The Best Eye Creams to Treat Dark Circles, According to Experts (2024)

Table of Contents
Vogue’s Guide to Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Bags In This Story Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Best Caffeine Eye Cream: La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles Best Retinol Eye Cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream Best Eye Cream for Puffiness & Dark Circles: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream Best High-Tech Formula: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream Best Natural Ingredients: Chanel N° 1 De Revitalizing Eye Serum Best Eye Cream for Redness: Isdin Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes Best Hydrating Eye Cream: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream Best Applicator: Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid Best Firming Under Eye Cream: Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream Best Drugstore Eye Cream: Cerave Eye Repair Cream Best French Eye Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream Best for Crepey Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum Best Illuminating Under Eye Cream: Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème Best Lightweight Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour Best Conditioning Eye Cream: La Mer The Eye Concentrate Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream Best Rich Texture: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue The Editor’s Favorite Dark Circle Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream Best Vitamin-C Eye Cream: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector Celebrity-Approved Eye Cream for Dark Under Eyes: Furtuna Skin Cuore Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalizing Cream Best Tightening Eye Cream: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel Best Clean Eye Cream: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel Most Viral Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream Best Under Makeup: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream Best Night Eye Cream: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream Best Eye Mask for Dark Circles: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask Dermatologist-Approved Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Skinbetter InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye Best Luminous Eye Cream: U Beauty the Return Eye Concentrate Best Makeup-Priming Eye Cream: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream Best Antioxidant Eye Cream: Ren Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream Do eye creams actually get rid of dark circles? What do dermatologists recommend for dark circles? How often should I apply eye cream for dark circles? What causes dark circles under eyes?

While some people appreciate the natural look of a shadowy under-eye, many of us hope to find a solution—which is where the best eye cream for dark circles comes in. “Not all eye creams are created equal, because not all eye problems are equal,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. “When a person is looking to treat dark circles, the question is: Why do you have dark circles?” Below, we rounded up the best eye creams that target dark circles—according to dermatologists and Vogue editors.

Vogue’s Guide to Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Bags

In This Story

  • Do eye creams actually get rid of dark circles?
  • What do dermatologists recommend for dark circles?
  • How often should I apply eye cream for dark circles?
  • What causes dark circle under eyes?
  • Ingredients to look for in dark circle treatments
  • Meet the skin experts

Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye

SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles

  • Why we love it:SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex For Dark Circles is a great option, especially for mature skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He gave his stamp of approval for the now discontinued A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles. Then a top pick for mature skin, the elixir has since been reformulated as this A.G.E. Advanced Eye.
  • Benefits: This looks to reduce glycation (basically the weakening of structural proteins like collagen) to diminish wrinkles, crow’s-feet, dark circles, and puffiness instantly.
  • Key ingredients: 7.15% concentrated proxylane (to smooth wrinkles), 4.25% wild fruit flavanoid blend (to protect against free radical damage), Matrixyl 3000 (for improved hydration and laxity), glycyrrhetinic acid, inclusive optical effects (this disperses light in a way that brightens dark circles), caffeine (to reduce puffiness).
  • Who it’s for: “This works well for anyone who suffers from severe dryness and lack of elasticity, which often happens with mature skin,” Hartman notes.
  • Product features: Fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Caffeine Eye Cream: La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles

La Roche-Posay

Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles

  • Why we love it: The La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar is an all-around solid eye cream to tackle your dark circles with ease.
  • Benefits: Even better: This brightening eye cream features a cooling metal applicator to help soothe and decongest the under-eye after each use.
  • Key ingredients: Pure retinol, caffeine, thermal spring water.
  • Who it’s for: Those who revel in French beauty secrets will get a frisson from this pharmacy standby.
  • Product features: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy tested, ophthalmologist tested, dermatologist tested
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Retinol Eye Cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

RoC

Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Those searching for a retinol eye cream, consider this option by RoC—a top pick of Rabach because it “contains retinol formulated for the thin skin of the under-eye, which helps boost collagen production.”
  • Benefits: Thanks to the infused retinol and glycerin, expect puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles to be quelled with ease.
  • Key ingredients: Pure retinol.
  • Who it’s for: Anyone looking to bring the wrinkle-defying touch of retinol to the sensitive skin under the eyes.
  • Product features: Ophthalmologist tested, dermatologist tested.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Eye Cream for Puffiness & Dark Circles: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream

Sunday Riley

Auto Correct Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: New York City–based aesthetician Sean Garrette tells Vogue that the Sunday Riley Auto Correct is one of the first eye creams he ever finished.
  • Benefits: “It helps to depuff, brighten, and hydrate the under-eye,” Garrette says.
  • Key ingredients: Caffeine, horse chestnut, watermelon extract, antioxidant lutein.
  • Who it’s for: A pick-me-up for tired eyes, “This has very fine light-reflecting particles that help the eye look more lifted and awake,” Garrette explains.
  • Product features: Natural, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best High-Tech Formula: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream

Medik8

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Before “skin streaming” was a viral thing, it was the guiding philosophy of the dermatological skincare brand Medik8. Since its founding in 2009, the British brand has held that the most effective skincare regimes boil down to using the most effective products—as few of them as possible, thank you very much—including retinol at night. Therefore, each Medik8 product was designed to stand on its own, delivering powerful results without several more steps of support, and this serum delivers. “This is good for dark circles because its twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde stimulates collagen production and speeds up cell turnover, which can help reduce the visibility of dark circles by thickening the skin,” says Dr. Ashley Magovern, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Advisor for Dermstore. “Ceramides and hyaluronic acid provide deep hydration and plumping effects, making the under-eye area look brighter and more youthful.”
  • Benefits: The serum harnesses high-tech ingredients to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness, support the skin’s natural barrier, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes.
  • Key ingredients: Twin encapsulated retinaldehyde (a system that delivers a slow release of retinal to target wrinkles and uneven texture), lightweight ceramides (to nourish the skin around the eyes), hyaluronic filling spheres (a cutting-edge form of hyaluronic acid that makes the skin around the eyes appear smoother and plumper), chamomile extract (to soothe and calm the skin)
  • Who it’s for: Those who want to harness the anti-aging powers of a potent form of Vitamin A—but have sensitive skin, or are a bit timid to try it—will find options in Medik8’s Crystal Retinal range.
  • Product features: Available in a “ladder” system that offers retinal in various strengths—from 0.03 to 0.1 %—the serum offers a safe and supported route into retinol use, even for those just dabbling.
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Natural Ingredients: Chanel N° 1 De Revitalizing Eye Serum

Chanel

N° 1 De Revitalizing Eye Serum

  • Why we love it: When Chanel pirouetted into clean beauty back in 2022 with the N°1 line, the hallowed French brand showed just how efficacious red camellia can be. The star ingredient of the Revitalizing Eye Serum, the flowery extract instantly smooths the skin around the eyes for a brighter-eyed and more youthful appearance. Dispensed via a cooling, rotating applicator, the serum has been clinically tested—including on sensitive skin types—and is proven to decrease the appearance of under-eye circles in eight weeks.
  • Benefits: In clinical tests, the serum also proved its efficacy at diminishing signs of fatigue to make the eyes appear more vibrant and awake. Additionally, it decreases under-eye puffiness and the look of dark circles while soothing the skin with a cooling sensation.
  • Key ingredients: Red camellia extract (to target five common signs of aging), camelia yeast extract (to fortify the skin barrier), 3D complex (to decrease stress lines, under-eye puffiness, and dark circles)
  • Who it’s for: The eco-minded beauty savant will naturally gravitate toward the product, which is kind not just to the eyes, but to the plant. The Chanel N° 1 product line features formulas that are up to 97% natural.
  • Product features: The serum can also make eyebrows appear fuller.
  • Size: 0.53 fl oz

Best Eye Cream for Redness: Isdin Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes

Isdin

Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes

  • Why we love it: “The thin skin of the eyelids displays the prominent blood vessels and hemosiderin deposits that give the area a purple hue,” says Hartman. “Enter Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes.”
  • Benefits: “It contains vitamin K to treat the darkness, haloxyl to improve firmness and skin tone, and hyaluronic acid to improve hydration as it moisturizes.”
  • Key ingredients: Vitamin K, haloxyl, hyaluronic acid.
  • Who it’s for: Idriss is also a fan because it helps with redness. “As a tip, I use it on other places on my face: around my nose that has occasionally endured redness to lighten up my appearance.”
  • Product features: Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Hydrating Eye Cream: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream

  • Why we love it:Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream is a creamy, lush formulation that provides instant moisture and nourishment to the dehydrated skin of the eyelids,” says Hartman.
  • Benefits: “It does a little of everything, providing antioxidant protection, retaining moisture, and fortifying skin’s microbiome with prebiotics.”
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid.
  • Who it’s for: The cucumber-scented cream targets several skin-care concerns but is particularly helpful at smoothing out drooping eyelids and crow’s-feet.
  • Product features: Medical-grade, clinically proven.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Applicator: Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid

Sisley

Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid

  • Why we love it: With a built-in ceramic applicator that feels like a tiny eye masseuse (try whirling it around the eye area—it’s that refreshing), Sisley’s soothing fluid has a melt-into-the-skin feel. British Vogue’s Jessica Diner once compared the rose garden-scented product to a magic wand (or the second best thing to it, anyway), writing: “An eye cream in a makeup bag-friendly pen (which in itself is genius, because how often have you dipped your finger into an eye-cream pot only to take out too much product for the soft and delicate eye area?), the ceramic tip applicator is the first element to get excited about: cooling, soothing, depuffing, it could be a brilliant beauty tool on its own. But then there is the cream, which takes it to the next level: a lightweight fluid that contains Sisley’s cult Black Rose technology concentrated into a formula tailored to work around the eyes. I dispense a small amount onto the applicator and massage the eye area until the cream is fully absorbed. It’s a nice little me-time massage that I probably wouldn't do otherwise. Like I said, genius.”
  • Benefits: The eye-freshening salve smooths the skin around the eyes, giving it a visibly lifted, refreshed glow—made all the glowier by a subtly radiant finish Dr. Magovern stands by its ingredients. “The red vine extract specifically targets dark circles by brightening and improving circulation under the eyes,” she notes. “Additional ingredients like caffeine and chlorella extract work to reduce puffiness and revitalize the under-eye area, while black rose extracts and shea oil nourish and soften the skin for a more radiant look.”
  • Key ingredients: Black rose extract (for smoothing), padina pavonica extract (for moisture and smoothing), red-vine extract (to brighten dark circles)
  • Who it’s for: The rose-tinged product is best suited for normal skin.
  • Product features: The fluid comes in a tube with a cool ceramic applicator, which doubles as a soothing (and luxuriously refreshing) eye massager.
  • Size: 0.47 fl oz

Best Firming Under Eye Cream: Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

Paula's Choice

Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: “This is a treatment eye cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C, and five skin-identical ceramides that help brighten and revive the under-eye,” says Garrette.
  • Benefits: The firming cream targets wrinkles and fine lines as well as discoloration, dark circles, and dryness.
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, retinol, vitamin C.
  • Who it’s for: Garrette explains that “retinol and vitamin C are two ingredients that are great at reducing fine lines and fading uneven pigmentation, which are most people’s concerns when it comes to their under-eyes.”
  • Product features: Paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Drugstore Eye Cream: Cerave Eye Repair Cream

CeraVe

Eye Repair Cream

  • Why we love it: “This is a favorite among patients, even the ones with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Adazeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist who’s based in California. Not to mention, it’s one of the best eye cream for wrinkles.
  • Benefits: “It’s formulated with niacinamide to brighten the under-eye skin, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate and lift the under-eye skin,” she notes. Furthermore, “it has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly.”
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, marine and botanical complex.
  • Who it’s for: Approved by the National Eczema Association, tested by opthalmologists, and developed with dermatologists, the cream is safe for use on sensitive skin.
  • Product features: Fragrance-free, oil-free.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best French Eye Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream

Caudalie

Premier Cru The Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Caudalie’s Premier Cru is one of those products we’d pick up at any French pharmacy without question. Comprised of 97% natural-origin ingredients, you can it expect to be gentle on skin while delivering the results you seek.
  • Benefits: The brand’s Viniferine is the ingredient to know here; the vine sap-derived agent is known to brighten dark circles over time. Working alongside pearlescents for a luminous tint, plus the brand's TET8 which targets eight signs of aging at once—crow’s feet, puffiness, fine lines, dark circles, nutrition, hydration, and radiance.
  • Key Ingredients: Viniferine (Caudalie's patented ingredient derived from vine sap), a blend of pearlisers, TET8 Patented Technology (resveratrol with honokiol), avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid
  • Who it's for: This is for some interested in the French beauty approach; or, for that person partial to a clean, yet effective beauty product.
  • Product features: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, vegan
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Crepey Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

  • Why we love it: Clinically shown to boost hydration, smooth out the skin, and make the eye area appear more supple and refreshed, Dr. Dennis Gross’s active ingredient-packed eye serum has impressed Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. While some retinol products can irritate the skin, this dermatologist-developed salve contains ferulic acid to tamp down any harsh side effects of the collagen-boosting ingredient. Don’t let its gentleness fool you, though. The serum uses “a proprietary retinol blend—including retinol-like, plant-based bakuchiol—to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of crepey skin and wrinkles,” Dr. Camp previously told Vogue.
  • Benefits: The serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it works swiftly—results will show in just two weeks.
  • Key ingredients: Retinol (for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles), ferulic acid (to counteract any possible irritation from the retinol), rambutan and bakuchiol (to enhance the anti-aging effects of retinol)
  • Who it’s for: The serum is geared towards those who have diminishing fine lines and wrinkles at the top of their beauty wish lists.
  • Product features: With the feel of a cushiony gel, the serum is the rare retinol-infused product that can be used day and night (providing, of course, that it’s followed by SPF in the daytime.) It’s also safe for use on the eyelids.
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Illuminating Under Eye Cream: Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème

Tata Harper

Illuminating Eye Crème

  • Why we love it: Upon applying Tata Harper’s Illuminating Eye Crème, expect the included diamond dust to veil the under-eye with a pink-gold luminous tint.
  • Benefits: What’s more, a blend of 100% natural-based ingredients like fruit extracts and plant-derived oils target signs of aging, from dark circles to wrinkles.
  • Key ingredients: Diamond dust, hordeum vulgare (barley) leaf juice, lavender flower/leaf/stem water.
  • Who it’s for: Looking to condense your makeup routine? When applied to the lid, the eye cream makes for a beautifully luminous eyeshadow.
  • Product features: Refillable, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phahlate-free, made in the U.S., Latinx-owned.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Lightweight Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour

Bioderma

Sensibio Gel Eye Contour

  • Why we love it: According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, the Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour “contains caffeine, which has been shown to improve the microcirculation in the skin and therefore brightens dark discoloration.”
  • Benefits: She notes that “it’s a gel formula, so it’s less likely to clog pores and cause milia cysts (those white bumps that can appear on the eyelids from using eye creams that are too heavy).”
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, laminaria, and vitamin E.
  • Who it’s for: The caffeine-infused formula makes quick work of reducing puffiness—perfect for the morning after a long, indulgent night out.
  • Product features: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Conditioning Eye Cream: La Mer The Eye Concentrate

  • Why we love it: La Mer’s Miracle Broth—the brand’s beloved ingredient derived from marine algae—is not the only star in its eye cream. The elixir features a plumping amino protein and the Clarity Ferment (molasses and sea kelp sourced from South Korea) to give the under-eye a much-deserved pick-me-up.
  • Benefits: The aforementioned ferment is what combats dark circles here; the ingredient brightens by reducing excess melanin over time. Plus, there are firming and wrinkle-smoothing benefits too, meaning one can expect improved crow’s feet with consistent use.
  • Key Ingredients: Miracle Broth, the Clarity Ferment, lime tea concentrate, licorice root extract, cucumber fruit extract, caffeine
  • Who it's for: This is for anyone in search of a luxe approaching to veiling dark circles and crow's feet. Who wouldn't delight in applying the delicate cream with the featured spoon?
  • Product features:
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Kate Somerville

+Retinol Firming Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Another eye cream for dark circles that Idriss prefers is this option by Kate Somerville.
  • Benefits: “It can be hard to formulate retinol for the under-eye area as the skin is more sensitive, but this one works wonders, and I have personally never had a weird reaction from using it, so I really like it,” says Idriss.
  • Key ingredients: Retinol, bioretinols, hyaluronic acid.
  • Who it’s for: Like a time-erasing salve, the cream works quickly to restore a more youthful appearance to the eyes.
  • Product features: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Rich Texture: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue

Charlotte Tilbury

Magic Eye Rescue

  • Why we love it:This eye cream contains both vitamin C and retinol, so it brightens the look of dark circles while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles,” says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “It’s also a really rich texture that glides on the skin smoothly for a gentle application, which is crucial for this area of the skin.”
  • Benefits: In clinical trials, the cream was proven to make the skin feel more hydrated and look smoother—it can also make the eyes look bigger.
  • Key ingredients: Time-released retinol (to smooth and contour the skin while boosting radiance), botanical eye-contour complex (to reduce puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles), winter daphne stem cells extract (to tighten and firm the skin around the eyes)
  • Who it’s for: Anyone looking to brighten dark circles or reduce the appearance of wrinkles—or both!
  • Product features: The cream comes in a refillable jar.
  • Size: 0.5 oz

The Editor’s Favorite Dark Circle Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Eye bags, fine lines, and puffiness don’t stand a chance against Augustinus Bader’s rejuvenating eye cream.
  • Benefits: It not only boosts the appearance of the under-eye but protects skin from environmental stressors. It’s so good that Vogue’s former senior beauty editor Lauren Valenti named it one of the best skin-care products she tested in 2022.
  • Key ingredients: “It’s formulated with the TFC8, or Trigger Factor Complex, to activate the body’s stem cells and support cellular renewal with other antioxidant-packed ingredients, including seaweed and pennywort,” writes Valenti in her review of the eye cream.
  • Who it’s for: The cream has a deeply hydrating, luxurious feel, making it a welcome addition to an at-home self-care regime.
  • Product features: Vegan, paraben-free, phahlate-free, gluten-free, recyclable packaging.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream

Peter Thomas Roth

Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: A dual-action eye cream that seamlessly combats both uneven tone and wrinkles through a powerhouse peptide complex, gamma proteins, and an innovative ingredient list.
  • Benefits: Part of the brand’s Peptide 21 collection, the Peter Thomas Roth eye cream is designed to reduce the look of fine lines and brighten the area for a youthful appearance.
  • Key ingredients: Peptides, neuropeptides, gamma proteins.
  • Who it’s for: It’s a thoughtful addition to anyone’s anti-aging skin-care regimen.
  • Product features: Paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, phthalate-free.
  • Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Best Vitamin-C Eye Cream: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

BeautyStat

Universal C Eye Perfector

  • Why we love it: Crafted by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, the BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector is a beauty editor favorite to treat the delicate skin around the eye.
  • Benefits: It’s formulated to not only brighten but soothe and hydrate skin.
  • Key ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine, magnolia, hemp oil.
  • Who it’s for: The cream works powerfully to fade the appearance of dark circles.
  • Product features: Vegan, fragrance-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Celebrity-Approved Eye Cream for Dark Under Eyes: Furtuna Skin Cuore Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalizing Cream

Furtuna Skin

Cuore Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalizing Cream

Why we love it: “I’ve used so many different eye creams since I was in my 20s, and I started earlier because, you know, why not for preventative reasons,” says Ashley Tisdale in her installment of Vogue’s Beauty Secrets. “And this has to be the best one, I’m not kidding you.”

  • Benefits: The eye cream in question is this option by Furtuna Skin, formulated to quell discoloration and puffiness.
  • Key ingredients: Wild organic Nigella damascene, wild organic hawthorn, organically farmed lilac stem cells.
  • Who it’s for: Those seeking a soothing antidote to puffiness will want to keep this eye cream constantly stocked.
  • Product features: Organic, paraben-free, fragrance-free.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Tightening Eye Cream: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Dr. Loretta

Tightening Eye Gel

  • Why we love it: “This is a new favorite, and I’m obsessed with how hydrating this eye gel is. If you’re someone who can handle a rich eye cream, this is the perfect one for you,” says Garrette.
  • Benefits:The gel is packed with antioxidants that help combat free radical damage and brighten the under-eye,” Garrette explains. It also fades uneven pigmentation and plumps the skin under the eye.
  • Key ingredients: Chromabright, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
  • Who it’s for: The addition of chromabright helps balance skin with uneven pigmentation.
  • Product features: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free.
  • Size: 0.67 fl. oz.

Best Clean Eye Cream: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel

Biossance

Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel

  • Why we love it: “[The Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel] contains niacinamide, a B vitamin that helps improve discoloration and is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it’s safe for the delicate eye area,” explains Wu.
  • Benefits: “An added benefit: It also boosts skin hydration. This is one of my favorites for patients with sensitive skin.”
  • Key ingredients: Caffeine, sugarcane-derived squalane, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8.
  • Who it’s for: It’s well suited for sensitive skin.
  • Product features: Vegan, fragrance-free.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Most Viral Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Drunk Elephant

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: With a powerful blend of five forms of vitamin C, eight peptides, ceramides, and cucumber extract, it’s no surprise Drunk Elephant’s eye cream is one of our go-to products for dark circles.
  • Benefits: This quickly firms and brightens without irritation—making it dependable for daily use.
  • Key ingredients: Power 5C vitamin complex, eight-peptide blend, cucumber.
  • Who it’s for: Those looking for a day-to-day cream can confidently add this to their routine.
  • Product features: Vegan, cruelty-free.
  • Size: 0.5 oz.

Best Under Makeup: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

  • Why we love it: Neutrogena Hydro Boost’s impressive gel-cream texture is only half the draw of this top-rated formula. Led by hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this is like a drink of water to awaken tired eyes.
  • Benefits: Its quenching blend keeps the under-eye supple and moisturized all day long, whether under makeup or on its own.
  • Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid.
  • Who it’s for: Anyone seeking an extra dose of moisture will appreciate the hydrating surge of the hyaluronic-acid-soaked formulation.
  • Product features: Fragrance-free, dye-free, non-comodogenic.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Night Eye Cream: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream

Estée Lauder

Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel Cream

  • Why we love it: “This is a clinically proven formula with hyaluronic acid and tripeptide-23 to instantly hydrate and brighten dark circles,” says Adazeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist.
  • Benefits: After clinical trials, “92 percent of subjects reported their eyes looking more rested and less tired,” Shirazi shares.
  • Key ingredients: Hyalorunic acid, tripeptide-23.
  • Who it’s for: Those seeking an eye-soothing addition to their nighttime routine will appreciate waking up with a brighter outlook. “I favor applying this to damp skin at bedtime,” Shirazi notes.
  • Product features: Phthalate-free, oil-free, paraben-free, recyclable packaging.
  • Size: 1 oz.

Best Eye Mask for Dark Circles: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask

SkinMedica

Instant Bright Eye Mask

  • Why we love it: Although a traditional eye cream will do the work to reduce dark circles over time, according to Rabach, the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask is an excellent supplement to your routine.
  • Benefits: She says that the mask “contains rhodiola rosea root extract, which is high in antioxidants to brighten skin.”
  • Key ingredients: Rhoiola rosea root, baker’s yeast extract, golden herb extract.
  • Who it’s for: If you like the luxury of a multistep skin-care routine, this makes a handy addition to a typical eye treatment.
  • Product features: Oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free.
  • Size: Two single-use patches per pouch.

Dermatologist-Approved Eye Cream for Dark Circles: Skinbetter InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye

Skinbetter

InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye

  • Why we love it: Both Hartman and Idriss recommend the Skinbetter InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye because of its blend of peptides, vitamin C, and caffeine to brighten and depuff.
  • Benefits: Even more, Hartman explains that this “also gives skin a huge boost of moisture with its use of humectants. It’s my go-to reliable eye cream that will protect the skin and make it look even better.”
  • Key ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, chamomile extract.
  • Who it’s for: Those seeking an all-in-one solution for crow’s-feet, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles.
  • Product features: Dermatologist tested, cruelty-free, made without dyes, fragrance, and parabens.
  • Size: 0.5 fl. oz.

Best Luminous Eye Cream: U Beauty the Return Eye Concentrate

The Return Eye Concentrate

  • Why we love it: Infused with diamond powder, this smoothing concentrate has a luminous finish that gives the eyes a freshly revived, dewy glow.
  • Benefits: The hardworking cream hydrates, brightens, and depuffs; it also evens out the skin tone and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Key ingredients: Diamond powder, marine plankton extract, pure beta-glucan
  • Who it’s for: Those who need an instant boost for tired, dull eyes will appreciate the product’s quick results.
  • Product features: Advanced ingredients, clinically tested
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Makeup-Priming Eye Cream: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

The Inkey List

Caffiene Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Like a double shot of espresso for tired eyes, this caffeinated cream de-puffs the skin and makes dark circles less noticeable. It also primes makeup.
  • Benefits: As it revives tired eyes, the cream offers a few bonus perks: It also smooths, pumps, and firms the skin.
  • Key ingredients: Caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 peptide, albizia julibrissin bark extract
  • Who it’s for: Those battling dryness, puffiness, and dark circles
  • Product features: Cruelty-free, clinically tested
  • Size: 0.5 oz

Best Antioxidant Eye Cream: Ren Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

REN Clean Skincare

Brightening Eye Cream

  • Why we love it: Though the cream feels weightless, it serves as a heavy-hitting antidote for dryness, puffiness, and dark circles.
  • Benefits: Packed with antioxidants and humectants, the plumping salve also protects the skin from free-radical damage.
  • Key ingredients: Elderberry flower extract, glycogen, hyaluronic acid
  • Who it’s for: The cream is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
  • Product features: Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, packaging made from 87% recycled plastic
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz

Do eye creams actually get rid of dark circles?

Though eye creams can soften the appearance of dark circles, they’re (alas) not a one-swipe magic wand. “Eye creams can improve the quality of the skin around your eyes, but they can't fix every undereye concern,” says Brauer. “Eye creams mainly help to moisturize and protect the skin around your eyes—one of the most delicate areas of skin on your face. The right eye cream can help to minimize dark circles, but they won’t get rid of them permanently.” So, what to do when those dark circles crop up? Read on.

What do dermatologists recommend for dark circles?

Whether dark circles are spurred by a sleepless night, a red-eye flight, or a host of other factors, there are fixes. But your particular path to bright-eyed pertness will be personal. “A lot of what is recommended is dependent upon the underlying cause or causes of the darkness,” Brauer says. “Aging—including thinning skin, bone resorption, and fat-pad changes—sun damage, and allergies are some of the main causes of what one sees in the mirror.” To find the right eye cream for you, Brauer recommends talking it over with a pro. “It’s important to find an eye cream that works for your specific skin type and dermatologic concerns to get the best results,” he says. “The best approach is to speak with a dermatologist to determine what would work best for you.”

In addition to particular eye creams, Brauer has set his patients up with everything from lasers and injectable fillers and prescription medications (such as topical steroids) to brighten the appearance of under-eye circles. He specifies that prescriptions are generally his recommendation for those whose dark under-eye circles are a secondary cause of allergies, while under-eye circles resulting from volume loss are generally best treated with a multifaceted approach that includes injectable fillers and energy-based treatments that incorporate lasers or radiofrequency.

How often should I apply eye cream for dark circles?

To reduce existing dark circles and prevent more gaze-darkening baggage from popping up in the future, Brauer recommends applying eye cream once to twice daily, morning and night. “You can apply it as the first step in your skin-care routine,” he says—issuing a friendly reminder that no morning regime is complete without sunscreen for face. When it comes to applying the eye cream, “Be sure to use your ring finger,” he says, to lightly tap it in. “You want to be gentle when applying cream to this delicate area of skin.”

What causes dark circles under eyes?

She explains that the pesky dark circles could be the result of pigmentation or underlying redness and vasculature. “If the dark circles are due to pigmentation, then you want to look for ingredients with brightening effects. Products containing vitamin C, hydroquinone, and kojic acid work best. Also, look for products with retinol in them because retinol can help a person even out pigmentation over time. However, if the dark circles are due to underlying redness or puffiness, then you want to look for eye creams with caffeine or vitamin K, which is an ‘underdog’ and not used as frequently as I wish it were.”

The Best Eye Creams to Treat Dark Circles, According to Experts (2024)
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