De-Puff Under-Eyes With These Powerful Derm-Approved Eye Creams (2024)

Dr. Luke says this the best of the best. “This eye serum is formulated with TriHex technology to help stimulate collagen and elastin production. It also contains niacinamide, peptides, and green tea extract to help brighten unde-reye skin and improve dark circles.”

User review: “Love this eye cream and have been using it now for about one year. Dark circles vanished and the lines are less visible. Will never use another one. Great Stuff and so is the rest of all your beautiful creams. Thank you,” one Alastin reviewer wrote.

Key ingredients: TriHex technology, niacinamide, peptides, green tea extract

“Available in different shades, this eye cream brightens and hydrates, using antioxidants and hyaluronic acid while also protecting the skin from UV radiation, as it also contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering SPF 35 protection,” Dr. Garshick says. Plus, it has a cooling applicator that she says “helps to immediately reduce puffiness.” Plus it uses peptides, which also help to improve firmness and the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, she notes.

User review: “Super hydrating, with good coverage! This is like a half concealer/ half skin care. It is so hydrating and plums the skin. It lessens the appearance of the fine lines that have appeared right below my under-eye area. I don’t apply very much and I have found anything that compares to this. It has settled into my under-eye wrinkles a few times when I used a heavy-handed application. I think this just fits in so well with a no-makeup look,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides

Dr. Luke recommends this affordable eye cream for a variety of reasons. “This cream is widely available and is a great inexpensive option. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is formulated with ceramides (to help replenish the skin’s barrier), hyaluronic acid (to help the skin retain moisture), niacinamide (to calm/decrease inflammation), and a marine and botanical complex (to help brighten and reduce puffiness),” she says.

User review: “THIS. this eye cream did more for me in a DAY than anything I’ve ever used. I wish I had taken a before and after picture. But my eyes were dry, wrinkly, and tired and I was having a poor reaction to a new product. So I decided to ‘try something simple’ and ended up with Cerave eye cream and WOW,” one Amazon shopper wrote.

Key ingredients: Marine and botanical complex, hyaluronic acid

With a cooling metal applicator that soothes under-eye inflammation by constricting blood vessels, this option is on the pricier side, but Dr. Garshick says it packs a punch. And it can be used once or twice daily. “This eye serum uses a cooling metal applicator to provide an instant cooling effect to immediately depuff and also contains a blend of caffeine and peptides, leaving the under-eye area looking smoother, brighter, and refreshed,” she says.

User review: “A really good eye cream it doesn’t dry and has no white bits. Keeps the eyes hydrated,” wrote one satisfied Nordstrom shopper. “It lasts all day and keeps them glowing. It’s not too thin or thin which has a great consistency—I would buy this again. I love the brand and the products are really good quality.”

Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine

These gels can be stored in the refrigerator and applied while cool, notes Dr. Luke. She says these “help reduce under-eye swelling/puffiness in as little as 10 minutes. They include caffeine which helps to constrict blood vessels.”

User review: “These are great for under-eye puffiness. I put these on once a week and they work wonders! Love having them in my skincare routine,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, hexapeptide, ginkgo biloba

For those looking to address puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, this pricey (but expert-recommended) product pulls its weight. Dr. Luke notes that it “contains Vitamin C and other antioxidants as well as light-diffusing minerals to target dark circles and brighten the under-eye area.” She notes that it also contains peptides that can “help firm up the thin, delicate skin around the eye.”

User review: N/A

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides

“This concentrated caffeine serum can be used in the under-eye area to help reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye skin. Also containing green tea catechin, this helps to reduce pigmentation and fight free radical damage,” Dr. Garshick says.

User review: “I’ve had eye bags as long as I can remember and have tried numerous solutions for the problem. All mixed results, but this solution was different. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist because she uses it and likes the results. Thick serum so you don’t use much and no real smell. Makeup goes over it like a charm. Try it,” one Ulta shopper wrote.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, green tea catechin

If you’re looking for a quick, temporary fix, Dr. Luke recommends this eye cream from Peter Thomas Roth. “This product provides a quick and temporary improvement in under-eye puffiness. It is formulated with Firm-A-Tite, a blend of silicates and seaweed to temporarily firm the under-eye area (it leaves a thin film on the skin that helps pull loose skin to tighten). It also contains peptides and other ingredients to help improve the appearance of puffiness over time.”

User review: “To my pleasant surprise, this smoothed a good portion of my crepey eyelids! I applied my eyeshadow and immediately found my eyes looked noticeably smoother. Upon closer review in the mirror, I discovered my eyes looked significantly less wrinkled and textured,” wrote one Ulta customer.

Key ingredients: Firm-a-tite blend of silicates and seaweed, peptides

Looking for a drugstore pick that packs a punch? This serum by L’Oreal Paris has you covered. “This serum is formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid and has a unique stainless-steel ball if you want to perform light contour massage,” Dr. Luke explains.

User review: “I have dark circles under my eyes, it’s hereditary. I could sleep for a month straight and them suckers will still be there. I have tried everything to get rid of them,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “Then I ordered this product right here. Holy smokes! Thank you so much for this concoction! I’ve been using it a week and I swear I look like I rested better than I did before I had my kids. This is exactly what you need to diminish dark circles and brighten up your eyes and smooth lines. Buy it!”

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine

As experts noted, a cooling applicator can help you depuff the under-eye area, and this cream’s ceramic applicator brings on the chill without refrigeration. “This eye cream has a ceramic tip which stays cool and does not need to be refrigerated. It is formulated with Vitamin K to help with dark circles, peptides, and hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Luke explains

User review: “I have only been using it for a few days, however, I have seen some changes. I have very sensitive skin and it hasn’t given me any type of irritation, it is also very moisturizing and gives skin a natural glow. My dark circles have improved and it’s only been a few days,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Key ingredients: Vitamin K, peptides, hyaluronic acid

Another drugstore pick, this eye cream claims to help smooth fine lines around the eyes, while also addressing puffiness and dark circles. Dr. Luke says it delivers retinol in a way that is gentle enough to be used in the under-eye area, “but also helps brighten and reduce fine lines.”

User review: “If you use this product by following the directions you cannot go wrong. Bags under the eyes, crow’s feet (I say laugh wrinkles) around your eyes. It works! I was VERY skeptical as I wear contacts and don’t want anything near my eyes but this stays where you put it even through outdoor activities,” wrote one happy Amazon shopper.

Key ingredients: Mineral complex, retinol

“Containing peptides in addition to caffeine, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this drugstore eye cream is a multitasker as it helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness while still being gentle on the skin,” Dr. Garshick says. “It is lightweight and absorbs easily and can be used twice daily.”

User review: “I knew I would love this eye cream and I do! It's so soft and is easy to apply. The delicate skin under my eyes looks and feels so nourished and hydrated. There is no scent of any kind, which I like,” wrote one satisfied Amazon shopper. “I would definitely recommend CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream Peptide Complex, it’s amazing!”

Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, ceramides, niacinamide

If you have sensitive skin, avoiding fragrances is one way to lessen the likelihood of a skin reaction. Dr. Garshick recommends this eye cream as it “combines niacinamide, caffeine, and pumpkin seed extract helping to brighten, depuff and hydrate the under-eye area. It is fragrance-free making it a great pick for someone with sensitive skin,” she says.

User review: “Love this. I got a sample in my Ipsy bag and I had to order the full size. It’s about the size of a Carmex jar, maybe a little bigger, but a little bit goes a long way. I use it at night and in the morning it goes over foundation and concealer. I’ve had many compliments since I started using it,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, and pumpkin seed extract

With depuffing literally in the name of this eye cream, it’s no wonder Dr. Garshick recommends it. And, it’s super affordable. “This eye cream incorporates bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, as well as coffeeberry extract, rich in caffeine, and lingonberry stem cells to help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin,” she says. “While this can be used by all skin types, it’s especially good for those with sensitive skin as bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. I also love that it protects against blue light damage and oxidative stress using the lingonberry stem cells.”

User review: “I’ve always struggled with dark circles and puffiness under my eyes and I’ve tried countless eye creams in the past, but nothing seemed to make a real difference. That is until I discovered this Truskin depuffing longevity eye cream!” wrote one Amazon shopper. “This eye cream has truly been a game-changer for me and I can’t help but rave about it. I use a small amount at night before going to sleep and I wake up with my eyes looking refreshed and revitalized! After using it consistently for a few weeks, I’ve noticed a look of reduced dark circles and puffiness under my eyes.”

Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, coffeeberry extract, lingonberry stem cells

If you’re looking for a product that addresses fine lines and wrinkles while also de-puffing but want to avoid retinol, this eye cream from Peach & Lily is a great option. Featuring niacinamide to brighten skin, and

User review: “Smooth, melts into my skin, and is gentle enough that my eyes do not itch or get red. I have sensitive skin and I am always hesitant purchasing eye creams, but the Retinoic Eye Cream is magic!” one satisfied Peach & Lily shopper wrote.

Key ingredients: Bamboo extract, niacinamide, peach extract

If you’re looking for a luxe eye cream that works quickly, Dr. Garshick recommends this one by Sunday Riley. “This eye cream contains caffeine and Brazilian Ginseng Root Extract which help to reduce under-eye puffiness instantly giving a more rested and brighter appearance while also boosting hydration and improving the appearance of fine lines,” she says. “It can be used twice daily.”

User review: “I received a deluxe sample of this eye cream about 6 months ago. I’ve used many brands, but immediately fell in love with this product. It works fantastic for dark circles and puffiness. A+,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, Brazilian ginseng root extract

“With the option for once or twice daily use, this gentle but effective eye cream contains proxylane, blueberry extract, flavonoids, and peptides,” Dr. Garshick notes. “It is especially good for dark circles as it includes optical diffusers to diffuse light and immediately brighten the under-eyes and reduces the appearance of dark circles.”

User review: “I am 64 years old and have been using this eye cream for a year. My lines around my eyes are minimal. I am so very pleased,” wrote one Dermstore shopper.

Key ingredients: Peptides, proxylane

Address fine lines, wrinkles, and puffy under-eyes all in one eye cream. This one by Cocokind offers a cooling metal tip applicator that works to de-puff, meanwhile, oat extract hydrates under the eyes, and Persian silk tree plant extract works to fade the look of dark circles and puffiness.

User review: Absolutely love this eye cream! I got an allergic reaction around my eyes a few months ago from a facial and the dryness would not go away!” wrote one Ulta shopper. “This product has tremendously helped the dryness in only three days of use! I cannot recommend it enough if you have dry skin around your eyes. I wear this under my concealer too and it doesn’t make product smudge or anything.”

Key ingredients: Oat extract, Persian silk tree plant extract

This eye cream boasts encapsulated retinol, avocado, and coffeeberry (which contains caffeine) to address under-eye concerns like puffiness and discoloration. And with over 2,000 ratings and 4.7 stars on Sephora, shoppers appreciate the product.

User review: “This cream has been a staple in my daily routine for a year now, and I can't imagine my life without it,” wrote one Sephora shopper. “Within the first week of using it, I noticed a significant improvement in the smoothness of my under-eye skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.”

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, coffeeberry, avocado

Check the ingredients. “Ingredients to look for in an eye cream include retinol (to help build collagen), Vitamin C, Vitamin K (to help brighten under the eye), caffeine (to help constrict blood vessels under the eye to improve circulation and depuff), peptides (to help firm the under-eye area) as well as antioxidants and/or niacinamide to help combat inflammation,” Dr. Luke notes.

Consider the applicator. “You can also look for an eye cream with a metal tip applicator or store your eye cream in the refrigerator and apply it when cool to help reduce swelling,” Dr. Luke says.