The Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, According to Experts and Editors
Applying a top-notch eye cream is crucial for skincare. It combats signs of aging, treats dark circles, and hydrates delicate eye skin. Formulated with potent ingredients like peptides and antioxidants, it minimizes lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and brightens the under-eye area. Consistent use ensures fresh, youthful-looking skin.
When picking an eye cream, think about what you need. Dark circles can have different causes like genes, not enough sleep, stress, allergies, or getting older. Figure out what's causing it for you. If you're tired or stressed, use caffeine or green tea to make the area under your eyes less puffy and brighter. If you're worried about aging, use products with retinol or hyaluronic acid to make your skin firmer and fuller. Choose a cream that suits your needs to make your eyes look refreshed.
Editor’s Picks For Best Dark Circle Creams
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème
Pros: editor-approved; expert-approved ingredients; contains Vitamin C; clean; easy to layer with makeup
Cons: some users had allergic reactions—as with all skincare, patch test first
Customer Review: "I’ve noticed that the dark circles under my eyes have lightened to the point where I notice it. While gradual, the brightening and lightening does happen. I use it once daily in the AM after washing but before moisturizing. I still have more than half the jar remaining because a little goes a long way." -Sephora
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
Pros: vegan; free of sulfates and phthalates; cruelty-free; contains expert-approved ingredients
Cons: takes a while to see results
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this under eye cream. It’s the only one that works for my 40-something under-eyes with living in an extra dry climate." -Sephora
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Anti-Aging Wrinkle Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes
Pros: award-winning; expert-approved ingredients; affordable
Cons: some users report the packaging is cheap; may increase sun sensitivity because of retinol
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this for one month and I’m liking it so far! I definitely notice the smoothing of fine lines under my eyes. It also has a very refreshing/cooling texture if you store it in the fridge." -Target
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Firming Cream
Pros: dermatologist- and opthalmologist-approved; remium ingredients; affordable
Cons: may increase sun sensitivity because of the presence of AHA
Customer Review: "I'm in my 50s and this eye cream moisturizes the skin around my eyes nicely and feels refreshing like the way fresh cucumbers feel when you put them on your eyes." -Walmart
La Mer Genaissance The Eye and Expression Cream
Pros: editor-approved; can be used on other wrinkle-prone areas; rich, so a little goes a long way
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: "It is an indispensable part of my skin care regimen. It lasts for a really long time so that helps me justify the purchase. I have not found anything else (more or less expensive) that works as well. It’s like MAGIC!" -Neiman Marcus
Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Pros: editor-approved; clean; fragrance-free; contains niacinamide
Cons: some users find it irritating—patch test first
Customer Review: "I am in my 40s but have very light laugh lines so what I’m looking for in an eye cream is moisture to help keep them that way. This eye cream is my favorite so far. It does not burn, absorbs nicely, helps a bit of concealer under the eyes look natural, and is so moisturizing!" -Sephora
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Pros: editor-approved; clinically tested; contains natural ingredients
Cons: contains alcohol
Customer Review: "This the first and only eye cream I've ever experienced such dramatic results with thus far!!! I'll admit when I first applied it, I thought it was a bit on the greasy side HOWEVER the greasy feeling disappeared in a few minutes and soaked right into my under eye area. It left the eye area feeling 100% hydrated yet not heavy. It soaked completely in and left a smooth appearance with dramatic reduction in the fine lines. You only need a tiny amount. Maybe 1/4 the size of a pea to cover the entire area. " -Nordstrom
Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Eye Cream
Pros: editor-approved; free of parabens and mineral oil; contains hyaluronic acid
Cons: some find the formula too thick
Customer Review: "I have searched in desperation to find an eye cream like this one. I have struggled with extreme dryness and fine lines , but that is now a struggle of the past." -Sephora