The appearance of dark under-eye circles is a common skin concern. Whether you’re sleep-deprived, sniffling from seasonal allergies, or simply experiencing signs of aging, dark circles arise for a multitude of reasons. Dark circles, often accompanied by under-eye bags, may make you look more tired. Show
But pesky dark circles aren’t invincible. Getting a full night’s sleep and drinking enough water can help reduce the appearance of dark circles over time. For more stubborn cases, sometimes caused by genetics or skin aging, an eye cream can soften their appearance. The skin under the eyes is extremely thin and often shows the first signs of aging. Because the skin is so delicate, you’ll want to use a dedicated product made for the under-eye area. Eye cream products can target:
“Treating the delicate eye contour area is all about prevention, so the earlier you start using an eye contour product, the better,” says Dr. Luigi L. Polla, the founder of Forever Institut and Alchimie Forever. Aging isn’t the only culprit to take into account. Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, CEO and founder of AmberNoon, finds that many of her patients have noticed dark circles as early as their teen years. Read on to learn how to pick the right eye cream for your needs. Stop by any drugstore or beauty retailer, and you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of eye creams on the market. We gathered our recommendations with the following in mind:
Best for skin care fans who want to try a beauty community favoriteDrunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Beauty gurus and skin care aficionados flock to Drunk Elephant’s line of trendy products. While the pretty packaging and hype stand out, the formulas do the heavy lifting needed to target skin conditions. The C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream includes a complex of five forms of vitamin C to brighten the under-eye area. Rich in hydrating peptides and soothing active ingredients, like cucumber extract, the formula refreshes the under-eye area and brightens the appearance of dark circles. The formula is also fragrance-free and doesn’t include any scented essential oils. While many reviewers saw dramatic results, some did complain of sensitivity and redness after use. Best for those looking for a lightweight brightening creamOle Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
Australia-based dermatologist Dr. Robert Goldman loves to recommend this Banana Bright Eye Cream to people looking to brighten dark circles. The product features brightening vitamin C and collagen to support skin elasticity. One special ingredient that sets this powerhouse product apart is the banana powder. The yellow pigments act as a color corrector for the under-eye area to reduce the appearance of dark circles upon application. Reviewers tout the product’s smooth application and lightweight formula. Best for anyone who loves face masksGood Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches
While it’s not exactly an eye cream, dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak finds that eye gel patches and under-eye masks have “concentrated ingredients [that] work much faster than the under-eye cream you apply each day or night.” “If you feel like you always have dark circles, no matter how many hours of sleep you get, find eye masks or patches with ingredients, such as tea extracts, vitamins C and K (to brighten or reduce the appearance of dark circles), water from extra-pure locations, and hyaluronic acid,” he says. There are many eye gels on the market, but we love the perk that Good Molecule’s caffeine-infused eye gels give after a sleepless night. The soothing, cool-to-the-touch patches can also help reduce puffy and swollen eyes. Best for those on a budgetNeutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
You don’t need to spend big to see results. Drugstore brands, like Neutrogena, have products that target dark circles and fine lines for a fraction of the price. Ilyas recommends Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel-Cream due to its moisturizing hyaluronate. “With hyaluronate, this product packs in extra hydration around the delicate eyelid skin. [It’s] an effective cream to improve the turgor of the thin eyelid skin,” Ilyas says. The product has an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars on the Neutrogena website, with a majority of happy shoppers. Many reviewers find that the product left their skin feeling plumper, smoother, and more awake. Best for sensitive skinAlchimie Forever Rejuvenating Eye Balm
Alchimie Forever has a dedicated fan base who love the brand’s no-nonsense, science-based approach to skin care. The family-owned brand, founded by Polla, formulated this antioxidant-rich balm to fend off dark circles and premature aging. “[Our] Rejuvenating Eye Balm features one of our signature ingredients, the European blueberry, which has powerful vaso-constricting and vaso-protective properties, so it is wonderful to help minimize dark circles,” Polla explains. “The eye area is often dry, as there are fewer sebaceous glands than in the rest of our facial skin, so I chose jojoba and cocoa butter to help nourish the skin,” he continues. Best cooling applicatorLa Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream
Skin sensitivity is a common concern when shopping for products and testing new items. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream is a caffeine-infused product that’s gentle for those who experience skin irritation with harsh ingredients. The metal applicator is a nice bonus to the dark circle warrior. It provides a cooling feeling under the eye that can help depuff tired eyes and soothe swollen skin. Pro tip: Try putting your product in the refrigerator before use for an extra-chilly and soothing treatment. Best for noticeable results on a budgetSweet Chef Turmeric + Vitamin C Booster Eye Cream
Graf recommends the Sweet Chef Turmeric + Vitamin C Booster Eye Cream as a “gentle, everyday eye cream” to treat dehydrated and sallow under-eye areas. “It’s a cooling and hydrating eye cream that also brightens with a blend of turmeric, vitamin C, ginger, niacinamide, and probiotics,” Graf says. “It’s very lightweight and wears well under makeup.” The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric give this product an extra dash of flair. Some reviewers swear by the budget-friendly buy and saw noticeable results. Best for reducing the appearance of fine linesSkinMedica TNS Eye Repair
“I often recommend TNS Eye Repair by SkinMedica — formulated to improve fine lines, wrinkles, tone and texture, [and] dark circles,” Mamelak says. While the product is a splurge, it targets dark circles and fine lines with a powerful lineup of ingredients. The smoothening under-eye cream is great for anyone concerned about dark circles and signs of aging. Best for a lightweight, nongreasy creamNeocutis Lumière Illuminating Eye Cream
Another favorite of Mamelak’s is the Neocutis Lumière Illuminating Eye Cream. Reviewers love the lightweight formula and find that it quickly absorbs into the skin. One review says, “Very little is needed for each application, and it is very effective in maintaining the health of the delicate skin underneath the eyes without clogging pores or leaving a greasy effect.” The formula’s hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day and ward off damage from free radicals. Best for those in need of a hydration boostOrigins Eye Doctor
“This eye cream combines ingredients, such as cucumber, ginseng, wheat germ, and algae extracts, to reduce puffiness around the eyes. It also has green tea extract that has an antioxidant effect to fight the signs of aging around the eyes,” Ilyas explains. Best depuffing eye cream with caffeineSunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Sunday Riley’s chic packaging and clever product names have contributed to the skin care brand’s wild popularity. The Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream leaves Sunday Riley devotees with alert and awake eyes sans dark circles. With staple ingredients like caffeine and ginseng, this eye cream creates a lifted look that complements your morning coffee habit. Best for dry, normal, and mature skinSkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Mraz Robinson is a big fan of the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex. The anti-wrinkle eye cream helps improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet associated with aging. According to the brand, advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.) contribute to the aging process. This peptide and caffeine-packed eye cream targets dark circles, puffy eyes, and wrinkles caused by aging. Best for anyone looking for a safe retinol eye creamskinbetter science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Another staple in Mraz Robinson’s toolkit is the skinbetter science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream. The eye cream combines retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes that often come with age. In contrast to your regular prescribed retinoid, this eye cream is gentle enough to support the thinning skin under and around the eye. The formula’s hydrating properties and peptides also fight off environmental aggressors and dryness. Anyone with mature-looking skin can benefit from a small dab of this overnight cream. Best vegan, cruelty-free cream for fine linesThrive Causemetics Defying Gravity Eye Lifting Cream
This lightweight eye cream is made with ingredients designed to hydrate skin, calm puffiness, and brighten dark circles. Caffeine and antioxidants constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free formula that’s made with no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic ingredients. Best all-in-one eye creamEight Saints All In Eye Cream
This eye cream has an ultra-lightweight feel, but its gentle formula packs a punch. Vitamin C and caffeine help brighten and tighten delicate under-eye skin, while olive oil-based squalane is hydrating for a plumping effect. It’s a cruelty-free formula that’s well reviewed. Plus, it’s cruelty-free. Best eye serumQMS Medicosmetics Intensive Eye Care Day & Night Eye Cream
This protective eye serum is a little different than a standard eye cream. It’s made with peptides for a more youthful look. “Peptide technology is a newer entrant into the eye serum market, and can be helpful in a variety of ways, including signaling changes in the skin that can lead to an improved appearance,” says Dr. James Wang of Metropolis Derm. In this formula, peptides are combined with hyaluronic acid and caffeine to boost hydration, repair the skin barrier, and shrink blood vessels that can give the appearance of a blueish hue. Plus, the ceramic tip applicator is naturally cooling. “It has the essential components of a gentle, light eye cream that does not irritate,” says Wang. “The results should be subtle, but durable.” Best retinol alternative eye creamOrvos Satin Eye Gel Cream
This gel eye cream is made with USDA certified organic ingredients, including a retinol alternative. “Bakuchiol is derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant and is often used as a retinol alternative as it has similar benefits to retinol without the potential irritation retinol can cause (dryness, redness),” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. “It helps regulate cell turnover to reveal new, brighter skin with a more even texture.” It’s a gel cream rich with antioxidants. Plus, the cooling massage applicator helps calm puffy skin. Eye creams are not all created equal. “The key to choosing the right product for under the eyes is understanding what is causing those dark under-eye circles in the first place,” Ilyas explains. Different formulas can treat the root cause of your eye concerns. Some key ingredients to look for include the following: Hyaluronic acidWant plump, hydrated skin? Hyaluronic acid is your new BFF. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body’s connective tissue. It holds water onto the skin to keep it hydrated. Since the under-eye area can often be dry, hydration and support are essential. Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, chief medical officer of Ideal Image and co-founder of Modern Dermatology, recommends creams with hyaluronic acid, as well as peptides and ceramides, to keep skin supported and hydrated. CaffeineCaffeine isn’t just a cure-all to get through the work-day slump. It turns out that caffeine in your daily latte can be just as effective for the eyes. “Caffeine is a well-known and beloved ingredient you’ll often find in under-eye products, as it works to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes,” Polla says. Caffeine can also brighten the under-eye area and leave tired eyes looking more awake. Vitamin CDull skin under the eyes is a common companion of dark circles. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the under-eye area, strengthen thinning skin, and boost collagen production — aka the protein that keeps your skin plump and supple. Adding an eye cream that’s rich in vitamin C can help perk up your under-eye area. Vitamin KVitamin K is a popular ingredient in eye creams due to its healing properties. It’s sometimes used after surgeries to aid in blood clotting and heal incisions. “Vitamin K promotes cellular metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties, with known effects to help with blood clotting,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. Its ability to aid blood clotting makes it a formidable ingredient to combat dark circles. RetinoidAs people age, the skin under their eyes can become thinner and create a crepe-like appearance. Fine lines, often called crow’s feet, can begin to form over time. “If thinning skin is a culprit, find an eye cream with a gentle retinoid that can help thicken the skin over time,” Graf notes. Retinoids help slow the body’s natural reduction of collagen production by helping with skin cell turnover. One caveat is that retinoids are incredibly potent, so proceed with caution. Find a formula that’s specially made for the under-eye area. When applying a retinoid cream, a little goes a long way. Dark circles can be difficult to treat without knowing their root cause. Ultimately, Polla notes that dark circles are a vascular problem. “The skin in that area is fair and very thin, and thus the deeper blood vessels are more visible to the naked eye,” he explains. Blood vessels in the under-eye area can become more noticeable due to fatigue, eyestrain, and other reasons. Below, we spoke with dermatologists about the most common causes of dark circles they see in patients. GeneticsGenetics can make you predisposed to dark under-eye circles that can appear as early as childhood. Whether your facial anatomy makes dark circles more noticeable or you have a family history of periorbital hyperpigmentation, genetic factors can contribute to the appearance of your skin. AllergiesThose with allergies may notice that their sniffles come with a side of dark circles. Mraz Robinson refers to these dark circles as “allergy shiners” that are triggered by seasonal allergies. “Inflamed sinuses lead to swollen blood vessels, which dilate and darken the veins in the under-eye area,” she explains. For those who experience itchiness from allergies, rubbing the under-eye area can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles and cause harm to the delicate under-eye skin. Lack of sleepGetting adequate sleep can prevent dark circles, yet many people complain of insufficient sleep. Whether pulling the occasional all-nighter or battling insomnia, missed sleep is a common cause of dark circles seen in Graf’s office. “Lack of sleep is a common cause due to blood vessels dilating around the eye, which makes dark circles look more prominent,” she explains. EyestrainWe hate to break it to you, but watching hours of TikTok and binging your favorite TV shows comes at a price. Staring at your screen for an extended period of time can cause eyestrain, which enlarges the blood vessels around your eye. The enlarged blood vessels can darken the appearance of your under-eye skin. AgingSigns of aging are often first noticed in the under-eye area. “As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin break down, which makes our skin thinner and more translucent to the vascular structures below,” Mraz Robinson explains. “Additionally, the under-eye is one of the more prominent areas where fat loss stands out, creating a hollow appearance that casts a shadow and gives a dark appearance.” Treatment for dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some home remedies that can help. Some of the more common methods include:
Some medical treatments that may help treat under-eye circles are:
Before deciding on any cosmetic procedure, make sure to discuss your options with a doctor. Can a cream get rid of dark circles permanently?No. An eye cream may help momentarily lighten and brighten the skin under the eyes, but it won’t cure dark circles. Dark circles primarily develop from lifestyle (such as not getting enough sleep), allergies, or genetics. Do creams for dark circles really work?Yes and no. Certain ingredients in eye creams, such as caffeine and vitamin C, can help brighten and depuff the under-eye area. But if you have bags under your eyes, it might be hereditary. This means no amount of eye cream will minimize their appearance. Under-eye fillers may be of more help in that case. You can try making small lifestyle changes, like reducing salt intake, but there’s no guarantee these methods will work. How often should I apply eye cream?You can apply eye cream at various times of the day. However, you’ll need a different eye cream for different times. You can apply eye cream:
The ideal time depends on your preferences and goals. No matter when you use eye cream, only apply it once every 12 hours. There’s no need to reapply the same product throughout the day or night. Dark circles may be a nuisance, but there are plenty of eye creams to add to your arsenal. If you’re experiencing dark under-eye circles, determining the root cause can help you find effective ingredients to address your concerns. Adding an eye cream to your morning and night routine can help you reduce the appearance of dark circles and prevent signs of aging. Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She’s been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram. What's the best cream for Eyebags?Our top picks. BEST OVERALL. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream. ... . BEST SMOOTHING. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream. ... . BEST WITHOUT RETINOL. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream. ... . BEST FOR EYE BAGS. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate. ... . BEST FOR PUFFINESS. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream.. Can creams get rid of eye bags?While eye cream has its benefits, it can't do much for reducing undereye puffiness or diminishing dark circles. While eye creams help undereye puffiness, the results are temporary — and require caffeine. "If the eye cream has a high concentration of caffeine, you can temporarily minimize eye puffiness," says Jaliman.
How can I firm up the bags under my eyes?Dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri recommends applying cold cucumbers over the eyes for five minutes. The cucumber juice and the cold temperature act as anti-inflammatory compresses. Dr. Jeanniton adds that chilled green tea bags make a great compress as well.
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Best under eye cream for eye bags
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