Clinique eye cream stings my eyes — what should I do?

Stinging from Clinique’s eye creams usually comes from active ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or retinol derivatives that are meant to brighten or reduce puffiness but can irritate the thin under-eye skin.

Even if labeled “ophthalmologist tested,” formulas such as All About Eyes contain silicones, emulsifiers, or preservatives that may migrate into the eye and trigger burning or watering.

If this happens, stop using it immediately and rinse gently with cool water to avoid further irritation.

For a safer alternative, look for simpler, fragrance-free gels with hyaluronic acid or ceramides, and always patch-test along the orbital bone before applying close to the lash line