10 Eye Creams That Work Wonders on Dark Circles

Dealing with dark circles is never fun. While the right concealer can cover them up in a pinch, if you're looking for a more long-lasting treatment, a powerful eye cream is probably your best bet. With thousands of options out there — and most of them targeting fine lines and wrinkles — finding an eye cream that is specially formulated for dark under-eye circles can feel downright daunting.To help you cut through the clutter, we researched formulas, ingredients, and benefits of some of the best eye creams for dark circles on the market. The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream stands out for its rich, retinol-infused formula that brightens, hydrates, and firms the under-eye area.Ahead are the best eye creams to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Best Steal: Organys Spark Rejuvenating Eye Cream

Best Splurge: La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Best for Instant Results: Neutrogena Rapid Dark Circle Repair Eye Cream

Best Hydrating: Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream

Best Tightening: No7 Lift & Illuminate Triple Action Eye Cream

Best with Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Best Brightening: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

Best Anti-Aging: Tula Revitalizing Eye Cream

What to Keep in Mind:

Skin Type -

Your specific skin type will play a big role in determining which eye cream to buy. New York City-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., warns that not all skin types can handle the same amount of strength. If you are unsure what your skin type is or have skin that irritates easily, she suggests going with an eye cream that is marketed towards sensitive skin as they are tolerated by most people. "Monitor for signs of irritation, such as itchiness, redness, or dry skin, and minimizes the use as tolerated," Dr. Nazarian recommends. "Even using one just a few times a week will add up to skin benefits in the long run."

Non-irritating Formula -

The eye area is very sensitive for everyone, no matter what your skin type is. So, it is imperative that your eye cream uses gentle or clean ingredients to avoid irritating the delicate area. Look for eye creams that are free of artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens and other harmful ingredients.

Brightening Ingredients -

The goal of an eye cream is to banish dark under-eye circles, but what ensures a product will actually accomplish this? Any eye cream with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide or light-reflecting particles is sure to brighten up those dark circles, so opt for an eye cream with any or all of those ingredients.

Other Benefits -

An eye cream that can do more than one thing is always a win-win. So, in addition to diminishing dark circles, be on the lookout for eye creams that have multiple benefits. For example, an eye cream with anti-aging properties and nourishing ingredients like retinol, ceramides, and peptides will tighten and firm your under-eye area. A hydrating under-eye cream is also beneficial, so anything with hyaluronic acid or moisturizing ingredients is a plus.

Your Questions  Answered:

No.1 : Can eye creams actually eliminate dark circles?

Sometimes it may feel like nothing can improve your dark circles other than getting more sleep (a solution that isn't quite as easy as it sounds), but Dr. Nazarian assures us that eye creams really do work and the science behind them is there. "The right eye cream can contain ingredients that speed up the breakdown of pigment in the skin, and can slow down the production of pigment in the skin," Dr. Nazarian says. "Some eye creams encourage stimulation of cell turnover, bringing new skin cells to the surface, resulting in a more even skin tone and less dark circles."

No.2 :How do you apply eye cream?

Since the eye area is so delicate, eye creams need to be applied gently and Dr. Nazarian says just a small amount should be dabbed onto the eye area until the cream is fully absorbed. Since creams can be on the thicker side, it is best to not apply them to the upper eyelids and to only use a serum on that area.

No.3:When should you apply eye cream?

Some eye creams can be used in the morning and at night, depending on how strong or gentle they are. "Generally, [eye creams] should be applied immediately after gentle cleansing and before other steps in your skin care regimen." Dr. Nazarian says. "If you use them, toners and essences should be used beforehand." When using them in the morning, makeup and a full-spectrum sunscreen should be applied after.