While the basic structure of our skin is consistent across the body, there are variations in overall thickness and texture depending on the area. Thicker parts of the skin lack hair follicles and tend to feature greater resilience to stressors, like that found on the soles of the feet. However, 80% of skin tends to be thin — including the area around the eyes. When it comes to the skin around the eyes, there are some distinguishing features that stand out:
Thin epidermis
Fewer layers of cells
Fragile and more susceptible to damage and dehydration
With a thickness of only 0.5 mm, the eyelids are the most fragile area of the skin. Even rubbing your eyelids increases the risk of damage that can lead to wrinkles. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the area around the eyes is where many of us will begin to develop the first signs of aging. There are a few reasons the thin, delicate nature of the skin around the eyes can become dark and puffy. For starters, the underlying blood vessels are more visible. With age comes a loss in elasticity and volume that can exacerbate the prominence of dark circles.
Fortunately, there are a bounty of skincare products to fight signs of aging — including dark circles. As a nearly 40-year-old woman who has experienced dark, puffy under eyes since childhood, I appreciate a product that helps combat advanced skincare concerns. That’s why I researched the best eye creams for dark circles.
Everyone’s skin is unique, and I vetted each product to weed out the duds and recommend the most effective picks. Keeping ingredients, performance and overall value for cost in mind rest assured each product recommended below is one I’d recommend to my mother.
Blu Atlas
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you prioritize convenience when it comes to skincare, Blu Atlas created their Restorative Eye Stick with portability and ease-of-use in mind. In just a few minutes, puffiness and dark circles noticeably diminish while hydrating and refreshing skin for a long-lasting youthful pick-me-up. The Blu Atlas Eye Stick tops our list of the best eye creams for dark circles because convenience is key, and the easy roller-ball application is an easy yes.
An eye cream made just for sensitive skin, CeraVe concocted yet another affordable formula that doesn’t disappoint. A combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide produces a long-lasting, hydrating effect that keeps eyes looking bright and youthful. The formula is on the gentler side, so If you suffer from dry skin, I recommend a product with a stronger emphasis on hydration. If weighing the balance between hydrating yet gentle, CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream is an affordable yet high quality choice.
If you’re over 40-years-old, you understand the importance of preventive measures to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. This SkinCeuticals Eye Balm is packed with active ingredients including soy isoflavones, silymarin and vitamin E, all known to eliminate dark circles while simultaneously providing deep hydration and antioxidants needed to fight off wrinkles. While it’s not the cheapest product on this list, trust that you get what you pay for. If you’re 40+ and looking for a product to restore the skin barrier, this product is the solution.
Pro Tip: Pair the SkinCeuticals Eye Balm with the Blu Atlas Eye Stick for a formula that brightens eyes and mixes well with makeup.
Looking for a trusty eye gel that can be applied throughout the day and under makeup? Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Eye Gel provides an extra dose of hydration throughout the day without leaving a heavy residue that weighs your makeup down.
Note that if anti-aging is your main concern, this eye gel isn’t the most effective. Rather, it’s a quick-fix for dark under eye circles and dry skin.
While I don’t tend to recommend sacrificing quality for a lower price, there are some reputable brands that offer similar benefits to their pricier counterparts. Cetaphil’s Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream packs a punch for less than $10. It includes active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Affordability meets effectiveness with this product, a combination that can be hard to achieve in an eye cream for dark circles and puffiness.
Don’t let the higher price tag of this D.E.J Eye Cream by Revision Skincare scare you. It takes a multifaceted approach to protect the dermal-epidermal junction. Active ingredients including dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline and antioxidants improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten under eyes. By strengthening the skin’s barrier, you set yourself up for success against future issues. The key is to stay consistent with the recommended twice per day application.
While many eye creams can take months to prove results, opting for a formula with retinol, like this RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, can produce results in just a few weeks. This pick brightens under eyes and simultaneously smooths texture for a more youthful appearance. Note that retinol should only be used once or twice per week, and if you have sensitive skin, test a patch of skin before applying all over the under eyes.
Sephora
Price:$74
Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream is a powerful evening treatment that brightens and hydrates under eyes while you sleep. A little goes a long way — all it takes is a small dose of this creamy and thick formula to visibly improve wrinkles and dark circles in just two weeks. Still, consistency is key when it comes to eye creams, and it may take a few months to notice a transformative difference. If you’re looking for a top notch eye cream from a coveted brand, this is the one for you.
If your primary goal is brightening dark under eye circles, Avène RetrinAL Eyes is formulated using retinaldehyde to illuminate the area around your eyes. If you’ve struggled in the past with eye brightening serums that trigger sensitive skin, you’ll be happy to know RetrinAL’s combination of retinaldehyde and antioxidants is less irritating and offers protection against free radicals.
Amazon
Price:$28
Let’s face it — we all crave a little instant gratification, especially when it comes to skincare. If you’re looking for a top-rated eye cream for dark circles that yields quick results, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream does the trick. Its fast-acting formula includes a dynamic duo of retinol and hyaluronic acid, two active ingredients that quickly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in as little as just one week. Pro tip: Follow up retinol use with daily SPF application for an extra line of defense against harmful UV rays.
Amazon
Price:$32
It’s one thing to look for an eye cream that hydrates the under eyes. But an eye cream that combats puffiness and redness? That’s a feat of its own. Luckily, Avène’s Soothing Eye Contour Cream has you covered with their signature thermal spring water to calm redness around the eyes. This gentle, lightweight eye cream is perfect for those with sensitive skin. As the cherry on top, hyaluronic acid hydrates while making you look youthful and alert all day.
Once I hit 38-years-old, I began to notice a loss of volume in my face that made it appear less firm. Did you know active ingredients like hyaluronic acid can tighten and strengthen the skin’s surface for a plumper, fuller and more youthful appearance? The BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector accomplishes this goal while blending the formula with potent vitamin C for bright under eyes. Although this product comes at a higher price tag than mid-budget alternatives, it’s worth the added investment for the muti-faceted benefits you can expect with consistent, long-term application.
Trust me when I say the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel is well worth the expense considering the advanced defense you’ll get against environmental damage thanks to a clever amalgamation of antioxidants. What does this mean for your face? Aside from a noticeable decrease in dark undereye circles, you’ll also enjoy improved elasticity, reduction in melanin production and an overall natural glow. With a star-studded cast of ingredients like vitamin C, ferulic acid and phloretin, expect noticeable results in as little as two weeks of consistent use.
Amazon
Price:$125
Hydration and brightening go hand-in-hand for anyone over 40-years-old who’s looking to recapture the youthful days of their past. The Neocutis Lumiere Firm Riche increases cellular turnover and collagen production to recapture your natural radiance. Along with brightening under eyes, it also tightens, providing a more youthful appearance while minimizing crow’s feet. If you have oily skin, the formula may be a bit too rich, but I’d highly recommend the investment for other skin types for deep hydration and illumination.
Amazon
Price:$46
Natural skincare boasts a slew of benefits for all skin types like fewer synthetic chemicals and nutrient-rich formulations. If you’re looking for a natural product to eliminate puffy and dark under eyes, check out Ilia’s Bright Start Activated Eye Cream. At an affordable price point, it soothes, hydrates, and reduces puffiness with high quality ingredients.
Featuring a gentle yet effective formula that brightens under eyes while evening out the skin tone, I was shocked to discover the First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream is just $20. The star ingredient is niacinamide, which is a form of Vitamin B3 that tightens and brightens skin. Bonus: This formula is vegan, gluten-free and dermatologist-tested, so sensitive skin types can rest easy.
Pro Tip: Pair the Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream with Blu Atlas Eye Stick to add hydrating and soothing effects to your regimen.
If you’ve tried other products for eye-brightening effects without success, I’d recommend a new, novel approach with the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Eye Crème. It features a clever blend of Vitamin C and banana powder-inspired pigments for instant results. This quick turnover is produced by the color of the banana powder and is therefore not a long-term solution, but, when applied as part of your daily beauty routine, helps achieve a refreshed look.
Looking for a quick fix for puffy eyes that’s easy on the wallet? For around $10, score The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG. As the name implies, it uses the proven benefits of highly-concentrated caffeine to constrict blood vessels and temporarily reduce swelling. The effect can last for several hours, making it a perfect quick fix to start the day.
If you want to seriously invest in your skincare routine, try the Auteur Definitive Eye Cream. This high-end, luxury product is the creme de la creme for reducing dark eye circles. The list of active ingredients include a proprietary blend of peptides, vitamins and hyaluronic acid that effectively fight multiple signs of aging. The key is Auteur’s Gold Pro-Collagen Peptide that includes actual gold and platinum particles proven to rejuvenate fibroblast activity and stimulate collagen synthesis. I consider it the literal gold-standard when it comes to anti-aging skincare.
FAQ
What is the best age to start using eye creams?
There’s no better time than the present to start using an eye cream. In fact, the sooner you find a quality product that’s compatible with your skin, the better. Your skincare needs will change with time, but as a general rule of thumb, those starting an eye cream regimen in their 20’s should focus on hydration and lightweight formulas.
By the time you hit your 30’s and 40’s, adding a product that includes retinols or peptides can address signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Blu Atlas offers numerous products that can be used by all ages to slow the hands of time.
How do I choose the right eye cream for my skin type?
There’s not a one-size-fits-all eye cream out there, and understanding your skin type is important. If you have oily or combination skin, opt for lightweight gels or creams like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream. Dry skin fares well with hydrating formulas like the SkinCeuticals Eye Balm. For sensitive skin, go for gentle, fragrance-free options like the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream to prevent irritation.
Can eye creams reduce dark circles and puffiness?
Yes, when they include the right active ingredients. Look for products that contain ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C or niacinamide.
How often should I use an eye cream?
Typically, optimal results manifest with twice-daily use. However, some products are specifically formulated for daytime or night time use, so always refer to individual product recommendations. The Blu Atlas Eye Stick features convenient application and portability that makes it easy to stick to (pun intended).
Are expensive eye creams worth the investment?
If you’re starting your eye care regimen in your 20’s, you can often get away with less expensive products with a plan for long-term maintenance. However, those late in the game can benefit from higher potencies available with slightly more expensive products. If you’ve developed deep lines and wrinkles over the years, it can be well worth a heftier investment in a product like the Auteur Definitive Eye Cream. Budget products like the Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream can suffice for less extensive repairs when you stick to consistent application.
