Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
honey_and_milk//Getty ImagesSkinCeuticals
A.G.E. Eye Complex
SkinCeuticals
A.G.E. Eye Complex
Credit: BluemercuryPros
- Anti-aging
- Pro pick
"This is an excellent all-around retinol-free eye cream that contains caffeine plus a unique combination of peptides and flavonoids to firm, tone and youthen skin," Murphy-Rose says of SkinCeuticals' A.G.E. Eye Complex. "Optical diffusers minimize the appearance of dark circles. Proxylane and blueberry extract support and fortify the skin matrix and restore water to dehydrated under eye skin to plump and diminish fine lines."
The Inkey List
Caffeine Eye Cream
The Inkey List
Caffeine Eye Cream
Credit: The Inkey ListPros
- Budget-friendly
- Pregnancy-safe
This top-rated under-eye cream from The Inkey List is a steal at under $15. It combines caffeine with albizia julibrissin bark extract and a specialty peptide blend to smooth and reduce puffiness.
One satisfied customer writes: "Best eye cream I’ve used. So hydrating and smooth, a little goes a long way so the tube will last a long time too! Great product for such a low price." —Beth
La Roche-Posay
Pigmentclar Dark Circles Eye Cream
La Roche-Posay
Pigmentclar Dark Circles Eye Cream
Credit: AmazonPros
- Fragrance-free
- Contains light-reflecting pigments
Here's a cream that specifically targets blue and brown dark circles, making it a breeze to brighten your under-eyes. It combines phe-resorcinol with caffeine and La Roche-Posay's coveted thermal water to illuminate without irritation.
One satisfied customer writes: "Let’s face it, things are stressful right now and dark eye circles are a norm. I decided to try this eye cream and I’m glad that I did. It’s not a concealer. It magically diminishes the appearance of dark circle and is a good base for my make up. I highly recommend it." —JLK
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TonyMoly
The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Eye Cream
TonyMoly
The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Eye Cream
Credit: AmazonPros
- Features 40% fermented green tea extract
- Featherweight
"Green tea is another great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient to look for, which also contains some caffeine," Murphy-Rose notes. This option from K-beauty brand TonyMoly has a lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I first tried TonyMoly The Chok Chok face cream a few years ago and when I needed an eye cream for my puffy under-eyes and saw this in my search results, I knew I needed to look no further. This formula is lightweight and easily absorbs, and is not heavily scented. It relieves my eye puffiness and moisturizes the sensitive skin around them. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lightweight eye cream." —Stephanie
Ilia
Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
Ilia
Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
Credit: IliaPros
- Features a cooling applicator tip
- Editor favorite
We awarded Ilia's Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream with a 2023 Bazaar Skincare Award for good reason: It's a favorite among editors (myself included) for reducing puffiness and fine lines, and provides the perfect pre-concealer skin prep.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best eye cream. I am obsessed with the cooling massage top for blending it in. I already see a difference in reducing under eye puffiness. It’s a must-have for me now!" —Lauren B.
Herbivore Botanicals
Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Herbivore Botanicals
Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Now 50% Off
Credit: Herbivore BotanicalsPros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
Herbivore Botanicals's Super Nova eye cream works to brighten dark under-eye circles in seven days flat, using tumeric and potent THD vitamin C. It's best used in your daily routine, especially since it also makes a great primer.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best eye cream! Really helps to brighten my under eyes and is a must use every morning." —Brittney P.
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100% Pure
Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
100% Pure
Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Credit: 100% PurePros
- Anti-aging
100% Pure's Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream sources its main ingredient from both coffee and green tea, making it extra concentrated. Its formula also nicely includes rosehip oil to keep skin supple and nourished.
One satisfied customer writes: "This has been one of my favorite staple products for so many years. I can’t ever be without it! Love the smell so much and the tightening effect, it’s amazing how quickly you see firming results. I also love the glowy bright affect it gives while wearing. My favorite thing to use on the go traveling or when my under eyes look puffy with bags. One of the few products I will consistently always repurchase, thank you!!!" —Amanda
Mario Badescu
Caffeine Eye Cream
Mario Badescu
Caffeine Eye Cream
Credit: AmazonPros
- Great for dry skin
- Budget-friendly
You only need to use a small amount of Mario Badescu's Caffeine Eye Cream each day to seamlessly reduce puffiness and wrinkles. As a bonus, it also contains squalane and jojoba oil to keep dry under-eyes moisturized.
One satisfied customer writes: "Was hesitant to try this because the price is pretty low compared to some eye creams I've used. But I also wasn't finding one that brightened my dark circles. I figured I had nothing to lose! Wow! Was I surprised! I noticed a difference by the 3rd night. I plan on rebuying when I run out but the jar is quite a good size and only a little is needed. So I'll be good for awhile!" —Hayden S.
Dermalogica
Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
Dermalogica
Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
Credit: DermstorePros
- Lightweight
- Pro pick
Murphy-Rose also suggests this eye gel from Dermalogica, which uses caffeine and active peptides to minimize congestion, plump fine lines, and brighten under-eyes.
One satisfied customer writes: "Love the gel opposed to cream around the eyes. Gives a baby soft feel, glides on effortlessly and de-puffs. Does just as described." —Michelle
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StriVectin
Peptight 360˚ Tightening Eye Serum
StriVectin
Peptight 360˚ Tightening Eye Serum
Credit: DermstorePros
- Works for entirety of eye area
- Features cooling applicator tip
Unlike other creams, you can use this one around your entire eye contour without worrying about irritation. And not only does its caffeine, kakudu plum extract, and peptide formula firm skin, it also aims to improve crepey lids and upper eyelid sagging.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have always had extra skin on my eyelids, both bottom and top. It didn't really age me much but it was bothersome. Especially when applying eyeliner. I used under 1 eye the first night and OMG could you tell a difference! This has tightened my skin more than I even expected was possible, minus plastic surgery. This is now a permanent in my skincare routine and I will be devastated to the point of suing for mental distress if they ever discontinue it!" —JLEW42
Beauty Pie
Über Youth
Beauty Pie
Über Youth
Now 79% Off
Credit: Beauty PiePros
- Fragrance-free
- Addresses signs of aging
The name of this popular cream says it all: Featuring ingredients like hydrating shea butter, wrinkle-smoothing peptides, plus, coleus forskohlii extract to de-puff, a little goes a long when it comes to this skin essential.
One satisfied customer writes: "This eye cream makes such a difference to my under eyes. It really helps to plump the skin and reduce any fine lines from causing my make up to sit in them during the day. It doesn't irritate my eyes which during hay-fever time is always a worry." —Vics26
Live Tinted
Superhue Brightening Eye Cream
Live Tinted
Superhue Brightening Eye Cream
Credit: UltaPros
- Helps boost circulation
This vegan option is nicely safe for contact wearers. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, THD vitamin C, and of course, caffeine, that directly target hyperpigmentation while improving texture.
One satisfied customer writes: "Dark circles who? The way that this cream instantly made my dark circles disappear is amazing! I also love that there is a cooling tip because it helps with the puffiness I have in the mornings. My under-eyes also felt hydrated throughout the day which is something I normally don't have due to dryness. I look forward to seeing how this changes my under-eyes over the next few weeks!" —Krissy D.
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Caudalie
Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
Caudalie
Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
Credit: BluemercuryPros
- Ophthalmologically-tested
- Brightening
If you're a fan of Caudalie's Vinoperfect Dark Spot Serum, this cream from the brand should fit nicely into your product rotation. It has a cooling ceramic tip that helps de-puff while evening the texture of your eye contour.
How often should caffeine eye creams be applied, and when?
"Caffeine eye creams can be applied once or twice per day, or just at night depending on other ingredients in its formulation," Murphy-Rose explains. "For example, retinol should only be used once a day under the eyes before bedtime."
Is caffeine best for treating under-eye puffiness compared to other skincare ingredients?
Caffeine is a go-to among skin experts, and one of the best and most effective ingredients to target under-eye puffiness. Other top ingredients also include arnica and vitamin K.
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What are some signs that may indicate an eye cream is irritating to skin?
According to Murphy-Rose, signs of irritation include redness, itching, burning, swelling, peeling, roughness, and watery eyes. "Be aware that contact hypersensitivity reactions are delayed, so symptoms may develop five to seven days after exposure to an offending product," she advises.
Meet the Experts
- Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the Hamptons. She is also a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College.
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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