14 Eye Creams for Dark Circles With Dermatologist-Recommended Ingredients
Dark circles can be caused by so many factors—whether it’s lack of sleep, general stress and fatigue, fat loss around your orbital area, skin irritation and allergies, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, or a combination of it all. We can fix a few of the underlying issues with lifestyle choices, but sometimes we need to rely on eye creams to help us look more awake and revitalized. Although topical eye creams and serums can’t completely get rid of dark circles, they can help improve the look of them with hydrating and brightening ingredients.
Because you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on eye creams, it’s important to asses your specific skin concerns—be it hollowness, hyperpigmentation and discoloration, or dryness and dullness—and find a cream that’s tailored to your needs.
Meet the experts: Erum Ilyas, M.D., M.B.E., F.A.A.D, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group; Sarah Akram, celebrity facialist and esthetician
“Creams cannot change the positioning of the eye—this is structural,” says Erum Ilyas, M.D., M.B.E., F.A.A.D, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. But, she notes that you can improve the appearance of hollowness and dullness of the undereye area by adding hydration to improve the skin’s elasticity. “This can decrease the appearance of dark circles as it permits light to reflect evenly,” Dr. Ilyas adds. You can also look for eye creams that contain plumping peptides and have an illuminating finish.
If you’re dealing with discoloration or hyperpigmentation issues, look for eye creams that “target pigmentation with ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, which can help lighten the darkness,” celebrity facialist and esthetician Sarah Akram explains. “Other creams target circulation with ingredients like caffeine, which can help reduce puffiness and make the blood vessels less visible.”
Keep reading to see which of our dermatologists’ picks could be right for you.
” data-next-head/>
Skip to Content
We named this A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream from SkinCeuticals the best choice for dark circles in our best wrinkle cream roundup. It’s one of the few eye creams that tackles multiple skin concerns that can cause dark circles.
It delivers 24 hours of moisture and uses caffeine to help diminish the look of puffy, tired eyes. To combat the dull tone, the formula contains glycyrrhetinic acid and a fruit flavonoid blend packed with antioxidants. A unique blend of peptides also helps to maintain the skin’s natural firmness and elasticity, which can help the look of hollowness. It even incorporates optical effects to scatter light and minimize the look of dark circles immediately.
What reviewers say: “I have really bad crow’s feet on my undereyes and nothing seemed to work. I tried this for seven days every morning and night, and for the first time in years, I don’t need to cake on concealer.”
| Key ingredients | Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, Matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
2
Best For Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Gentle, hydrating eye cream ideal for those with sensitive skin
- Lightweight, fast absorbing formula that can be used day and night
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers say they didn’t notice a difference, noting it might only work for those with mild under-eye concerns
If the 38,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon don’t already impress, this eye cream was developed with dermatologists and accepted by the National Eczema Association. Active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help moisturize dry under eyes, and ceramides help help maintain the skin barrier.
What reviewers say: “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my under-eye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use.”
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, ceramides |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
3
Best Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
Pros
- Helps improve the look of fine lines and dark circles
- Lightweight consistency that sinks in quickly
- Hypoallergenic formula
Cons
- Some reviewers noted mild irritation and sensitivity around the eye area
Retinol is a tried and true ingredient for all anti-aging concerns by accelerating cell turnover and promoting collagen production, and RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream has been dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-recommended for years. It can help smooth fine lines, even out the skin tone and diminish the look of darkness, and deliver a plumper appearance.
Although the brand says you can use it in the morning, since it’s formulated with retinol, we recommend using this primarily at night, and following up with SPF in the AM.
What reviewers say: “I have tried so many under eye creams, and this one actually works! Saw a difference in dark circles, literally within two days. Eyes look brighter and less puffy as well. This will be my go to, and you can’t beat the price!.”
| Key ingredients | Retinol |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | PM |
4
Best Retinol Alternative For Sensitive Skin
Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream
Pros
- Gentle for those with sensitive skin
- A hydrating option for those who lean dry
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the pump dispenser tends to release too much product at once
Those sensitive to retinol might want to try this formula by Burt’s Bees. It’s got a natural retinol alternative called bakuchiol, which works to smooth texture and reduce dullness without the common side effects of retinol like skin peeling and dryness. It’s also formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, watermelon extract, sodium PCA, and linoleic acid.
What reviewers say: “I’ve used a lot of under eye creams. I have very sensitive skin and I haven’t been able to find any product with retinol that doesn’t dry my skin out. Then I found this product with natural ingredients and thought I’d give it a try. It has faded my dark circles and has left me looking well rested, even when I’m not. It hasn’t irritated my skin and has been a great addition to my daily routine.”
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, bakuchiol, botanical extracts |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
5
Best Vitamin C Eye Cream For Brightening
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème
Pros
- Helps even out your skin tone
- Instantly color corrects with light-reflecting mineral pigments
- Formulated to work with makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers noted a strong fragrance and mild irritation
Vitamin C skincare can help lighten the skin for a more glowy and radiant complexion, and this Banana Bright+ eye cream does just that. It has three forms of vitamin C to help fade dark spots and even out the skin tone, along with hardy orange extract and bioflavonoids to help optimize the performance of the vitamin C. This eye cream also has a creamy, luminous finish that will help plump up the under-eye area.
What reviewers say: “Most Vitamin C products tend to burn in my skin, I was so excited that this one did not. It’s thick and creamy. A little bit of product goes a long way.”
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, absorbic acid, THD |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
6
Best Drugstore Eye Cream
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 MAX Night Eye Cream
Pros
- Helps with fine lines and dark circles
- Thick, hydrating formula
Cons
- May cause dryness around the eyes if overused
While retinol can be drying, this formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide, both of which help with hydration and improving dullness. Plus, it doesn’t use any fragrance, mineral oil, or synthetic dyes. This formula is best for those who don’t have sensitive skin and have had a good experience with using retinol in their skincare routine.
What reviewers say: “It is the perfect consistency, soft and smooth. I also really like that there is virtually no scent to the product. With continued use, it is starting to help the appearance of the areas around my eyes.”
| Key ingredients | Retinol, niacinimide, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | PM |
7
Best For Multiple Under-Eye Concerns
ISDIN K-Ox Eyes
Pros
- Targets multiple signs and causes of dark cirlces
- Ceramic applicator naturally adds a cooling effect to help with puffiness
- Moisturizing formula
Cons
- Pricey
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, this Isdin eye cream contains haloxyl, a powerful blend of ingredients featuring specific peptides that help fade hyperpigmentation and reduce inflammation. It also contains vitamin K oxide, hyaluronic acid, and eyeliss, which all help to improve firmness and elasticity. Each of these main ingredients will help eliminate dark circles by targeting various concerns.
We like that it has a cooling ceramic applicator that gently releases as much product as you’d like with each squeeze.
What reviewers say: “I really like this product. I’ve been using for about four weeks and definitely see a difference in my dark under eyes. Will purchase again.”
| Key ingredients | Vitamin K oxide, haloxyl, hyaluronic acid, eyeliss |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
8
Best For Lightweight Hydration
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Pros
- Lightweight, hydrating formula
- Sensitive-skin friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers say that it doesn’t even out skin tone
An Amazon favorite boasting 18,000 rave reviews and over 12,000 five star ratings, this Cetaphil gel-cream has a cult following for a reason. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it great to wear under makeup. It’s also unscented and formulated for sensitive skin.
Although the formula contains skin brightening ingredients like licorice extract and niacinamide, this is best for those who deal with dullness and hollowness due to dehydrated skin, rather than those who have pronounced hyperpigmentation.
What reviewers say: “It doesn’t burn or irritate my eyes after applying. It is lightweight, cool, and my eyes feel so much better. They look hydrated, bright, and no redness or dry skin patches.”
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, niacinamide, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
9
Best K-Beauty Eye Cream
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
This K-Beauty eye serum has gone viral on TikTok, and for a good reason. Plenty of reviewers rave about how its ginseng extract, retinal, and niacinamide formula diminishes the look of dark circles without irritating the skin. Retinal is a more potent form of retinol, but this is formulated with a moisturizing film that coats the molecule to help stabilize it and have better absorption. It has the ideal balance of deep hydration with effective ingredients.
This is also the best-selling eye treatment on Amazon right now.
What reviewers say: “I use it only at night as directed. I am on day seven and I am already seeing the results. My eyes look way more rested and youthful. My under eye dark circles are so much lighter and brighter, my hooded eyes have less of a heavy feeling over my top eyelid.”
| Key Ingredients | Ginseng Extract, Retinol, Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.0 oz. |
| Best to use | PM |
10
Best For Hydration and Brightening
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
Pros
- Works well with makeup
- Cooling ceramic tip helps depuff
Cons
- Some reviewers noted slight burning or stinging of the eyes
Caudalie’s Vinoperfect line is formulated to brighten the skin and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation in a gentle yet effective manner, and this eye cream contains the hero ingredient viniferine. According to the brand it is, 62x more effective than vitamin C at brightening the skin, which is ideal for those dealing with dark circles due to uneven skin tone. It’s also formulated with niacinamide and caffeine to help hydrate, brighten, and address hollowness.
What reviewers say: “Wow, this eye cream has changed my under-eyes in the best way! It has improved my under-eye discoloration and puffiness by making them brighter and smoother. It also leaves them very hydrated through the day or night and I wake up with plump undereyes!”
| Key ingredients | Viniferine, Niacinamide, Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
11
Best For Fading Discoloration
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Bright & Tight Dark Circle Firming Eye Cream
Pros
- Hydrating formula that feels lightweight
- Has a color-correcting tone that brightens the under eye area
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers say it is not sensitive skin friendly
If your dark circles are primarily due to uneven skin tone, this eye cream from Innbeauty Project is formulated with three types of vitamin C and tranexamic acid to help address and fade discoloration. It also contains bakuchiol and peptides to help reduce the look of fine lines, and caffeine and cedar bark, to help with hollowness. It’s a gel-cream formula that feels lightweight and has an instant brightening effect.
What reviewers say: “This is my favorite eye cream, I’m on my third one and I’ve tried to replace it but nothing compares. A little goes a long way and I see a huge difference in the dryness in my under eyes and sits well under makeup.”
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid, Peptides, Bakuchiol, Caffeine, Cedar Bark |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
12
Best For Mature Skin
LaRoche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Pros
- Instantly brightens with light-reflecting pigments.
- Has a cooling applicator to help depuff the under-eye area
Cons
- Some reviewers noted it can be irritating if you have sensitive skin
This eye cream from LaRoche-Posay is featured in our best eye creams for mature skin round up, specifically for its unique formula that addresses blue and brown dark circles, which is more common in mature skin. The formula contains retinol to help diminish fine lines and wrinkles and promote cell turnover, which helps fade discoloration. Niacinamide and phe-resorcinol also help brighten and even out the skin tone.
It also has caffeine to help diminish under-eye bags and hollowness and thermal spring water to hydrate and soothe the area. This formula also contains light-reflecting pearl pigments to provide an immediate brightening effect.
What reviewers say: “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my under-eye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use.”
| Key ingredients | Retinol, caffeine, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | PM |
13
Best Dewy Formula
First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Eye Cream
Pros
- Adds instant illumination with its peach micro-pearls
- Ideal for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the color of micro-pearls may not be suitable for those with darker skin tones
The niacinamide in this formula helps fade the look of brown discoloration under the eyes through the process of reducing melanin production. Users agree that this cream really does work to radiate and illuminate the skin, giving an immediately brightening glow to your under eyes—the cream actually contains a hint of shimmer. While some are fans of this reflective glow, some think it looks unnatural.
What reviewers say: “This is a great base before I put on concealer/powder. It feels really nice going on and just subtly covers the darkness.”
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, caffeine |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz |
| Best to use | AM/PM |
14
Best Tinted Eye Cream
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy
Pros
- Instantly conceals and brightens dark circles with its tinted formula
- Delivers SPF 35 protection
Cons
- Some reviewers note that air bubbles can form in the packaging
Definitely one of the more unique finds on this list, this Colorescience eye cream doubles as makeup. It comes in four blendable shades, ranging from fair to deep, and boasts a thin and light formula that melts into the skin.
What reviewers say: “Super hydrating, with good coverage! This is like a half concealer, half skin care. It is so hydrating and plums the skin.”
| Key ingredients | Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, glycerin, |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.23 oz |
| Best to use | AM |
How to choose eye creams for dark circles
✔️ Illuminating pigments: Some eye creams have illuminating pigments can immediately but temporarily reduce the look of dark circles. These pearlescent finishes reflect light back giving the illusion of a brighter under eye-area, whereas brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid work around the clock.
✔️ Hydrating ingredients: Hydrators like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can create a temporary plumped appearance.
✔️ Cooling applicator: A cooling applicator made from stainless steel or ceramic can help temporarily relieve tired eyes or diminish the look of puffiness.
✔️ Caffeine: The ingredient can help visibly fade the look of dark circles by making blood vessels less visible.
✔️ Gel-based vs. Cream: Most eye creams offer a thicker, creamy texture. On the other hand, gel-based creams offer a lighter consistency and are often packed with ingredients like caffeine to address puffiness, says Akram.
✔️ Anti-aging properties: “Look for creams with ingredients like retinol or peptides if you want to tackle wrinkles or loss of elasticity,” Akram explains.
How to use and apply eye cream:
Applying your eye cream varies depending on the eye cream’s formula, so it’s always best to check the product’s directions. Generally, you can apply your eye cream after you have cleansed your skin.
For a targeted treatment, apply eye cream before serums and other moisturizers. You could also apply it after serums but before or in place of your moisturizer, or on top of your moisturizer and before sunscreen. If your eye cream has illuminating pigments that help with color correction or delivering an instant brightening effect, it’s best to apply those toward the later end of your routine so that the finish shines through.
The best way to apply eye cream is to use a pea-sized amount across both eyes and gently massage it in using your ring finger. Some eye creams come with a built-in applicator that delivers a cooling, de-puffing effect, so you can directly apply and massage it in. You can also store your eye creams in the refrigerator so the formula feels cool and refreshing against the skin.
Where to apply: Although eye creams are typically used under the eyes, you can bring the excess or remaining formula up and around to your brow bone to give a youthful appearance to your lids as well. Just be sure to not to go too close to the lash line so that the formula does not go into the eye.
What precautions should I take when using an eye cream?
According to Dr. Ilyas, retinols should be used with caution, as improper use could cause drying or irritating the thin, sensitive skin in this area.
“If you see excess dryness, this can exaggerate these circles,” Dr. Ilyas says. “Focus on balancing retinols with hydration: vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid—these will increase the skin’s turgor by drawing moisture to the skin.”
How we chose the best eye creams for dark circles
We talked to Erum Ilyas, M.D., M.B.E., F.A.A.D, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, who specializes in adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer treatment. We also spoke to Sarah Akram, a celebrity facialist and esthetician that has been named Dior Beauty’s Skincare Expert and Ambassador for the U.S.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
Anvita Reddy (she/her) is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines. She contributes commerce content across Hearst’s Lifestyle portfolio, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of experience in the commerce space, including writing detailed first-person product reviews, trend and best-of round-ups, deals and sales coverage, and more. Previously, she was an assistant editor for PS Shopping, covering home and kitchen, beauty, fashion, tech, travel, wellness, and lifestyle. In her free time, you can find her catching up on everything from reality TV to reruns of classic sitcoms, testing out viral beauty products, sharpening her cooking skills, working out, or traveling.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link
