“You look tired.” Three little words that no one ever likes hearing. What’s even worse is hearing that phrase after you’ve gotten a full night of quality shut-eye. But when you’re prone to bags, dark circles and puffy eyes, sometimes no amount of sleep helps. For some people, they never go away, but instead, act as constant companions.
If you’re someone who bears these facial blemishes more often than not, then we highly recommend giving your peepers some TLC by investing in under-eye treatments that actually work. The best under-eye cream for men can banish dark circles for good, and with regular application, you’ll never hear, “You look tired,” again. However, under-eye creams are just one effective treatment for dark circles, and you can also try eye patches, face masks, serums and roll-on eye sticks. The key is finding products with the right ingredients to restore the delicate skin under your eyes.
In this post, we’ll teach you how to fight back against puffy eyes and dark circles. Plus, we’ll share the best men’s eye cream and under-eye treatments for your skin.
How To Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
The number one step you can take to fight dark circles under your eyes is 100% free — hydration.
That’s right, a tall glass of water is the best under-eye treatment for men, full stop. Your skin needs water to stay healthy, and that’s especially true of your under-eye skin.
The other most common causes for bags include allergies, lack of sleep, low collagen levels, smoking, and sadly, your genetics. However, the biggest culprit remains dehydration. Since the skin below your eyes is fairly thin, it requires moisturization to prevent constricted blood vessels from appearing.
But any fancy beauty brand can tack on a label on their product and call it an under-eye cream. Hence why it’s important to search for brands that use natural and skin-friendly ingredients to ensure the healthiest results.
To treat puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, look for these nourishing ingredients when shopping for the best under-eye treatments.
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Hyaluronic acid: One of the most powerful hydrating ingredients that moisturizes and plumps up skin
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Peptides: Made up of smaller chains of amino acids that tighten skin tissue
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Retinol: A vitamin A derivative that increases collagen and rebuilds thin skin
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Antioxidants: Protect skin from oxidative and sun damage, which can result in premature skin aging
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Caffeine: De-puffs skin and reduces the build-up of blood underneath the eyes
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Fruit and vegetable extracts: Help brighten and thicken skin by restraining enzymes that destroy collagen
Ranking The Best Under Eye Creams & Dark Circle Treatments for Men
While there isn’t one cure-all for bags under your eyes, there are plenty of great skincare solutions available, which we’ve outlined below, that will fight against the all-too-common effects of modern living. This list includes the best men’s eye cream, gels, serums, sleep masks and roll-on applicators. You can’t always win back your missed sleep, but you can target specific areas of your skin to at least look like you got your beauty rest last night.
From remedying fine lines and wrinkles to brightening and hydrating skin, these are the best under-eye treatments for men based on budget, category and skin type.
1. Lumin Dark Circle Defense
For men with persistent dark circles, this is a great addition to your daily skincare regimen. (You do have a daily skincare regimen, right guys?) Lumin’s Dark Circle Defense contains three ingredients designed to fight dark circles. Antioxidant-rich lemon extract helps repair your skin. Niacinamide delivers plenty of Vitamin B3 to strengthen your skin and reduce inflammation. Finally, caffeine further reduces puffiness. Simply apply this under-eye treatment each night before bed.
best eye creams for dark circles – Lumin Dark Circle Defense
Buy: Lumin Dark Circle Defense $23.20
2. Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair
Kiehl’s is just one of those brands you take at face value, so when it claims to have a “lifting, anti-wrinkle, dark circle reducing eye cream” made specifically for men, expect high-quality results. The Age Defender features a rich blend of caffeine, linseed extract, Vitamin C, and mineral diffusers to bring down puffiness and brighten eyes. Consistency-wise, it feels more like a balm but less greasy. It absorbs quickly into your skin and provides a tingly sensation that reassures the user that Kiehl’s formula is going to work right away. There is also little-to-no scent, which is perfect for those with smell sensitivities.
Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair, best eye creams for dark circles
Buy: Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair Cream $34.00
3. Brickell Men’s Products Restoring Eye Balm
For brighter, more energized eyes, Brickell’s Restoring Eye Balm is a potent, natural under-eye cream made for men of all ages. It reduces wrinkles around the eyes by strengthening the surrounding skin, along with bags, puffiness and dark circles. Fast absorbing and lightweight, the balm sinks into the skin’s surface and leaves no greasy residue or shine. Key ingredients include protein peptides to boost collagen production, hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and caffeine to increase blood circulation.
brickell eye cream
4. Oars + Alps Wake Up Eye Stick
Oars + Alps is more than just a skincare brand that preaches “simple, natural, non-toxic, TSA-approved, feel-good skincare.” All of the brand’s portably convenient products are hits across the board, though if we had to pick just one, it’s the Wake Up Eye Stick that has us swooning with every roll across the lower eyelid.
The fast-acting formula employs caffeine to waken dull skin from its slumber, while other unique ingredients like Persian Silk Tree Alpine Caribou Moss improve skin elasticity. There’s also something about the metal ball mechanism at the top that feels soothing when rolled across the skin. O+A gets props for packaging the product in an EDC, spill-proof design as well.
Oars + Alps Wake Up Eye Stick
5. Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Cloud Eye Patches
Peter Thomas Roth’s penchant for premium skincare products can’t be denied. Those fortunate enough to have tested the company’s excellent Hydra-Gel Eye Patches know exactly what I’m talking about. These small gel cutouts deliver an incredible cooling effect to your lids that no slice of cucumber can match, which expedites the healing process to reduce swelling and smooth lines overnight. Marshmallow root extract softens the look of fine lines, while the ample amount of hyaluronic acid PTR employs gives the patches a watery consistency that feels refreshing when left on your lids for the recommended 10-15 minutes.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches – BesT Under Eye Treatments 2020
6. Every Man Jack Age-Defying Eye Cream
Healthy, portable, and super affordable, EMJ’s topical is an ideal buy for self-conscious groomers who want to remedy fatigued eyes at any given moment, no matter the time or location. Billed as a triple-action eye cream, this product brings together a rich blend of antioxidants, vitamins, Green tea extract, and smoothening agents like aloe and cocoa butter to effectively moisturize and tighten skin.
A little goes a long way with just a pinky tip’s worth of application under each eye promising results in a few days. The tiny packaging is another facet that shouldn’t be overlooked, as it fits comfortably in any denim pocket or Dopp kit; you can sit it right next to your AirPods Pro case and still have lots of room to store other EDC essentials.
Every Man Jack Age-Defying Eye Cream
Buy: Every Man Jack Age Defiant Eye Cream $10.00
7. Jack Black Eye Balm De-Puffing & Cooling Gel
Another reasonably priced, travel-sized option well worth the look, Jack Black’s balm blends together an assortment of advanced vitamins and soothing extracts that immediately go to work on damaged skin. It uses a non-sticky rollerball applicator that gently massages targeted areas, leaving the clear, lightweight gel to nourish skin with hydrating and healing properties. The size is perfect as well to take on the go when a quick fix is in order after a heavy night out during the workweek. Dab gently around the eye area in the morning or at night for optimal results.
Jack Black Eye Balm De-Puffing & Cooling Gel
Buy: Jack Black Eye Balm $25.00
8. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
The best men’s face masks are amazing for two reasons: they offer incredible skincare benefits and allow you to wear them in private without your bros judging you. If you’re fully committed to waking up with fresh-feeling and invigorating eyes, a touch of avocado and a heavy dose of retinol just might do the trick. Enter Glow Recipe’s special creation — a sleeping mask that feeds skin with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, while reducing the risk of irritation and sensitivity. Each jar comes with a tiny spoon that provides the right portion to spread across the face, creating a protective layer that nourishes until morning time.
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
9. Geologie Nourishing Eye Cream
For the grooming amateur who feels they require expert consultation to get their skin back on the track, Geologie was literally created for you. SPY editors are big fans of this innovative men’s skincare brand, and we’ve covered their products before. The online tailor-made skincare service helps subscribers identify their specific skin profile, then creates a personalized regimen of four products — a face wash, day cream, night cream and eye cream — based on their needs.
The eye cream proves to be the true gem of the batch, which brings together several coveted ingredients such as antioxidants, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide to retain moisture, other and banish blemishes. I noticed how much firmer and softer the skin felt underneath my eyes after just a few days of use. You can purchase the cream individually for $45, though you’d be missing out big by passing on the 30-day trial that includes all four products for a lower price.
Geologie Nourishing Eye Cream
Buy: Geologie Personalized Skincare Routine $37.00 (30-Day Trial)
10. Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum
If you don’t like the sensation of eye cream, a serum is probably the best under-eye treatment for you. The super lightweight formula still does all the heavy lifting. Dermalogica’s is all about its potent vitamin C complex that fights premature skin aging caused by environmental stress and daily eye movements. The eye serum visibly firms, brightens and fights fine lines and wrinkles. Its formidable ingredients include polyphenol-packed Arjun tree extract and chia seed oil to boost moisture and elasticity, tremella mushroom and micro-algae for hydration, and Poria mushroom to get glowing skin.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum
Buy: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum $70.00
11. Disco Eye Stick
Disco is one of our favorite new men’s grooming brands. This dermatologist-backed grooming company makes skincare products specifically designed for the pH balance of men’s tougher skin. The brand’s Eye Stick contains natural ingredients like caffeine and pine tree oil to tighten, strengthen and brighten the skin under your eyes. The roll-on applicator is easy to use, and this eye stick should last guys for two to three months.
best under eye treatments – disco
Buy: Disco Eye Stick $32.00
12. Cetaphil Hydrating Men’s Eye Cream
This option from Cetaphil comes in a convenient 0.5-ounce squeeze tube, and it’s designed as a hydrating solution for the sensitive skin around and under the eyes. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and unique ingredients like licorice extract and a blend of restorative vitamins. The hypoallergenic formula is designed to work with all skin types, and it absorbs in the skin quickly, making it a good addition to your morning routine.
Cetaphil Hydrating Men’s Eye Cream
Buy: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Cream $13.22
13. Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
There are plenty of reasons people skip wearing sunscreen around the eyes. For one, it’s easy to forget. Second, it’s hard to find a sunscreen that won’t burn the super-sensitive area. Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 was created for exactly that reason. The only sunscreen active in this formula is non-nano zinc oxide, so it’ll never sting, burn or irritate eyes. Wearing sunscreen around your eyes is crucial because the skin there is the thinnest on the body, making it extra susceptible to UV damage, meaning fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why this is one of the best under-eye treatments out there when it comes to prevention. The formula has South African resurrection plant to deeply moisturize skin and boost elasticity, making it an incredibly effective anti-aging under-eye treatment.
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40
Buy: Supergoop! Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 $36.00
14. Rebels Refinery Rehab Roller Under Eye Moisturizer
No matter how late you stayed up the night before, this multitasking eye moisturizer will fool everyone into thinking you were tucked into bed at a respectable hour. The killer combo of caffeine and a botanical blend reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and undereye bags while moisturizing the delicate skin and guarding against the elements. The ingredients include borage oil, raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and argan oil, which are all effective yet gentle. The formula is unscented to avoid irritation.
Rebels Refinery Rehab Roller Under Eye Moisturizer
Buy: Rebels Refinery Rehab Roller Under Eye Moisturizer $9.99
15. boscia Vegan Collagen Microcrystal Eye Mask
The key to younger-looking skin is collagen, since it’s responsible for keeping it smooth and fine lines at bay, and this little eye mask has it in droves. It has a whopping 900 microcrystals that boast a potent blend of vegetable collagen to smooth fine lines, hyaluronic acid to plump and Argireline peptide to bring down puffiness. The microcrystals dive deep into wrinkles to turn back the clock and instantly fake eight hours of sleep, with natural ingredients taking all the credit. To really let them work their magic, wear the eye masks for at least two hours. Consider it a serious self-care session!
boscia Vegan Collagen Microcrystal Eye Mask
Buy: boscia Vegan Collagen Microcrystal Eye Mask
16. Burt’s Bees Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin, especially around the ultra-delicate eye area, can have a hard time finding eye creams that won’t trigger a reaction. That’s where Burt’s Bees Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin comes in. It’s dermatologist and allergy tested and specifically designed to avoid causing redness or irritation, earning a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Clinically proven to deliver mega moisture, the fragrance-free, hypoallergenic eye cream is of 98.9% natural origin, infused with cotton extract, rice extracts and aloe vera.
Burt’s Bees Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
Buy: Burt’s Bees Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin $9.97
17. Physicians Formula 24-Karat Gold Collagen Eye Cream
Go for the gold with this nourishing eye cream by Physicians Formula that actually contains 24-karat gold. The advanced formula is a fountain of youth in a jar that rejuvenates the under-eye area with its restoring vegan collagen to improve skin texture, 24-karat gold to boost your complexion by leaving eyes with a natural glow, glycerin to moisturize and polymers to plump, firm and protect. Just like all Physicians Formula products, it’s hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin and eyes.
Physicians Formula 24-Karat Gold Collagen Eye Cream
Buy: Physicians Formula 24-Karat Gold Collagen Eye Cream $12.85
18. Lab Series Skincare for Men Power V Instant Eye Lift
Lab Series is known for creating skincare products catered exactly to men’s needs and this eye cream covers all the bases. Accurately named, the Max LS Power V Instant Eye Lift certainly lifts the eye area, as well as tightens, leaving skin visibly smoother.
Lab Series Skincare for Men Power V Instant Eye Lift
Buy: Lab Series Skincare for Men Power V Instant Eye Lift $56.50
19. Fresh Lotus Eye Gel
Lotus flower extract is a multi-action ingredient that instantly nurtures peepers. Chock full of polyphenols, the antioxidant works overtime to prevent damage caused by free radicals, such as fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredient list is rounded out with soft orange extract and ginkgo biloba to reduce puffiness, grapeseed to protect the skin and cucumber fruit extract to soothe and awaken tired eyes.
Fresh Lotus Eye Gel
Buy: Fresh Lotus Eye Gel $48.00
20. RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment
When you need a serious anti-aging under-eye treatment, go for a retinol, like this RoC option. Beloved by dermatologists, retinol is a triple threat for the eye area because it tackles the biggest signs of aging: puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. However, retinol can get a bad rep for causing dryness and irritation, but this hypoallergenic under-eye treatment was carefully formulated to make it gentle enough for daily use.
RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment
Buy: RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment $12.59
21. Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum
Clarins’ eye serum boasts a fast-acting formula that penetrates deeper into the skin than your basic eye cream and does way more than just remedy dull-looking eyes. The inclusion of bison grass extracts and goji berries helps rejuvenate skin and mitigate the aging process, while avocado peptides add to this effect by visibly reducing fine lines. Your skin also receives a smooth matte finish after each application to keep your face looking fresh when walking out of the house. We’re pretty fond of the twist top as well, which gives the product a cooler aesthetic.
best under eye treatment mens
Buy: Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum $35.00
22. SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex Anti-Aging Cream
Because women spend so much more on skincare, some of the most effective products and under-eye treatments are designed and marketed to women. However, guys will be amazed at how well these remedies can work on our skin, too. SkinCeuticals’ silky anti-wrinkle balm is probably the closest thing you can get to the fountain of youth in eye cream form. The premium skincare brand doesn’t cheap out on the ingredients, which is reflected in the price, using a powerful blend of proxylane, blueberry extract, flavonoids and synergistic peptides to improve the appearance of dark eyes. It accomplishes a lot, from reducing fine lines and puffiness to restoring skin elasticity. I’ve had no shame stealing a dab here and there from my fiancée’s jar to prevent crow’s feet early on.
10.SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex Anti-Aging Cream – Best Under Eye Treatments 2020
Buy: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex Anti-Aging Cream $98.00
23. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Kiehl’s is truly a classic when it comes to quality, not outrageously expensive, fairly unisex, skincare. This creamy avocado eye treatment is free of parabens and fragrances. It’s super moisturizing thanks to the avocado oil, helping to hydrate, smooth, visibly de-puff and brighten the under-eye area. It’s particularly helpful if you’re worried about dryness, puffiness or loss of elasticity. Use it daily to combat all those pesky dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
kiehl’s creamy avocado eye treatment
Buy: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado $50
24. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
If you want an eye treatment but you don’t necessarily love the feeling of a thick cream taking a while to absorb under your eyes, you should try an eye serum. This one from Dr. Dennis Gross is super fast-absorbing with a signature Phyto-Retinol Blend that’s clinically proven to treat visible signs of aging eyes. It promises to firm skin, boost hydration and reduce the look of wrinkles. Safe for all skin types, this eye serum may be a bit of a splurge, but it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for proven results.
dr dennis gross eye serum
Buy: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum $69
25. Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener
Looking for more of a quick fix to appear younger ASAP? Use this instant eye tightener. While there are components to improve the look of under-eye bags over time, it also temporarily tightens, firms and smooths the whole eye area, minimizing the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, deep wrinkles and puffiness. The key ingredient is sodium silicate that provides this instant temporary smoothing effect.
peter thomas roth firmx eye tightener
Buy: Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener $98
26. OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème
Vitamin C and collagen are the all-stars in this brightening eye cream from Ole Henriksen. It’s safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive, and is great for treating dark circles. It’ll hydrate and plumb the area under your eyes for a glowing, more youthful look.
ole henriken eye cream
Buy: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème $39
27. Cerave Eye Repair Cream
Cerave is known for being extra gentle, which is necessary when it comes to the super delicate skin under your eyes. This eye cream for dark circles is formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and restore the protective skin barrier. Those ingredients, along with the marine and botanical complex, reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness for brighter and smoother-looking eyes.
cerave eye repair cream
Buy: Cerave Eye Repair Cream $10.74
28. Clark’s Anti-Puff Eye Cream
What’s better at waking up tired eyes than caffeine? This eye cream for dark circles is infused with caffeine to help reduce puff and dark circles, while the hyaluronic acid hydrates, hexapeptide-11 smooths to reduce the appearance of lines, vitamins C and E protect against free radicals and jasmine helps to smooth and rebalance. It’s the perfect combination to help you look fresh even before your morning coffee.
clark’s anti-puff eye cream
Buy: Clark’s Anti-Puff Eye Cream $70
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