/inkey-list-caffeine-eye-cream-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=9327741a_3)
Best for Puffiness
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Pros
- Smooths under-eye skin
- Peptides help firm skin
- Caffeine helps lessen dark circles and puffiness
- Affordable
Cons
- Short-term fix
- May be too much for sensitive skin
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 (peptide complex of Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7), caffeine, Albizia julibrissin bark extract
- Size: 0.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
“I like how this product smooths out fine lines, spreads nicely, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling soft,” says writer Jill Di Donato, who tested this eye cream. “The peptides give the cream a richness without feeling greasy.”
While we love what this product does, the formula doesn’t offer long-lasting results — you have to keep using it for it to keep working. However, if you want a fast-acting product with heavy-hitting active ingredients, this is it.
/ole-henriksen-banana-bright-eye-creme-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=419e801e_1)
Best for Dark Circles
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
Pros
- Gold in the formula improves vitamin C delivery
- Brightens under-eyes quickly
- Moisturizing
- Minimizes look of fine lines
Cons
- Vitamin C might irritate some skin
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, jojoba oil, shea butter
- Size: 0.5 ounces (oz)
/amazon-murad-retinol-youth-renewal-serum-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=70b2e289_1)
Best With Retinol
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Pros
- Can be used on your whole face
- Retinol firms skin and minimizes fine lines
- Gentle and hydrating
- More than one size available
Cons
- Bottle pump can be finicky
- Not specifically for the eye area
- Retinol can irritate some
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Retinol, swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 0.33 to 1.7 oz
While you can use a facial moisturizer with retinol on your under-eye area in some cases, it’s not always recommended. “Eye cream is usually denser and hydrating, and might not be suitable for whole face application,” says Robert Schwarcz, MD, a double–board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon and facial aesthetics specialist in New York City. This serum from Murad is an exception. We love it because it’s gentle enough to use under your eyes, and thick enough to stay where you put it.
“I love that it's moisturizing in addition to fighting signs of aging,” says editor Ashley Ziegler, who tried this pick. Just be aware that the bottle pump can get stuck from time to time. If your skin is particularly sensitive, we suggest spot-testing this product before applying it to your under-eye area.
/peter-thomas-roth-instant-firmx-eye-temporary-eye-tightener-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=69c95704_1)
Best for a Quick Fix
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx Temporary Eye Tightener
Pros
- Instantly tightens and brightens under-eyes
- Improves look of fine lines
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Can be drying
- Effect is temporary
Key Specs
- Type: Gel
- Key ingredients: Skin-tightening silicates, seaweed extract, peptide complex
- Size: 1 fl oz
You know when you wake up after a particularly bad night’s sleep, and you look like you’re drowning in eye bags? While your average eye cream won’t reduce them in the short term, this gel by Peter Thomas Roth can.
The gel creates an immediate tightening and lifting effect using what the brand calls Firm-A-Tite, a patented formula that combines silicates with seaweed extract and peptides. It sounded like witchcraft to me at first. But after watching numerous TikTok videos of the firming action in real time, I had to try it for myself.
Reader: The product actually does what it says. I applied just two tiny dabs, rubbed them in on one under-eye area, and watched as my skin smoothed out and lifted, as if someone were correcting it in Photoshop before my eyes.
However, it’s no miracle. The tightening only lasts several hours (as long as you don’t touch it) before your under-eyes go back to normal. This is not a product where you’ll see results build up over time. It can also be somewhat drying, so I recommend using a moisturizing eye cream underneath to prevent flaking.
/roc-skincare-retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=42ab5669_1)
Best for Fine Lines
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Pros
- Affordable and available at most drugstores
- Noncomedogenic and dermatologist-tested
- Reduces look of fine lines
- Retinol increases cell turnover for tighter skin
Cons
- Retinol may be too intense for some
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, panthenol
- Size: 0.25 to 0.5 fl oz
“It works quickly on circles and fine lines, leaving an overall more-youthful eye,” says writer Sarah Stankorb, who tested this eye cream for two weeks. She appreciated that the cream felt more lightweight and “refreshing” under her eyes than did other creams she’d tried. We love that it’s noncomedogenic (meaning it tends not to clog pores) and dermatologist-tested, so it should work for those with sensitive skin. But this is retinol, so you may need to ease into using it if you tend to be sensitive to the ingredient.
/colorscience-renewal-therapy-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=9d8ea7fe_1)
Best Tinted
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Care
Pros
- Tinted to immediately mask dark circles (four shades)
- Cool tip provides soothing effect
- Contains SPF
- Reduces puffiness and fine lines
Cons
- Tinted product doesn’t set down like makeup
- Shades may not be a perfect match
Key Specs
- Type: Tinted cream
- Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
- Size: 0.23 oz
Sometimes you just need to pull yourself together, and fast. That’s when we turn to multi-taskers like Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Care, which addresses fine lines, puffiness, and discoloration all at once. This eye cream comes in four flattering shades that color-correct as the formula works to smooth and brighten under-eye skin. Titanium dioxide provides a brightening effect, while antioxidants and hyaluronic acid address fine lines and dryness.
“Right after it was absorbed, I knew this was legit under-eye treatment,” says writer Raki Swanson. “My skin started to tingle slightly. My skin was smooth and not sticky — silky, even. I noticed that my puffiness started to decrease.” To top it off, the cream also provides SPF 35. We do wish there were more shades available, though, since the four options won’t work for all skin tones.
/innbeauty-project-extreme-cream-eye-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=f37289d7_1)
Best Firming
InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye
Pros
- Super-hydrating
- Firms and lifts
- Lightweight
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Pricey
- Pump can be finicky
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Hexapeptide-8 and paracress, peptides, bioretinol, fermented amino acids
- Size: 0.5 oz
I’ve loved every InnBeauty product I’ve tried, this cream included. Upon first use, it immediately hydrated and appeared to brighten my under-eye area. Over time, my skin appeared firmer, and my fine lines softened. I’m a big fan of the brand’s refillable packaging as well. In addition to the environmental benefits, the refills are often more budget-friendly than comparable products.
Best for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Pros
- Addresses more-pronounced dark circles
- Absorbs and dries down quickly
- Diminishes crow’s feet
- Works quickly
Cons
- Most expensive on our list
- Limited availability
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Proxylane, flavonoid blend, Matrixyl 3000
- Size: 0.5 oz
Men’s under-eye skin might be a tad thicker, but it still thins with age just like everyone else’s. This results in more lines and sagging skin. If you’re noticing either or both, it might be time to try a more-advanced cream like this one from SkinCeuticals.
“It almost felt like the skin was tightening, if that is even possible,” says Swanson. Having used this product as directed for just one week, she says, “The wrinkles aren’t as deep, the circles aren’t as dark, and [they’re] less puffy.” It’s certainly a pricey pick. But since the product really works, and you don’t need much of it, we confidently recommend it.
/walmart-cerave-eye-repair-cream-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=d42c9ce3_1)
Best Budget
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Affordable and available at most drugstores
- Deeply hydrating
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Ophthalmologist-tested and developed by dermatologists
Cons
- Less-dramatic results than other products we tested
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, marine botanical complex
- Size: 0.5 oz
“My eye area immediately felt hydrated, moisturized, and supple. After application, [the] eye area was smooth and soft,” says writer Marisa Olsen. While she loved the moisturizing effect, she wishes she'd seen more-noticeable de-puffing and lightening of her dark circles. She also says there’s a slight fragrance from the almond oil in the formula, but it didn’t cause any irritation. We think it’s an ideal pick during the colder, drier months when your under-eye area craves all the moisture it can get.
/supergoop-bright-eyed-mineral-eye-cream-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=a9810c35_1)
Best With SPF
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
Pros
- Mineral sunscreen (easier on sensitive skin)
- Brightens under-eyes
- Reduces puffiness
- High SPF
Cons
- Takes time to absorb
- Tint may not work for all skin tones
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, caffeine, probiotics, pomegranate
- Size: 0.5 oz
We love this pick from Supergoop! The company makes one of our favorite mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are gentler on sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens, because they sit on top of your skin like a barrier rather than getting absorbed into it.
“This is my favorite daytime eye cream,” says editor Katie Tuttle. “Though it's thick and a bit expensive, I like the tint, and that it provides sun protection — something you really need for the delicate skin under your eyes.” It does take a bit longer to dry down since it’s a mineral sunscreen, but that’s how we know it’s doing its job as a skin protector.
/biossance-squalane-marine-algae-eye-cream-500x500.jpg?sfvrsn=7eb40f5e_1)
Best for Sensitive Skin
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Pros
- Super-hydrating with squalane
- Vegan formulation
- Very smooth application
- Plumps and reduces fine lines
Cons
- Gradual benefits
- Pot container makes for messier application
Key Specs
- Type: Cream
- Key ingredients: Pink marine algae, hyaluronic acid, paracress extract, squalane
- Size: 0.5 oz
The under-eye area is already delicate, but if you have sensitive skin on top of that, you’re going to want to find a supremely gentle product. This eye cream by Biossance fits the bill with its hydrating and soothing squalane and marine algae formulation. Squalane is the stable version of the lipid squalene, which your body makes to protect your skin barrier. We love the whipped, creamy texture that skin just drinks up, and you can see visible firming after just one use.
“It's light and easy to integrate into a routine. It doesn't have a fragrance, and it feels good,” says writer Jen Sinclair. She also calls it the “winning eye cream” of the options she tested, and she's already recommended it to others.
Our only gripes are that the benefits take time to show up, and we wish the product came in a tube rather than a pot for easier application.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Ally Hirschlag
Author
Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Weather.com, People, BBC Future, Audubon, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. Hirschlag was most recently an associate editorial director for Byrdie.
She's an avid product tester with considerable experience testing skin care, hair care, fitness, fashion, and health-related products. She's also the daughter of an oral surgeon and can tell you about a long list of dental and gum-cleaning products you should be using.
Ross Radusky, MD
Medical Reviewer
Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.
Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.
Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.
Orlando de Guzman
Fact-Checker
Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.
De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.
De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.
Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Editor
Sabrina Rojas Weiss has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, 12 of which she's spent in the health and parenting space. Her work has appeared in Parents, Verywell, Yahoo, Greatist, Healthline, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more. Her real expertise is in diving headfirst down research rabbit holes to see what actual experts have found about any given topic.
Sabrina lives in Brooklyn with her husband, nearly teenage son, and feisty rat terrier mix. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, reading too many novels, and visiting museums.
Katie Tuttle
Tester
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.
Marisa Olsen
Tester
Marisa Olsen is a seasoned food, health, and lifestyle writer as well as a product reviewer and tester. Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications, including EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Real Simple, and U.S. News & World Report's "360 Reviews." She also writes for local news websites Cohasset Anchor and Hingham Anchor. Marisa has also authored several food blogs, including Marisa Olsen Writes.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College, where she graduated cum laude with a major in art history and a minor in psychology.
Marisa lives south of Boston in Cohasset, Massachusetts with her two children and husband. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and spending time at the beach and in her garden.
Raki Swanson
Tester
Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.
She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.
Jill Di Donato
Tester
Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.
Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.
She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.
Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.
Ashley Ziegler
Tester
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.
Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.
Sarah Stankorb
Tester
Sarah Stankorb is a freelance health writer who specializes in writing about women's health, rare diseases, and healthcare.
For years she reported for Cincinnati Children's Research Methods, making cutting-edge medical research accessible to families and scientists across disciplines. She's covered rare diseases for patient-facing publications and covered health topics for a range of publications including O Magazine, The Atlantic, and Proto.
Sarah has earned a Society of Professional Journalists’ Excellence in Journalism, Best Community Issues Story award, and her first book, Disobedient Women, was a national bestseller.
She lives in Ohio with her family.