Concern

Crow’s Feet

Reviewed by SkinKnowledgeBase Editorial TeamSources verified May 17, 2026Last updated May 17, 2026
Close-up cosmetic illustration of fan-shaped crow’s-feet lines at the outer eye corner, centered and free of text labels.
Crow’s feet are fan-shaped expression lines that appear at the outer corners of the eyes.

Quick Summary

Crow’s Feet are fan-shaped fine lines and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes. They often start as expression lines when smiling or squinting, then may become more visible at rest as UV exposure, dryness, and normal skin-support changes accumulate. This Concern is about cosmetic appearance, not a medical diagnosis. The realistic skincare goal is softer-looking eye-corner lines, better hydration, and a smoother-looking eye area over time. Because the outer eye area is thin and mobile, small changes in dryness, irritation, or sun exposure can make the lines look sharper.

Causes

Crow’s feet form where thin, flexible eye-area skin folds repeatedly during smiling, laughing, and squinting. UV exposure can make the lines look more pronounced by contributing to visible photoaging changes, while dryness can make shallow lines look sharper. The outer eye area also has less cushion than many facial zones, so small texture changes show easily. Rubbing the eyes, applying products roughly, smoking, and long periods of unprotected sun exposure can all make the area look more creased over time.

How cosmetic skincare can help

Cosmetic skincare can support crow’s feet by improving hydration, reducing the look of dryness, and adding gradual texture-support ingredients such as peptides. Matrixyl, humectants, moisturizers, and daily SPF fit the appearance-focused strategy. Results are usually modest and gradual, so judge in months rather than days. The eye area is also irritation-prone: if a product causes stinging, watering, redness, or flaky tightness, simplify the routine and consider a clinician if symptoms persist. Products should be applied lightly around the orbital bone rather than rubbed into the lash line.

Ingredients that help

Evidence

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Concern
Crow’s Feet
Quick Summary
Crow’s Feet are fan-shaped fine lines and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes. They often start as expression lines when smiling or squinting, then may become more visible at rest as UV exposure, dryness, and normal skin-support changes accumulate. This Concern is about cosmetic appearance, not a medical diagnosis. The realistic skincare goal is softer-looking eye-corner lines, better hydration, and a smoother-looking eye area over time. Because the outer eye area is thin and mobile, small changes in dryness, irritation, or sun exposure can make the lines look sharper.
Ingredients That Help
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Evidence Sources