10 Best Eye Creams For Brightening and Depuffing Dark Circles
The best eye creams for dark circles will be packed with active ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, and niacinamide, and we tested dozens to find the ones that made the most significant difference for our tired eyes. While a cream can only do so much—because health, genetic, and lifestyle factors are at play—these are the ones expert derms like Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, Akram, and Bazaar’s team of beauty editors actually use to prevent and minimize under-eye darkness.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Pros
- Contains SPF 35 protection
- Cooling applicator
Finding an easy-to-apply daytime eye cream can be tricky. A good one will have a lightweight gel texture that sinks into the skin and wears well under makeup, a hydration factor to counteract dryness, a light-reflecting tint to illuminate the skin, and SPF for UV protection. This Colorscience Eye Treatment delivers on all accounts.
One customer writes: “It is expensive for the size but [I] only need a little amount to cover the undereye area. I have started using it as a concealer replacement, but that’s only if you need minor corrections or coverage.” —Pooja
Best For Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Won’t irritate eyes
This eye cream similarly fires on multiple cylinders: Niacinamide helps ward off dark pigment, caffeine lends a vasoconstriction effect, and hyaluronic acid offers hydration. It’s well-priced, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive skin types.
One customer writes: “This eye cream is amazing. I love the added sparkle that makes my eyes look brighter!” —Heidi
Best For Beginners
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide
Pros
- Soothing and de-puffing applicator
- Contains Viniferine, an effective brightening ingredient
Great for eye cream novices, this Caudalie formula is nice because it is lightweight, sinks into the skin, and doesn’t leave a residue or pearlescent sheen the way some others on this list do. While a light-reflecting pigment can be effective for brightening, if you’re a beginner with eye cream, extra antioxidant protection and hydration is likely all you need.
One customer writes: “I love this eye cream. It does exactly as it says: reduces dark circles and puffiness, without being sticky. The applicator is a little tricky since more product than needed tends to come out. However, that doesn’t distract me from giving it 5 stars.” —Guava
Most Viral
Colleen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream
Pros
- Tint brightens eyes instantly
Ask any beauty insider about the best illuminating eye cream, and they’ll likely reference this best-seller by Colleen Rothschild. Though the brand is a little if you know you know, the tinted eye cream is renowned for neutralizing blue undertones beneath the eyes while offering a subtle blurring effect so the skin appears even and radiant.
One customer writes: “I’m 53, I love the tinted eye cream! It is perfect to conceal dark circles, and illuminate and hydrate my dry under and upper eyelids. This is perfection in a bottle!” —Lisa
Best For Smoothing Lines
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Pros
- Contains retinol
This eye serum by Dr. Dennis Gross is innovative. While most eye creams will spotlight vitamin C as a key skin-brightening ingredient, this serum uses retinol in a very gentle form, which helps increase cellular turnover, thereby brightening the delicate eye area without irritation. Some people with sensitive skin find high-concentration vitamin C formulas irritating and might do better with a gentle retinol like this.
One customer writes: “The skin around my eyes has always been dry, which is why I’m always nervous to use retinol, but not only is this helping to soften the fine lines, my eyes have never felt more moisturized and supple. I love this product so, so much!” —Misty
Best For Mature Skin
Environ Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Pros
- Repairs sun damage
You might happen upon this Environ Vita-Peptide Eye Gel at your local spa or wherever you get facials. Estheticians prefer it to other options because it contains a blend of vitamins C, E, and A, and effectively rehydrates the skin, repairs sun-damaged cells, and helps prevent collagen loss.
One customer writes: “I have used it for a decade and it works! At 59 my eyes still look good.” —Donna
Best Splurge
Auteur Definitive Eye Cream
Pros
- Beloved by facialists
Is $420 a lofty price tag for eye cream? Yes. Does this luxury eye cream by Auteur (a German regenerative skincare brand) come highly recommended by estheticians from LA to NYC? Also yes. Its encapsulated peptide technology promotes optimal absorption, which leads to enhanced cellular function and a brighter eye area.
One customer writes: “This cream has taken five years off my eye area in short order. It’s remarkable. And worth the eye-watering price if you want to stave off surgery or fillers.” —CC
Best For Dry Skin
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Pros
- Unique technology
A recent breakthrough in the eye cream category, this new formulation by SkinCeuticals is clinically proven to address multiple forms of skin aging around the eye area, including puffiness, dryness, fine lines, and darkness. Results have been seen both immediately and with long-term use.
One customer writes: “I love this eye cream. My under eyes have been dry lately, and this eye cream has helped tremendously to hydrate and smooth the skin under my eyes. My skin looks so much better after use.” —Mo
Best For Firming
Neova Super Eye Lift Serum
Pros
- Works quickly
If firming is a concern, dermatologists highly recommend this serum by Neova. It addresses delicate orbital skin, flooding it with brightening and hydrating actives.
One customer writes: “I’m 60 [plus]. After 7 days of use morning and evening, I saw a noticeable reduction in crow’s feet, puffiness, and overall tightening. I even used it on my upper lids near the brow line, which improved the drooping.” —Lynn
Best for Depuffing
Revision Skincare C+ Brightening Eye Complex
Pros
- Instantly brightens
Fluid buildup may cause dullness and discoloration around the eye, and an eye cream like this one from Revision Skincare can help. It targets fluid accumulation, while antioxidants help reduce visible dark circles, and light-diffusing minerals add brightness.
One customer writes: “The first thing you will notice is the metal tip; I like the cool feel, it’s especially appreciated in the morning. This does keep my eye area feeling soft and moist and seems to help with my fine lines. I ordered this in part because of the vitamin C, hoping that it will help lighten some age spots that have shown up lately (time will tell).” —Oliver
Meet the experts:
- Rachel Westbay, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Sarah Akram is a celebrity esthetician and skincare expert.
Can eye cream get rid of dark circles?
The answer to whether or not an eye cream will help minimize or get rid of your dark circles will depend on the root cause, which can include “genetics, aging, and allergies,” explains Westbay. “Eye creams may not be effective for [treating] dark circles caused by these or other structural or genetic factors.”
According to Westbay, a common cause of dark circles is the appearance of blood vessels, which become more visible when the naturally thin skin under the eyes loses collagen. Likewise, excess dryness or moisture loss can contribute to discoloration. In these cases, an eye cream—like those mentioned above—may effectively minimize darkness and, more importantly, prevent further darkening.
Of course, general health factors like dehydration and sleep patterns ” directly influence the under-eye area,” adds Akram. “Keeping the area properly moisturized with a targeted under-eye cream, as well as drinking plenty of water each day will also support your efforts.”
Is eye cream the same as face moisturizer?
Naysayers of eye creams believe that face moisturizer should be sufficient for the eye area. However, according to Akram, these two products serve different functions. “The skin around the eyes is delicate and thin and breaks down much faster than other thicker areas of skin because it is not as collagen-rich,” Akram explains. Also, the eye area lacks sebum, which lubricates the skin. Eye creams are specifically formulated to correct, restore, and moisturize this area.”
Can I use retinol around my eyes?
In the right formulation, yes, retinol can be an effective ingredient to use around the eyes. “You can use gentler forms of Vitamin A, such as the ester form, around the eye area each day, both morning and night,” explains Akram. “It will brighten and reduce the visible signs of aging, promoting a youthful-looking, luminous, smooth, and plumped appearance.” Of course, if you’re using a retinol eye cream in the morning, don’t forget to follow it up with a good sunscreen.
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