One of the biggest skincare struggles all of our Who What Wear editors face is simple: dark circles. It also happens to be one of the most frequent questions I’m asked by friends and family when they see my overflowing collection of skincare products I swear by. Everyone I know has been forced to deal with dark under eyes at one time or another (college aged Maya was especially plagued by them thanks to lengthy test prep and essay writing sessions). Luckily, there are a multitude of things you can do to help combat your dark circles, including investing in adding an effective eye cream into your skincare routine.
Finding the right eye cream for you doesn’t have to be challenging. In fact, it can be as simple as making a trip to your neighborhood beauty supply store and checking out the ingredients on the back of product packaging. Kate Kerr, the skin expert and director of the KateKerr London Clinic, share that there are two main ingredients to look out for when selecting the best eye cream for dark circles: “L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C, and a retinol-based eye cream, which will help to strengthen the area.” To discover which eye creams we’re using 24/7 that possess these ingredients and more to combat tired-looking eyes, pigmentation, and darkness, you’ll want to keep scrolling.
“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 of 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 nonirritating, 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 is not 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 the Cocokind’s Revitalizing Eye Cream is my perfect product. It’s 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, no wrinkles. 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
“I’m absolutely obsessed with BareMinerals Skinlongevity Eye Cream ($37),” Huntington-Whiteley revealed during a YouTube tutorial of her skincare routine. “I love this eye cream because it’s really soft and gentle and very, very cooling—this is one of my favorites.” Having tried this myself, I have to say it really does a brilliant job of brightening dark circles of a morning as well as de-puffing. 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
I don’t know about you, but when an actual supermodel reveals her full Monday morning skincare routine on Instagram—including her favorite eye-brightening cream—I take note. Turns out Dunn swears by this Sunday Riley eye cream, which uses caffeine, watermelon extract, and ginseng to brighten the most tired of under-eyes. Customer review: “Really liking this eye cream so far. I have very sensitive skin and tend to have more sensitivity around the eye area so eye creams are hard to find. have been using morning and night for about 1 month now and seeing 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 skin with transformative ingredients like vitamin C to help 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-had circles my whole life. Versed actually works! You can be confident in this product. Took about 30 days, but has not faltered since! Been using for about 2 years now-hope they never discontinue it!” Pro: Gel-based, moisturizing formula. Con: Slow acting
IS Clincial’s Youth Eye Complex uses hyaluronic acids to hydrate and brighten the under eye area with the addition of peptizes to lessen the appearance of and combat fine lines and wrinkles. Customer review: “This product has really helped with the dark circles under my eyes. After using this cream I can really 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 look 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 with 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 uses cutting-edge retinol technology that’s gentle enough for the eye area yet very effective; reducing pigmentation and smoothing the skin (no more 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 under my eye and on my eyelids. I definitely see a difference. My skin looks firmer and tighter. Absorbs quickly into my skin.” Pro: Skin appears firmer and tighter. Con: None
Retinol encourages skin cell renewal (it’s noted for it’s ability to improve fine lines, spots, and hyperpigmentation) but can be harsh for some skin types. Pixi has created a nourishing formula that combines retinol with hyaluronic acid for a non-irritating solution to dark circles. Customer review: “I wash my face at night and I use this at night. This eye cream is easy to apply and does not irritate my sensitive eyes. I had ptosis and blepharoplasty surgery so my eyes are extra sensitive where I cannot use regular eye drops. My eyes swell up in the morning. This de-puffs my eyes and there’s less wrinkles. I notice 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 they 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 look 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. I love the most about this product that it does not irritate eyes which I usually experience with other brand eye creams. It refreshes, hydrates, moisturizing and brightens skin around eyes and removes tiredness and dullness. I would recommend.” Pro: Lightweight; silky formula. Con: Luxury price point
If its a major lightening effect you’re after, give this Tate Harper eye cream a try. Its . Customer review: “I have been using the illuminating moisturizer as directed for a couple of weeks and have noticed a big difference with my complexion. It seems to have lightening effect on my hyper-pigmentation! It has been a great addition to my routine with the other Tata Harper products!” Pro: Gives skin a healthy glow. Con: Luxury price point
Caudalie’s eye cream uses blurring properties to make you look more rested with a formula using vitamin C, caffeine, and niacinamide, to help alleviate dark circles as well as redness. Customer review: “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, and his 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 to 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 that my lines disappeared before I could even get it rubbed all of the way in. It is a rich feel good cream that I would recommend to everyone. great addition to any skin care routine, 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 playing 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 is super hydrating but soaks 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
