The Right Eye Cream for Dark Circles Exists—Here Are Our Top Picks

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Dark circles under your eyes are common and typically aren’t a cause for concern. But, sometimes we’ll try to do everything we can to get rid of them, including finding the ‘perfect’ eye cream. However, there are a few things to know before spending hundreds of dollars on a popular eye cream.

“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. However, she shares that an eye cream can add hydration or turgor to the under-eye skin, making it appear more supple. “This can decrease the appearance of dark circles as it permits light to reflect evenly,” Dr. Ilyas adds.

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; Danusia Wnek, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.

Danusia Wnek, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, agrees. She explains that several factors can cause dark circles—including but not limited to—lack of sleep, weight loss, age, and genetics. “Although cosmetic creams cannot ‘get rid of’ dark circles, they can help by minimizing the look of dark under-eye via brightening and moisturizing ingredients. Plus, sunscreen actives in eye creams can help protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which can otherwise worsen the look,” Wnek says.

When choosing the best eye cream for dark circles, consider your individual skincare issues to help you make the best choice. “Some eye creams target pigmentation with ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, which can help lighten the darkness," explains Sarah Akram, celebrity facialist and esthetician. “Other creams target circulation with ingredients like caffeine, which can help reduce puffiness and make the blood vessels less visible.”

Scroll down to see our top recommendations for eye creams for dark circles, along with expert-focused tips so you can find the best choice for your individual needs.

A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream

We named this A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream from SkinCeuticals the best choice for dark circles in our best wrinkle cream roundup.

It delivers 24 hours of moisture and uses caffeine to help diminish the look of puffy eyes. A unique blend of peptides also helps to maintain the skin’s natural firmness and elasticity. It even incorporates optical effects to scatter light and minimize the look of dark circles.

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.”

Renewal Firming Eye Cream

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.

Plus, it increased testers’ firmness by 18% and improved skin’s hydration by 21% in a GH Beauty Lab test.

Note that some reviewers complain about the bottle, saying the pump dispenser tends to release too much product at once.

What a GH Lab tester says: “My skin did look smoother with less fine lines and puffiness.”

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

In a brand study, the RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream visibly reduced wrinkles by up to 50% in 12 weeks. You get an unscented formula, retinol to help smooth fine lines, and a lightweight consistency that sinks in quickly.

Also, it boasts a Good Housekeeping Seal and comes dermatologist and ophthalmologist recommended.

What reviewers say: “I noticed very quickly, within a week, definite improvement in the dark circles under my eyes.”

Eye Repair Cream

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.”

Restorative Eye Treatment

This eye cream from Alastin contains green tea extract, which helps brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Additionally, it contains peptides to help build elastin and collagen in skin.

You just to need to apply one pump to the eye area once at morning and once at night.

What reviewers say: “I was impatiently disappointed with this product in the first few months of not seeing much difference. But after that, I noticed the deep purple pits under my eyes getting lighter and lighter.”

K-Ox Eyes

Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, this Isdin eye cream contains haloxyl, a powerful ingredient that helps eliminate dark circles.

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 4 weeks and definitely see a difference in my dark under eyes. Will purchase again.”

Mineral 89 Eyes Serum

If you prefer a thinner gel-like consistency, this choice from Vichy gives you high-end results and packaging at the fraction of the price.

Satisfied users like that the formula absorbs quickly, works on most sensitive skin types, moisturizes just enough.

What reviewers say: “This product helped me to give my eyes a relaxed appearance. It is the best eye serum I’ve tried so far.”

White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream

If you suffer from dark circles and dark spots, Shiseido’s White Lucent eye cream enhances natural melanin production to help visibly fade darkness.

Users like that the eye cream really moisturizes yet doesn’t feel sticky. The eye cream is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

What reviewers say: “I have had dark circles literally since the second grade. Nothing else has really worked besides this cream.”

Retinol 24 MAX Night Eye Cream

While retinol can be drying, this formula is packed with vitamins B3 and E, both of which help with hydration. Plus, it doesn’t use any fragrance, mineral oil, or synthetic dyes.

This eye cream is also backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. In a GH Beauty Lab test, testers saw visible benefits in the eye area and maintained skin hydration of up to 24 hours.

Something to note: users who overused the product complained about dryness on the skin.

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.”

Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream

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.

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.”

Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème

Vitamin C skincare can help lighten the skin for a more glowy and radiant complexion, and this Banana Bright+ eye cream does just that. Plus, the included hardy orange extract works well with the Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

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.”

Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

One of the active ingredients in this Biossance eye cream is squalane, a saturated oil with smoothing and softening benefits. Meanwhile, the marine algae works to help reduce fine lines and brighten the skin.

This formula won a GH Beauty Award after testers gave it high praises for its super soft texture and glowy finish.

What a GH Lab analyst says: “It feels cushion-y, and my skin is plumped with hydration after applying it,.”

Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream

Lancôme’s Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream earned the top spot in a Good Housekeeping Institute eye cream test. Packed with vitamins and botanical extracts, wowed testers with its hydrating and firming qualities. Plus, testers and reviewers give it high marks for not irritating the eyes.

Just keep in mind that the formula leans on the thicker side and takes a little bit to absorb into the skin.

What a GH Lab tester says: “The creamy-yet-lightweight formula seemed to disappear into my under-eye skin, leaving it smooth and younger-looking from the very first use.”

Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream

The Auto Correct’s formula stands out from competitors because it uses Brazilian ginseng root extract, which helps diminish puffiness. Additionally, it contains caffeine, which fade the look of dark circles.

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.”

Pigmentclar Anti-Dark Circle Brightening Care

Made with sensitive skin in mind, this eye cream hydrates the skin and targets blue and brown dark circles. It uses retinol for anti-aging, caffeine to help fade eye bags, and thermal spring water to soothe.

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.”

Snail Peptide Eye Cream

Some might be hesitant about having snail slime in their skincare, but snail mucin has many benefits for helping reduce signs of aging and uneven skin tone.

The best part, users say the formula of this formula doesn’t feel slimy. It feels lightweight, absorbs quickly, and uses niacinamide to help lighten the appearance of dark circles.

What reviewers say: “Over time, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and brightness of my skin around the eyes.”

Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy

Definitely one of the more unique finds on this list, this Colorscience eye cream doubles as makeup. It comes in a few shades 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.”

Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream

If you want something with a richer consistency, the Revitalift eye cream gives you just that at a lower cost. Fans of the formula say they can count on this cream to keep their skin soft and supple.

Note that some reviewers say they use it just at night since it’s a little heavier.

What reviewers say: “I have been using this product for years. It has helped to minimize the lines around my eyes.”

Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

Users like that gentle retinoids in this eye cream provide anti-aging benefits. It uses bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, peach extract to help with firmness, and niacinamide to help fade dark circles.

What reviewers say: “I got this for my mom since she has really bad under eyes and dark circles. She’s been using it for a couple of days now and she says she sees a major improvement her under eyes, and her dark circles are getting a lot better.”

RetrinAL EYES

Users who like a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula to use under makeup might like this eye cream from Eau Thermale Avène. While on the thinner side, this cream uses retinoids, hyaluronic acid, thermal spring water to soothe, protect, and rebuild the skin.

What reviewers say: “After a month, the improvement is amazing. The crow’s feet, which started out as lines, then progressed to wrinkles, are now very faint lines.”

Vitamin C Lactic Firm and Bright Eye Treatment

Clinical Results: In a clinical study of 32 subjects:- 90% of subjects showed a significant improvement in hydration immediately- 90% of subjects saw a reduction in the look of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles after 1 week- 93% of subjects showed improvement in radiance after 2 weeks.

What reviewers say: “This is the best eye serum I have used so far. I had dark circles, and my under-eyes were sunken, and this serum quickly got rid of both where I had inconsistent results with other products.”

Cica Eye Cream

Cica is a soothing ingredient that helps rebuild the skin barrier. This eye cream from Meebak uses cica and plant extracts to help smooth fine lines and protect the skin from further damage. It’s an unscented formula that’s suitable for all skin types.

What reviewers say: “This is a great under eye moisturizer and dark circle reducer. It’s clean, easy to apply, and absorbs easily.”

Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream

Vitamin B3 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, so much so that the cream actually contains a hint of shimmer. While some are fans of the sparkles, 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.”

Longevity Depuffing Eye Cream

The tube packaging on this eye cream makes for easy, mess-free application. You only need a pearl-sized amount once daily to help fade the look of dark under eyes.

Instead of retinol, it’s backed with bakuchiol to provide anti-aging properties.

What reviewers say: “This is the first eye cream I have ever used that didn’t cause little bumps or clogged pores under my eyes—and I have tried a ton of eye creams! It’s light but very moisturizing.”

C+ Brightening Eye Complex

The way this eye treatment works is it targets excess fluid buildup to help depuff eye bags.

The formula is packed with antioxidants to help fade the look of dark circles and uses light-diffusing minerals to help brighten the skin.

What reviewers say: “It has done pretty well to improve the appearance of the area under my eyes, but I think i was hoping for more giving the price of the product. However, it will last for a good while because you only need so much product.”

How to choose eye creams for dark circles

With so many eye creams to choose from, consider your own skin concerns to help narrow down your selection. “Eye creams are formulated with unique ingredients or variations of depending on the issues you are aiming to address,” explains Wnek.

Consider these factors when choosing your next eye cream:

✔️ Illuminating pigments: “Illuminating pigments can immediately but temporarily reduce the look of dark circles whereas brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid can work overtime,” she says.

✔️ Hydrating ingredients: According to Wnek, hydrators like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can create a temporary plumped appearance.

✔️ Cooling applicator: “An eye cream with a cooling applicator can help temporarily relieve tired eyes or diminish the look of puffiness,” Wnek says.

✔️ Caffeine: The ingredient can help visible fade the look of dark circles.

✔️ 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.

What precautions, if any, 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.”

Wnek also advises to use a sunscreen daily, but especially so if you are using a retinoid. “If your product contains a retinoid and the directions don’t specify, I would use it only once a day, at night,” she says. When in doubt, always follow the instructions on your product’s packaging.

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. Additionally, we consulted Danusia Wnek, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.

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.

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