24 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles in 2024

• Best with flavinoids: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles | Skip to review
• Best nut-free: Éminence Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best plumping: True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best vegan: Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best with caffeine: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best vitamin C complex: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best hypoallergenic: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best for dry skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair | Skip to review
• Best sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 | Skip to review
• Best for fine lines: PCA Skin Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best lightweight: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer | Skip to review
• Best brightening: Sunday Riley Auto Correct | Skip to review
• Best cooling: ISDIN Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes | Skip to review
• Best rich formula: Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best luxury: Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best refillable: Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème | Skip to review
• Best eye patches: Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches | Skip to review
• Best for pre- and postbiotics: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best for real gold: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème | Skip to review
• Best for contact lens wearers: Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour | Skip to review
• Best for skin elasticity: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream | Skip to review
• Best protection against premature aging: BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector | Skip to review
• Best organic: Furtuna Skin Cuore Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalising Cream | Skip to review
• Best night cream: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream | Skip to review

Eye creams are products that aim to reduce the signs of skin aging in the eye area. Signs of aging include fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.

Eye creams have a thick consistency and contain more oils than regular facial creams. This is because the skin around the eyes is fragile and delicate and requires less moisture than the rest of the facial area.

That said, eye creams absorb into the eye area quicker, and if a person uses strong products, their skin may become irritated.

How to use

Many companies recommend that people apply their eye cream twice per day, as well as after cleansing and before moisturizing their face.

Some manufacturers also include instructions on how a person should add the cream to their skin care routine if they use other products, such as toners.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best with flavonoids:
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles

• List price: $105
• Size: 0.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
• Skin types: dry and normal

This eye cream contains a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides that the company claims help reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.

SkinCeuticals states that other ingredients included in the cream prevent the appearance of wrinkles and restore water and nutrients to the area.

The product is free of alcohol and dyes.

Best nut-free:
Éminence Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream

• List price: $99
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin types: all skin types

This eye cream’s main ingredient is hibiscus, which the company claims increases the skin’s elasticity and hydration.

The other ingredients, such as caffeine and stevia extract, may help reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles.

The product is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.

Best plumping:
True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream

• List price: $78
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin types: all skin types

This eye cream’s key ingredients are resurrection plant extract, turmeric, coffee, and licorice extract.

True Botanicals states that these ingredients work to reduce dark circles by plumping and hydrating the skin, reducing puffiness, and brightening and calming the eye area.

According to the True Botanicals website, the product can increase the skin’s hydration for up to 24 hours after application. These results are based on a 24-hour study that the company cites on its website. However, it does not provide access to the research for customers to read.

Best vegan:
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream

• List price: $43
• Size: 0.6 fl oz
• Skin types: dry, normal, and oily

This Peach & Lily product has several main ingredients that aim to help strengthen the skin’s barrier, brighten dark spots, and increase firmness.

These ingredients include bamboo extract, niacinamide, and peach extract.

The company states that it does not support animal testing, and it claims that the product is vegan and gluten-free.

Best with caffeine:
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

• List price: $10.99
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin types: all skin types

Caffeine is the main ingredient in this eye cream by The Inkey List.

The other ingredients work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and any signs of under-eye fatigue.

The company recommends that individuals store the cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before using it.

Best vitamin C complex:
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

• List price: $64
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: dry and sensitive

Drunk Elephant’s product comes with five forms of vitamin C, which the company claims help brighten uneven skin tones and increase the skin’s firmness.

The other ingredients in the eye cream aim to protect the skin from UV rays and pollution.

Best hypoallergenic:
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

• List price: around $28
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin types: all skin types

RoC claims that this retinol eye cream minimizes dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, and crow’s feet and is not harsh on the skin.

The company designed the product to be hypoallergenic, and it states that it can reduce dark circles and puffiness in 4 weeks.

Best for dry skin:
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

• List price: $72
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: dry

This cream has a lightweight texture and works on skin with signs of aging, dryness, dark circles, and puffiness.

The product includes “repair technology,” which the company claims repairs the damage caused by sleep deprivation, UV exposure, pollution, and blue light. It is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

The company website states that this gel cream can brighten dark circles in 3 weeks. People can use it in the morning and evening.

Best sunscreen:
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50

• List price: $32
• Size: 0.3 fl oz
• Skin types: dry, normal, oily, combination, and sensitive

This sunscreen by SkinCeuticals is specifically formulated for the eye area.

The company claims that it is suitable for individuals who have acne, signs of aging, and blotchiness. According to reviews, it can also benefit those with under-eye dark circles.

SkinCeuticals recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the entire face after using the product.

Best for fine lines:
PCA Skin Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream

• List price: around $99
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This product’s ingredients include Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 and orange stem cell extract.

The website’s ingredients list states that these two ingredients help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and strengthen skin structure.

The other ingredients can also help reduce crow’s feet and minimize dark circles.

PCA Skin states that individuals should start to see results within a week.

Best lightweight:
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

• Price: around $24
• Size: 0.17 oz
• Skin type: all skin types

Kiehl sells this lightweight cooling eye stick that contains hibiscus extract to reduce eye puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

There is no limit to how often a person can use this product.

Best brightening:
Sunday Riley Auto Correct

• List price: $65
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: sensitive

This eye cream contains caffeine and black cumin seed oil that can help brighten the skin around the eyes and reduce puffiness.

Other ingredients, such as Brazilian ginseng root extract, horse chestnut extract, and acmella oleracea extract may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.

Sunday Riley recommends applying two or three pumps in the morning and evening.

Best cooling cream:
ISDIN Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes

• List price: $97
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This eye cream contains vitamin K oxide and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid that may help reduce puffiness and firm up and brighten the skin.

The product comes with a cooling ceramic applicator, which may help further reduce puffiness. Additionally, the cream may help the skin retain moisture.

The company recommends people use this product once or twice a day.

Best rich formula:
Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

• List price: $49
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This cream contains retinol and vitamin C which may increase the moisture barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Vitamin C reportedly provides a visible brightening and tightening effect to the skin under the eyes, according to the company.

Paula’s Choice states that this cream is rich and provides intense hydration. While it is reportedly suitable for all skin types, people with oily or combination skin may find it too heavy.

The company recommends people apply sunscreen after using this product.

Best luxury:
Augustinus Bader The Eye Cream

• List price: $220
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This eye cream is one of the most expensive products on this list. It contains centella asiatica extract, which reportedly is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin against sun damage.

The formula is weightless and creamy, which reportedly sinks in quickly and provides lasting hydration.

Additionally, it does not contain any fragrances, irritants, or allergens. It is also suitable for vegans.

Best refillable:
Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème

• List price: $130
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This eye cream contains 33 ingredients that reportedly help brighten the eye area and reduce visible signs of fatigue. Some of these ingredients include shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and piper cubeba fruit extract.

This cream may appeal to those who prefer to minimize waste, as Tata Harper offers a refill pod.

Best eye patches:
Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches

• List price: around $30
• Size: pack of 30 pairs
• Skin type: all skin types

These eye patches may be an alternative for those who do not like using cream near their eyes, or those who prefer to use products on the go.

The product contains hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and aloe vera to help soothe the skin and reduce signs of puffiness.

Good Molecules states that these patches are vegan and cruelty-free. The company recommends people leave the patches on for 10–15 minutes before removing them.

Best oil-free eye cream:
Revision Skincare D.E.J. Eye Cream

• List price: $118
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: combination

Revision Skincare states that it has developed this cream to target the areas of the skin’s structure that are factors in skin aging.

Ingredients include a proprietary blend, pre- and postbiotics, and antioxidant blends to help brighten and tighten the skin.

This product is cruelty-free and free from oils, fragrances, and alcohol.

Best for real gold:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

• List price: $42
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Skin type: sensitive and oily

This eye cream contains a vitamin C complex, orange extract, and real gold to help brighten the skin.

Ole Henriksen states that this product can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and wrinkles.

This eye cream is free of sulfates and fragrances. In addition, it is vegan and cruelty-free.

Best for contact lens wearers:
Bioderma Sensibio Gel Eye Contour

• List price: from $20.99
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: sensitive

This eye cream’s main ingredients are caffeine and hyaluronic acid, which may help reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The cream is reportedly lightweight with a gel-like texture. As well as being compatible with makeup, it is also reportedly safe for use when wearing contact lenses.

Bioderma recommends applying this cream up to twice a day in the morning and evening.

Best for skin elasticity:
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Eye Cream

• List price: $75
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This cream contains 21 peptides and neuropeptides and two gamma proteins, which may help soften, brighten, and tighten the skin. It also contains a blend of ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

This product may also improve skin elasticity and texture. Peter Thomas Roth states people will start to see visible results after 28 days of using this cream.

People should apply this cream twice daily.

Best protection against premature aging:
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

• List price: $65
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This cream contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine. According to the company, it targets dark circles and improves skin tone and brightness.

This product also contains antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage that can lead to premature aging.

BeautyStat recommends using this product twice a day in the morning and evening.

Best organic:
Furtuna Skin Cuore Visione Di Luce Eye Revitalizing Cream

• List price: $225
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: all skin types

This all-in-one corrective eye cream contains 14 wild-foraged ingredients from a certified organic farm in Sicily, Italy. These include organic beet, white nettle, and daisy.

The botanical ingredients may help soothe and hydrate tired eyes. It may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This cream cruelty-free, vegan, and is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Best night cream:
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

• List price: $29.99
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Skin type: dry, oily, and normal

This eye cream contains retinol, vitamin B3, and vitamin E. These ingredients can help soothe the skin, increase hydration, and improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dark circles.

This product reportedly has a lightweight and silky feel. The company recommends people apply the cream before they go to bed.

According to Olay, this cream provides 24-hour hydration.

The following table compares the dark circle eye creams in this list on price, size, and skin type.

There are some factors a person can look for when buying an eye cream for dark circles, such as:

• Allergies: A person can read the product’s label to check whether or not the ingredients are suitable for them and ensure that they will not cause irritation. People with sensitive skin may wish to choose a fragrance-free eye cream.
• Ingredients: Some creams contain niacinamide or kojic acid. These ingredients can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
• Skin type: Individuals may wish to choose a product that is specially designed for their skin type. Some companies offer creams that target eye problems affecting all skin types.

Some other treatment options that a doctor may recommend if a person wishes to reduce dark circles under their eyes include:

• Surgery: Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from around the eyes.
• Fillers: Fillers are a type of injection. They contain hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma. A doctor injects these into the under-eye area.
• Chemical peels: With a chemical peel, a doctor applies an acid-based solution to the face to remove dead skin cells and encourage new cells to grow. This procedure can lighten the hyperpigmentation that an individual has in their under-eye area.

People may also want to consider home remedies. These can include:

• applying a cold compress to the eye area, which can reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels
• sticking to a regular sleep schedule, if possible
• putting tea bags under the eye area, as according to a small 2015 study involving 11 women, caffeine can improve blood circulation around the eyes

Learn more about how to permanently remove dark circles under the eyes here.

The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) recommends that people do the following to protect their eye area from sun damage:

• Wear sunglasses.
• Seek shade between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.
• Wear a hat with a 3-inch brim that does not come with holes.

The SCF also states that UV radiation can cause cataracts and keratitis. Cataracts cause yellowing and cloudy areas to form in the lens. Keratitis, or corneal sunburn, causes painful burning sensations in the cornea.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people should use broad-spectrum sunscreens, as these protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The product should also have an SPF of 30 or higher.

Here we answer some common questions about these products

How can I lighten my dark circles?

People may find that using eye creams that hydrate the eyes makes the skin look plumper and may lighten any dark circles.

Stress and sun exposure can make dark circles worse. A person can try to avoid these things to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.

What causes dark circles under the eye?

Some factors that can lead to dark circles under the eye area include:

• aging
• overexposure to sunlight
• hyperpigmentation
• smoking
• dehydration
• allergies, such as hay fever

Which cream is best to remove dark circles under eyes?

Any cream that is safe for use around the eyes may improve the appearance of dark circles as these products hydrate and firm the skin.

People should always read the ingredient list before making a purchase to ensure the product does not contain an ingredient that they are allergic to.

Many companies sell eye creams that may be beneficial for those who have dark circles under their eyes.

There are various factors that a person may wish to consider before committing to a purchase. These factors include their skin type and any allergies they may have to ingredients in eye creams.

A person can also consider trying natural remedies or other treatment options to reduce the appearance of dark circles. These options might include managing stress, getting regular sleep, and using chemical peels or homemade eye compresses.