I Tested Dozens of Eye Creams and These Are the Best at Getting Rid of Dark Circles (2024)

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 depuffed. 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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Rich cream

Glowing customer review: “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.”

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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Rich cream

Glowing customer review: “This is an amazing eye cream! I use it in the mornings, and I feel like it gives my eyes that boost of caffeine they need, just like I need my morning energy drink! I look more awake, refreshed, and not like an exhausted mom."

Not only is this vitamin-C eye cream an MVP for dark circles, but it’s also one of the most affordable eye creams 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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Lightweight cream

Glowing customer review: "I have searched high and low for a good product for dark circles under my eyes. This feels cool on my skin and makes my skin feel refreshed in the morning. This product does take time to see results, but I'm happy."

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 saw 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. And, it's under $20.

• Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, sunflower-seed oil and wax, jojoba esters, black-currant oil
• Size: 0.42 fl oz
• Texture: Balm

Glowing customer review: “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!”

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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Midweight cream

Glowing customer review: “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.”

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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Rich cream

Glowing customer review: “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.”

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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Rich cream

Glowing customer review: “The cream itself is thick and creamy, but not greasy or heavy, and it absorbs quickly into the skin. 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.”

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
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Midweight cream

Glowing customer review: “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!”

If you prefer something ultra lightweight under your eyes, try this depuffing eye 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
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Texture: Liquid serum

Glowing customer review: "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."

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 depuff with caffeine, giving my under-eyes the perfect canvas for concealer.

• Key ingredients: Caffeine, dimethicone, niacinamide
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Lightweight cream

Glowing customer review: "I use this nightly on a clean face before bedtime. It goes on easily and doesn't have a scent. I have sensitive skin and it doesn't irritate at all. I notice a difference in the puffiness and circles under my eyes. The tube lasts a while so it's worth the price."

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
• Size: 0.68 fl oz
• Texture: Gel cream

Glowing customer review: “I love this eye gel. 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.”

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 depuff.

• Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, green tea extract, coffee seed extract
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Gel cream

Glowing customer review: “I am in love with this eye cream. 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.”

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 depuffing 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
• Size: 30 pairs
• Texture: Gel mask

Glowing customer review: “I instantly feel the caffeine, which gives me a great boost to start my day. These do not slip off as long as you clean your face first. I like the results that I've seen and felt.”

The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright eye cream ticks all my boxes: It's vegan, cruelty-free, and it's a Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Award winner. The Korean eye cream contains niacinamide and fermented rice water (the K-beauty brand's signature ingredient) to brighten dark circles and perk up your under-eyes.

"It goes on smoothly, doesn’t pill, and didn’t cause any reaction," Hannah Chubb, lifestyle editor, shared in our latest Holy Grail Awards. "And dare I say it made me look a little more refreshed in the a.m.?”

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, fermented rice water, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 0.67 fl oz
• Texture: Lightweight cream

Glowing customer review: "This eye cream is great! It's highly moisturizing and sinks into my skin very well. It doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or greasy. It smoothes out the skin under my eyes and leaves it looking softer and brighter. A little goes a long way and you only need a tiny dab for your under-eye skin."

Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which makes it great at reducing puffiness and dark circles but not so great at hydrating already-dry skin. That's precisely why this Kiehl's eye cream formula contains shea butter and avocado oil to keep your under-eyes feeling super moisturized. Oh, and unlike most thick eye creams on the market, this one can work well as a makeup primer, too. It's rich and creamy, but not overly oily, so it shouldn't cause your concealer to crease or your mascara to smear.

• Key ingredients: Avocado oil, caffeine, beta-carotene, shea butter
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Thick cream

Glowing customer review: "It's an extremely thick cream that melts into your skin as you put it on your eyes. Looks and feels like butter that has been left out at room temperature, but much better for your eyes!"

Nothing feels more refreshing on tired, puffy under-eyes than the rollerball applicator on Innisfree's eye serum. Keep the tube stashed in the fridge to strengthen its depuffing powers and perk up your eyes in the morning. The gel texture feels even better when chilled! But the applicator is only part of the reason I <3 this super lightweight Korean eye cream. The hydrating serum contains niacinamide to brighten, caffeine to depuff, and, oh yeah, five types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate.

• Key ingredients: Green tea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 0.33 fl oz
• Formula: Gel serum

Glowing customer review: "I can't say enough good things about this brand, specifically this product I really enjoy... I use this product in the morning, and the roller is nice and cold making a nice sensation around my eyes, especially waking up. I use this and one of the moisturizers as a good base for using a gua sha and it really rounds out my morning routine."

While thick eye creams are great for nighttime use, they can feel too heavy during daytime, especially in hotter weather. So, when I'm looking for something on the lighter side, I reach for Neon Hippie's Optimistic Eyes. The whipped texture makes your skin feel buttery soft without suffocating it, and it's packed with nourishing ingredients that do wonders to brighten and depuff. I'll admit I've used it as face cream on numerous occasions because it's just that good.

• Key ingredients: Shea butter, proprietary mushroom complex, avocado extract, cucumber extract
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Whipped cream

Glowing customer review: "I've spent most of my adult life looking for an eye cream that smoothed and moisturized without settling into fine lines. This is it, the holy grail. It feels amazing and works like no other."

If layering eye cream under concealer isn't your thing, reach for a night eye cream that'll help minimize dark circles and fine lines while you catch some zzz's. Slather this Summer Fridays Jet Lag eye serum on before your nightly moisturizer to give your eyes some extra love. It's packed with ceramides, licorice root extract, glycerin, and gentle retinols that work together to smooth, firm, and depuff.

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, retinol, licorice root extract
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Serum

Glowing customer review: "Love this eye cream. My eyes are super sensitive and I used to get a patch of eczema that would flair with other eye retinols. This is super gentle and doesn’t aggravate my skin. Helping with my fine lines too!"

Tula's Get It & Glow stick is the perfect eye product to toss in your gym bag or carry-on. The cooling eye balm was designed to brighten and minimize dark circles while giving your skin a nice dewy glow. While the consistency is a little too slippery to wear under concealer, it's just right for a no-makeup day. My fave ingredient: Tula's signature probiotic extracts, which support a hydrated, healthy skin barrier.

• Key ingredients: Caffeine, probiotic extracts, aloe vera leaf juice
• Size: 0.35 fl oz
• Texture: Balm

Glowing customer review: "Light texture, smooth application. I have been using this product for over a year and always get compliments on how my skin glows."

Losing skin elasticity is a totally normal part of the aging process, but it can lead to puffier, darker-looking under-eyes. That's where this C5 Super Boost eye cream from Paula's Choice comes in. Formulated with vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ginger extract, it stimulates collagen production to help firm up your under-eyes and banish dark circles.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ginger extract
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Texture: Midweight cream

Glowing customer review: "I suffer from extremely puffy eyes and dark circles when I wake up every morning. This has been a game changer when it comes to the hyperpigmentation under my eyes. It has been brightening my under-eyes while providing adequate moisture and plays nicely with my other skincare products."