11 Best eye cream for dark circles

We’re officially living in the age of skincare, with a seemingly infinite number of commercially available skin treatments. They’re so numerous, in fact, that it’s become difficult to sort valuable treatments from overpriced snake oil. To help you figure out the best eye creams for dark circles, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of worthwhile products, and some helpful advice for choosing the right one for you.

What to consider when buying an eye cream for dark circles

There’s a difference between olive-toned “bedroom eyes” and the purplish saggy bags that develop due to age and sleep deprivation. While the former is something to embrace and make peace with, the latter option is possible to remedy. I consulted Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who shared her recommendations on which products effectively address dark circles, as well as a breakdown of what to look for when shopping for an eye cream.

Skin type

Is your skin oily, dry, combination or normal? Knowing your skin type is important when shopping for skincare. For example, if your skin is already oily, adding a heavy moisturizer under your eyes could clog your pores and make the circles more noticeable.

Age

Age is another essential factor to consider when treating dark circles because it can be a clue to the underlying cause. If you’re young, then lack of sleep may be the culprit. Applying an anti-aging eye cream formulated with an anti-aging serum might not be productive and be unnecessarily expensive if you just need some extra shuteye.

Ingredients

When you learn which skincare ingredients treat specific issues, you have an excellent compass for choosing the right products. Over time, you’ll discover which ones work best for you individually, and then you can confidently select new products. For example, it’s one thing to know that you’re supposed to use vitamin C serums for face brightening, but trial and error may show that the ingredient irritates your skin chemistry. This information can be a valuable guide for your ideal eye cream.

Sun protection

Sun exposure can thin the delicate skin under your eyes, creating dark circles. Eye creams that include SPF deliver the double whammy of treatment and prevention in one product.

Allergens

Always check for any ingredients — active or inactive — that you know you’re allergic or sensitive to. If you have a reaction, note the ingredients in the offending products so you can avoid them in the future.

Skin conditions

If you have any other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, consider them when choosing a skincare product. Opt for gentler formulas with ingredients you’re confident won’t interfere with your other conditions.

Goal

Lastly, keep your ultimate goal in mind! Dark circles rarely occur in a vacuum, and you likely have coexisting skincare goals, such as reducing puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines. Look for products that can address your varied concerns.

Our top picks for the best eye creams for dark circles

Best eye cream for mature skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme Synchronized Multi-Recovery

“This eye cream is formulated to treat signs of aging under the eyes, like fine lines and wrinkles, with the inclusion of ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate the under-eyes,” says Graf. But this light gel cream is so much more than just hydrating, which likely accounts for the steep price tag. The key ingredient is tripeptide-32, which “helps the skin renew itself at night,” says Graf.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Moisturizing and anti-aging.
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and tripeptide-32.
• Product features: Gel cream formula.
• Size: 0.5 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: No.
• When to use: Night.
• Price on publish: $72.

What we like:

• Includes powerful hydrating ingredients.
• Peptides reverse skin damage overnight.
• Light gel formula.

What we don’t like:

• Only available in one size.
• Expensive.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This eye cream hydrates and repairs your under-eyes while you sleep, using hyaluronic acid, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and tripeptide-32.

Get it here: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme Synchronized Multi-Recovery

---

Best eye cream for redness: COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

This snail-powered eye cream simultaneously targets dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

“Its key ingredient of 73.6% snail secretion filtrate helps to rejuvenate the eye area and treat redness,” explains Graf. Snail secretion may sound slimy, but it’s packed with peptides, collagen and elastin. It’s soothing, hydrating and gentle, which is great if you’re prone to redness. In addition to the snail mucin, this eye cream includes niacinamide, a brightening ingredient.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Tightening and brightening.
• Key Ingredients: Snail mucin and niacinamide.
• Product features: Pump top.
• Size: 0.85 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Daily.
• Price on publish: $28.

What we like:

• Targets multiple concerns.
• Reasonable price.
• Nongreasy.

What we don’t like:

• Might not cause dramatic changes.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This cream relies on snail mucin to deliver powerful under-eye treatment that targets multiple issues, including redness and fine lines.

Get it here: COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

---

Best retinol eye cream: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Eye Cream with Retinol

Retinol is a powerful ingredient that fights signs of aging and acne. It’s a form of vitamin A that encourages rapid cell turnover in the skin’s middle layer. Not all retinol-containing products are equal, however. “This eye cream contains a time-released retinol that works overnight to leave skin smoother and brighter,” Graf says. Although fairly expensive, the good news is that they offer a slightly discounted refill pack, so you can continue to reuse the lovely glass jar and reduce waste.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Brightening and anti-aging.
• Key ingredients: Retinol, winter daphne stem cells extract and vitamin C.
• Product features: Refill available.
• Size: 0.5 ounce (or 0.5 refill).
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Night.
• Price on publish: $65 (or $59 for refill).

What we like:

• Time-released retinol works overnight.
• Vitamin C brightens the eyes.
• Refills are available for a lower price.

What we don’t like:

• You’ll need a separate moisturizer.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Eye Cream uses time-released retinol molecules and botanical extracts to target dark circles and firm wrinkles overnight.

Get it here: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Eye Cream with Retinol

---

Best vitamin C eye cream: Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream

Another key skincare ingredient to look for is vitamin C, which can work wonders against discoloration and dullness, so it’s a solid choice if your goal is to lessen dark under-eye circles. Paula’s Choice C5 Boost Eye Cream packs a vitamin C punch. As Graf puts it, “This eye cream contains a stabilized form of 5% vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten skin and protect the skin against free radicals in the environment.” The cream also contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines and moisturize.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Brightening, anti-wrinkle.
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
• Product features: Airtight, opaque container.
• Sizes: 0.5 ounce and 0.17 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Daytime.
• Price on publish: $29.25 (0.5 ounce) or $11.20 (0.17 ounce).

What we like:

• Contains a hefty dose of vitamin C.
• Also addresses aging and moisture.
• Affordable.
• Available in two sizes.

What we don’t like:

• Vitamin C may irritate sensitive skin.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

Paula’s Choice C5 Boost Eye Cream combines 5% stabilized vitamin C with peptides and hyaluronic acid to brighten and tighten your under-eye area.

Get it here: Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream

---

Best hydrating eye cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

While ingredients like peptides and retinol work on a cellular level to fundamentally change your skin’s appearance, sometimes younger-looking skin is a simple matter of hydration. CeraVe is an affordable drugstore brand that relies on protective ceramides, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for hydration and repair. “This eye cream helps to reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles while also hydrating, with the addition of ceramides that help to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier and hyaluronic acid that locks moisture into the skin,” says Graf. It’s also extremely affordable.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Hydrating or brightening.
• Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
• Product features: Three essential ceramides.
• Size: 0.5 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: No.
• When to use: Day and night.
• Price on publish: $9.98.

What we like:

• Hydrating, gentle and protective.
• Niacinamide is brightening.
• Very affordable.

What we don’t like:

• No anti-aging ingredients.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream hydrates and brightens with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide while protecting your skin barrier with ceramides — all for an affordable price.

Get it here: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

---

Best gel eye cream: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream

Thick creams can sometimes feel sticky and heavy, particularly if you have an oily complexion. Gel cream formulas can offer hydration without the greasiness. “This is a good lightweight gel-formula eye cream, with ingredients like glycerin to hydrate under-eyes without feeling heavy on the skin,” says Graf. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse for moisturization. Although it doesn’t contain any ingredients like peptides or retinol that will work to reverse dark circles on a cellular level, it’s sure to diminish their appearance temporarily, giving you a dewy, refreshed finish.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Moisturizing and plumping.
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
• Product features: Lightweight gel formula.
• Size: 0.5 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: No.
• When to use: Daily.
• Price on publish: $19.99.

What we like:

• Lightweight formula.
• Affordable.
• Hydrating.

What we don’t like:

• It won’t reverse or eliminate dark under the eyes.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream’s super lightweight and nongreasy formula locks moisture into your skin for a bright, refreshed look.

Get it here: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel Cream

---

Best brightening eye cream: Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème

When treating skin discolorations like dark circles, brightening ingredients are your best friend, and vitamin C is the queen of brighteners. “This eye cream contains ingredients like vitamin C and bioflavonoids that help to brighten under-eyes while also protecting against free radicals and other environmental aggressors,” Graf explains. Not only does this cream deliver a hearty dose of ingredients that will work to reduce your dark circles over time, but it also contains shimmering pigments to give you an immediate cosmetic boost.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Brightening.
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and hardy orange extract.
• Product features: Shimmering pigments.
• Size: 0.5 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Morning.
• Price on publish: $44.

What we like:

• Pairs vitamin C with botanicals for extra brightening power.
• Lightweight formula.
• Midrange price.

What we don’t like:

• High vitamin C content may be irritating to sensitive skin.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This combines vitamin C, bioflavonoids and shimmering pigments for a powerful brightening effect.

Get it here: Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème

---

Best eye cream for sensitive eyes: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream

It’s an odd paradox, but too many skincare products can sometimes leave your skin looking worse. When you have sensitive skin, you gamble every time you try a new skin product. Will it contain an ingredient that will irritate your skin? It can be tough to tell. “This eye cream is specifically formulated for sensitive skin with a mild, fragrance-free formula that moisturizes the delicate under-eye area without irritating,” explains Graf. La Roche-Posay is a fantastic brand for people with sensitive skin in general. Their products are simple, fragrance-free formulas that feature prebiotic thermal water and don’t skimp on clinically proven ingredients. The Dermallergo Eye Cream contains soothing, smoothing shea butter and brightening niacinamide.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Soothing, brightening and moisturizing.
• Key ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide.
• Product features: Prebiotic thermal water.
• Size: 0.7 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: No.
• When to use: Morning and evening.
• Price on publish: $29.99.

What we like:

• Larger size at an affordable price.
• Lightweight gel cream.

What we don’t like:

• Minimal anti-aging properties.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream combines soothing ingredients like shea butter with brightening niacinamide for a gentle, nonirritating eye cream that targets dark circles.

Get it here: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream

---

Best tightening eye cream: TULA Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

Some skincare ingredients work over time to change the physical structure of your skin. Other ingredients are more cosmetic, having an immediate effect that lasts until the product wears off. “This eye cream is formulated to help brighten and tighten the under-eyes,” says Graf. “The inclusion of caffeine helps to firm the appearance of your skin.” The TULA Eye Balm comes in a unique format, too. While most eye creams are creamy lotions that come in jars or squeeze tubes, this is a solid stick that you swipe to apply — perfect for travel or on-the-go use.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Tightening.
• Key ingredients: Probiotic extract, hyaluronic acid and caffeine.
• Product features: Solid stick package.
• Size: 0.35 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Daily.
• Price on publish: $38.

What we like:

• Uses caffeine to tighten instantly.
• Super moisturizing.
• Unique balm stick.

What we don’t like:

• Packaging includes less product.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

The Tula Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm is a balm stick that delivers instant brightening, tightening and moisturizing on the go.

Get it here: TULA Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

---

Best splurge eye cream: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream

When you splurge on skincare, you want to ensure it’ll work. “This eye cream contains a complex blend of ingredients,” assures Graf, explaining that they all work together to hydrate, brighten, firm, protect against free radical damage and minimize the appearance of aging. The price tag might be hefty, but it’s a steal compared to in-office treatments, and its clinically proven results make it worth the cost.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, firming, anti-aging.
• Key ingredients: Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid and caffeine.
• Product features: Clinically backed results.
• Size: 0.5 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: No.
• When to use: Twice daily.
• Price on publish: $116.

What we like:

• Combines proprietary ingredients that aren’t easy to find elsewhere.
• Clinically proven results.
• Caffeine for immediate results.

What we don’t like:

• Expensive.
• Some users experience irritation.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream is a next-level skincare product scientifically formulated to treat a range of short- and long-term concerns.

Get it here: SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream

---

Best budget eye cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

You don’t have to go broke to get your hands on powerful ingredients that deliver real results. “This eye cream harnesses the power of retinol to help with the fine lines that naturally form on the thin skin around the eye as we age,” says Graf. “It also helps other signs of aging by fading dark spots and helping to lift and firm the skin.” This product makes retinol accessible at an affordable price. It also comes in two sizes, so you can try it out for an even lower price.

Specifications:

• Benefits: Anti-aging and brightening.
• Key ingredients: Retinol and mineral complex.
• Product features: Nongreasy and hypoallergenic.
• Sizes: 0.5 ounce and 0.25 ounce.
• Cruelty-free: Yes.
• When to use: Morning or night.
• Price on publish: $21.97 (0.5 ounce) and $12.99 (0.25 ounce).

What we like:

• Contains retinol.
• Comes in two sizes.
• Affordable.

What we don’t like:

• Does not contain many secondary ingredients.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This is an affordable under-eye cream containing retinol, one of the most powerful and clinically proven anti-aging ingredients on the market.

Get it here: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

---

How we selected the best eye creams for dark circles

I spoke with Graf and followed her expert opinions as a doctor. Using her guidance, I chose eye creams based on their active ingredients and weighed them against their price and the quality of their customer reviews.

What causes dark circles under the eyes?

There are many possible causes for your dark circles, some of which are avoidable and others which aren’t. The reasons could be genetics, smoking, dehydration, lack of sleep or simply aging. Dark circles could also indicate health problems such as hormonal fluctuations, anemia or allergies. If they appear suddenly and you’ve ruled out other possible causes, visit your doctor for a checkup.

How to apply eye cream for dark circles

The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate, so it’s susceptible to cosmetic complaints. Graf advises you to use care when you apply products to this area. “When applying eye cream for dark circles, I recommend using your ring finger to gently pat a small amount of product in a circle around the eyes, from under the eye to the outer corner of the eye and up to the brow bone.” Roughly rubbing products around your eyes could worsen the problem, so remember to be gentle!

Tips for combating dark circles

Can we do anything to avoid or treat dark circles besides buying topical products? “I recommend ensuring you get adequate sleep of at least eight hours per night, drink plenty of water and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption,” says Graf. “And use a hydrating, anti-aging eye cream consistently.”

What ingredients should be in a good eye cream?

Knowing your ingredients is the best way to find a product to deliver the results you’re looking for. “I recommend hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plumping ingredients like peptides, antioxidants like vitamin C to brighten and caffeine to help the appearance of tired eyes,” Graf says. “If you’re trying to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes in conjunction with dark circles, I recommend finding an eye cream with retinol.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do eye creams actually work for dark circles?

“Consistent and long-term use of eye creams formulated with effective ingredients may help the appearance of dark circles,” says Graf. That’s the good news. However, she warns that some dark circles aren’t treatable with eye creams. “Dark circles are primarily dependent on genetics and lifestyle choices like smoking and lack of sleep,” she says.

What is the most effective thing for dark circles?

Although commercially available eye creams can help, it’s no surprise that they can only do so much. “The most effective things for dark circles are in-office treatments conducted by a board-certified dermatologist, like injectable under-eye fillers, chemical peels formulated for dark circle treatments, laser treatments, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and more,” says Graf. “I recommend speaking with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for you.”

What do dermatologists recommend for dark circles?

“Most dermatologists will recommend sun protection every day to protect the delicate eye area and using an eye cream formulated with ingredients like those listed above consistently,” Graf tells us. “Many will also recommend doing so in conjunction with in-office treatments and healthy lifestyle choices.”

Can I use eye creams with other skincare products?

“Definitely,” answers Graf. “I recommend using your eye cream as a final step in your skincare routine following cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer and SPF.”