14 16}

How to Use — Brightening Eye Creams

Brightening eye creams are commonly used in the morning, as ingredients such as vitamin C and caffeine can enhance radiance and a more awake appearance. ^{16 19}

A small amount is tapped along the orbital bone and allowed to absorb for one to two minutes before moisturiser or sunscreen is applied. ^{16 20}

People with sensitive skin should introduce brightening products every second morning for about one week and monitor closely for stinging, redness, or dryness. ^{10 11}

5.3 Anti-Ageing / Texture Eye Creams

Non-prescription “anti-ageing” or texture eye creams often use low-strength cosmetic retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to improve the appearance of fine lines, roughness, and photodamage. ^{16 17}

These products act on surface texture and tone but are not a medical treatment for wrinkles or eyelid disease. ^{17 19}

How to Use — Anti-Ageing / Texture Eye Creams

Retinoid-containing eye creams are generally applied at night to limit light-related degradation and reduce photosensitivity risk. ^{16 18}

A very small amount is tapped around the orbital bone, avoiding the lash line and any broken or inflamed skin. ^{10 17}

They should be introduced every second night for one to two weeks, increasing to nightly use only if the area remains comfortable. ^{17 18}

Daily broad-spectrum sun protection on adjacent skin is recommended if retinoids are part of the routine, as retinoids can increase susceptibility to sunburn and irritation. ^{16 19}

5.4 Depuffing Eye Gels

Depuffing eye gels are lightweight formulations aimed at temporarily improving the appearance of mild cosmetic puffiness under the eyes. ^{14 15}

They commonly contain ingredients such as caffeine, humectants, and film-forming agents which can give a transient tightening or cooling effect. ^{14 18}

How to Use — Depuffing Eye Gels

Depuffing gels are typically used in the morning, when under-eye puffiness is often most noticeable. ^{15 21}

Storing the product in the refrigerator may enhance the cooling sensation and subjective benefit. ^{15 19}

A thin layer is tapped under the eyes and allowed 30–60 seconds to absorb before applying other skincare or makeup. ^{14 21}

5.5 Soothing Eye Creams

Soothing eye creams are designed for sensitive, reactive, or irritation-prone peri-orbital skin. ^{10 11}

They often contain barrier-supporting and calming ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, aloe vera, and similar agents. ^{14 22}

How to Use — Soothing Eye Creams

Soothing eye creams may be used morning and night, applied as a light layer tapped gently around the eyes. ^{10 15}

For very sensitive skin, a bland moisturiser can be applied first, followed by the soothing eye cream as a buffer layer. ^{15 22}

Active products like retinoids, acids, or strong vitamin C should be paused on the eyelids until irritation or dermatitis has resolved. ^{10 17}

6. Suitable Uses for Common Cosmetic Concerns

Cosmetic dryness and flakiness around the eyes are generally managed with hydrating eye creams and barrier-supporting formulations. ^{8 15}

A tired or dull appearance can be addressed cosmetically with brightening products that include niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, or caffeine. ^{14 16}

Mild cosmetic fine lines and texture changes may be improved in appearance with low-strength cosmetic retinoids or peptide-based eye creams, used cautiously. ^{16 17}

Short-term puffiness may respond to depuffing gels, whereas persistent, painful, or markedly asymmetric swelling should prompt medical assessment. ^{9 11}

For people with sensitive or irritation-prone eyelids, soothing formulations and avoidance of fragranced or highly active cosmetics are usually the most appropriate first-line approach. ^{10 13}

7. General Application Instructions

Eye creams should be applied to clean, dry skin using a pea-sized amount for both eyes combined, as using too much increases the likelihood of product migration and irritation. ^{15 16}

The ring finger can be used to tap the product gently along the orbital bone, as this generally applies less pressure and reduces mechanical stress on the thin eyelid skin. ^{7 8}

Products should not be applied directly onto the lash margin or into the eye itself. ^{9 12}

Hydrating formulations are commonly suitable once or twice daily, while brightening creams are usually reserved for the morning and retinoid-based products for the evening. ^{14 16}

Soothing creams can be used twice daily, and depuffing gels are typically used in the morning when swelling is most evident. 10,15]

When introducing any new peri-orbital product, starting every second day for about a week allows early detection of stinging, burning, dryness, or redness. ^{10 11}

If irritation occurs and does not settle promptly after stopping the product, review by a medical or dermatology professional is recommended. ^{11 22}

8. Combination Use — Safe Multi-Product Routines

A simple routine may use a brightening eye cream in the morning and a hydrating eye cream at night to support radiance by day and moisture overnight. ^{14 15}

Hydrating eye cream can also be used under a retinoid-based eye cream at night as a buffer for people who experience dryness or mild irritation. ^{15 17}

For sensitive or reactive eyelids, a soothing eye cream should be introduced first and used consistently before considering any additional active eye products. 10,22]

When layering, products should be added one at a time and at intervals of several days to help identify any triggers for irritation. ^{11 13}

Depuffing gels can be applied first in the morning and followed by a brightening eye cream once the gel has absorbed. ^{14 15}

Three-step cosmetic routines (for example, depuffing gel, then brightening cream, then moisturiser) should still follow the principles of using small amounts, avoiding the lash margin, and monitoring closely for irritation. ^{10 15}

9. Risks & Safety Considerations

The most common adverse effects from cosmetic eye products are irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, particularly affecting the thin eyelid skin. ^{10 11}

Known triggers include fragrances, certain preservatives, pigments, and allergens transferred from other products on the face, hair, nails, or hands. ^{10 13}

Retinoid-containing products and some brightening actives can cause dryness, peeling, burning, or increased photosensitivity, especially if introduced too quickly or used too frequently. ^{16 18}

People with a history of eyelid eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, or marked sensitivity should be cautious with active ingredients around the eyes and may need medical advice before using them. ^{12 22}

Any acute swelling, marked redness, significant pain, or changes in vision should prompt immediate cessation of the product and timely medical assessment. ^{9 12}

10. Patient Education

Patients should be informed that non-prescription eye creams are cosmetic products intended to improve comfort and appearance, and are not a substitute for medical care of eye or eyelid disease. ^{1 3}

They should be advised that results are usually modest and gradual and depend on consistent long-term use and realistic expectations. ^{15 16}

Key education points include:

- Choosing a product that matches their main cosmetic concern (hydration, brightness, texture, puffiness, or sensitivity). ^{14 15}

- Introducing new products slowly and using small amounts. ^{10 11}

- Using broad-spectrum sun protection on nearby skin, particularly when retinoid or brightening actives are part of the routine. ^{16 19}

- Stopping products and seeking medical or dermatological advice if severe, persistent, or recurrent reactions occur. ^{11 22}

11. Documentation

When giving advice about eye creams, clinicians should document the cosmetic concerns discussed, the general category of eye product recommended, and any history of eyelid sensitivity or allergy. ^{11 22}

Documented records support continuity of care, facilitate recognition of patterns of irritation, and assist in risk management and clinical review. ^{5 11}

12. Review

This policy should be reviewed at least every two years, or earlier if there are significant updates to Australian guidance on cosmetics, advertising, or ingredient safety. ^{1 5}

It should also be updated if new safety information emerges about cosmetic ingredients commonly used around the eyes. ^{10 13}

Sources

1. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2023, Cosmetics – glossary definition, Australian Government, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/glossary/cosmetics. ↩
2. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2023, Cosmetics and therapeutics, Australian Government, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/cosmetics-and-therapeutics. ↩
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Determining if your product is a cosmetic or a therapeutic good, Australian Government Department of Health, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/determining-if-your-product-cosmetic-or-therapeutic-good. ↩
4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) 2024, Advertising a health service, Australian Government Department of Health, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/advertising-health-service. ↩
5. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 2024, Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service, AHPRA, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx. ↩
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9. EyeWiki 2025, Periocular (Periorbital) Dermatitis, American Academy of Ophthalmology, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://eyewiki.org/Periocular_%28Periorbital%29_Dermatitis. ↩
10. DermNet NZ 2023, Eyelid contact dermatitis, DermNet New Zealand Trust, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/eyelid-contact-dermatitis. ↩
11. Healthdirect Australia 2023, Contact dermatitis, Healthdirect, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/contact-dermatitis. ↩
12. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) 2023, Allergic conjunctivitis, ASCIA, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-conjunctivitis. ↩
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14. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) 2024, Personal care, skincare, make-up and other cosmetic products, Australian Government, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/personal-care-skincare-make-and-other-cosmetic-products. ↩
15. MedicalNewsToday 2020, Dry skin around the eyes: Causes, treatment, and more, MedicalNewsToday, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-skin-around-eyes. ↩
16. Ball, S et al. 2024, Vitamin C, topical retinoids, and sunscreen in clinical practice: Essentials for family physicians, Journal of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, vol. 16, no. 3, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.acofp.org/news-and-publications/journal/article-detail/vol-16-no-3-fall-2024/vitamin-c-topical-retinoids-sunscreen-in-clinical-practice-essentials-for-family-physicians. ↩
17. Reynolds, RV et al. 2024, Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, viewed 21 Nov 2025, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2823%2903389-3/fulltext. ↩
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