<p>Ready to see the full list? Keep scrolling for all of my picks for eye creams for dark circles, whether you have sensitive skin, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness, or hyperpigmentation. Then, I’ll get into all the details on how to get rid of dark circles and how to choose the best formula for you. </p>” />
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1
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles Overall
Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream
1
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles Overall
Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream
Pros
- Uses encapsulated retinol to help boost collagen and thicken skin to disguise under-eye darkness
- Helps soothe irritation with aloe vera
Cons
- Plant extracts could possibly irritate sensitive skin
I fully thank this Glow Recipe eye cream for keeping my under-eyes smooth and bright during those few months of 2020 when I was getting no sleep, crying my eyes out, and eating my weight in salty snacks. Retinol kept my under-eyes smooth and tight, while aloe vera soothed irritation and caffeine de-puffed. Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, actually recommends this Sephora best-seller to his patients too. “It uses encapsulated retinol, which I like because it enables the retinol to penetrate deeper into the skin for maximum results.”
- Key ingredients: Retinol, aloe vera, caffeine
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “I absolutely love this overnight eye mask. Not only does it have a luxurious texture, but my skin feels velvety smooth. I don’t wake up with my ordinary dark circles as this puffs up the under-eye area, but in a beautiful fullness effect versus actual puffiness.”
2
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème
2
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème
Pros
- Slight yellow tint helps counteract dark circles, per testers’ reviews
- Helps brighten hyperpigmentation with vitamin C
Cons
- Contains botanical extracts and essential oils that could irritate sensitive skin
I’ve been using this well-loved eye cream in the morning for years, because I love how bright and hydrated it makes my under-eyes look. It uses a mix of brightening vitamin C (three whole forms of it, to be exact), along with ultra-moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil to give my skin a lil glow. What I love most is that it has a slight yellow tint with itsy-bitsy micro shimmers that slightly disguises my purple/blue-hued dark circles. I pair it with a brightening concealer, and I look like I’ve slept the last three days.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, shea butter, jojoba oil
THE REVIEWS: One tester in a review writes, “This is my morning under-eye routine the last month, and I have seen such a difference! My makeup goes on so flawlessly after. No more cover-up creases!”
3
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness
Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
3
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness
Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Pros
- Uses caffeine to brighten and depuff under-eyes
Cons
- A few testers said it pills with concealer
My allergies have been out to get me this year, which has left me waking up with super-puffy under-eyes. I started swiping on this eye cream from Herbivore in the mornings because it contains caffeine, which temporarily “wakes up and brightens your under-eyes by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation,” says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD, “causing dark circles to appear less prominent.” The formula also makes my under-eyes look and feel so hydrated when I first dab it on, which definitely makes my face look less tired and bloated.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine
THE REVIEWS: “I woke up looking rough and tired,” writes one tester in a review. “I applied this eye cream for the first time, and the results blew me away! Bright, hydrated, and awake looking under-eyes!”
4
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Dry Skin
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
4
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Dry Skin
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
Pros
- Extremely moisturizing, thanks to jojoba esters and sunflower-seed oil
- Filled with a gentle form of retinoid to help boost collagen to make dark circles less prominent
Cons
- Too slippery and emollient for under makeup, IMO
My entire TikTok FYP is filled with people swearing by dabbing Vaseline or Aquaphor on their under-eyes before bed to prevent wrinkles and reduce puffiness and dark circles. And while I think those occlusive ointments can be a great option to boost moisture, they won’t do too much else. Enter: My personal favorite eye balm from Versed (if you see me in the comments suggesting this, yes you did <3). This balm is majorly moisturizing, thanks to jojoba esters, sunflower-seed oil and wax, and black-currant oil, but it also uses granactive retinoid—a gentle-ish retinoid that helps smooth, firm, and brighten my skin over time. I consider it the leveled-up version of under-eye slugging.
- Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, sunflower-seed oil and wax, jojoba esters, black-currant oil
THE REVIEWS: One reviewer writes, “This Retinoid balm formula is perfect around the eyes because it does not migrate. It leaves your delicate skin feeling supple while minimizing fine lines due to the softening effect. Cute packaging too!”
5
Best Vitamin-C Eye Cream for Dark Circles
OAM by Ciara Vitamin C Eye Revitalizer
5
Best Vitamin-C Eye Cream for Dark Circles
OAM by Ciara Vitamin C Eye Revitalizer
Pros
- Filled with multiple forms of brightening vitamin C
- Rich texture is v moisturizing, IMO
Cons
- Pumps out too much product, per my testing
Beauty editor perks: I tested Ciara’s skincare line, OAM, in advance of the launch last year, and this vitamin-C eye cream blew me away. It has a rich consistency that makes my under-eyes look radiant and smooth in the morning, yet also gives me lots of moisture at night. Vitamin C, the superstar ingredient in the formula, “helps reduce the appearance of dark circles by fading hyperpigmentation,” says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD, “but because it’s an antioxidant, it also defends your skin from free-radical damage, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles and premature aging,” Dr. Engleman says. I find that it’s also really smoothing, thanks to added niacinamide and coQ10 (an antioxidant that can potentially help soften wrinkles).
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, coQ10
THE REVIEWS: “This eye cream is smooth and silky, and it absorbs amazingly well,” writes one tester. “At the same time, it was not sticky at all. Perfect eye cream for under makeup. It visibly diminished fine lines as well as illuminated my under-eye area.”
6
Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream
6
Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream
Pros
- Brightens darkness with vitamin C
- Has a lightweight texture reviewers loved
Cons
- Might not be moisturizing enough for very-dry under-eyes
Not only is this vitamin-C eye cream an MVP for dark circles, but it’s also the most affordable eye cream on this list. Vitamin C helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation on your skin, which can often be the actual cause of your under-eye circles (rather than thinning skin). But just in case you’ve got a mix of both, dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD, loves that “the formula’s added peptides increase collagen production and blood circulation, which can slowly hide under-eye darkness and keep your skin tight.”
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides
THE REVIEWS: According to one review, “I’ve had dark circles all my life. Tried everything and nothing seemed to work. Until I discovered this. Omg…within a week, I could see a difference. Been using it for a month now, and I am so in love with the product!”
7
Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Cream for Dark Circles
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness
7
Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Cream for Dark Circles
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness
Pros
- Uses retinol to fade hyperpigmentation and smooth lines
- Offsets potential dryness with vitamin E and panthenol
Cons
- Tube is prone to getting damaged while shipping, according to a couple of reviews
Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman recommends this retinol-spiked eye cream from Roc for those who want to try a retinoid but are afraid of its dehydrating reputation. “The formula is filled with smoothing, tightening, and brightening retinol to help reduce the appearance of dark circles,” he says, “as well as moisturizers like glycerin, vitamin E, and panthenol to counteract some of the possible dryness.” Immediately after swiping this on, your under-eyes will look more moisturized and ~plump~, but over time, you’ll potentially notice faded darkness and smoothed fine lines.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, glycerin, panthenol
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “I tried so many eye creams for my dark circles and discoloration around my eyes, but never saw any real results. This one is MAGIC. I only used it for a month, and I saw an immediate improvement in the darkness around my eyes.”
8
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Sensitive Skin
Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream
8
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Sensitive Skin
Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream
Pros
- Helps strengthen skin barrier with peptides and ceramides
Cons
- Some testers found it a bit too heavy and rich
If you’ve got sensitive skin, ditch the acid- and retinol-rich eye creams for this gentle option from Shani Darden. The formula’s peptides and ceramides help moisturize and plump up your skin, which can reduce the look of darkness over time, while added niacinamide and cucumber extract help soothe irritation. FWIW, I used up an entire tube of this and loved how smooth and hydrated my under-eyes felt without ever feeling dry or tight.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, squalane, ceramides, cucumber extract
THE REVIEWS: “My eyes are sensitive, and I have to be careful with applying products in the area or they can feel itchy and have a burning sensation,” writes one reviewer. “I had no such issues with this product. The skin feels hydrated and smooth. I feel like it does help me look well-rested, minimizing the dark under-eye area.”
9
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Dark Circles
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
9
Best Brightening Eye Cream for Dark Circles
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Pros
- Contains a mix of brightening vitamin C and AHAs
- Soothes irritation with bisabolol
Cons
- Might be too strong for daily use on sensitive skin
I’ve been dabbing this eye cream under my eyes for the last few months, and I’ve noticed such a massive difference in my dark circles. It’s full of actives to help brighten hyperpigmentation around your eyes, like vitamin C, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. But it still has a rich, moisturizing feel, thanks to its squalane and ceramides. Yes, I’m aware this is an expensive-AF eye cream, but I love the texture so much, I actually smear it all over the areas of my face I want to brighten and firm (like my forehead, neck, and smile lines).
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, squalane, ceramides, bisabolol
THE REVIEWS: “The cream itself is thick and creamy, but not greasy or heavy, and it absorbs quickly into the skin,” one tester writes. “After using it consistently, I’ve noticed that my under-eye area looks brighter and more hydrated, and the fine lines around my eyes are definitely less noticeable.”
10
Best Eye Serum for Dark Circles
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
10
Best Eye Serum for Dark Circles
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
Pros
- Helps minmize puffiness with caffeine and EGCG
- Immediately sinks in when I dab it on
Cons
- Dry skin types might have to pair with a cream
If you prefer something ultra lightweight under your eyes, try this de-puffing serum from The Ordinary. It has a liquid texture that immediately sinks in, which makes it great for under concealer. Plus, the formula’s caffeine and EGCG (the main ingredient in green tea that has major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties) help temporarily constrict under-eye bags, which can make dark circles look less prominent.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, EGCG (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: According to a reviewer,”Love this product and The Ordinary! This eye cream is perfect in the morning for getting rid of those under-eye bags. This serum is also a great base for when applying concealer.”
11
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles
SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
11
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Wrinkles
SkinBetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Pros
- Combines retinol, vitamin C, and AHAs to help smooth, brighten, and firm under-eyes
Cons
- Filled with actives, so you have to start slow to avoid irritation
Now, listen—you definitely don’t need a dedicated retinol for under your eyes if you’re already using a retinol face serum (just smooth that serum around your eyes every day). But I get it; you might want a richer cream for under your eyes that also works double-duty to help treat dark circles and wrinkles, which is where this cream from SkinBetter comes in. It uses the brand’s proprietary complex that combines lactic acid with retinol to majorly fade hyperpigmentation and smooth fine lines over time.
It also uses a whole slew of other good-for-your-under-eyes actives, like soothing niacinamide, firming peptides, brightening vitamin C, and a handful of moisturizers (see: jojoba esters and hyaluronic acid). All of this to say: This eye cream can be a bit intense, so start slowly by incorporating it into your night routine once a week for one week, then twice a week for two weeks, until you can tolerate three nights a week.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid, vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, jojoba esters, hyaluronic acid
MY REVIEW: I just started mixing this into my eye-cream rotation, and OMG, have I noticed a difference. My under-eyes are so damn smooth and bright after adding this in for three weeks. My dark circles are less prominent, and my hereditary under-eye bags look a lil less puffy.
12
Best Smoothing Eye Cream for Dark Circles
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
12
Best Smoothing Eye Cream for Dark Circles
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Pros
- Smoothes uneven texture with silicones
- Loved by many reviewers with sensitive skin
Cons
- A bit expensive for the size, according to a few testers
When my under-eyes look bumpy and uneven, I reach for this smoothing eye cream from La Roche-Posay. The formula basically feels like an under-eye makeup primer, because it’s loaded with dimethicone, a smoothing silicone that makes your skin look and feel silky smooth. But it also helps brighten with niacinamide and de-puff with caffeine, giving my under-eyes the perfect canvas for concealer.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, dimethicone, niacinamide
THE REVIEWS: “Best eye cream I have found after trying MANY,” one reviewer writes. “Reduces darkness and helps fill in the indentations under my eyes. Amazing!”
13
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Oily Skin
Dieux Auracle Under-Eye Gel
13
Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles and Oily Skin
Dieux Auracle Under-Eye Gel
Pros
- Has a super-lightweight gel texture that I loved for my oily under-eyes
- Doesn’t contain any rich oils or moisturizers
Cons
- A couple of reviewers said the pump stopped working
In the mornings, the last thing I want to slather on under my concealer is a rich, emollient-heavy eye cream. Instead, I dab in a little bit of this gel from Dieux. It’s filled with peptides, which help encourage collagen production that can make your skin a bit “thicker” to help mask dark circles over time, as well as a handful of lightweight moisturizers (glycerin and triheptanoin—which also makes your skin feel super silky and smooth).
- Key ingredients: Peptides, glycerin, triheptanoin (lightweight moisturizer)
THE REVIEWS: “I love this eye gel,” writes one reviewer. “It feels dreamy and cool when applied, and I love using it with the Forever Eye Masks. I do notice my dark circles becoming less noticeable the more I use this, which is all I’ve ever wanted from an eye cream. 10/10—I’m on my second bottle already and plan to keep restocking.”
14
Best Eye Cream Applicator for Dark Circles
Satin Eye Gel Cream
14
Best Eye Cream Applicator for Dark Circles
Satin Eye Gel Cream
Pros
- Brightens dark circles with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative
- Uses caffeine to help temporarily de-puff
Cons
- Contains plant extracts that can possibly irritate some with sensitive skin
Dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, loooves this eye cream from Orvos, partly because it features a metal applicator that feels cool to the touch to help you massage the cream into your skin. It feels super soothing, but also can help lightly depuff (especially if you keep it in the fridge). Plus, the formula is equally as *chef’s kiss*. “One of its active ingredients is bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that helps improve dullness, uneven skin texture, and fine lines,” he says, which is why he often recommends it for patients with sensitive, dry skin who can’t tolerate retinol. Plus, it also uses a little green-tea extract to help calm inflammation, as well as caffeine to de-puff.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol (plant-based retinol alternative), green tea extract, coffee seed extract (filled with antioxidant-rich and de-puffing caffeine)
THE REVIEWS: “I am in love with this eye cream,” one tester writes. “It’s super lightweight and wears beautifully under makeup. I notice a difference in my dark circles and overall radiance versus when I don’t use it.”
15
Best Eye Masks for Dark Circles
Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Hydrogel Under-Eye Patches
15
Best Eye Masks for Dark Circles
Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Hydrogel Under-Eye Patches
Pros
- Helps temporarily constrict under-eye bags with caffeine
- I love that they don’t slip around on my face
Cons
- Can be difficult to get out of the tub, in my experience
These caffeine eye masks are the GOAT after a night when I haven’t slept well. I just do my skincare routine, then press these on, sip some coffee, contemplate every choice I made the night before, and then peel them off. They’re coated with de-puffing and brightening caffeine, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, which makes my under-eyes look quite a bit more awake in only about 15 minutes.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid
THE REVIEWS: “I instantly feel the caffeine, which gives me a great boost to start my day,” writes one reviewer. “These do not slip off as long as you clean your face first. I like the results that I’ve seen and felt.”
What causes dark circles?
“Dark circles have many causes, including genetics, tiredness, dehydration, aging, and allergies,” says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, MD. Essentially, darkness under your eyes is just dark tissues and blood vessels showing through your very-thin skin. “We may notice more prominent dark circles due to a greater contrast between our skin and the tissue and blood vessels, or perhaps because puffy eyes are casting a shadow,” Dr. Engleman says.
And if you randomly started noticing dark circles with age like me, it’s totally normal. “Dark circles also become more common as we age and lose fat between the outermost layer of skin and darker blood vessels underneath the eye,” says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman. “Our skin also becomes thinner as we age, which also makes darker valleys and shadows more prominent, which can enhance dark circles.”
Can eye cream get rid of dark circles?
Eye creams won’t necessarily get rid of dark circles, if your under-eye darkness is caused by something you have no control over, like allergies, genetics, and tiredness. But certain “eye creams can help improve the look of dark circles immediately and longer with ongoing use,” says Dr. Hartman, depending on the formula you choose (like Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Eye Cream, which has color-correcting properties, or Pixi DetoxifEye Eye Patches that contain caffeine to temporarily constrict your blood vessels and reduce puffiness that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation). Which brings us to…
How can I permanently lighten my dark circles?
To permanently lighten your dark circles, you’ll need to make an appointment with your dermatologist (or try a telemed service, like Ro or Apostrophe) to discuss your professional options and what will work best for your specific dark circles. At-home eye creams can help a bit, but you’ll get the best and most permanent results with in-office treatments.
Here’s a quick rundown of what your derm might recommend:
Ingredients to look for in your eye cream:
- Retinoids: Increase cell turnover to help boost collagen and thicken skin so darkness doesn’t shine through as much
- Vitamin C: Brightens hyperpigmentation and dark spots while protecting against free-radical damage to help prevent the destruction of elastin and collagen
- Caffeine: Helps constrict blood vessels to temporarily minimize redness and puffiness around your eyes
- Peptides: Stimulate collagen production to plump skin and potentially reduce dark circles
- Hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and ceramides): Help moisturize and plump your skin to reflect more light, helping to visually “brighten” under-eye circles
In-office treatments for dark circles:
- Fillers: Plump up your under-eye and can add space between dark blood vessels and the top layer of skin to disguise shadows. “This solution is best for those who have dark circles caused by aging and loss of volume,” says Dr. Engleman, “not dark circles caused by puffiness.
- Chemical peels: Strong AHAs (like glycolic acid and TCA peels) help exfoliate skin to brighten hyperpigmentation
- Laser treatments, like Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel: Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps strengthen and thicken the skin, so the dark tissue underneath is less visible. FYI, though, that this treatment is best for patients whose dark circles are the result of thin skin, aging, and loss of volume, Dr. Engleman says.
- Microneedling, like SkinPen or Morpheus8: Create tiny micro-wounds in your skin with a stamp covered in ultra-thin needles to trigger your skin to produce more collagen and elastin.
How to choose the best eye cream for dark circles:
Look for brightening actives
Make sure your eye cream for dark circles incorporates an active ingredient, like vitamin C, AHAs (like glycolic and lactic acid), and retinol. “Retinol will help stimulate cell turnover, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and help minimize dark circles and uneven skin tone over time,” says Dr. Hartman.
De-puff to get rid of darkness
Low-key, one of the best ways to work double-duty with your eye cream is to opt for a de-puffing formula that features caffeine, says Dr. Engleman. “Caffeine is a great eye-cream ingredient to quickly—albeit temporarily—reduce the appearance of dark circles,” she says. I have a handful of faves above that incorporate caffeine, including La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream and Herbivore Super Nova Eye cream.
Hydrate your under-eyes
“Hydrating ingredients are essential to a good eye cream,” says Dr. Hartman. He recommends looking for an eye cream that features hyaluronic acid, because it’s so lightweight under your eyes but still hydrating (fwiw, my favorite lightweight option is The Ordinary Caffeine and EGCG Serum). He also suggests ceramide-rich formulas, like Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream.
Meet the experts:
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
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