We Tested Dozens of Eye Creams—These Derm-Approved Options Are Proven to Reduce Puffiness (2024)

TL;DR

The best eye cream for puffiness is the Lâncome Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream. It feels soft on the skin and leaves the under-eyes smooth. If you're looking for a more affordable option, we also love The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream. It can treat signs of aging around the eye and hydrate the skin—for only $11.

Why do the under-eyes require a special cream?

A moisturizer specifically designed for the under-eye area is essential. Since the skin around the eye is the thinnest and most sensitive, this area requires a formula with gentle ingredients. Under-eye creams also boast ingredients that target common concerns and signs of aging such as puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, rose extract, linseed extract | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The best eye creams are hydrating without being greasy or sticky, and this one does just that. Formulated with nourishing shea butter and linseed (flax) extract—which can help firm the skin thanks to a high omega-3 fatty acid content—this rich cream hydrates the delicate area while helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.

In addition to the luxe texture and delicate rose scent, we enjoyed how this cream felt once applied—it created a cooling sensation that felt refreshing but never too intense. Throughout the test, we noticed that this formula helped to smooth the appearance of the skin in the area—noticeably diminishing the appearance of fine lines—and also worked to tone down redness from allergies and eye rubbing. Between its soft and moisturizing formula, its revitalizing feel on the skin, and its ability to create a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the under-eyes, this pick is an easy recommendation.

Chrissy, tester with dry skin and redness: “It made my skin soft and reduced puffiness and redness under my eyes. When I have a bad allergy day and have to wipe my eyes several times, they are not as raw and sore as usual.”

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, beta-carotene, shea butter | Size: 0.5, 0.95 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Powered by moisturizing avocado oil, shea butter, and beta-carotene (an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables), this rich and creamy formula delivers long-lasting hydration and smooths the appearance of the under-eyes. After the initial application, we noticed a visible improvement in hydration, firmness, and radiance.

Though some online reviewers find it slightly greasy, we didn't mind as the formula absorbs quickly and sits beautifully underneath makeup. The moisturizing benefits last all day long, and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, making this a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin or eyes.

Lisa, tester with dry skin:“Its ability to deliver immediate results, coupled with its longevity under makeup, exceeded my expectations. It has become an essential part of my skincare routine.”

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Albizia julibrissin bark extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eye creams are often expensive due to their high concentration of active ingredients, but this option from The Inkey List is effective and affordable. It contains caffeine, which is known to help reduce inflammation, and Albizia julibrissin bark extract (silk tree bark extract), which can smooth and heal the skin.

Although we didn’t see improvements in our dark circles, we did notice reduced puffiness after using it consistently for four weeks. The lightweight texture is soft and hydrating, and we also found that it helped to smooth the appearance of lines and texture in the area. We were pleasantly surprised that after applying a light layer at night, we could still detect the moisturizing feel in the morning. All in all, it’s a great, affordable option for anyone in need of a moisturizing formula that also works to reduce puffiness.

Cecilia, tester with mature skin: “It definitely made my under-eyes seem smoother with a less wrinkly texture. My under-eyes seemed tighter and firmer.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, algae extract, glycerin | Size: 0.68 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're prone to milia around the eyes, you know that thick, heavy eye creams are absolutely out of the question. However, this lightweight gel-serum formula from Dieux is just as effective as a rich cream, and it won't irritate the under-eye skin or cause breakouts. It's formulated with peptides and algae extract to soothe puffiness and strengthen the skin barrier, as well as glycerin for added moisture. When we tried the eye gel, we noticed that our crow's feet looked plumper and smoother, and the skin under our eyes looked more hydrated. We loved that when applied in the morning, it helped to tamp down puffiness.

Grace, tester with oily skin: “I normally use a thicker eye cream for my under-eyes, but I really enjoyed how refreshing this eye gel felt. My under-eyes also appeared less puffy after applying!”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, squalane, vitamins C and E | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an eye cream packed with active ingredients to help address concerns in the area, this one is worth splurging on. Formulated with peptides to support collagen production, caffeine to help reduce inflammation, squalane to moisturize, and a blend of vitamins for antioxidant benefits, it’s safe to say this cream was created to address more than just puffiness.

Upon initial application, the texture felt just a bit greasy, but once absorbed, the rich consistency felt nourishing on the skin without feeling oily or sticky. Just minutes after applying it, we noticed an improvement in the appearance of puffiness under the eyes. After using it twice daily for four weeks, we were thrilled that it seemed to reduce the amount of puffiness in general. It helped blur the appearance of fine lines and dry patches, creating a softer, more youthful-looking result. Although it’s pricey, the formula is fantastic, and a little bit goes a long way—so if you’re comfortable splurging on it, we think you’ll be thrilled with the results.

Brit, tester with combination, acne-prone skin: “I saw instant results when it came to puffiness, fine lines, and even dark circles. After a week or two of continuous use, the skin all the way around my eyes felt tighter and looked less puffy. I also noticed fewer wrinkles at the corner of my eyes.”

Key Ingredients: Algae extract, collagen | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an eye cream that helps to firm the skin under your eyes and create a smoother and tighter look, this is the one for you. Formulated with collagen, algae extract, and patented antioxidants, this formula temporarily firms the skin in the eye area while protecting it from environmental damage. We found that it helped reduce the appearance of fine lines, minimize puffiness, and create a smoother, more even texture.

A light layer of the gel provides a refreshing cooling effect before setting down. Once set, it does create a minor tightening sensation that's not too uncomfortable—and if the sensation means that it’s working to firm the area (which we found it did), then it’s well worth it. The formula doesn’t feel the most moisturizing on the skin, so it’s not ideal if you have dry under-eyes. But, considering how well it reduces puffiness, we think it’s a fantastic option for those seeking firming benefits.

Hiranmayi, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “I do think this eye gel was hydrating. My under-eyes certainly looked hydrated, and my skin drank it up—it really absorbed well.”

Key Ingredients: Concentrated proxylane™, wild fruit flavonoid blend, matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Reminiscent of room-temperature coconut oil, this under-eye cream from SkinCeuticals is solid at first touch but immediately transforms into a smooth, soft texture upon application. What stands out the most is the formula’s nourishing, brand-patented ingredients, which work together to support the skin’s natural firmness, correct visible signs of aging, and brighten a dull complexion. We loved using this under-eye cream at bedtime—it gave us a more radiant appearance upon waking (aka less prominent dark circles).

Grace, tester with oily skin: “I enjoyed that this under-eye cream had a rich, firm texture to the touch. It melted as soon as I applied it under my eyes, which made it feel like the area was getting optimal hydration.”

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, turmeric, caffeine | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Darkness under the eyes can be caused by many factors, like hyperpigmentation, thickened capillaries, and thin skin. While a topical cream won’t fix or prevent these things from occurring, it can help temporarily brighten the area or slightly reduce the hyperpigmentation. If you’re on the hunt for a depuffing eye cream that can also make the area look more radiant, we highly recommend trying this one.

Formulated with vitamin C and turmeric for antioxidant properties, as well as caffeine for depuffing, it helps to create a more even under-eye area. We loved the rich and creamy (but not greasy texture), and we found that the formula felt hydrating and layered beautifully underneath makeup. While we would have loved to see a bit more of a significant improvement in puffiness, we were pleased that it worked to reduce inflammation slightly while also delivering long-lasting hydration. It has a very subtle yellow tint, which helps to counteract blue tones in the area a bit, though it’s the radiant finish that helps to give the skin a nice glow and an illuminated appearance.

Mary, tester with sensitive skin: “This is a great pick to use in the morning, as it laid well under my makeup. It provided a smooth base and helped with puffiness. It also brightens my dark circles.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, silicates, seaweed extract | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

While not exactly an eye cream, we have to give this tightener from Peter Thomas Roth a place on our list due to its rave reviews and immediate results. You've probably seen this product on your social media feed, and for good reason. Immediately after applying a thin layer to the under-eye area, it can firm and lift so that skin looks completely smooth and wrinkle-free. The results are temporary, but they should last you throughout the day. We love that it lays nicely under makeup and is packed with powerful anti-aging ingredients (including peptides and seaweed) to promote a more youthful-looking under-eye over time.

One thing to note is that applying too much of the product can leave a white residue under the eyes. Make sure to use only a pea-sized amount for both eyes.

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Brazilian ginseng root extract, horse chestnut extract, acmella oleracea extract, watermelon rind extract, lutein | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re short on time and looking for an instant lift, look no further than this bestselling eye cream from Sunday Riley. Equipped with plumping ingredients that bring a radiant glow to the under-eye area, this pick delivers a lightweight, smooth feel and noticeable results that will leave you in awe. We recommend applying this cream morning and night to help improve your skin's moisture barrier and the appearance of expression lines.

Grace, tester with oily skin: “This is one of the only under-eye creams I completely swear by. It's a staple in my daytime routine because I feel the immediate results make for a perfect canvas for concealer and eyeshadow.”

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, avocado extract, sea fennel extract | Size: 0.05 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Applying eye cream can make for a brief moment of self-care, and this one feels nice and refreshing because the packaging features a ceramic tip applicator that feels cooling as you glide it across your skin. Between the applicator and the formula packed with caffeine, we found that it worked to reduce puffiness in the eye area beautifully. We also appreciated that the texture felt super lightweight while still hydrating the area, thanks to the formula's nourishing peptides and avocado extract.

Not only is this pick great for those looking for a refreshing eye cream, but it’s also nice for anyone who wants to gently smooth texture under their eyes. It contains sea fennel extract—a natural retinol alternative that smooths and illuminates the skin. In addition to getting radiance-boosting benefits from the sea fennel extract, the cream has a very fine pearlescence, which helps to give the skin a radiant glow.

Michelle, tester with dull skin: “It glides on really nicely with the metal applicator and feels cooling on the skin. It did help with brightening and depuffing.”

Key Ingredients: Caffeine, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an affordable and ultra-lightweight treatment to smooth the appearance of your under-eyes, this one is absolutely worth checking out. Formulated with caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (a bioengineered version of nutrients found in green tea that can help with skin hydration and reduce excess melanin production) it works to smooth, hydrate, and slightly de-puff the area.

During testing, we enjoyed how lightweight the serum texture felt—it’s excellent if you find that eye creams feel too heavy under your eyes. It also layers nicely underneath other skincare and makeup products. Though we didn’t notice that it greatly improved puffiness, we did see a minor reduction, and we loved that it helped to smooth and hydrate the delicate skin in the area. It also has a slightly cooling effect when applying it, which feels nice and refreshing in the morning. Plus, it’s affordable, and the bottle contains double the amount of product than other eye creams, making it an excellent value.

Katy, tester with sensitive skin (not shown): “There was no tingle or burn at all, and it went on smooth and cool. It soaks into the skin fairly quickly and isn't oily or greasy.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, rosemary leaf extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another lightweight option for those who prefer thinner textures, this gel formula feels weightless under the eyes while still delivering hydrating and de-puffing benefits. While we didn’t find that it helped improve the appearance of fine lines, it did just about everything else. From smoothing, providing long-lasting hydration, reducing puffiness, and leaving the area feeling cool, it’s an excellent product.

The formula contains peptides and caffeine, which help to temper puffiness, as well as rosemary leaf extract, which the brand touts for its anti-aging benefits. It also contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates the skin to reveal a more even skin texture. If you’re in the market for a lightweight formula that will treat the under-eyes completely, this one has our stamp of approval.

Mollie, tester with mature skin: “The under-eye cream was super hydrating. I think it's a great multi-age appropriate cream for everyday use.”

FAQ

• What causes under-eye bags?

  Aside from the understandable factor of time—and a predisposition to eye puffiness from genetics—cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ronald Moy, M.D., FAAD, says that some lifestyle choices may contribute. Potential causes include salt intake, seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, allergic reactions to makeup or medication, smoking, and excessive dryness, which can cause inflammation.

• Why do under-eye bags occur with age?

  Imagine it like this: When a balloon deflates, loose material develops. “The same thing happens as we get older. We lose fat, which causes deflation in the skin, and that leads to puffiness," Dr. Moy explains.

• How do you avoid under-eye bags?

  Although eye puffiness is a common result of aging or genetics, Dr. Moy suggests getting enough sleep and monitoring yoursalt intaketo lessen its appearance. If you suspect that the puffiness is due to allergies, Moy recommends consulting a doctor about a prescription to help.