Beauty

The 25 Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, Vetted by Dermatologists, Editors and Makeup Artists

Tired eyes, begone

By Kara Cuzzone

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Published May 8, 2024

Additional reporting by
Chelsea Candelario

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a collage of eye creams for dark circles on a blue background

Whether you're running on four hours of sleep, dealing with seasonal allergies or it's simply genetics, dark circles can make an uninvited appearance. While we all consider piling on some concealer to cover the area, maybe it's time to try out some eye cream instead. Ahead, a few experts share their picks for the 25 best eye creams for dark circles—plus, some helpful tips for implementing one into your skincare routine.

Meet the Experts

  • Kelli J. Barlett is a makeup artist and vice president of education and experience for Ever/Body. She has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty and wellness space. She was previously the artistic director of Glamsquad, where she led the direction of the makeup services and education programs. Her work has been featured in publications such as Harper's Bazaar, InStyle and Vanity Fair.
  • Lisa Aharon is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York. She has a decade of experience, working with publications such as The New York Times, Elle and Cosmopolitan, as well as fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and David Yurman. Her previous clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Brosnahan and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
  • Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Preston Dermatology in North Carolina. She has a decade of experience, completing her residency in New York and training in United Kingdom. She's also a member of the American Board of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
  • Dr. Melissa K. Levin is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Entiére Dermatology and a clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai in New York. She has a decade of experience, specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.

    • How I Chose the Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

    I asked dermatologists, makeup artists and editors to share the best eye creams for dark circles. From there, I looked into each of their key features and core ingredients. I also combed through popular retailers like Amazon, Sephora, Ulta and Dermstore and read countless reviews to find eye creams that truly brighten, firm and hydrate the delicate area.

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    What to Look For in an Eye Cream for Dark Circles

    While I compiled an extensive list for you already, you can also keep some of these tips in your back pocket the next time you're shopping for eye cream.

  • Look at the ingredients: There are a few key ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Common ones include vitamins (C, E and K), niacinamide, caffeine, kojic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you find one (or more) of these listed on the label, you're in good hands.
  • Consider other skincare concerns: Yes, you're looking for an eye cream that targets your dark circles. However, there are plenty of options out there that can do that and are hydrating, firming and soothing.

    • Additional Experts

  • Dr. Blair Murphy Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center and founder of Skincare Junkie. She has a decade of experience, specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
  • Dr. Lian Mack is a board-certified dermatologist at Glamderm and an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She specializes in treating skin conditions, especially for the BIPOC community, as well as aesthetic enhancements such as injectable fillers and laser treatments. She's currently a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and member of the Women's Dermatologic Society.
  • Dr. Claire Wolinsky is a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York. She has experience in laser treatments, injectables (fillers and neuromodulators) and non-surgical facial rejuvenations. She’s also a clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
  • Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. She has more than 40 years of experience in skincare space. Her products have been featured in Allure’s Best of Beauty awards, Harper’s Bazaar’s Anti-Aging Awards and named a Refinery 29 Innovator.

    • 14 of the Best Under-Eye Creams for Wrinkles, According to a Celebrity Dermatologist and the Internet

    Assistant Commerce Editor

    Kara Cuzzone

    Assistant Commerce Editor

    From 2019 to 2021 Kara Cuzzone held the role of Assistant Commerce Editor covering sales and deals across beauty, fashion, home and wellness.

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