14 Vitamin C Eye Creams That Actually Treat Dark Circles

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Dark circles happen to the best of us. You can't change your genes, and you can't always get more sleep, but if you want to brighten up your eyes in a flash, there is one super easy solution: a Vitamin C eye cream.

"Vitamin C is an essential part of skin health both as an antioxidant and as a critical factor for collagen synthesis," says Hadley King, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. "Vitamin C contributes to photoprotection, decreases photodamage, and is needed for wound healing. It also protects from free radicals from other sources such as pollution, brightens the skin, and prevents and fades dark spots that result from UV radiation." The best vitamin C eye creams can bring all those benefits to the thin, sensitive skin under your eyes.

"When used in eye creams, vitamin C is beneficial for brightening, hydrating, and smoothing the under-eye area," adds Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. "It also helps protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors that can contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, and can also brighten the skin and even out hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis."

With all that in mind, below are a few of the best vitamin C eye creams for dark circles, along with personal recommendations from expert dermatologists.

Ginzing Vitamin C & Niacinamide Eye Cream

This beauty editor favorite comes in two shades—warm and cool—to instantly brighten and refresh the eye area. The addition of vitamin C and niacinamide help reduce dark circles over time.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I've tried so many eye creams for my extremely dark circles, and this works! The tinted cream visibly brightens and this is a daily go-to for me!" -

Cosmetics Universal C Eye Perfector

Strong yet gentle, Engelman's pick is a potent eye cream that contains the purest form of vitamin C: five percent L-ascorbic acid. It also has hyaluronic acid and green tea to plump fine lines and soothe any irritation.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I never leave reviews, but this stuff really made a difference in a short time for my under eye area which in the past year has really aged. It has brightened and tightened up in just a few weeks. Highly recommend. I know it's expensive but a little goes a long way." — B.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Eye Cream

This pick from King uses powerhouses retinol and vitamin C—along with peptides, algae extract, and rice—to moisturize and target all signs of aging. The derm says that even though it has retinol, it still provides moisture to the skin and should be suitable for those who are sensitive.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Yes it’s expensive but it’s a game changer. I was considering getting fillers. I’ve tried multiple eye creams. I used this product for the first time yesterday, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE it made with my wrinkles and concealer. I’ll continue to buy this!" — elleaye20

SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel

King likes this lightweight eye gel if you're dealing with dark circles. The formula can help halt the production of excess pigment while also protecting the skin from free radical damage. It also contains caffeine to boost radiance and smooth eye bags.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "The SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel is amazing for reducing fine lines and dark circles around the eye. You need to use this product consistently for that to be the case, so don't forget your daily application!" — Suzy

C5 Super Boost Moisturizer

Aptly named, this lightweight cream uses vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to give your tired eyes a boost. You'll notice eye bags and dark circles start to fade after just a few nights.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This moisturizer is amazing! It definitely left my skin feeling soft and I can see a noticeable difference in dark marks on my face and my skin just overall looks brighter. I will definitely be keeping this in my everyday routine." — Liz

Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Vitamin C, peptides, and caffeine in this cream do wonders in tackling dark circles and puffy under eye bags. Plus, it has a slight sheen that can help instantly brighten without the need for concealer.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This is a must-try! We all need vitamin C in our skincare steps!! What I like to do with the light aura vitamin C eye cream is just take a little bit and dab it light under my eyes. The vitamin c will help with brightening the eye. If you have very big dark circles, you will notice a bit of reduction after using this product." — trasang

SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

King loves this tinted vitamin C eye cream as it also contains caffeine to help depuff tpesky under eye bags. The cooling roller and transparent tint make the whole application experience a breeze.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This product has quickly become a lifesaver from day to day. I work incredibly long and tiring days, and often look beat by the afternoons. I keep this in my bag and apply it once or twice a day to help minimize my dark circles. It works quickly and doesn't leave sticky residue behind like other eye rollers I've tried. It's easy (and quite fun) to apply, and leaves a cooling sensation for a few minutes post-application. You won't be disappointed."

Hydra-Bright Eye Cream

Engelman loves this vitamin C eye cream for brightening the under-eye area and targeting signs of aging. It contains two percent vitamin C and lactic acid to boost your skin's radiance. Cucumber extract is an added benefit to soothe and hydrate skin.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "My eyes have visible improvement within a few days of using. Less darkness and puffiness. The cream adds a little sheen so it brightens and makes me look more awake too." — Leah

Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum

For dark circles with blue and brown marks, turn to this strong vitamin C eye serum. It contains a pure form of vitamin C to defend skin against environmental aggressors and instantly boost radiance. It also contains hyaluronic acid and a special peptide complex to plump fine lines and provide much needed hydration.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Soft and silky solution that is easy to apply. A little bit goes a long way. I'll use this as long as it is available. The only successful solution I have found." — Brenda

Youthful Eye Serum

Another pick from King, this eye cream pairs vitamin C with hyaluronic acid to give skin hydration as well as protection from environmental stressors. It also has peptides to plump skin and smooth out fine lines.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I have just finished using one tube of the serum and I’m so amazed with the results so far. I have tried many other expensive brands and didn’t work. This is affordable and really works!!! So happy I tried this." — Anonymous

Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Made with vitamin C, peptides, and niacinamide, this eye cream is great for improving tone and texture, says King. Plus, it's one of the more wallet-friendly options out there—which is always a win.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I absolutely love Olay's vitamin C + peptide 24 eye cream! It was super smooth and creamy, I woke up feeling more refreshed and my eyes were much brighter than usual. I will definitely be buying more!" — Brittany

Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

This is an intense eye treatment to treat dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness almost instantly. It combines vitamin C, lactic acid, and tiger grass to brighten the skin so you look visibly refreshed.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This is a great daytime additional moisture boost because it feels so light plus it brightens and firms around eye area and preps so nicely for makeup. I love vitamin c it simply does so good for my skin!" — jelenaj

Wake Up Honey Eye Cream

Because vitamin C can be drying, it's always best to pair it with nourishing and hydrating ingredients. This cream from Farmacy pairs it with a buckwheat-honey blend, caffeine, and upcycled cranberry peptide to reduce puffiness and smooth out fine lines.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I have very sensitive eyes meaning anything can make my eyes look puffy. From bad sleep to wearing makeup. I've been using this cream for almost a year now and even though there's still some puffiness from time to time, this has made me feel and look so much better. Absolutely recommend!" — ReelikaM

Multi Correxion Revive and Glow Vitamin C Under Eye Balm

This easy-to-use eye balm is infused with vitamin C and peptides to effectively boost radiance and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Plus, it's great for traveling.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I just bought the second one becauseIm in love with it. My dermatologist recommended and I could see results since the first days using it! I DO recommend it! Worth it! ❤️" — Deyse

What causes dark circles around the eyes?

Dark circles form under the eye area for many reasons. King lists genetics as a major factor of dark circles, as they are often the result of shadowing caused by bone and fat structure. She says that your blood and lymphatic circulation can also play a big role depending on how blood vessels are distributed under the skin. Engelman agrees and adds that certain lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep, dehydration, genetics, or smoking, are things to take note of when looking at what is causing under-eye discoloration.

Dark circles are most common in those with darker skin, as King says that having more melanin and more pigment can be a higher risk. Engelman adds that if you have eczema or contact dermatitis, you may also be more prone to getting dark under-eye circles.

How do you use vitamin C eye cream correctly?

Engelman says to use eye cream after you've cleansed your face and applied toner. She recommends using a pea-sized amount and lightly working it in from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner and even on the brow bone. Wait for product to fully absorb before putting additional product on.

What are the downsides of using vitamin C eye cream?

There are a few downsides to using vitamin C. King says that sensitivity can happen, but that depends on the formulations. Ascorbic acid, for example, is more irritating and less stable than THD ascorbate, which by comparison can easily be used in oil-based products.

Can you use vitamin C eye creams daily? During the day and at night?

King says you can absolutely use vitamin C daily if it doesn't irritate your skin. You can also use it both day and night, but she recommends using it in the morning as its antioxidant properties will help protect the skin from free radicals.

Are there ingredients that you should avoid in your skincare when you use vitamin C?

Engelman says that vitamin C shouldn't mixed with alpha- and beta hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide as it can irritate the skin. King also notes that when a vitamin C product is too acidic, it can decrease the efficacy of niacinamide, so keep an eye on what ingredients you're mixing.

Meet the Experts

• Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic Fifith Avenue in New York City.

• Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
  

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine