10 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles to Brighten and Hydrate
Waking up to dark, puffy eyes and under eye bags is never fun. An effective eye cream can help combat dark circles, puffiness, and other signs of fatigue.
After extensive testing, I’ve rounded up the 10 best eye creams for dark circles that actually brighten, hydrate, and make you look well-rested.
Below I’ve highlighted the key pros and cons of each eye cream along with direct links to Amazon for easy shopping. Bid farewell to tired eyes with these must-have eye creams.
| Product | Pros | Cons | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olay Ultimate Eye Cream | Hydrating, brightens dark circles, affordable | Can cause irritation | View on Amazon |
| Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel | Lightweight, absorbs quickly, hydrates | Not as brightening | View on Amazon |
| LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream | Reduces puffiness and dark circles, natural ingredients | Takes time to see results | View on Amazon |
| RoC Multi Correxion Eye Cream | Fades dark circles, improves tone, affordable | Can cause irritation | View on Amazon |
| Baebody Eye Gel | Reduces puffiness and dark circles, moisturizing | Limited brightening effect | View on Amazon |
| The Ordinary Caffeine Solution | De-puffs under eyes, antioxidant protection | Tingling sensation | View on Amazon |
| Clarins Total Eye Lift | Instantly firms and smooths eye area | Very expensive | View on Amazon |
| CeraVe Eye Repair Cream | Hydrating and nourishing, sensitive skin-friendly | Minimal instant brightening | View on Amazon |
| Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream | Hydrates and brightens overnight | Slow results and high price | View on Amazon |
| Shiseido White Lucent Eye Cream | Brightens and evens skintone over time | Can cause irritation | View on Amazon |
Keep reading for in-depth reviews on each of these 10 best eye creams for vanishing dark circles and puffiness to get you looking wide awake.
Reviews of the 10 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles
1. Olay Ultimate Eye Cream
Olay Ultimate Eye Cream tops my list for its impressive triple-action formula that hydrates, immediately brightens dark undereye circles, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time. It contains Vitamin C and optical diffusers to help your eyes appear more youthful and well-rested. The creamy texture absorbs quickly and works well under makeup. For brightening on a budget, Olay Eyes is a top performer.
Key benefits:
- Brightens dark undereye circles
- Reduces the look of fine lines
- Hydrates delicate eye area
- Vitamin C and optical diffusers
- Affordable price point
Drawbacks:
- Can cause irritation in sensitive skin
- Results not as dramatic on deeper circles
2. Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel
The unique gel texture of Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel provides lightweight hydration without caking or pilling under makeup. Hyaluronic acid, licorice extract, and vitamin C nourish the delicate eye area and protect against environmental damage. While not as intensely brightening as some, it absorbs quickly to hydrate and reduce puffiness.
Key benefits:
- Light hydration without heaviness
- Absorbs quickly
- Calms puffiness
- Hyaluronic acid and licorice extract
- Won’t clog pores or cause milia
Drawbacks:
- Not as effective on very dark circles
- Gel may pill under some makeup
3. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
This top-rated, anti-aging eye cream by LilyAna Naturals relies on natural ingredients to target dark undereye circles. The formula contains provitamin B5, rosehip oil, hibiscus flower extract, and vitamin E to hydrate, smooth, and brighten the delicate eye area. The texture is light and fast-absorbing. With consistent use, most see gradual improvement in dark circles and puffiness.
Key benefits:
- All natural ingredients
- Reduces appearance of dark circles
- Soothes puffiness
- Non-greasy texture
- 93% saw brighter, refreshed eyes
Drawbacks:
- Results not instant
- Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin
4. RoC Multi Correxion Eye Cream
RoC’s Multi Correxion Eye Cream uses mineral pigments to immediately color-correct dark undereye circles while also improving tone over time. The formula contains vitamins C and E along with optical diffusers to scatter light and make eyes look more radiant. This dermatologist-tested, oil-free eye cream also hydrates without clogging pores.
Key benefits:
- Color-correcting and brightening
- Improves radiance over time
- Hydrates without oils
- Dermatologist-tested
- Affordable price point
Drawbacks:
- Strong scent
- Can irritate sensitive skin
5. Baebody Eye Gel
Baebody Eye Gel tackles dark circles and puffiness with peptide complexes, plant stem cells, matrixyl 3000, and vitamin E. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without residue or heaviness. With consistent use, most experience noticeably brighter, smoother, and more hydrated undereyes. The metal applicator tip feels cooling and soothing on application.
Key benefits:
- Reduces appearance of dark circles
- anti-aging peptides and plant stem cells
- Cooling metal applicator
- Lightweight gel texture
- Cruelty-free formula
Drawbacks:
- Not as effective on very deep circles
- Drying for some
6. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution contains a high 5% concentration of caffeine to target puffiness and dark circles. Applied daily, it can visibly de-puff eyes and reduce under eye discoloration over time. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly without greasiness. The formula also hydrates with plant extracts. Minor tingling upon application is normal.
Key benefits:
- High concentration caffeine
- Reduces puffiness
- Improves appearance of dark circles
- Lightweight serum texture
- Budget price point
Drawbacks:
- Can cause irritation
- Tingling sensation upon application
7. Clarins Total Eye Lift
Clarins Total Eye Lift is a powerful eye cream that immediately lifts, firms, and smooths the delicate eye area while also rehydrating. The formula contains Clarins’ Extra-Firming Complex to strengthen and tighten slackened skin. While pricey, the semi-rigid jar applicator helps massage to improve microcirculation and drainage. You’ll see instant results in brightening and smoothing.
Key benefits:
- Instantly lifts and firms
- Long term smoothing benefits
- Extra-Firming Complex
- Improves microcirculation
- Jar applicator massages eye area
Drawbacks:
- Very expensive
- Light floral scent may bother some
8. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream hydrates and strengthens the delicate eye area with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Though not intensely brightening, the rich cream absorbs well to moisturize dry under eye skin without irritation. It’s an excellent choice for very sensitive skin. Over time, fine lines and wrinkles soften.
Key benefits:
- Hydrating formula with ceramides
- Soothes and strengthens
- Fragrance and paraben-free
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Good for sensitive skin
Drawbacks:
- Minimal instant brightening
- Thick texture isn’t for everyone
9. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
While pricey, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream uses innovative technology to renew and brighten the entire eye area overnight. The anti-aging formula hydrates to smooth fine lines while also improving undereye darkness and reducing puffiness. Over time, eyes look rejuvenated and luminous.
Key benefits:
- Renews and brightens overnight
- Reduces puffiness
- Hydrates to smooth fine lines
- Cutting-edge technology
- Fades discoloration over time
Drawbacks:
- Expensive
- Takes over 8 weeks for full results
10. Shiseido White Lucent Eye Cream
Shiseido’s brightening eye cream uses MultiLuminzing Powder to immediately illuminate the undereye area while also working long-term to fade dark circles. The formula evens skintone and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce puffiness. With consistent use, eyes look more youthful and refreshed.
Key benefits:
- MultiLuminzing Powder for instant brightness
- Fades dark circles over time
- Reduces undereye puffiness
- Evens and smoothes eye area
- Oil-free, lightweight texture
Drawbacks:
- Strong fragrance
- Can irritate sensitive skin
Choose the Right Eye Cream for Your Needs
With this list of the top 10 best eye creams for dark circles available on Amazon, you can find the perfect match to target your undereye concerns. Look for brightening formulas containing vitamins C and E, caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and optical diffusers. For sensitive skin, focus on fragrance-free, nourishing options.
Apply your chosen eye cream consistently morning and night for the best results. With the right eye cream, you’ll be on your way to a bright-eyed, wide awake look. Never let dark circles make you look tired again!
