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The 16 Best Eye Creams to Instantly Relieve Puffiness
These expert picks help soothe and revive tired, puffy eyes
If you find yourself Googling "Why are my eyes puffy?" or "How to treat puffy eyes,: you're not alone—and you've come to the right place.
Puffiness around the eyes is caused by fluid retention, an accumulation of fluid in the tissue under the skin. According to dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, this type of fluid retention tends to be due to allergies, crying, sodium intake, poor sleep (when you skip sleep, lymphatic fluids are less available), or sleeping face-down. "There are more serious conditions like eczema that can lead to puffy eyes," adds Ibrahim. "Thyroid conditions can also lead to constant puffiness." If you're experiencing chronic swelling around your eyes, it's best to see a doctor to diagnose the cause.
Shop the Best Eye Creams for De-puffing
One of the most effective tips to reduce under-eye puffiness is to massage the skin (you can use a face roller or a gua sha) to loosen fluid buildup. However, any general body movement helps. "Exercises where you are bouncing can also help with lymphatic drainage, like jump-board Pilates classes, trampolines, dancing, running, and yoga," says Ibrahim. Cold tools can soothe eyes by causing vasoconstriction, so consider keeping a spoon in the fridge for a quick fix.
Another easy solution: Try a depuffing eye cream. However, not all eye creams are created equal in this category. To determine the topical treatments worth your money, we asked our expert dermatologists for their recommendations and compiled a list of the best eye creams for treating puffiness. Bonus, many of the following creams and gels also contain skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides that treat dark circles and fine lines, too.
Pros
- Smoothing
Cons
- Must allow to dry for five minutes after application
This instantly firming eye treatment set #BeautyTok ablaze with incredible before and after shots of eye bags magically flattening. If you were one of the few who missed that viral moment, here's the video for physical proof of this cream's results.
One satisfied customer writes: "As I got into my mid-60s I started getting bags around my eyes. I began to panic & started trying everything to cover them up. Nothing worked. That is until I discovered Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx eye tightener. This is the only thing I've found that will make them disappear for a day." —J.W.
CAUDALIE Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream
Pros
- Cooling metal applicator can be used to massage outward under the eyes and below the brows
- Recyclable tube and cap (remove metallic tip before recycling)
Cons
- Some people my prefer a thicker formula
The cooling metal applicator and hydrating and firming hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen work to smooth and depuff the eye contour.
One satisfied customer writes: "The puffiness underneath [my eyes] has minimized and the dark circles have become so much lighter and less noticeable. The tube itself is pretty cool, literally, and the application process is quick and easy. I love how my eyes appeared less tired and immediately looked, and felt more awake after each use." —Jaymiy
Pros
- Dermatologist developed
- Can be used over the entire face
Cons
- Allow to dry before applying other skincare products or makeup
This isn't an eye cream, but stay with us: Dermatologist Shereene Idriss created this soothing serum with arnica and ash bark extract to depuff all over the face—but it's particularly great under the eyes. The packaging, too, is truly genius. Just twist and squeeze the serum onto the metal face roller and massage it under your eyes for in instant, two-in-one relief.
One satisfied customer writes: "My favorite skincare product ever! At 70, I wake up with puffy eyes, the Depuffer helps tremendously." —Andrea Z.
Pros
- Optical brighteners immediately brighten the under eye
Cons
This formula's caffeine, peptides, and vitamin C work to depuff, hydrate, and brighten the under-eye area. It's lightweight, has a blurring tint, and wears well under makeup (no pilling).
One satisfied customer writes: " I recently developed dark, puffy circles under my eyes. When I use this cream, it instantly soothes and firms the under-eye area. The color tint also helps neutralize the dark circles. I love using this prior to applying my makeup too. Everything goes on much smoother." —Alana E.
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Pros
- Contains hydrating peptides
- Lightweight
Cons
- Must avoid lash line when applying
When it comes to anything Dr. Loretta, the girls who get it, get it. This editor's favorite targets all major eye-skin concerns. Made with peptides, algae extract, cosmetic active ingredient chromabright, and molecule lipochroman, it works quickly to de-puff and tighten the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "This eye cream helps with my puffiness and moisturizes under my eye." —Annie
Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream
Pros
- Lightweight
- Features a cooling applicator tip
Cons
This eye cream is a true miracle worker in the puffy eye department. Made with sea fennel extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, and peptides, it de-puffs and revives tired eyes. We also love the cooling applicator tip.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have genetically dark circles and this brightens my under eyes instantly and makes me look more refreshed. It’s also a perfect base for makeup as it really hydrates! My fave." —NBtara
Pros
- Includes polyglutamic acid to lock in moisture
Cons
- Some reviewers find moisturizing benefits most noticeable
Super Lotus and horse chestnut flower extract helps smooth skin's texture and lines while polyglutamic acid maintains moisture balance. The depuffing effect many experience is the cherry on top.
One satisfied customer writes: "I don’t know if it’s stress or age, but my hooded lid and under eye areas have gotten swollen this past year or so. I’ve even considered surgery! I switched up my daytime eye cream for this and keep touching my eye socket because I’m floored by how [it's] retracted."—mlopi
Kiehl's Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Pros
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Formula may be too rich for oily skin types
Dermatologist Michelle Henry's pick is this cult-favorite Kiehl's eye treatment. Its blend of avocado oil and beta-carotene aims to reduce under-eye puffiness by 32 percent. Plus, its creamy formula is especially great for dry skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I absolutely love this product! It smells so amazing and it left my eyes looking less puffy, more hydrated, and brighter overall. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in trying it!" —Cookies
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Pros
- Offers antioxidant benefits
- Can be used as a sin highlighter
Cons
- Some reviewers would prefer a non-pump packaging to retrieve every drop
The caffeine and light-reflecting particles in this cream depuff and brighten, simultaneously addressing signs of fluid retention and dark circles.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is by far, my favorite eye cream, no irritation, and I have sensitive skin. It’s extra rich and creamy and leaves a nice glow." —Kellie
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Cream with Retinol
Pros
- Antioxidant properties
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Dermatologist Hadley King's pick is everything you could want in an eye cream. It contains retinol, antioxidants, and peptides that not only eliminate puffiness but also brighten dark circles and address fine lines. While retinol might be intimidating to use around such a sensitive area, she says it's usually tolerable by most people.
One satisfied customer writes: "Yes it’s expensive but it’s a game changer. I was considering getting fillers. I’ve tried multiple eye creams. I used this product for the first time yesterday, and WHAT A difference it made with my wrinkles and concealer. I’ll continue to buy this!" —elleaye20
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Brightens dark circles
Cons
- May be too lightweight for those looking for a creamier formula
This gel-cream features encapsulated white camellia extract that is released as soon as it hits the skin. The botanical, plus a complex made of algae extract and tetrapeptide, helps de-puff and reduce the appearance of dark circles in the lightest, most refreshing way.
One satisfied customer writes: "This was so good and made my skin so much better and the hydration i was getting from it was crazy." —Carly
Pros
- Targets very deep lines and wrinkles
- Features a rich formula
Cons
Thanks to the power of ginseng berry, this plush eye cream targets deep lines and wrinkles and supports your skin's natural elasticity. Plus, we're just obsessed with how the jar looks on our vanity.
One satisfied customer writes: "It’s the best eye cream for eye bags, and it also tightens the upper eyelids. It makes the eyes look youthful." —TINGTING...
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Pros
- Lightweight
- Targets fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles
Cons
This award-winning eye cream de-puffs, lifts, brightens, and smooths the eye area with ingredients like diamond powder, marine plankton extract, and pure beta-glucan. It also gives the eye area a soft-focus glow, which is why the entire Bazaar beauty team loves this formula.
One satisfied customer writes: "This is by far the best eye cream I have used. Its texture is thick and satiny and melts into the skin. Smell is fresh and luxurious too. It keeps my eyes hydrated for many hours." —Simone C.
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
Pros
- Anti-aging
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
A tried and true product among editors and beauty fans, this retinol eye cream is top-tier. It uses the known anti-aging ingredients to reduce wrinkles, brighten dark circles, and de-puff in just weeks.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have fairly sensitive skin that can react negatively to seemingly random products, and this is the first time I've introduced a retinol product into my routine. I've been pleasantly surprised that I've had zero irritation. I realize it should take time to see results so this may be my imagination, but I really feel like it's already making a difference in my under-eye puffiness." —Ellemme
Pros
- Cooling
- Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
This eye balm contains probiotic extracts, caffeine, blueberry, and hyaluronic acid. It has a very lovely cooling effect and is honestly fun to apply. It's also great to toss in a bag for on-the-go swipes.
One satisfied customer writes: "As a teacher who has to be up at 5 am, I love this stuff! So cooling and hydrating! Helps to wake me up and start my day!" —Kay
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons
For a no-frills eye cream at a great price point, turn to this pick from the experts at CeraVe. It's just made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with hydration to plump skin and soothe any irritation.
One satisfied customer writes: "I noticed dark circles under my eyes and researched what I could do to fix. This under-eye cream seemed like the right balance (you can spend a fortune on creams), and I'm glad I ordered it. I use it at night before bed and I've seen a reduction in the puffiness and darkness of my eyes. Would definitely recommend this." —Joel
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Michelle Henry, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Dr. Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.
Which ingredients best help treat puffy eyes?
Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, arnica, and chamomile are commonly used to treat puffy eyes. These ingredients are key to helping minimize inflammation and fluid retention.
What are some additional ways to treat under-eye puffiness?
Aside from reaching for one of the best eye creams for puffiness, you can try a few other methods. Henry says you can use a cool compress, elevate your head while sleeping to prevent fluid retention, get adequate hydration, reduce sodium intake, address allergies, and get quality sleep.
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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.
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