These Eye Creams for Puffiness Make You Look Like You’ve Had 8 Hours of Sleep (2024)

If eyes are the window to the soul, then we want our windows open and bright so they can convey radiance, energy, and well-being rather than the effects of little sleep or yesterday's salty meal. Our ask is relatively easy: At-home remedies and the latest eye creams can dramatically improve the appearance of puffiness. Here's more on why your eyes may be getting puffy and what to look for to counteract them.

What’s the difference between puffy eyes and under-eye bags?

"Puffy eyes typically indicate temporary fluid retention or swelling, while under-eye bags can be a more permanent condition," explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic. "Under-eye pouches form below the eyes as the skin loses laxity with age." Puffiness, on the other hand, can occur all around the eye, including underneath it and on the eyelid, says Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

What causes puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes are a result of fluid retention, which can develop from allergies, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices, such as lack of sleep, excess salt, or alcohol consumption, explains Engelman.

Dermatologist-recommended at-home remedies for puffy eyes

A few at-home remedies can help improve the look of puffiness immediately. Hold an ice roller or cold compress on the area, which helps to constrict the blood vessels and reduces swelling, says Penzi. Applying tea bags, like black tea, green tea, or chamomile, is another good option. They're anti-inflammatory. The caffeine in the green tea will help to constrict blood vessels, too. Finally, don't doubt the power of a good ol' facial massage, which helps to flush the lymphatic fluid that may be causing puffiness, Engelman shares. Even a set of jumping jacks will help get the blood circulating again quickly.

What to look for in an eye cream for puffiness

More good news! There are a ton of skincare ingredients and formulas that can help improve the look of puffiness—some work much faster than others. For a quick result, turn to something that contains caffeine to constrict blood vessels. If puffy eyes are a common issue for you, look for retinol to stimulate collagen, niacinamide to reduce inflammation, and peptides to lift skin, says Penzi. Ahead, discover dermatologist-approved picks.

You can't go wrong with this budget-friendly formula. It contains caffeine, refreshing mint, and brightening vitamin C to improve the look of undereyes with each use. It also comes with a cooling roller-ball applicator that gently massages the eyes during application to help de-puff.

Get tighter, smoother, and more protected skin with this formula. It contains retinol to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, caffeine (a vasoconstrictor that helps to stop underlying vessel dilation and puffiness), and copper peptides, which are rich in antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage, Penzi says.

This is another splurge-worthy pick worth considering. It targets puffiness, dark circles, crow's-feet, and dullness thanks to optical diffusers, caffeine, and peptides. The texture is silky and nourishing without feeling too heavy. It also blends well into all skin types and tones.

Engleman says this caffeine-infused formula "instantly de-puffs while also targeting dark circles and fine lines." It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and spinach leaf extract to smooth and hydrate the under-eye area. The formula is vegan and cruelty-free.

You can actually feel this gel's tightening powers at work. It contains powerful antioxidants that fade discoloration and protect skin from free radical damage along with marine algae peptides that help to make skin appear more firm and smooth.

Thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production, retinol is the gold standard for making skin look smoother. This formula contains encapsulated retinaldehyde (which releases slowly to prevent irritation), nourishing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory chamomile extract—all of which visibly lift, smooth, and de-puff eye contours, says Engelman.

This option targets puffiness with both its ingredients and its cooling metal applicator. Enzymes stimulate the skin's production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid while tiny flecks of pearlescent minerals brighten the eye contour. In a clinical study by the brand, 79 percent of users saw eye puffiness volume visibly reduced in less than two months.

Easy packaging and a cooling formula make this nifty stick one of our editor's go-tos. It's packed with adaptogens (Breton seaweed & reishi mushroom, to be exact), which help strengthen the skin barrier and rebalance stressed-out skin. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and cornflower floral water extract to soothe.

"Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is another powerhouse ingredient for puffiness," says Penzi. "Its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm skin and combat hyperpigmentation." This formula also has vitamin C to brighten and smooth eyes and a slight tint to color-correct undereyes; it's available in two options, for light and darker skin tones.

Get immediate results with this transformative formula. It's perfect when you need to tighten your eye area before a special occasion because the silicone gel creates a transparent film that de-puffs skin within five minutes of application. While the results are temporary, the caffeine and peptides will help improve smoothness and brightness over time.

Rosemary oil boosts circulation to help de-puff while citric acid helps to brighten dark circles over time.

While it may be a splurge, we think this eye treatment is worth every penny. It targets all your under-eye concerns, including puffiness, with its unique formula and ingredients. Marine plankton extract brightens and tightens skin; pure beta glucan, a form of hyaluronic acid, hydrates; and diamond powder offers a soft and luminous glow.

In just 15 minutes after application, you'll notice a big difference in the appearance of your under eyes. You can feel the formula tightening the skin upon application—but it doesn't make skin feel taut or uncomfortable. Its lightweight texture and transparent finish adapts to facial movements and can also be applied on top of makeup without creasing or cracking.

Dealing with dryness and puffiness? This formula is the answer to your concerns. Its rich and buttery texture instantly soothes and hydrates skin, while peptides and caffeine promote a less puffy and smoother complexion.

For the person who needs a multitasker that addresses all, celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden formula a cream that contains peptides to support skin elasticity and firmness, silk tree extract to lift puffy skin and brighten dark circles, ceramides to protect the skin, and squalane, shea butter, and cucumber extract to hydrate. It melts in seamlessly and wears great under makeup.