What Is The Best Under Eye Cream For Dark Circles?

Can you think of any time of the year when the appearance of dark circles is actually welcome? Okay, maybe in October for Halloween.

But as for the other eleven months out of the year, it’s likely that you want those dark circles to at least remain at bay. Under an eye mask. Getting lots of sleep.

But sometimes, our tired eyes are in need of a little pick-me-up. And no, we don’t just mean an extra cup of coffee to keep you going throughout the day. Or even an amazing mineral liquid foundation that can cover up these bags. 

We’re talking about eye creams that can lift dark circles from your eyes. And erase those fine lines as easily as an eraser could.

So, are you ready to get acquainted with the best eye creams out there and say goodbye to dark circles and puffiness? That is until October rolls around again…

Best eye cream ingredients for dark circles

An eye cream can be made up of any number of ingredients. But if you’re aiming to get rid of those fine lines in your under eye area, then keep an eye out (literally) for these ingredients in particular.

See Related: How To Apply Moisturizer On Your Face

Hyaluronic acid

Did somebody say hydration? Because that’s exactly what hyaluronic acid is preaching!

Hyaluronic acid already naturally occurs in the body’s connective tissue. So adding it into the lightweight formula of your eye creams, or even having a hyaluronic acid moisturizer around, is just another way to boost your body’s natural moisture.

Not to mention that the delicate skin under your eyes is prone to getting dehydrated and dry. So consider hyaluronic acid as a helping hand when it comes to tired eyes.

Caffeine

Okay, yes, we joked about how an extra cup of coffee won’t help you out earlier. But we’re not talking about consuming caffeine.

We’re talking about dabbing it on your face! Caffeine is actually a great ingredient for your under eye area as it constricts blood vessels and brightens your under eyes.

So when they say you “perk up” with a cup of joe, they really mean it! And your eyes may even look a couple years younger too.

Vitamin C

Another way to combat those fine lines and dark under eye circles is through vitamin C. (Are you noticing a trend here with ingredients used in your typical morning breakfast? Coffee? Orange juice? Anyone?)

But in all seriousness, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is used in some of the best eye creams out there. It can boost collagen production, strengthen delicate skin, and is even gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.

Plus, vitamin C itself is a protein. So you’re literally bulking up your under eye area. Anybody say swol? Just kidding.

Vitamin E

Like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E is particularly stellar at maintaining hydration. So when used in an eye cream, it’s like warding off the evils of dryness and free radical damage to boot.

Because let’s be real. Environmental aggressors are everywhere. And while you are indeed a strong and independent person, it’s also okay to ask for a little help in the protection department.

So no, you’re not weak for asking for help. You’re actually stronger because of it. (We quite liked that metaphor, how about you?)

Retinoids

We’re sure you’ve seen retinol eye cream before. But if you haven’t, just know that retinoids are like the superheroes in charge of eliminating crow’s feet and crepe-like skin.

Nothing against crepes – in fact, they are a breakfast favorite. And we’re definitely not against breakfast as evidenced by our love of vitamin C (orange juice) and caffeine (coffee.)

But in this case, retinoids in your eye cream can help turn your crepes into soft, fluffy pancakes. (Okay, not quite sure if this metaphor is working out as well as the last one…)

Avocado oil

Okay, we don’t mean to be beating a dead horse. But avocado toast is also a part of breakfast!!

And avocado oil is chock full of both vitamins C and E. Not to mention it’s a more natural botanical oil too.

So if you’re looking for a gentle eye cream with more natural ingredients, consider one with avocado oil. And you might as well pair it with some avocado toast while you’re at it.

Our pick of best under eye creams

You can certainly walk down the eye cream aisle of your local grocery store. But if you want to save some time, and spend more of it canoodling with some of the best eye creams out there, take a look below.

(P.S. Canoodling is entirely encouraged. We are very canoodle-positive here.)

#1. EyeRenue Complex Anti-Aging Eye Cream

There’s just something about a gel formula that hits different, isn’t there? And that’s exactly what our EyeRenue Complex Anti-Aging Eye Cream is all about delivering.

Not to brag or anything, but our unique formula for this vegan eye cream is gluten free and cruelty free. So when it comes to conscious shopping, you can rest assured knowing that you’ve found the best deal out there.

Another thing that this product takes into account is the fact that there are no oil glands around your eyes. Did you know that?

Yeah, we gasped when we found out too. But that’s exactly what makes your eyes so susceptible to wrinkles, puffiness, and sagging!

So, what have we put into our eye cream that protects and fights against environmental aggressors? We’re so glad you asked.

We’ve got aloe vera and cucumber extract (AKA hydration). We’ve got green tea extract (hello caffeine!). And we have some vitamin A in there as well (Retinoids, duh!).

Oh, and wouldn’t you know? We seemed to have checked off a bunch of the ingredients we listed above! How convenient is that?

Bonus: When To Use A Jade Roller In Your Skincare Routine

#2. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Already, the name of this eye cream makes us want to dance around with a rose in our mouths. But seriously!

This eye cream features healthy vitamins and peptides, all of which are aimed to brighten and lighten your skin. And some even say that its ingredients can protect your skin from UV rays, including those from blue light.

Now that’s impressive. And very with the times since everyone seems to be buying those blue light glasses anyway.

So you can add another tick in the pro column for this eye cream since it covers the cost of those trendy new glasses you don’t need to buy. Even though you really really want to… (but we’re not here to enable… or are we?)

#3. Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel

If you’re looking for an eye cream that doesn’t irritate your sensitive skin, consider this eye cream that stands out from the rest. Its formula is super light.

But when it comes to hydration, it certainly packs a punch. That’s thanks to the hyaluronic acid and peptides in its unique formula.

And besides, this eye cream comes with a metallic tip which is so cool! It’s the kind of eye cream that will have you fangirling in the corner because you’ve probably never seen an eye cream with a metallic tip before.

So then you want to go over and ask her what it’s like, you know, having a metallic tip and all. But then you say something weird and embarrass yourself and… wait, what are we doing?

We’re not in middle school anymore! We’re just going to go up to her and embarrass ourselves like the adults we are! And that’s final.

#4. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

Okay, this eye cream is taking us in an entirely different direction. So far we’ve covered an eye cream or two that’s all about pumping you up with hydration and moisture.

But maybe we haven’t considered that you have the opposite problem! Too much puffiness.

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s crying yourself to sleep or you simply woke up like this. (But not the cool way that Beyonce wakes up. Ugh, we can only dream…)

So instead, try out this eye cream that comes in the form of a cooling eye stick. With hibiscus extract, this facial de-puffer is perfect for those looking to soothe puffiness, redness, or fine lines.

And the hibiscus scent will also keep you feeling refreshed and maybe even like you’re on vacation in Hawaii. That’s not too bad a deal from a little eye cream like this one.

#5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

We started with a gel eye cream so we figured we would end with a gel eye cream. You know, cause we’re cute like that.

This eye cream is a best seller with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. And its cool blue look and feel will leave you with soft, smooth, and supple skin after the fact.

Also, gel moisturizers are particularly good at handling oily skin. So if you have any excess oil that’s been pouting in the corner, try introducing it to a gel moisturizer or eye cream.

It might just be able to coax that oil out and onto the dance floor to get you the kind of skin you’ve been dreaming of. And not to give all of this eye cream’s secrets away but it’s full of smooth one-liners like, “Nobody puts baby in a corner.”

Who can resist that?! (Not us, Patrick Swayze. Not us.)

Final thoughts

When you really think about it, the dark circles under your eyes are probably just really misunderstood. And they’re just waiting for an eye cream to love them for exactly who they are.

Okay, and maybe get rid of them completely. Yeah, that last Dirty Dancing reference had us a little too sappy, but we’re getting back on track now!

An eye cream should know how to coax those dark lines away. And out of all the possible creams out there, we’re glad you stumbled upon our little list that only lists, well, the best.

So save your tired-eye look for next Halloween. And get ready to welcome in the New Year with eyes that are refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for 2022!

Yeah, we can’t believe it either. So find an eye cream to kiss at the stroke of midnight and you’ll be guaranteed a very Happy New Year!

Keep Reading: What Is The Best Anti-Aging Neck Cream?

—

For over 60 years, Viviane Woodard has represented “The Purity of Skincare”. We are the leading beauty brand for skin care products and promote the importance of good skin hydration. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for skin care tips, product discounts, and more.