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 Images SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye
Credit: Bluemercury
Pros
Instantly brightens
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Fragrance-free
Cons
Some reviewers say the consistency is too thick
Thanks to a blend of optical diffusers and caffeine, this rich, hydrating eye balm (an upgraded version of the brand's beloved A.G.E. Complex) instantly brightens dark circles and deflates puffiness—but that's just the beginning. It's also packed with potent ingredients like the brand's proprietary Proxylane, wild fruit flavonoid, and peptides that work to smooth crow's feet and brighten the delicate skin under the eye over time.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, glycrrhetinic acid, wild fruit flavonoid blend, concentrated proxylanetm, Matrixyl 3000, inclusive optical effects
One satisfied customer writes: "The holy grail of eye creams for aging skin! Great formula and texture that reduces fine lines and helps moisturize the delicate eye area! Worth every penny! " —Danielle
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream
Credit: Ulta
Pros
Contains light-reflecting pigments
Cons
Some reviewers wish it provided more dramatic long-term effects
Here's a cream that 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.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, ginkgo biloba extract/ginkgo biloba leaf extract
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 circles and is a good base for my makeup. I highly recommend it." —JLK
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Credit: sephora
Pros
Budget-friendly
Pregnancy-safe
Helps with puffiness and dark circles
Cons
May not be hydrating enough for dry skin
This top-rated under-eye cream from The Inkey List is a steal at under $12. It combines caffeine with albizia julibrissin bark extract and a specialty peptide blend to smooth and reduce puffiness. The compact tube is also perfect for travel. According to reviewers, if you store the tiny tube in your fridge, the formula provides a cooling sensation that amplifies the already enjoyable application experience.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 peptide, albizia julibrissin bark extract
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
Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology
Credit: Alastin
Pros
Supports collagen and elastin production
Fades dark circles
De-puffing
Cons
Some reviewers claim it doesn’t layer well under makeup
“This eye cream is in constant rotation in my skincare routine year-round,” Palm says of Alastin Skincare's popular eye treatment. In addition to deflating puffy under-eyes and reducing dark circles with caffeine, the formula also contains peptide technology that supports the production of new collagen and elastin. “The Trihex technology has been shown to act almost like a recycler and garbage collector, moving out old, poorly performing proteins and ushering in the formation of new healthier dermal structures."
- Key ingredients: TriHex technology, green tea extract, niacinamide, tetrapeptide-30
One satisfied customer writes: “I absolutely love this product!!! Reduces puffy eyelids and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It's a must-have.” —Angela
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Herbivore Botanicals Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Credit: Herbivore Botanicals
Pros
Lightweight
Brightens dark circles
Cons
Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
Don't let the vibrant color of this eye cream scare you. Herbivore Botanicals's Super Nova formula is ideal for brightening and de-puffing dark under-eye circles, thanks to a blend of turmeric, caffeine, and potent THD vitamin C.
- Key ingredients: 5% THD vitamin C, caffeine, turmeric
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.
Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
Credit: Ilia
Pros
Features a cooling applicator tip
Editor favorite
Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes
Cons
Some reviewers feel it's too shiny
Ilia's Bright Start Activated Eye Cream is a Bazaar editor favorite for good reason. It reduces puffiness and fine lines using caffeine and a plant-based retinol alternative, which provides the perfect pre-concealer skin prep. According to the brand, it's suitable for sensitive skin and eyes, so it's also an option for anyone looking for a gentle formula that still delivers noticeable wrinkle-smoothing results.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, avocado oil, moringa oil, squalene, jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters
One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best eye cream. I am obsessed with the cooling massage top and blending it in. I already see a difference in reducing under-eye puffiness. It’s a must-have for me now!" —Lauren B.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Credit: sephora
Pros
Budget-friendly
Expert pick
Brightens dark circles
Cons
Some reviewers say it leaves behind a sticky finish
This budget-friendly pick gets Palm's expert stamp of approval. "This is a water-based caffeine serum that targets dark circles and puffiness around the eyes," she explains. In addition to caffeine, the lightweight formula features EGCG (epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside), an ingredient that Palm notes provides a brightening effect.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, soybean extract, lactic acid
One satisfied customer writes: "I have been using this for a little over a year—it really works. No dark circles and no puffiness. Highly recommend. You only need a drop, and it's very reasonably priced." —yaya88
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Anti-aging
Hydrating
Cons
Scent may be off-putting to some
100% Pure's Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream uses a mix of both coffee and green tea for enhanced concentration. Its formula also contains nourishing ingredients like rosehip oil, aloe, and vitamin E to keep skin soft and supple.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, green tea, rosehip
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, so it’s amazing how quickly you see firming results. I also love the glowy bright effect 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
Now 15% Off
Credit: AmazonPros
Great for dry skin
Budget-friendly
Cons
May be too heavy for some skin types
You only need to use a small amount of Mario Badescu's Caffeine Eye Cream each day to seamlessly reduce puffiness and wrinkles, so the jar will last you a while. As a bonus, it also contains squalane and jojoba oil to keep dry under-eyes moisturized.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, squalene, sodium hyaluronate, lecithin, jojoba
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
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Lightweight
Expert favorite
Firming and de-puffing
Cons
Some reviewers don't care for the formula's finish
Board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose suggests this eye gel from Dermalogica to her clients. It uses caffeine and active peptides to minimize congestion, plump fine lines, and brighten under-eyes.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Credit: sephora
Pros
Hydrating
Brightens dark circles
Cons
Some reviewers wish it provided more dramatic long-term effects
This editor-approved Sunday Riley cream has a lightweight, silky consistency that layers well under concealer and is made with light-reflecting particles to brighten dark circles, making it an ideal option for morning use. Another bonus for anyone looking for a daytime-specific eye cream? The formula features the antioxidant lutein, which the brand claims offers blue-light protection.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, Brazilian ginseng, horse chestnut, light-reflecting particles, watermelon extract
One satisfied customer writes: “This eye cream is fantastic! It's lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves my under-eye area feeling hydrated and refreshed. It visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles, giving my eyes a brighter and more youthful look. Highly recommended!” —sunalbina
Youth to the People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate with Vitamin C and Caffeine
Credit: sephora
Pros
Lightweight
Fragrance-free
Addresses dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines
Cons
Some reviewers claim the mica is too shimmery
Those who prefer gel moisturizers over thicker, richer creams will want to snap up this Youth To The People pick. It has a fast-absorbing gel-serum texture and addresses multiple under-eye concerns, including puffy eyes, dark circles, dehydration, and fine lines. Reviewers praise the formula for providing a seamless application, layering well under makeup, and brightening up their under-eye area.
- Key ingredients: Peptide complex, vitamin C, yerba mate, synthetic mica
One satisfied customer writes: "A skincare product has never made my jaw drop like this product right here. Within minutes of using this the first time, I instantly saw HUGE changes in my under eyes. This will definitely be in my everyday routine!" —zjxca
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Live Tinted Superhue Brightening Eye Cream
Credit: Ulta
Pros
Helps boost circulation
Cooling applicator
Brightens
Cons
May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types
This vegan option contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, THD vitamin C, and of course, caffeine, which directly target hyperpigmentation while improving texture and the appearance of puffiness. Its cooling applicator enhances the formula's depuffing action.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, and vitamin C
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.
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."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
- Melanie Palm, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego.
Looking for more Bazaar-approved skincare products?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below