These Are All The Eye Creams Dermatologists Really Use For Dark Circles

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Struggling with dark circles? You're not the only one. Unfortunately, it's not the kind of thing that can be fixed with your standard face cream. "Because the skin under the eyes is so sensitive, you're asking for problems if you use products with active ingredients that are meant for facial skin," says dermatologist Courtney Rubin, MD. "Eye creams need to be formulated a little bit differently than how you would formulate products for the rest of the face."

Some eye creams work to brighten your under-eyes, while others work to plump up your skin with hyaluronic acid, which can treat hollow and dark under-eyes. Because puffy eyes usually accompany dark circles, some of these eye creams are even made with caffeine to assist in de-puffing, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Below, check out the best eye creams for dark circles that can help treat a wide array of skin types, tested by skincare experts and editors.

What causes dark circles?

"Dark circles are the result of aging, lifestyle choices, and genetics,” says dermatologist Alexis Young, MD. “As we age, the bone and fat under our eyes shrink and become less voluminous. The skin becomes less hydrated, making it so you can see muscles and blood vessels below the surface.” Collagen production also decreases as people age which can cause dark circles, says Dr. Garshick.

Some people are also genetically predisposed to some hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area, Dr. Garshick adds. Plus, those with allergies can be affected by discoloration, especially from rubbing their eyes frequently.

Hydra 24 + Regard Glacon

“Fatigue elevates stress hormone cortisol levels, which can swell blood vessels, making them more visible and resulting in dark circles,” says Dr. Young. Payot's eye cream contains vitamin C to brighten the skin and "neutralize free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can contribute to the process of photoaging," says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. In other words, Payot's eye cream can help prevent dark spots under-eyes.

Dr. Garshick also recommends this eye cream, and loves that its roll-on applicator is easy to use, and helps address puffiness while also moisturizing the skin. Use up this two times a day for the best results.

Testers say that this product soothes under-eyes without making them feel greasy. Many of them also love how small the product is, so it's easy to travel with. Some users also report that the product helps them eliminate their morning puffiness and improve the moisture of their skin.

Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream

A soothing eye cream that's suitable for sensitive skin is a must-have if your under-eye area dries out from time to time. Cetaphil's gel formula contains hydrating and soothing ingredients like vitamins B2 and E, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract.

Testers love how affordable and effective Cetaphil's eye cream is compared to high-end brands. Many of them also say that it smoothes out and brightens their under-eyes. It may not be appropriate for all skin types, though. Some users note that they experience breakouts after using the product.

"This was a hit with my uber-dry perimenopausal winter skin," says one tester. "It's fab and lightweight...This was my first purchase and I’ll definitely repurchase."

Read more: Best Drugstore Eye Creams

Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy

“Ultraviolet radiation breaks down our skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in skin thinning, clumping of the fibers, and ultimately the appearance of dark circles," Dr. Young says. "It can also worsen existing hyperpigmentation under the eyes.” The solution? She suggests this mineral-based sunscreen eye cream featuring a neutral peach tint. The product works double-duty as a concealer with ultra light coverage.

Many users say that this cream is gentle on their skin and doesn't crease. Those who typically wear minimal makeup love that it doubles as a concealer without drying out their eyes. "I applied this product under one eye and another [product] on the other eye and asked eight people which was better," says one tester. "Seven chose this one."

Esthetician Rachel Lozina is also a big fan of the Colorescience product, noting that it does the work of a sunscreen and concealer. "This easy-to-use glide-on formula gives great coverage with the concealer, and it blends so seamlessly with my makeup," she says. "Sunscreens are often white and cakey, but this applies like a dream."

Confidence In A Cream Moisturizer

This cream can be used once or twice a day, says Dr. Garshick. "By combining peptides, including rice peptides and tetrapeptides, this eye cream helps firm the skin while also helping to address dryness," she says.

Testers enjoy the texture of this cream and like that it has no odor. They also note that it goes on smooth without leaving a sticky or greasy feeling afterward. Most users say they have felt and seen improvement over time. "I'm in my 60s, and concealer has always creased under my eyes," says one tester. "With this product, there are no creases! I'm so thrilled!"

Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood loves this product for its "supremely rich and nourishing" texture. "It feels great on skin and doesn't seem to migrate—a huge plus," he says. "I absolutely noticed an improvement in my fine lines and some lightening under my eyes after a few weeks of use."

Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm

The state of your skin's surface can contribute to under-eye circles. There's a chance that any inflammation in the area can leave hyperpigmentation, or a stain, resulting in the appearance of dark circles, says Dr. Young.

To treat that, she suggests looking for an eye cream that contains a gentle form of vitamin A called retinol, which will help produce collagen to thicken the skin and reduce fine lines, Dr. Camp adds.

Testers who have milia (small white bumps under the skin) say they see a visible difference and improvement after consistent use. Many people also love the size of this product for the price point. Some users with eczema also notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. "I have puffy spots on the top of my cheek bones," says one user. "Within two days, they were gone."

PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm

Since the area under the eye can be sensitive, derms often recommend fragrance-free, gentle products like this one. “This has an excellent mix of effective natural ingredients, including licorice root extract for dark circles, caffeine to target puffiness, and bakuchiol to help combat fine lines,” says dermatologist Angela Lamb, MD.

Some testers say that this product works well on their sensitive skin and doesn't cause irritation. Others add that it helps prevent puffy under-eyes and fine lines. They also note that the smell of the product isn't overwhelming either.

"This eye balm has a naturally rich and hydrating formula that can be used on the most sensitive of skin," says Jenette Serrins, skincare expert and celebrity esthetician. "It truly hydrates and brightens the entire eye area." She adds that it also helps smooth skin texture and reduce puffiness. Plus, a little goes a long way.

Redermic Retinol Eye Cream

"Retinol is known to increase collagen production while preventing its breakdown," Dr. Young says, adding that it helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and even discoloration. She particularly likes this cream because it contains caffeine, which also helps reduce puffiness.

Long-term testers say they saw a major difference after consistent use. Those with sensitive skin also share that the product is gentle and doesn't cause irritation. Some even note that it reduces the appearance of their wrinkles. "My goodness, the change in my under-eyes has been remarkable," says one tester. "I noticed a huge difference in about a week. Love it!"

Read more: Best Retinol Eye Creams

Hydro Boost + Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is super thin at just about.5 mm, according to oculoplastic surgeon Kami Parsa, MD. “Thinner skin can translate into a greater chance of skin sensitivity,” he adds. If you have particularly sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free products that don’t contain parabens, phthalates, or dyes.

This budget-friendly option from Neutrogena uses hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and peptides to reduce the look of dark circles, which is why it has the approval of dermatologist Dustin Portela, MD.

Testers with mild to moderate dark circles say they notice the difference over time, which makes applying makeup a smoother process, overall. One user notes that it's a great product with a reasonable price. Some say it leaves their skin looking dewy and feeling softer.

Caffeine Eye Cream

Both Dr. Young and Dr. Garshick are fans of caffeine in skincare because it can tighten skin, lighten pigmentation, and reduce puffiness—all while stimulating collagen growth, reducing inflammation, and improving the texture of the skin. "I love that this lightweight cream can do all that while absorbing easily,” Dr. Garshick says. "It helps to reduce dark circles by constricting the blood vessels, helping reduce redness, puffiness, and inflammation."

Lozina says Mario’s products have been a long-time staple in her medicine cabinet. "This caffeinated eye cream perks up your tired eyes and it’s hydrating." she says. "I love the price point too!"

Testers say this formula is lightweight and works just as well as high-end brands. Some even say results show in as little as one week. Those with sensitive skin also like that they can use this product without worrying about it irritating their under-eyes.

Eye Cream

Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, can calm redness and inflammation while stimulating collagen and fatty acid production in the skin to improve hydration, Dr. Young says. That's where CeraVe's niacinamide, ceramide, and caffeine-packed eye cream comes in. It can help reduce puffiness while thwarting dark circles.

Testers find this product to be a great addition to their morning and evening skincare routine. Some even use it before applying concealer and are happy with the results. Many testers also agree that the formula doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or sticky.

Teamine Eye Complex

This cream has antioxidants that can potentially reduce the formation of dark spots, but Dr. Camp loves that it also has blurring agents like mica and silica to brighten skin. Revision Skincare's cream is also formulated with collagen boosters like antioxidants and vitamin C.

"While brightening the under-eye has been a complicated endeavor to say the least, this eye cream comes pretty close to brightening and adding illumination to darkened under-eye skin," says Lozina. "It’s packed with antioxidants, collagen, is super hydrating, and prohibits oxidative damage."

Testers who are prone to dark circles and dull skin say a little bit of the product goes a long way. Some say they use this during their morning and evening routines and find that they never experience irritation.

Age Perfect Rosy Tone Eye Cream

L'Oreal's eye cream is formulated with super hydrating flavonoids that are known to possess both antioxidant and skin-soothing properties to reduce the look of dark circles. Plus, the peachy tint has an instant blurring and color-correcting effect on them.

"This product has a beautiful satin-like feel under the eye. It's very hydrating and silky, which I like," says Underwood. "Another plus is the immediate effect it has on under-eye darkness, courtesy of the peachy tint." He adds that the tint is subtle, but still noticeable enough to make a difference when you look in the mirror.

Testers also love this product, noting that it's incredibly lightweight. They also agree that it makes the makeup application process a lot smoother. Users say that it creates a natural glow that makes skin look more radiant.

2-in-1 Instant Eye Lift Serum

"Incorporating peptides, hyaluronic acid, and a highly-purified algae extract, this helps to plump the under-eye area while also using the antioxidants within the algae extract to brighten the under-eye skin," Dr. Garshick says.

Yes, it's pricey, but testers say it makes them look like they got Botox after just one use. Those who have been using the products for multiple months note that it makes the skin around their eyes look and feel significantly better. Others who use it before bed say they wake up with less puffiness.

Read more: Best Eye Serums

Nordic C Glow Boost Eye Serum

This eye cream has all the ingredients dermatologists recommend to reduce the look of dark circles: three types of hyaluronic acid, a peptide complex, and vitamin C. And since it's fragrance-free, testers with sensitive skin are fans.

One user says that it makes the eye area appear brighter, and it's easy to apply to the skin. Others note that the scent is subtle and the formula absorbs into the skin smoothly. We also love its rich texture, so that a little bit goes a long way.

K-Ox Eyes Cream

“This eye cream is one of my favorites, as it’s packed with vitamin K and a hydrolyzed form of hyaluronic acid that's ideal for absorption into the skin,” says dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD. With long-term use, vitamin K helps promote blood flow, diminishing puffiness and discoloration, she adds. It can also boost the skin's elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Testers love the cooling effect of the formula and appreciate its subtle scent. Those with sensitive skin say that they don't experience any irritation with this product. Users also agree that while it's on the pricey side, it's well worth the investment.

Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème

Some eye creams need time to absorb into the skin before you can apply makeup—not this one by Ole Henriksen. Even though it's hydrating, the vitamin C-packed formula was designed to be crease-resistant, too. "Ole Henriksen's eye cream has an orange tint that balances the purple appearance of dark circles," Dr. Camp says. "It also contains vitamin C, which helps address the oxidative stresses that contribute to photoaging."

Note: While there was a class action lawsuit in 2020 against this particular cream, Dr. Garshick says it's been reformulated from the prior version that was said to cause irritation in the skin around the eyes.

"There are so many incredible antioxidants in here that fight stress and photoaging," adds Serrins. "I like that even the most sensitive of skin can use this daily." She adds that the new formula instantly absorbs, which means you don't have to wait to apply your sunscreen or makeup.

Testers love the glow they get from this eye cream. Many users say they see a difference after consistent use for a number of weeks. However, some say it still might not be the best purchase if you have sensitive skin. If you're unsure if it's for you, consider swatch testing first.

Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Eye Balm

No, this isn't lipstick—but it's just as travel and purse-friendly. Dr. Garshick recommends RoC's Eye Balm Stick for refreshing the eye area. "With vitamin C and peptides, this balm helps brighten and reduce puffiness, improving the overall appearance of dark circles," she says. Just apply it once or twice daily.

Testers say that the formula melts into the skin while providing a cooling sensation. "I massage the balm back and forth under my eyes and it helps eliminate all my puffiness," says one user. Several testers say results are noticeable in as little as one week.

Pigmentclar Eyes Correcteur

"The niacinamide in this product helps calm skin and treat skin discoloration," Dr. Camp says. He approves of this product because the caffeine in it reduces any background blue or purple tones, and the cooling metal applicator helps reduce swelling and puffiness.

Some testers say that after a few months of using the Pigmentclar Eyes Correcteur they noticed significant improvement in their dark circles. They also love that a little goes a long way, with one user calling out that they have a quarter of the product left even after four months of using it consistently. Those who have sensitive skin also agree that this formula doesn't cause irritation.

Eye Gel

Whether you're looking for a product that's anti-aging, good for dark circles, or helpful for puffiness, this eye gel from Baebody covers all the bases. For over an ounce of product (most eye creams offer around.5 ounces or less), this one is definitely worth the price.

"This lightweight, anti-aging eye gel cream helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, under-eye bags, and wrinkles," says Lozina. "It’s infused with a peptide complex to help enhance collagen production, Matrixyl 3000 to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and Vitamin E to deeply moisturize."

Testers 50 and older say this product does an excellent job at reducing the appearance of fine lines. They also agree that while it takes some time to see results, staying committed to the product will pay off in the long run. "I wouldn't say it's a magic cure to remove my under-eye bags, but it definitely helps to wake up my eyes and give them a tighter feel," says one user.

If Eyes Could Smile

This groovy-looking eye cream from Grace and Stella is said to target puffiness, under eye wrinkles, and dark circles. It was developed using key ingredients such niacinamide, caffeine, and green tea extract to give your under-eyes the boost they've been craving.

Lozina loves that this product also treats fine lines, all while remaining rich, powerful, and hydrating. "The price cannot be beat," she says. Testers agree, adding that they saw improvements in just two days.

How our team chose the best eye creams for dark circles

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and assistant editor Addison Aloian, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated eye creams for dark circles. Our team consulted 10 skincare experts and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best eye creams for dark circles for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Can an eye cream get rid of dark circles completely?

In short, it depends on the cause of the under-eye circles. "In general, skincare isn't a magic wand, and you really see incremental improvements with a consistent skincare routine over time," Dr. Rubin says. "For someone who's looking for a complete change in their skin with any topical, that's going to be really hard."

Reduced volume (or thinning) from loss of collagen over time, allergic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis are three common causes of under-eye circles. They can all be treated and prevented by using an eye cream with the right active ingredients, she adds.

Which ingredients should I look for in a cream to reduce dark circles?

When looking for an eye cream, consider what causes them and look for ingredients that will target your specific skincare concern, Dr. Garshick says.

While all the eye creams on this list target dark circles, most have additional benefits, too. Sometimes dark circles are accompanied by under-eye puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, which is why it's helpful to look for a few different ingredients. For instance, hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin if you've lost volume in the skin or if it's dry, and caffeine can help underlying blood vessels constrict and become less noticeable while reducing puffiness, Dr. Garshick says.

While not all dark circles are the result of hyperpigmentation, if you do struggle with it or discoloration, look for an eye cream with vitamin C to brighten the skin. Niacinamide can help, too. No matter what, you'll want formulations with peptides and growth factors to help strengthen the sensitive skin under the eye. And, while retinols are always great at treating anti-aging concerns, stay away from them if you have sensitive skin.

What else can I do to reduce the appearance of dark circles?

Lifestyle changes

In addition to a good skincare routine, there are also some lifestyle changes you can make. "While sleep will not magically cure dark circles, people who skip out on some sleep may notice more puffiness of the under-eye area, which may make dark circles worse," Dr. Garshick says. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must-have, too."

Maintaining a healthy diet that limits alcohol and sodium intake may help reduce the swollen appearance of the lower eyelids," adds Dr. Camp.

In-office treatments

There may come a point at which treating your dark circles requires a treatment stronger than an eye cream. If you're interested, you can check out in-office brightening peels and lasers, which can help hyperpigmentation, Dr. Garshick says.

If your under-eye area has lost volume and it appears hollow, fillers or collagen-stimulating devices like laser resurfacing or microneedling might do the trick to reduce the hollowing between the lower eyelid and upper cheek, Dr. Camp adds.

Meet the experts

• Marisa Garshick, MD is a dermatologist based in New York, New York

• Alexis Young, MD is a dermatologist based in Paramus, New Jersey

• Brendan Camp, MD is a dermatologist based in New York, New York

• Angela Lamb, MD is a dermatologist based in New York, New York

• Kami Parsa, MD is an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California

• Dustin Portela, MD is a dermatologist based in Boise, Idaho

• Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD is a dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut

• Courtney Rubin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California and chief medical officer at Fig.1 Beauty

• Rachel Lee Lozina is a licensed esthetician, laser technician, oncology esthetician, and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, New York

• Jenette Serrins is a skincare expert and celebrity esthetician based in Los Angeles, California

• Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women's Health

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