We Have the Worst Dark Circles—These Are the Eye Creams That Help Them Vanish

"Retinoids are known to resurface the skin, bringing brighter, fresher skin cells to the surface. They're also known to cause irritation. This one accomplishes the former without any of the nasty effects of the latter. Over time, I've found that it minimizes the look of dark circles and plumps the fine lines around my eye area." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor

Customer review: "I've used many different brands and types of eye cream, but nothing compares to this one! My skin is extremely dry, and sometimes sensitive to certain products, but Versed Smooth Landing is non-irritating, goes on smoothly, and stays on throughout the night. In the past, no matter what serum or cream I used around my eyes, before using concealer, I'd have flaky skin. Smooth Landing has stopped the flaky skin."

Pro: Softens the appearance of fine lines

Con: None

"My coworker Katie got me hooked on this eye cream, and there was truly no going back after that. My under-eye area feels so hydrated after using it—it immediately perks me up." — Shawna Hudson, associate beauty editor

Customer review: "This is such a godsend for my under eyes here in the dry mountain desert! I love using it with the reusable eye patches, and that I can autoship a refill, which is so much more sustainable! Absorbs beautifully, plays well with other creams and makeup."

Pro: Uses gentle, renewable ingredients

Con: Minimal plumping effects

"My dark circles have hung around since high school. After trying a million different eye creams to help brighten them up, I can say with certainty that this is one of the most effective ones. It uses 5% vitamin C, as well as caffeine and turmeric root, to visibly brighten the skin and even out discrepancies in tone." — McLintock

Customer review: "Herbivore Super Nova eye cream has been part of my morning routine for the past few weeks. Bless my genetics, I have naturally dark under-eye skin and have tried a multitude of different products over the years. I have noticed the area under my eyes is less puffy and brighter after a few weeks. I love the texture of the eye cream, which is smooth and thick."

Pro: Formulated with eye-brightening caffeine

Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin; strongly fragranced

"This is literally my favorite thing right now! It does all the things—brightens, hydrates, and smooths out the eye area so I don't look like a zombie in the morning. Can't recommend it enough." — Hudson

Customer review: "I have read a lot about eye cream not being essential to a skincare routine. However, I am a creature of habit and I love having an eye cream in my routine. I find that Cocokind's Revitalizing Eye Cream is my perfect product. Its formula is moisturizing and gives my under eyes a nice finish. I also love the amount of product you get for the price. Truly the best eye cream out there."

Pro: Soothing and cooling

Con: Difficult-to-use applicator

"I love this eye cream so much, I could shout it from the rooftops. It's chock full of vitamin C, so it brightens dark circles, while green tea, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid plump and perfect the under-eye area. It's one of the few eye creams that have really made a difference for me." — McLintock

Customer review: "I keep this eye cream in the refrigerator and use one pump for both eyes 2x a day and my under eye skin feels hydrated, soft and supple after applying. It's been 2 weeks and I already can see where it has softened the fine lines and reduced some puffiness."

Pro: Gentle and effective formula

Con: None

"I'm a huge fan of this organic eye serum from Malaya. Although it specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, it also brightens with brightening, antioxidant-rich ingredients like kakadu plum and green coffee bean oil. The results also come in fast with this one." — Hudson

Customer review: "I have been using this serum on my eyes for a few weeks now. I definitely see a difference. The skin looks fresh, smooth, and wrinkle-free. I use it at night time, roll it under my eyes, pat it, and then use the rose quartz roller on my face. Since I've started this routine, I wake up looking fresh and ready to go every morning. I don't even need to use make-up anymore, and I'm in my 30s."

Pro: Leaves skin feeling hydrated and firm

Con: High price point

This herb-based eye treatment really does a brilliant job of brightening dark circles in the morning as well as depuffing.

Customer review: "I have been using this eye cream for about two and a half weeks. I can definitely tell a difference in the skin around my eyes, and my eyelids look smoother too. I am very happy with this and will continue to use it."

Pro: Gentle and effective

Con: Potential for product clumping

Supermodel Jordan Dunn used this cult-favorite eye cream in a morning skincare routine posted on Instagram. It uses caffeine, watermelon extract, and ginseng to brighten and smooth even the most tired under-eyes.

Customer review: "I'm really liking this eye cream so far. I have very sensitive skin and tend to experience more sensitivity around the eye area, making it hard to find suitable eye creams. I have been using it morning and night for about 1 month now and have noticed a difference. Highly recommend!"

Pro: Brightens and hydrates the skin

Con: Does not effectively de-puff the eyes

This gel-based eye cream by Versed instantly cools and refreshes the skin with transformative ingredients like vitamin C, helping to brighten and diminish dark circles.

Customer review: "This is an outstanding product! It claims to diminish dark circles, and it does exactly that!! I cannot tell you how many products I have tried over the years; I've had circles my whole life. Versed actually works! You can be confident in this product. It took about 30 days, but it has not faltered since! I have been using it for about 2 years now, and I hope they never discontinue it!"

Pro: Gel-based, moisturizing formula

Con: Slow-acting

IS Clinical's Youth Eye Complex uses hyaluronic acids to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area, with the addition of peptides to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer review: "This product has really helped with the dark circles under my eyes. After using this cream, I can feel the difference, and the skin feels tighter and smoother. I don't have many wrinkles on my eyelids after using this cream. Best cream ever."

Pro: Applies smoothly; non-irritating

Con: Luxury price point

This eye cream by Cosmedix contains a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and light-reflecting particles to make the eyes appear more awake and refreshed.

Customer review: "I just started using eye cream in the last year or so. I have been searching for one that I like and is good for my sensitive skin. This is my favorite so far! The applicator tip allows you to apply it only where you need it with little waste. This eye cream has helped reduce dark circles and puffiness. The ingredients are all ones I can actually understand."

Pro: Non-greasy formula

Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin

This eye cream utilizes cutting-edge retinol technology that is gentle yet effective for the eye area, reducing pigmentation and smoothing the skin (eliminating fine lines).

Customer review: "I use a small amount of this eye serum at night. You only need one pump for both eyes. I apply it under my eyes and on my eyelids. I definitely see a difference. My skin looks firmer and tighter. It absorbs quickly into my skin."

Pro: Skin appears firmer and tighter

Con: None

Retinol encourages skin cell renewal (noted for its ability to improve fine lines, spots, and hyperpigmentation), but it can be harsh for some skin types. Pixi has created a nourishing formula that combines retinol with hyaluronic acid, offering a non-irritating solution to dark circles.

Customer review: "I wash my face at night, and I use this eye cream at night. It is easy to apply and does not irritate my sensitive eyes. I had ptosis and blepharoplasty surgery, so my eyes are extra sensitive and I cannot use regular eye drops. My eyes swell up in the morning. This eye cream helps de-puff my eyes, and there are fewer wrinkles. I have noticed less swelling in my eyes in the morning since using this eye cream. You only need to use very little. Highly recommend."

Pro: Non-greasy, easy-to-use formula

Con: None

This fast-absorbing eye cream from Origins actually strengthens capillaries and provides anti-inflammatory benefits to target dark circles while brightening the delicate skin around the eye.

Customer review: "I have had problems with really dark circles under my eyes. No matter how much concealer I used, they still showed. This stuff fixed my dark circles like they were never a problem. I went from looking tired and discolored all the time to brighter and younger-looking within two uses. Once I run out, I plan to re-up. So worth the money!"

Pro: Quickly absorbs into the skin

Con: Product dries out in packaging

With thousands of 4-star reviews praising Dr. Barbara Sturm's Eye Cream, I would be failing you if I didn't include it on this list. Specifically developed to treat the delicate eye area, it uses a complex of sugar beet, golden root, and yeast for a smoothing and de-puffing effect.

Customer review: "I have received a sample of this eye cream. What I love most about this product is that it does not irritate my eyes, which I usually experience with other brand eye creams. It refreshes, hydrates, moisturizes, and brightens the skin around my eyes, removing tiredness and dullness. I would recommend it."

Pro: Lightweight; silky formula

Con: Luxury price point

If it's a major lightening effect you're after, give this Tata Harper eye cream a try. Its unique, diamond-infused formula targets dark circles and hyperpigmentation with neuropeptide activating technology.

Customer review: "I have been using the illuminating moisturizer as directed for a couple of weeks and have noticed a big difference in my complexion. It seems to have a lightening effect on my hyperpigmentation! It has been a great addition to my routine along with the other Tata Harper products!"

Pro: Gives skin a healthy glow

Con: Luxury price point

Caudalie's eye cream utilizes blurring properties to make you look more rested. Its formula includes vitamin C, caffeine, and niacinamide, which help alleviate dark circles as well as redness.

Customer review: "I discovered this when I went to the Caudalie spa for a facial. I had bags under my eyes, and my skin was uneven and puffy, but this serum made my eyes look so much brighter!"

Pro: Softens and brightens skin

Con: None

If you've ever tried the original moisturizer, you'll know that this cream truly is magic. This version helps restore and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes, thanks to the shea butter and coconut oil.

Customer review: "I have used all of the top eye creams, but this is the only eye cream where my lines disappeared before I could even get it fully rubbed in. It has a rich, feel-good cream texture that I would recommend to everyone. It's a great addition to any skincare routine and my new obsession."

Pro: Fast-absorbing formula

Con: Semi-greasy finish

Elemis' Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask does it all: it soothes, plumps, and de-puffs the skin while providing defense against wrinkles. It can also be used as an overnight treatment and an under-eye primer before makeup or as a rescue balm throughout the day.

Customer review: "I have been searching for the perfect thick nighttime eye cream. This one is super hydrating but absorbs into your skin, so you don’t feel sticky. Love it! I’ve been layering it over eye retinol, and it’s a good balance."

Pro: Smooths fine lines

Con: None