Dark circles under the eyes are a very common skin problem. Excess melanin pigment can be behind dark circles, however, there are several other causes that can lead to dark circles like prominent blood vessels, thinning of the skin, lack of sleep, and structural changes with aging.
Home remedies like getting adequate sleep, cutting back on alcohol and smoking, head elevation while sleeping and a cool compress may be helpful.
Eye cream is another great option to deliver ingredients that can target the underlying cause. However, in some cases, it can be very challenging to improve the appearance of dark circles.
Table of Contents
How to choose
Dark circles can be divided into 4 main types depending on the underlying causes. It is important to identify each type and treat it accordingly.
Below are the different types of dark circles, how to identify them, and what ingredients are useful.
- Pigmented type: These occur due to excess melanin pigment and if you slightly stretch the skin, the color stays the same. The ingredients to look for are Vitamin C, niacinamide, arbutin, retinoids like retinol, kojic acid, and licorice extract.
- Vascular type: These occur due to visible blood vessels and if you slightly stretch the skin, the dark appearance gets worse. The ingredients to look for are retinoids, vitamin K, and caffeine. Vitamin C may be helpful as well.
- Structural type: These occur due to the anatomy of the face like hollow areas or shadowing effect and if you slightly stretch the skin, the color improves since there is no true pigmentation of the skin. These will require procedures done in a doctor’s office like fillers, lasers, surgical procedures, etc. Topical products cannot reverse structural changes like deep tear troughs.
- Mixed type: These occur due to a combination of the above reasons.
How to use
- Always read the instructions on the packaging of the eye cream.
- Do not apply too much product directly on the eyelids as that can get into the eyes and can cause irritation.
- If it is specified not to apply the product directly on the eyelids, do not use it on that area. Instead, apply along the brow and along the junction of the cheek and lower eyelid.
- Be gentle while applying the eye cream, do not tug or stretch the skin. You can use your ring finger to apply eye cream as it is less likely to tug or put pressure on the skin.
- If you are starting a retinoid eye cream, make sure to patch test and then introduce it slowly in the skincare routine. If the formula is not moisturizing enough, use a more nourishing moisturizer along with it.
- For a cooling effect, you can leave your eye cream in the refrigerator but make sure to check the storage instructions on the product (Some creams can separate or their texture may become clumpy). You can also use an ice roller or a spoon for cooling effects.
What to expect
Dark circles can be hard to treat and it may take a long time to see any visible results. In some cases, one may not see any improvement.
If your dark circles are due to chronic conditions like melasma, allergies, eczema, etc., it may be hard to completely get rid of them. The dark circles may come and go. However, a gentle skincare routine, sunscreen, and an effective eye cream may still be helpful in reducing the appearance of dark circles.
If you have used a good eye cream for some time with no results and your dark circles make you self-conscious, it’s best to see a doctor. There are several in-office procedures that may be helpful for more resistant cases.
You can also use a concealer to camouflage them, although this is only a temporary solution.
Best picks
There is no one miracle eye cream that can work for everyone. The cause of dark circles is different in every individual so the best eye cream for one individual may not be the best option for another.
So, make sure to always read the ingredient label or product description to know about the main ingredients and what they claim to treat.
Below you can find the 10 best eye creams for dark circles.
1. Colorescience Total Eye 3-In-1 Renewal Therapy Broad Spectrum SPF 35
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Sunscreen actives, iron oxides, antioxidants.
- Useful for: All types of dark circles.
- Price: $79.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.23 fl oz
When trying to get rid of dark circles, it is important to prevent further worsening of them. So, sunscreen is an important part of the treatment plan.
If you are able to use your face sunscreen around your eyes, that’s great since many eye sunscreens can be expensive including this one.
However, Colorescience total eye renewal sunscreen offers more than that. The tint of this sunscreen comes from iron oxides which can protect the skin from visible light. It can provide some coverage to the dark appearance of the under-eye area. It also has some antioxidants.
The creamy consistency makes it easy to spread and blend in the delicate eye area. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen and can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (it also comes with a PA rating of 3+).
Pros
- UV and visible light protection.
- Contains multiple antioxidants.
- Can provide some coverage to the dark circles.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Comes in 4 shades, so may not work for everyone.
- It can be hard to reapply this sunscreen if the shade is a little dark or light for your skin tone.
Full ingredient list
Sunscreen actives: Titanium Dioxide 7.9%, Zinc Oxide 6.7%
Other Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Panthenol, Mica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Sea Water, Sorbitol, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Betaine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Sucrose, Darutoside, Pantolactone, Tocopherol, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Dimethicone, Lauroyl Lysine, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)
2. EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Sunscreen active.
- Useful for: All types of dark circles.
- Price: $53.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
This is another great broad-spectrum sunscreen that comes with ease of application as it is in stick form.
The waxy texture is very moisturizing and the sunscreen does not move a lot so it does not sting the eyes. It also comes in handy for reapplication.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula.
- Easy to apply.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- None
Full ingredient list
Zinc Oxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Nonanoate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lauryl Laurate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Mica, Behenyl Behenate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Oryzanol, Ethyl Ferulate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Silica
3. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Caffeine, green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidants.
- Useful for: Vascular type of dark circles.
- Price: $8.90
- Size/Quantity: 1.0 fl oz
If puffy eyes and prominent blood vessels are behind your dark circles, then this eye serum is a great option. It has caffeine at 5% which is quite a good amount compared to many other similar products. Caffeine can make the vessels in the under-eye area less prominent and can also reduce puffiness.
It has green tea extract and many other antioxidants. The formula is thin but at times may feel tacky. You will need to use a moisturizer with this if you have dry skin.
Pros
- Caffeine at a high concentration.
- Affordable.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Urea, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
4. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Caffeine.
- Useful for: Vascular type of dark circles.
- Price: $10.99
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
The Inkey List eye cream is another affordable caffeine-based product. The Ordinary caffeine serum mentioned above has a thin serum-like consistency and the Inkey list one has a creamy consistency. It all comes to personal preference when it comes to choosing between the two.
Caffeine can shrink the blood vessels making them less prominent and can improve the look of bluish or purple under-eye dark circles.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- None.
Full ingredient list
Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Squalane, Caffeine, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Phospholipids, Tribehenin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Polysorbate 60, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Behenate, Glycolipids, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Leuconostoc/radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Carbomer, Darutoside, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol.
5. Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue Eye Treatment For Dark Circles And Fine Lines
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, kojic acid, and multiple antioxidants.
- Useful for: Vascular and pigmented types of dark circles.
- Price: $100.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
Power K Rescue eye cream is not cheap but at the same time, it has ingredients that can be helpful for various types of dark circles. It is also one of the few eye creams on the market which has vitamin K in it.
So, how can this eye cream benefit dark circles?
Vitamin K, horse chestnut seed extract, and arnica can be helpful for prominent blood vessels in the under-eye area.
Vitamin C and kojic acid can be helpful in decreasing hyperpigmentation. Iron oxides in this can protect from visible light which can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Iron oxides in combination with titanium dioxide and mica can also give a brightening effect. (It will not provide full coverage like a concealer).
Pros
- Can target multiple causes of dark circles.
- Can also give a brightening effect to the under-eye area due to the pigments.
- Iron oxides can give additional protection from visible light.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not free of parabens.
Full ingredient list
Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyacrylamide, Phytonadione (Vitamin K), Mica (Ci 77019), Glycosaminoglycans, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Beta-Glucan, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sodium Pca, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Bioflavonoids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Kojic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Ubiquinone, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Gelatin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Alcohol Denatured, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).
6. DRMTLGY Advanced Eye Cream
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Vitamin K, haloxyl.
- Useful for: May benefit both vascular and pigmented types of dark circles.
- Price: $53.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.53 fl oz
Drmtlgy advanced eye cream is a nourishing moisturizer with ceramides and oils. It has vitamin K and haloxyl (a combination of different ingredients) to target the vascular component of dark circles. The oils that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids like sunflower seed oil may help in decreasing hyperpigmentation.
It is moisturizing and does not feel too heavy. The barrier-repairing ingredients in this can protect the skin and make it more resilient.
Pros
- Moisturizing with barrier-repairing ingredients.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- Not widely available.
Full ingredient list
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Glycol Distearate, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phytonadione (Vitamin K), N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Steareth-20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20
7. Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Vitamin K, haloxyl, eyeliss
- Useful for: Vascular type of dark circles.
- Price: $97.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
There are very few eye creams that have an oxide form of vitamin K and Isdin K-Ox eye cream is one of them. The oxide form of vitamin K is considered more stable.
Vitamin K has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It can help in clearing the pigment in the under-eye area due to leaky blood vessels.
This cream also has haloxyl which can improve dark circles and eyeliss which can decrease puffiness. I am not a fan of the fragrance, but it did not irritate my skin. Make sure to patch test on a small area before using it.
Pros
- Multiple ingredients target the vascular type of dark circles.
- It has an oxide form of Vitamin K.
Cons
- Contains fragrance.
Full ingredient list
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Myristate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phytonadione Epoxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Steareth-20, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Disodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-8, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Dipeptide-2, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Citrate, Biotin.
8. Avene RetrinAL Eyes
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Retinaldehyde.
- Useful for: Both vascular and pigmented types.
- Price: $52.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
Retinal, aka retinaldehyde, is one of the strongest over-the-counter retinoids. In comparison to retinol, which needs 2 steps to convert to the gold standard retinoic acid, this needs just one step.
This eye cream uses retinal which sets it apart from other retinol creams. In addition, it is a simple formulation without any sensitizing ingredients.
Retinoids can help with excess melanin pigment by increasing cell turnover. In addition, they can increase collagen production and over time can make the underlying blood vessels less prominent.
It can also improve and prevent fine lines around the eyes. It is a moisturizing formula, but retinoids can be drying especially when you start it. In such a case, pair it with a rich moisturizer.
Note: Make sure to start slowly to avoid any side effects.
Pros
- Can target multiple causes of dark circles.
- Has retinaldehyde which is stronger than retinol.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
Cons
- None.
Full ingredient list
Avène Thermal Spring Water, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glycerin, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Bht, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-33, Disodium Edta, Retinal, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum
9. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide.
- Useful for: Both vascular and pigmented types.
- Price: $29.99
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
Olay Regenerist retinol 24 night eye cream is a moisturizing formula with retinol and niacinamide. It can be useful for dark circles due to blood vessels and excess melanin pigment. Retinol can help in getting rid of skin cells with excess melanin pigment and can also make the blood vessels less visible over time.
Niacinamide can prevent the transfer of melanin pigment to the skin cells. In addition, niacinamide can help tolerate retinol better due to its barrier-repairing properties.
It is a light moisturizing cream that absorbs well without leaving any residue. For drier skin types, one may need additional moisturizer.
Pros
- Can help in targeting multiple skin concerns which affect the skin around the eyes: excess melanin pigment, prominent blood vessels, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Free of fragrance and essential oils.
- Niacinamide in it can help tolerate retinol better.
Cons
- Widely available.
- Affordable.
Full ingredient list
Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Laureth-7, Disodium Edta, Polyacrylamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Titanium Dioxide, Dmdm Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.
10. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Quick facts
- Main ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, hydroxy acids, caffeine, and multiple antioxidants.
- Useful for: Both vascular and pigmented types.
- Price: $71.00
- Size/Quantity: 0.5 fl oz
Of all the products mentioned in my list, I think Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum is the strongest of all (probably due to multiple actives).
It has retinol which can benefit both vascular and pigmented dark circles. In addition, it has bakuchiol which can benefit our skin just like retinol (although it has less research behind it). In addition, it has multiple antioxidants including ferulic acid, quercetin, ubiquinone, green tea extract, and licorice extract.
Uva-ursi leaf extract, azelaic acid derivative, and hydroxy acids in this can help in decreasing pigmentation. It does have iron oxides in it, but not enough to cover dark circles or provide any coverage.
It is based on retinol so if you have sensitive skin, make sure to start very slowly. It is a serum with a gel-like consistency. One will need to pair it with a rich moisturizer to counteract any dryness.
Pros
- An effective product that can help rejuvenate the skin around the eyes and help improve dark circles.
- Multiple antioxidants.
- Multiple ingredients to target pigmentation.
- Retinol and bakuchiol can make blood vessels less prominent.
Cons
- Not moisturizing.
Full ingredient list
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Bakuchiol, Retinol, Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Ubiquinone, Quercetin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Phospholipids, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caffeine, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Glycolic Acid, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Tetrapeptide-21, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Mandelic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492).
Summary
You don’t have to necessarily pick an eye cream from the list above, just make sure to glance at the ingredients and the description to make sure that the product fits your needs. Honestly, there are so many other eye creams that look very promising and are on my list to try.
If over-the-counter serums or creams do not work for you, you can always visit a doctor to learn about other treatment options.
More importantly, remember, you are beautiful the way you are.
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Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.