21 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles in 2024, According to Experts

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.

Best Brightening Gel-Cream

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

Best Brightening Gel-Cream

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector

Pros

• Fragrance- and paraben-free

Beautystat's multitasking gel-cream has a stable form of vitamin C to brighten and protect against environmental damage, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and pure EGCG, which is derived from green tea to lend antioxidant protection.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "My days are LONG as a working mom. I am permanently tired and was looking for something to help me look alive. Love this product and I highly recommend it." —Charilee

Best Peptide Eye Cream

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Best Peptide Eye Cream

Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Pros

• Creamy, rich texture

It's hard to beat the trusty combination of brightening vitamin C and firming acetyl hexapeptide-8. Summer Fridays also added in caffeine, which helps depuff and keep eyes looking wide awake.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I love this product—it’s creamy but not heavy and gives me a little glow/brightens my skin in the morning. 4.5 stars because I wish it was more affordable but a little goes a long way." —alex533

Best Brightening Eye Serum

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

Best Brightening Eye Serum

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

Pros

• Lightweight and absorbs easily

TikTok fell in love with this serum, which users swear makes a marked improvement in undereye circles and puffiness—and fast. The key ingredients? Smoothing palmitoyl tripeptide-38, as well as niacinamide and glucosides for brightening.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I have used many eye serums in the past, but this has been one of my favorites! It goes on very easily and I’m noticing a real difference around my eyes. It’s helped a lot with puffiness." —paigenotfound

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Best Drugstore Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Under Eye Cream

Best Drugstore Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Under Eye Cream

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Also addresses puffiness and fine lines

Lin says this "excellent" drugstore formula is "formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to help with dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles." However, she notes that "It may not be suitable for those with more sensitive skin though since the retinol can be irritating, and it increases the risk of a sunburn."

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I have always struggled with dark bags under my eyes and now that I am in my late 30s, its gotten really bad and nothing has helped, until I found this! I wish taken before and afters because this has drastically made a difference with my bags!" —Christy

Most Viral

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Creme

Most Viral

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Creme

Pros

• Doesn't get greasy

Cons

• Subtle citrus scent may be off-putting to some

To reduce dark circles and crow's feet, all you need is a few dabs of Ole Henriksen's beloved Banana Bright+ Eye Crème. It also contains real gold—talk about luxury skin care.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I've tried many eye creams, but this one is by far the best. I love that it doesn't irritate my eyes! It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and has a light citrus smell." —Robyn C.

Best With Retinol

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Best With Retinol

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Pros

• May also help with milia

Experts love this moisturizing option from La Roche-Posay. It contains niacinamide, caffeine, and thermal spring water to reduce puffiness while boosting hydration.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This stuff is seriously amazing. I saw visible (and lasting) results quickly. I've always had dark circles under my eyes (and those little dots) and they are all diminished. I also have a slight keloid scar under one eye that is really only noticeable to me and even that has gone down significantly."

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Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Pros

• Ceramide-rich formula helps strengthen skin
• Affordable price point

The derm recommends this inexpensive eye cream from CeraVe for those with sensitive skin, as it's hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. "It contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a 'Marine and Botanical Complex' that is meant to hydrate and reduce dark circles and puffiness," she explains.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I love this eye cream! My eye area is much brighter within just a couple of weeks! I will forever be a happy customer" —madaly

Best With Vitamin C

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream

Best With Vitamin C

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream

Pros

• Has a slew of skin-loving ingredients
• Helps with firmness

Another one on Lin's short list, this highly rated option from Drunk Elephant "contains peptides, ceramides, vitamin E, and cucumber extract to help hydrate the area and improve discoloration," says the derm, who adds that it also vegan and cruelty-free.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Finally an eye cream that works. I have genetic dark circles and I get bags and puffiness sometimes. This eye cream has not irritated me one bit and it’s been once month since using. Every day I see results. My skin type is dry and combo if this helps." —auraqz

Best for Dark Circles and Puffiness

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Best for Dark Circles and Puffiness

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Pros

• Reduces the appearance of crow's feet and wrinkles

Naturally, derm-beloved brand Skinceuticals also makes Lin's list. It may be pricey, but she notes it "can be helpful for dark circles and puffiness with its antioxidant-packed formula with blueberry extracts and peptides."

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I’ve recently started using this and can see results already. Also the price may give sticker shock—a little goes a long way and know this jar will last a while!" —Michelle

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Best Cooling Effect

ISDIN K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream

Best Cooling Effect

ISDIN K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream

Pros

• Refreshing ceramic applicator
• Helps with puffiness

The ceramic applicator on this option may be the initial draw, but what's inside is just as great. "It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin K to decrease dark circles and puffiness," explains Lin. Plus, "The ceramic application can offer a cooling effect that may also help with any swelling."

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "K-Ox Eyes is the first product for eyes that works for me. I can actually see an improvement under my eyes. I am 75 years old. Through the years I have tried most products on the market. This one is the only one that actually improves the texture of the skin under my eyes. " —Haydee

Skincare Awards 2023 Winner

Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

Skincare Awards 2023 Winner

Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

Pros

• Cooling ceramic tip

Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream has a cooling ceramic tip that doubles as a relaxing massage tool to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Did we mention it also happens to be a 2023 Bazaar Skincare Award winner?

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I tried the Ilia retinol eye cream and I really liked it, it goes smoothly on the skin, it leaves the skin brightening and looking beautiful, it seems like it's glittery but is very settled. The skin looks beautiful after you put it on."—Mayra

Skincare Awards 2023 Winner

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

Skincare Awards 2023 Winner

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

Pros

• Great for Dry Skin

This eye cream from U Beauty goes beyond just moisturizing by addressing discoloration, dark circles, stagnant water, and lines and wrinkles. Our beauty director, the mother of a sleep-fighting two-year-old, says this is the only eye cream she's ever used that really works.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This eye cream is advertised as being specifically formulated to target signs of aging around the eyes, and I definitely noticed some improvements after using it for a few weeks. The cream itself is thick and creamy, but not greasy or heavy, and it absorbs quickly into the skin.After using it consistently, I've noticed that my under-eye area looks brighter and more hydrated, and the fine lines around my eyes are definitely less noticeable." —Melissa

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Best Under Makeup

Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream

Best Under Makeup

Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream

Pros

• Also contains antioxidant-rich turmeric

In addition to having a substantial amount of skin-awakening vitamin C and caffeine, this creamy formula also acts as a fantastic base under concealer.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Wow! Ok Herbivore! You really have impressed me with this eye cream. I woke up looking rough and tired. I applied this eye cream for the first time and the results blew me away! Bright, hydrated, and awake looking under eyes!" —Lollikitten

Bestseller

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream

Bestseller

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream

Pros

• Hydrates and depuffs
• High vitamin C concentration

Spiked with guava, vitamin C, and green caffeine, this gel-cream is a fan favorite (we're talking number-one-selling eye cream at Sephora fan favorite, as of September 2022).

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I’ll be honest, when I first started using this in my skincare routine, I didn’t see any impact or change. But over the past month, my dark circles and eye bags under my eyes look so much brighter!" —emmagschultz

Best for Dry Skin

Fenty Skin Thicc N Smooth Rich Peptide Eye Cream

Best for Dry Skin

Fenty Skin Thicc N Smooth Rich Peptide Eye Cream

Pros

• A little goes a long way
• Helps with firmness and elasticity

The name doesn't lie. With polyglutamic acid, baobab oil, and illipe butter, it's ultra-nourishing for dry skin and still offers brightening benefits.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This is my new favorite eye cream! It is so thick and hydrating, wears well under makeup, and makes my dry skin so happy! The packaging is fun and different than any other eye cream I’ve used." —genuinejulia

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Best for Firming and Brightening

Elemis Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream

Best for Firming and Brightening

Elemis Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream

Pros

• Can be used on the undereyes and eyelids

Beauty editors love Elemis, but we can't keep this one to ourselves. The non-greasy, multitasking formula isn't cheap, but it may just help prolong a derm appointment.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "To be honest wasn’t sure it was any different from other eye creams I’ve used but decided to persevere with it and started to notice a difference. The skin under my eyes looked more hydrated and dark circles faded and skin softer " —Lynn

Best for Depuffing and Brightening

Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream

Best for Depuffing and Brightening

Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream

This new eye cream from Live Tinted has a cooling metal applicator to instantly help with depuffing. But it's the Hyperpigmentation Triple Complex—a blend of vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid—that will keep your undereyes looking happy.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I'm South Asian so happy to see us represented in the beauty space! It's no surprise that this product made my under eyes bright and glowy! I love the applicator, it was easy to use and cooling. I couldn't stop looking at my eyes, they look great after putting this on. I don't even need concealer most days!" —Tara

Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Best Drugstore Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Pros

• Fragrance-free
• Affordable price point

Lightweight and refreshing, this cream can be used in the morning for an eye-energizing wake-up call, or at night to keep the brightening power going.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This product really brightened my skin and left it feeling nice and smooth. Was easy to use under foundation. Very hydrating." —Melissa

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Best With Niacinamide

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide

Best With Niacinamide

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide

Pros

• Features a proprietary brightening ingredient, Viniferine

Caudalie fans know all about Viniferine, the brand's patented grape extract—and it's a key ingredient, along with niacinamide and caffeine, in this new formula.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I'm absolutely loving this Vinoperfect dark circle brightening eye cream. I've been using it for about a month now, morning and night. It is very moisturizing and brightening around the eye area. My favorite part is the applicator, it is the perfect size and shape for exactly where you need it, and it always feels so cooling and nice, it's like a bonus eye massage with every application!" —mjc419

Best for Fine Lines and Dark Circles

Kinship Brightwave Vitamin C Brightening + Energizing Eye Cream

Best for Fine Lines and Dark Circles

Kinship Brightwave Vitamin C Brightening + Energizing Eye Cream

Pros

• Recyclable glass jar
• Has red algae for hydration and to counter dark circles

This creamsicle-colored formula is great under makeup but is also rich enough to use at night.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "There is so much about this eye cream that I absolutely love. First, I used to get dry around my under eyes and on the inner part of my eye lid. Since using this eye cream it's like the skin has had a makeover—zero issues with dryness. Its creamy, pudding-like texture is a dream and the slight orange hue cancels out my dark circles. It's a freakin dream." —Lauren

Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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