There are many different eye creams designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. If a person wants to reduce dark circles under their eyes, they can consider products that hydrate and lighten the delicate skin under the eye and encourage new cells to grow.
This article explores what eye creams are and some factors that a person might wish to look for when choosing an eye cream to reduce dark circles under their eyes.
It also lists a range of eye creams that a person can purchase online, their pros and cons, some safety precautions to keep in mind, and some alternative remedies and treatment options.
Quick links
Eye creams are products that aim to reduce the signs of skin aging in the eye area. Signs of aging include fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.
Eye creams have a thick consistency and contain more oils than regular facial creams. This is because the skin around the eyes is fragile and delicate and requires less moisture than the rest of the facial area.
That said, eye creams absorb into the eye area quicker, and if a person uses strong products, their skin may become irritated.
How to use
Many companies recommend that people apply their eye cream twice per day, as well as after cleansing and before moisturizing their face.
Some manufacturers also include instructions on how a person should add the cream to their skin care routine if they use other products, such as toners.
There are some factors a person can look for when buying an eye cream for dark circles, such as:
- Allergies: A person can read the product’s label to check whether or not the ingredients are suitable for them and ensure that they will not cause irritation. People with sensitive skin may wish to choose a fragrance-free eye cream.
- Ingredients: Some creams contain niacinamide or kojic acid. According to one 2015 review, these ingredients can lighten under-eye circles and brighten the skin, as they slow down pigment-producing cells.
- Skin type: Individuals may wish to choose a product that is specially designed for their skin type. Some companies offer creams that target eye problems affecting all skin types.
How we chose
Our writer chose the following eye creams for dark circles based on online research and feedback on customer review sites.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information in this article is purely research-based.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles
Size: 0.5 ounces (oz)
Skin types: Dry and normal
This eye cream contains a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides that the company claims help reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.
SkinCeuticals states that other ingredients included in the cream prevent the appearance of wrinkles and restore water and nutrients to the area.
Éminence Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin types: All
This eye cream’s main ingredient is hibiscus, which the company claims increases the skin’s elasticity and hydration.
The other ingredients, such as caffeine and stevia extract, may help reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles.
True Botanicals Resurrection Radiance Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin types: All
This eye cream’s key ingredients are resurrection plant extract, turmeric, coffee, and licorice extract.
True Botanicals states that these ingredients work to reduce dark circles by plumping and hydrating the skin, reducing puffiness, and brightening and calming the eye area.
According to the True Botanicals website, the product can increase the skin’s hydration for up to 24 hours after application. These results are based on a 24-hour study that the company cites on its website. However, it does not provide access to the research for customers to read.
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Size: 0.6 oz
Skin types: Dry, normal, and oily
This Peach & Lily product has several main ingredients that aim to help strengthen the skin’s barrier, brighten dark spots, and increase firmness.
These ingredients include bamboo extract, niacinamide, and peach extract.
The company states that it does not support animal testing, and it claims that the product is vegan and gluten-free.
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin types: All
Caffeine is the main ingredient in this eye cream by The Inkey List.
The other ingredients work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and any signs of under-eye fatigue.
The company recommends that individuals store the cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before using it.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin type: Sensitive
Drunk Elephant’s product comes with five forms of vitamin C, which the company claims helps brighten uneven skin tones and increase the skin’s firmness.
The other ingredients in the eye cream aim to protect the skin from UV rays and pollution.
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin types: All
RoC claims that this retinol eye cream minimizes dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, and crow’s feet and is not harsh on the skin.
The company designed the product to be hypoallergenic, and it states that it can reduce dark circles and puffiness in 4 weeks.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin type: Dry
This cream has a lightweight texture and works on skin with signs of aging, dryness, dark circles, and puffiness.
The product includes “repair technology,” which the company claims repairs the damage caused by sleep deprivation, UV exposure, pollution, and blue light.
The company website states that this gel cream can brighten dark circles in 3 weeks.
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
Size: 0.3 oz
Skin types: All
This sunscreen by SkinCeuticals is specifically formulated for the eye area.
The company claims that it is suitable for individuals who have acne, signs of aging, and blotchiness. According to reviews, it can also benefit those with under-eye dark circles.
SkinCeuticals recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the entire face after using the product.
PCA Skin Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream
Size: 0.5 oz
Skin type: All
This product’s ingredients include Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 and orange stem cell extract.
The website’s ingredients list states that these two ingredients help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and strengthen skin structure.
The other ingredients can also help reduce crow’s feet and minimize dark circles.
PCA Skin states that individuals should start to see results within a week.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer
Size: 0.17 oz
Skin type: All
Kiehl sells this lightweight cooling eye stick that contains hibiscus extract to reduce eye puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
There is no limit to how often a person can use this product.