Why is it that nicknames referring to dark circles are always so cute? Panda eyes and raccoon eyes make them sound endearing, but when you’re facing those shadows in the mirror, they’re anything but. And while layers of concealer can help, they’re only masking the issue. To really solve your dark under-eye anxiety problem, you need a heavy-hitting eye cream in your skincare routine, yet so many of them just don't cut it.

We decided that we were done looking tired when we actually had a lovely night's rest, and we spent five weeks — and 744 hours! — testing 22 of the most popular eye creams for dark circles. We evaluated each for how well they brightened and neutralized our dark under-eye hues, along with the formula's consistency, texture, and absorption. We compiled our notes to score and rank each eye cream, editing the list down to our very favorites. After thoroughly testing each one for five weeks, these are hands-down the 15 best eye creams for dark circles that made us look bright-eyed and well-rested every day (even when we weren't).

Best Overall

Isdin K-Ox Eye Cream

What We Love: Despite the lightweight, fluid formula, a little went a long way to instantly reduce puffiness. 

What We Don't Love: Though it really worked, it took several weeks to reduce our dark circles.

This product is a real winner — it features an easy-to-wear, fast-absorbing formula that only necessitated the use of a pea-sized amount to treat the entire under-eye. The cooling ceramic applicator made it simple to spread the fluid texture and didn’t leave any stickiness behind as it dried. We noticed an instant improvement in texture and the hydration levels of our skin (thanks, hyaluronic acid), but the real results came a few weeks later.

Despite bouts of insomnia and a few dreary red-eye flights (plus the accompanying jetlag), we saw significant improvement in our dark circles and even our puffy eyes looked smaller and flatter, too. We were astounded by how much better our eye bags looked as well as how firm and smooth our skin appeared, especially viewing the stark before and after photos at the end of our five-week testing period. Patience is a virtue here, but trust the process and keep going, and you'll be just as shocked as we were.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin K, hyaluronic acid, haloxyl｜Best for: Wrinkles, skin laxity, discoloration｜Fragrance-Free: No｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

What We Love: This rich cream left our skin feeling quite hydrated and firm without leaving any residue behind.

What We Don't Love: It created a slightly uncomfortable warming sensation upon application. 

With just a half-pea-sized amount, we were able to spread the gel formula from Neutrogena across our entire under-eye, melting into our skin to provide a surge of hydration. While some hydrating eye creams leave the skin feeling sticky, this one dried perfectly into a matte finish, making it an incredible base layer for concealer. We were particularly impressed by this drugstore eye cream as we watched our dark shadows neutralize into even-toned, smooth skin, while the extra hydration inflated our crepey skin, causing our fine lines to fade and firm up over time.

At the beginning of the test, we noticed a slight warming sensation as we dabbed the cream into our skin, which we attribute to the retinol, but as our skin acclimated to the new product, it subsided.

Active Ingredients: Retinol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin｜Best for: Dryness, wrinkles, dullness｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Splurge

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

What We Love: The silky formula feels especially fabulous when applied with the included applicator.

What We Don't Love: It left our sensitive skin a little bit red where we’d applied it.

This product offered a luxe experience that was unparalleled by the other formulas we tested. We have skin as dry as the Sahara, which causes our under-eyes to be especially delicate and textured, and this silky formula glided on with ease, quenching our skin’s thirst without feeling heavy or interfering with our makeup. As we placed the metal tip on our skin, it had a cooling sensation that helped with puffiness and blood circulation, as we massaged the eye cream back and forth into our skin. We loved how indulgent and relaxing the entire experience felt, and after two weeks, our under-eyes started to look firmer, softer, and more supple, which only looked better as the weeks went on.

Although we experienced some minor irritation a handful of times during the testing period, we loved how moisturized our under-eyes looked and felt, and the slight annoyance didn't stop us from using it every day.

Active Ingredients: The brand's proprietary Miracle Broth, lime tea concentrate, licorice root extract｜Best for: Dryness, wrinkles｜Fragrance-Free: Not listed｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Dark Circles and Bags

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

What We Love: It had a very luxe, velvety texture that felt rich and soothing yet absorbed quickly. 

What We Don't Love: The packaging is deceptively large.

If you don’t like the feeling of a heavy eye cream leaving residue under your eye, this one is worth a try. We found that the formula was comparable to an indulgent anti-aging moisturizer, yet it spread easily and absorbed rapidly, leaving our under-eyes feeling refreshed and hydrated. As a bonus, it had an immediate plumping effect, which quickly neutralized our gray shadows at the inner corners, and its moisturizing texture allowed our concealer to slide right across without pilling.

Our biggest disappointment with this eye cream was its packaging: Its bulky shape made us think there'd be more eye cream inside than there actually was, which was surprising considering the price point.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, superoxide dismutase｜Best for: Discoloration, dryness, puffiness｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Dark Circles and Puffiness

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

What We Love: We found our skin to be firmer and much more moisturized after use.

What We Don't Love: We wish it also had a bit of pearlescence for instant brightening.

Our sensitive skin doesn't often play nice with retinol, but we were encouraged that the ingredients list was a who's who in the world of gentle, soothing skincare. With moisturizing glycerin and protein-rich lactose to counter-act the potentially irritating retinol, the formula didn't trigger an angry reaction whatsoever. Instead, our skin felt nothing but refreshed, soft and supple with every application. Just to be on the safe side, we only used this eye cream at night, but even with a once-daily application, our eyes looked less puffy within one week, and by week two, our dark circles had significantly faded.

Considering how much we liked the feel and effect of this RoC formula, we think it's a total win for anyone with sensitive skin. In fact, it's so moisturizing that we started to apply it in the mornings, too, and we would have loved just the slightest touch of pearlescence for a luminizing effect.

Active Ingredients: Retinol, mineral complex｜Best for: Puffiness, wrinkles｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Firming and Brightening

Summer Fridays Light Aura Eye Cream

What We Love: The silky-smooth formula had a flawless spreadable texture that absorbed quickly.

What We Don't Love: The product had more sparkle and luminosity than what you might prefer in an eye cream.

This thick cream was a pleasure to use, with a rich yet lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that left our skin indulgently moisturized without any pilling under makeup or when paired with other skincare products in our routine. A little went a long way; we used a pea-sized amount, which was more than enough for a full application. It left our skin looking and feeling soft, hydrated, and dewy long after it sank in. Powered by a potent vitamin C and peptide blend, along with a jolt of caffeine, immediately neutralized our under-eye darkness and de-puffed the area as well. We also loved the cream's light coral hue that worked as a subtle color-corrector.

This formula contains tiny flecks of shimmer to supercharge the radiance, giving it the moniker “Light Aura.” We enjoyed the extra luminosity, but those who prefer skin sans-sparkle may want to choose another eye cream from the list.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, caffeine｜Best for: Dryness, dullness, laxity｜Fragrance-Free: No fragrance added｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best with Retinol

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol

What We Love: Despite the fact that this formula contains retinol, it was perfectly comfortable and soothing on our sensitive skin.

What We Don't Love: It would be easier to get the cream out of the jar if it came with an applicator.

Glow Recipe’s formula was the best Korean beauty product we tried for this eye cream story, and that was in large part due to the texture and ingredients. A little goes a very long way, warming up easily on the fingertip and absorbing within a minute of application. It never felt heavy or noticeable on the skin (and performed great under makeup!), although we loved slathering it on at night as a makeshift overnight eye mask. We also never experienced any burning, redness, or any other sensation while using this cream, even though our skin is quite sensitive, which was a pleasant surprise considering that this product contains retinol, a notorious skin irritant.

We were surprised by how much product we had leftover at the end of our five-week testing period — we hardly made a dent in it despite using it twice a day — but we do wish it came with an applicator to help us reach every last drop.

Active Ingredients: Avocado, retinol, niacinamide｜Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles, dryness｜Fragrance-Free: No synthetic fragrances added｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Vitamin C

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème

What We Love: It spread easily and absorbed quickly, making it a nice daytime option to apply before makeup.

What We Don't Love: We didn’t see a dramatic long-term improvement; this is more of an instant-effect product.

This formula harnesses the brightening effect of banana powder to prep and prime tired under-eyes for the day. As soon as we opened the jar and saw the yellow-orange tint filled with light-reflecting yellow pigments to color-correct shadows, we knew this eye cream meant business. Immediately after tapping the lightweight vegan cream into our skin, our dark circles appeared less prominent — before we even applied our concealer. The brand's proprietary triple vitamin C complex is packed with antioxidants, which can help improve skin radiance and uneven tone. We loved how luxurious it felt on our skin, and even with all that rich, creamy goodness, our skin didn't feel greasy and our concealer didn't slide around.

While we’ll continue to use this product because we love this brand’s formulas, we didn’t notice a dramatic improvement to our dark circles throughout our testing period. However, if your under-eye shadows are not severe and you’re just looking for a nourishing pre-makeup step, this is a great pick.

Active Ingredients: Triple vitamin C complex, bioflavonoids, shea butter｜Best for: Dullness, dryness, wrinkles｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best For Dry and Sensitive Skin

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

What We Love: This formula intensively moisturized our dry skin, leaving it feeling firmer and tighter in a comfortable way.

What We Don't Love: The bottle doesn’t dispense enough product for a full application with one pump.

This formula from U Beauty is thinner than those of other eye creams, but its moisturization properties rivaled those of rich balms, instantly leaving our skin plump, firm, and dewy, while absorbing quickly without leaving any residue in its wake. It felt quite gentle on our sensitive skin, and we didn't experience and irritation at all during the five-week testing period.

While we often prefer eye creams that are packaged in pump bottles or squeeze tubes, this product would benefit better from being housed in a jar. We needed to pump the tube more than once to get a full application and, at this price point, we’d like a jar to know that we’ve used every last drop and gotten our money’s worth.

Active Ingredients: Marine plankton extract, hyaluronic acid｜Best for: Wrinkles, puffiness, dullness｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Under Makeup

innBeauty Project Bright & Tight Dark Circle Firming Eye Cream

What We Love: It absorbs quickly, instantly makes the eye look brighter, and has a pleasant citrusy scent.

What We Don't Love: We’d prefer a squeeze tube over the pump as it would give us more control when dispensing the formula.

If you’re someone who wants results ASAP, Innbeauty Project's eye cream is one that should be on your radar. When we pumped it out, we observed that the formula was a light nude with luminous particles, almost like a very sheer under-eye concealer, and working like one too, as it instantly counteracted some of the darkness under our eyes ahead of applying our makeup. The fast-absorbing texture is designed specifically to be used as a base for concealer, and it never pilled or felt tacky, even when we really layered makeup on top.

Although this eye cream would have been even better as a squeeze tube rather than a pump, our eyes looked hydrated, brighter, and even-toned, which made the sometimes messy application well worth it.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, peptides｜Best for: Dryness, wrinkles, dullness｜Fragrance-Free: No synthetic fragrances added｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best with Caffeine

Origins Ginzing Vitamin C Eye Cream

What We Love: We saw an immediate difference within minutes of application.

What We Don't Love: Different packaging would make this product even more enjoyable to use. 

This is a color-correcting eye cream, but unlike other similar formulas, you can choose from two different shades (warm pink and deep peach) that work across a range of skin tones to mask dark circles. Thanks to the tinted hue, the eye cream had a truly immediate and fantastic effect on our deep purple under-eyes, transforming our deep, shadowy creases into a lighter, illuminated tone that matched the rest of our skin. Although the creamy texture took five full minutes to absorb, niacinamide kept our skin very hydrated and smooth throughout the day, while caffeine helped the area look more taut, for an all-around healthy glow.

We do wish that this eye cream came in a squeeze tube rather than a jar we had to stick our fingers into. We solved the problem by using our own applicator.

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C｜Best for: Dullness, dryness, puffiness｜Fragrance-Free: Not listed｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Dermatologist-Tested

Tata Harper Eye Crème

What We Love: This clean, plant-based formula made our eyes look brighter instantly.

What We Don't Love: This product’s price point deters us from making a lasting commitment.

We were excited to try this product because we prefer cleaner formulas and this one didn’t disappoint. We experienced zero irritation from this eye cream (though we’d say that it was not as rich as we’d expect from the name), and love how moisturized it kept our eye area despite winter's cold, dry weather. Each time we tapped the cream on, we sported a subtle luminosity that counteracted the darkness of our under-eye shadows, and this brightness improved over time, even after we’d washed it off at the end of the day. There’s a light floral scent to this formula that dissipates quickly; it’s pleasant and not distracting at all.

Though our results were not dramatic, we really enjoyed using this elegant formula (and the luxe packaging doesn't hurt, either).

Active Ingredients: Calendula extracts, squalane, centella asiatica｜Best for: Dryness, puffiness, laxity｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Dark Circles and Wrinkles

Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream

What We Love: This formula gave us noticeably brighter under-eyes in three days.

What We Don't Love: We noticed it left a film on our skin even after the formula had absorbed. 

This eye cream felt like a hybrid between a moisturizer and a serum, which made it satisfying to apply — it absorbed quickly to deliver hydration, especially when we patted it on with our fingers. We experienced a rapid tightening effect, thanks to the caffeine, which made our fine lines less noticeable and made our under-eyes feel refreshed. After applying this eye cream twice a day for three days, our under-eyes appeared brighter and without their usual intensity of dark purple hues, along with a tightening effect that had surprisingly enduring results (opposed quick-fix eye creams that temporarily improve the area).

Although the eye cream comes in a tube with a special applicator, we found it more inconvenient than helpful, as it held onto too much product, which felt wasteful and took longer for our skin to absorb. We ultimately just used our fingers to tap the product into our skin.

Active Ingredients: Viniferine, caffeine, niacinamide｜Best for: Dullness, discoloration, puffiness｜Fragrance-Free: Yes｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best Anti-Aging

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream

What We Love: A small amount of this jelly-like formula goes a long way, melting into skin as it spreads, delivering lasting hydration.

What We Don't Love: The glass jar is heavy and bulky, and we wish it came with an applicator.

We have especially dry skin, so were delighted to find that this formula from Estée Lauder was a game changer. Usually we have to apply a very rich eye cream every morning to prevent our eye makeup from showing our fine lines and wrinkles (which are exacerbated by our dry skin), and we were curious how our skin would react to a gel-like texture rather than a heavy cream. To our delight, this lightweight product gave us a flawless, glowing base that took our tired eyes and jolted them into looking wide-awake. At the end of the five week testing period, we noticed that the dark hues under our eyes appeared less intense and veiny.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may be a little annoyed by the jar. It’s quite heavy and is best suited to a place of prominence on your vanity rather than stuffed in a makeup bag. The opening to the jar is also petite, so we wish it came with an applicator. That said, we continued to use it and recommend it to anyone else with seriously dry skin.

Active Ingredients: Tripeptide-32, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E｜Best for: Discoloration, dryness, dullness｜Fragrance-Free: No synthetic fragrances｜Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Dry Skin

Kinship Vitamin C Energizing + Brightening Eye Cream

What We Love: This rich, creamy formula felt very hydrating and comfy on our sensitive skin.

What We Don't Love: This cream is tinted upon application and you’ll need to wait about five minutes for the product to absorb and for that color to fade.

Kinship’s cream featured an especially indulgent formula that took some time to absorb, but packed a punch in the way of hydration, dramatically smoothing and moisturizing our skin and reducing fine lines without a smidge of stickiness. Our under-eyes looked immediately and considerably brighter, and at the end of the five-week test, the crow's feet and fine lines around our eyes looked plumper and with fewer deep creases than when we started.

Because this cream is richer than some other formulas on this list, keep in mind that it’s going to take some time for it to absorb (especially if your skin is damp!), which may not be ideal if you have to rush in the morning. The product is also tinted, acting almost like a color-corrector, as its peachy hue helps counteract the blue tones in dark circles.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, red algae, chaga mushroom extract｜Best for: Dullness, dryness, wrinkles｜Fragrance-Free: No synthetic fragrances added｜Size: 0.5 oz

What to Keep in Mind

• Active Ingredients: Lisa Chevalier, M.M.S., PA-C and founder of SoVous says vitamin K is fantastic for dark circles caused by leaky blood vessels and inflammation, and it can also help with rosacea and wound healing. She also suggests looking for formulas with vitamins C and E, as they're potent antioxidants that protect the delicate skin around the eye; vitamin C also can help boost collagen production and brighten discoloration.

  “Caffeine contains vasoconstrictive properties, which means it can temporarily reduce puffiness and improve blood circulation to reduce the appearance of dark circles,” says Dr. Ariel Ostad, a board-certified dermatologist, adding that niacinamide's anti-inflammatory properties also work wonders to brighten hyperpigmentation.

  If you're looking to tackle fine lines along with dark circles, “retinol will stimulate the production of collagen in the skin," says Chevalier, but make sure retinol-based creams also contain soothing ingredients, like collagen-building peptides, to keep the formula balanced.

• Texture: Similar to facial moisturizers, someone with dry skin should opt for a richer cream that provides intense hydration, while someone with oily skin should steer clear, and opt for a thinner formula or even an eye serum that taps gel-like ingredients, like niacinamide, over butters. Sensitive skin types should use a fragrance-free product with fewer ingredients, ideally gentle ones that are plant-based.

  All skin types will benefit from a humectant-rich eye cream, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as emollients, such as ceramides, all of which are gentle ingredients. These skincare heroes will help keep the delicate eye area deeply hydrated and looking plump, ultimately improving the appearance of dark circles.

  Lastly, remember that your skin may change seasonally; many people have formulas that they rotate in and out of their routine as the weather shifts. This concept should apply to your eye cream as well. 

• Your Lifestyle: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis tells her patients to start using an eye cream once they hit their mid- to late twenties “as a preventative measure to maintain cutaneous health around the eyes,” she says. “Many creams are formulated with sunscreen and antioxidants.” 

  Sleepless nights are a major contributor to dark circles, as are poor skin habits. If you’re prone to burning the midnight oil (and your skincare routine suffers as a result), Dr. Ostad suggests a vitamin C or caffeine-filled product, or an eye cream specifically formulated for puffiness to help reduce inflammation and dark circles.

Your Questions, Answered

What causes dark circles around the eyes?

“Some common causes include things that we can't avoid, such as genetics and normal aging,” says Chevalier, adding that allergies can also play a role. “Lifestyle habits such as smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of sun care can all lead to premature aging around the eyes and, consequently, dark circles.”

If you’re dehydrated or tired, you may also notice dark circles because of the blood vessels in the area, which become engorged, making their blueish color more visible under thinning skin.

Do eye creams actually work for dark circles?

All of our experts agree that eye creams can improve the appearance of dark circles, but it’s important to have reasonable expectations. You’ll also have to do your part by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “Proper care for yourself is what matters most in treating under eye circles,” says Chevalier. "Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean meats will go a long way, as will sleeping well and drinking plenty of water — and, of course, wearing SPF daily." 

Can dark circles be permanently removed by cream?

This totally depends on the cause of your dark circles. If your circles are caused by allergies, poor sleep, or dehydration, a targeted eye cream can improve their appearance, but it will be more helpful to avoid allergens, get more rest, and drink more water. If your shadows are caused by aging, you likely won’t see a dramatic improvement, though adding skin-strengthening and hydrating ingredients will help.

Why Shop With Us

Emily Orofino is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She has a particular affinity for skincare and loves nerding out about active ingredients. For this piece, she interviewed board-certified dermatologists Dr. Margarita Lolis and Dr. Ariel Ostad as well as Lisa Chevalier, M.M.S., PA-C and founder of SoVous to get their insights regarding the cause and treatment of eye circles.