Ever wake up in the morning with puffy eyes? Yea, same. While dunking your entire face in a cold plunge tub or ice bath is a worthwhile solution (seriously, the technique is all over TikTok), slathering on one of the best eye creams for puffiness will work just as well—and be a heck of a lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re partial to gel formulas and serums, gravitate towards rich, creamy creams, or need one of the best eye creams for sensitive eyes, there’s a de-puffing, cooling, and hydrating eye cream out there that will make your under-eye look fresher than ever.
That said, there are a ton of eye creams to choose from. It can be overwhelming to weed through all the claims and marketing jargon. When eye puffiness is your primary pain point, you need a product that addresses the swelling. Caffeine and hydrating ingredients are going to be your BFFs.
To make your shopping as easy as possible, we hand-tested tested dozens of eye creams to discover the 21 best. We also spoke to board-certified dermatologists Karan Lal, M.D. and Morgan Rabach, M.D. to find out what to look for and how to use the best eye creams for puffy eyes.
Best Eye Creams for Puffiness
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness Overall: U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Brightening: Dermalogica Awaken Depuffing Eye Gel
- Best Luxury Eye Cream for Puffiness: La Mer The Eye Concentrate Cream
- Best Lightweight Eye Cream for Puffiness: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Brightening and De-Puffing Eye Gel
- Best Eye Serum for Puffiness: Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Firming: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream
- Best Hydrating Eye Cream for Puffiness: Andalou Natural Deep Hydration Reviving Eye Cream
- Best Smoothing Eye Cream for Puffiness: Dior Prestige Le Concentre Yeux
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Uneven Tone: Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Sensitive Eyes: SkinBetterScience InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye
- Best Eye Cream for Puffiness and Injectables: Revision Skincare D.E.J Eye Cream
- Best Anti-Inflammatory Eye Cream for Puffiness: Tammy Fender Awakening Eye Gel
- Best Cooling Eye Cream for Puffiness: ISDIN K-OX Eye Cream
In an independent, third-party clinical trial, 93 percent of participants reported a decrease in under-eye puffiness—so you know this eye cream is legitimate. It takes a 360-degree approach to under-eye concerns, protecting against environmental effects, stress, and the look of fatigue. My favorite ingredient in the formula is pure diamond powder (so fancy!), which is responsible for giving an illuminating glow to the under-eye skin. Never has my under eye ever looked so supple.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydration), glycolic acid (fine lines), diamond powder (brightening)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Plumps, de-puffs, smoothing, brightening
What We Love: Luxurious texture; shows results instantly and over time; not irritating on sensitive skin or eyes; refreshes the look of the under-eye contour
What We Don’t: Has a high price point
Review for MC: “I’m not lying when I tell you have five of jars of this eye cream hoarded in my cabinet in case of emergency. It’s that good. Historically, I was never able to use eye cream at night. I have watery, sensitive eyes, and eye cream always irritates my eyes to such an extreme extent that I wake up bloodshot and puffy. U Beauty changed the game for me. The silky formula is gentle on my skin and eyes—and the benefits have been incredible. Not only are my dark circles visibly brightened, but I’m never, ever puffy come morning. As an added bonus, it layers gorgeously under makeup and prevents concealer from settling into fine lines.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha loves the glowy finish of U Beauty's eye cream.
If you want to watch a wild transformation happen in the mirror, you’re going to want to scoop up this eye cream for a little science experiment. Within 10 minutes, your swelling will go down and your puffy eyes will look brighter and tighter thanks to a strategically curated combo of ingredients. “This has peptides and caffeine, both of which reduce puffiness,” explains Karan Lal, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist, noting that rosemary leaf extract also helps with swelling. “It has an elegant gel texture and goes on smoothly.”
Key Ingredients: Peptides (hydration), caffeine (dark circles), rosemary leaf extract (soothing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Plumping, firming, de-puffing
What We Love: Dermatologist and editor-approved; fast acting (10-minute results); great for mature skin; cooling effect on the skin
What We Don’t: Might tingle on those with sensitive skin
Review for MC: “Looking more rested has been a dream of mine since 2016 when my son was born. I was on the cusp of a breakthrough when he turned three years old, but then my daughter was born and my hope for looking alive fell to the waist side. I've learned a few tricks over the years—great concealer and a metallic eyeshadow can work magic, but I stay far away from heavy makeup when the summer heat is extra balmy. Enter: Dermalogica's awaken peptide eye gel. It is cool to the touch and smooth and doesn't interfere with my sunscreen—even thicker mineral types. It takes about 15 minutes for the caffeine and rosemary leaf extract to activate, but when it does, I look as if I'm ready to run a marathon.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
Dermalogica has a gel-like texture as opposed to a rich cream.
La Mer is a brand that lives up to its cult-favorite status. Marie Claire Beauty Director Deena Campbell credits this eye concentrate for making crow’s feet around the corner of her eyes disappear. The silver applicator has a cooling applicator, which not only helps to de-puff, but also doubles as a refreshing pick-me-up on hot days.
Key Ingredients: Concentrated Miracle Broth (hydrating and soothing), lime tea concentrate (antioxidant protection)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Hydrating, de-puffing, brightening
What We Love: Ideal for mature and dry skin types; multi-benefit; sanitary applicator; provides antioxidant protection
What We Don’t: Very expensive product, however it does last a while
Review for MC: “I have medium skin with yellow undertones, which translates to very visible undereye circles. And it probably doesn't help that I have two small children who wake up at the crack of dawn...if I'm lucky. So, needless to say, I was highly excited to test La Mer The Eye Concentrate. Normally, the item would be a major splurge for me; indeed, using the little applicator wand (especially after I'd chilled it in the fridge for a few minutes, per the site's instructions) felt extremely luxurious. I did see a little reduction in my under-eye shadows—they appeared softer and less purple. But even after very careful application, I did experience a little eye stinging. I'm also scent sensitive—the fragrance was listed so low on the ingredients that I thought I would be safe to try it every other day. But I could still feel my skin reacting if I used it too often.” — Katherine J. Igoe, Contributing Editor
La Mer's eye cream comes with a cooling applicator.
The key to a bright and youthful under-eye is hydration. Squalane, peptides, and hyaluronic acid make up the nourishing triple threat in this ultra-clean cream. Caffeine is also in the mix, so you know you'll look less puffy when all is said and done. Dab a bit of this gel-based cream underneath your eyes for a seamlessly smooth appearance. Personally, I'm obsessed with this in the morning—it's uber-lightweight and wears flawlessly under makeup.
Key Ingredients: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (fights puffiness), caffeine (dark circles and fine lines), squalane (moisturizing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Brightening, de-puffing, hydrating
What We Love: This is fragrance-free and vegan, making it extra suitable for sensitive skin and eyes; wears fabulously under makeup; no pilling; silky texture
What We Don’t: Doesn’t last too long
Review for MC: “Something about a gel formula eye product will always hold my heart, and Biossance’s Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel—one of the first eye products I ever fell in love with in college—is perhaps the best there is. Unscented and forever best-selling, this squalane-heavy formula feels wildly hydrating while remaining surprisingly weightless. When I put it on in the morning, all of my under-eye puffiness genuinely disappears. It’s as if I’ve been wearing cucumber slices for the last few minutes. (Cucumber extract is an ingredient, so I basically have been.)” — Sophia Vilensky, Beauty Freelance
Sophia loves using this eye cream in the morning because it wears well under makeup.
Given that the main ingredient here is caffeine, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this lightweight serum landed on our list. “This is a nice temporary way to reduce puffiness,” says Dr. Lal. “Use it every morning to keep your eyes looking refreshed.” The vegan formula can be used solo or layered underneath one of the thicker creams on this list. Just be warned: It has a very watery texture, so only release a little product at a time.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine (brightening), green tea cathetchin (depuffing)
Size: One ounce
Benefits: Reduces dark circles, de-puffing
What We Love: Affordable price point; large bottle; barely-there texture; sanitary dropper as opposed to a jar that you add bacteria too every day
What We Don’t: The watery texture can make it difficult to apply
Review for MC: “Working late because I'm an editor, I wake up most mornings with puffy under-eyes and some purple discoloration. I hoped this unpretentious serum could do for my skin what a Venti latte does for my attitude: Wake up my under-eyes and make me feel refreshed. For two weeks, after washing my face and patting it dry in the morning and at night, I've been massaging a dew-drop-sized dollop of the serum under my eyes. There isn't much of a scent or a sensation when it goes on, and it's fully absorbed within minutes—so I don't have to wait much longer to apply my under-eye concealer over the top. Good news: The bags under my eyes are no longer Jumbo-Chanel flap bag-sized. Even after long nights online, consistent use has taken down the early AM swelling. When I don't get a full eight hours, I still look wide awake.” — Halie LeSavage, Senior Fashion and Beauty News Editor
Halie noticed a huge difference in her under-eye discoloration with continued use.
Just like puffy eyes can occur from having an extra salty dinner, they can creep up with age. Fall into the latter category? Don’t sleep on this Shiseido eye cream (pun very much intended). The brand’s chemists cooked up an exclusive complex designed to target the puffy effects of aging by increasing under-eye circulation. It also strengthens the skin, lifts, and firms—all in one week. Plus, it has one of the best textures in the game. It’s silky and smooth, doesn’t pill, and layers flawlessly under makeup.
Key Ingredients: MATSU-ProSculpt Complex (boosts circulation), KURENAI-TruLift Complex (lifts), squalane (hydrates)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Evens out texture, brightens, de-puffs
What We Love: Very luxurious, rich-feeling texture; layers beautifully underneath makeup
What We Don’t: Can feel a little oily
Review for MC: “It takes a lot for an eye cream to impress me. I have permanent half-moons that darken according to how little I slept, and no product has risen to the task of successfully taming my under eyes. But then Shiseido's Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream came along. After only three days of use (I apply once in the morning and again right before bed), my under eyes were noticeably brighter, less swollen, and softer to the touch. The product itself glides on easily, absorbs in under one minute (trust me: I counted), and offers surprising hydration, leaving behind a plumped and refreshed look that makes me look much more awake than I feel. Shishedo, you've turned me from an eye cream skeptic to a full-on believer.” — Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor
Emma was impressed by how quickly this eye cream absorbed into her skin.
You’ll certainly get your price per use down with this small but mighty product. While the jar is standard size, the creamy texture goes quite a long way. And trust me, you’ll notice the results fairly instantaneously. With hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, and fruit stem cells, the cream will smooth skin and fake the appearance of a full night’s rest. To up the ante on the depuffing action, I recommend doing five, small taps at the inner corner of your eye and dragging your ring finger to the outer corner of your eye while massaging the product.
Key Ingredients: Vegan marine collagen (plumping), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, depuffing
What We Love: Vegan; affordable; good for sensitive skin; deeply hydrating
What We Don’t: A little difficult to absorb
Review for MC: “A little goes a long way with this Andalou product. It comes on very soft and smooth, instantly moisturizing, but you really just need to gently dab your finger into the jar, then tap it on the skin before rubbing it in. Otherwise, it might feel like it’s not absorbing. After a couple of uses, as someone who constantly doesn’t get enough sleep and frequently has circles under the eyes, I do think it’s helped. At the very least, it definitely does retain the moisture for hours.” — Sadie Bell, Senior Culture Editor
This eye cream is on the thicker side, so Sadie preferred using it at night.
If you want your under-eye bags to look designer, Dior is the way to go. Because while this eye cream certainly has a high-end price point, you’ll reap the high-end effects. The brand patented an ingredient called Rosapeptide (rose + peptides) that is capable of not only soothing and hydrating aging skin but also lifting every area it’s applied. In a clinical study, 96 percent of women reported that their eye area looked more lifted. The texture is on the thicker side, so you might want to reserve this option for nighttime use.
Key Ingredients: Rosapeptide (addresses fine lines), yeast extract (addresses fatigue), peptides (hydrating)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Lifting, de-puffing, smoothing, brightening
What We Love: Very luxurious packaging; cooling applicator for sanitary purposes; lifts cheekbones and reduces look of crows feet; corrects puffiness instantly
What We Dont: Has a fragrance that might irritate sensitive skin or eyes
Review for MC: "This eye cream from Dior was an interesting pick for me. It has a strong scent (something I normally avoid in my skincare products) and was tingly the first time I applied. However, I gave it a second chance and noticed a cooling effect, so I'm chalking that sensation up to an unfavorable blend of products. When I used it on its own, I found that it gave my undereye area a smoothed-out appearance that sat well underneath my concealer. It blended away in seconds and the texture had a whipped feeling that didn't pill. I've been loving it under light and heavy makeup, and I find that it doesn't cause my makeup or SPF to break up or pill. Loving it so far!" — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Dior's eye cream has a bit of fragrance, so Julia suggests avoiding it if you have super sensitive eyes.
Powered by a green tea extract, a peptide complex, niacinamide, and the brand's proprietary TriHex technology, this gentle eye cream is equipped to tackle all your pain points. Dark circles will be brightened, irritation will be soothed, and puffiness will be effectively de-puffed. The texture is more silky than creamy, which makes this is a great option for every day use. Unlike some other options, this is safe to use on the eyelid too, resulting in smoother skin texture and less wrinkles from top to bottom.
Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology (supports collagen), green tea extract (reduces dark circles), niacinamide (brightens)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: De-puffing, brightening, smoothing
What We Love: Very multi-benefit product with a texture that’s very easy to spread out; jar lasts a long time; sanitary dispenser; hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
What We Don’t: Sometimes the pump doesn’t want to work
Review for MC: “My daily makeup routine typically involves a few dabs of strategically placed eye concealer, especially under my eyes, which are prone to bagginess and dark circles. However, this eye cream is so good that it gave me the confidence to leave the house without any face makeup. After just a week of consistent use, it's made a noticeable difference in my skin's texture, evenness, and elasticity. Plus, it's comfortable to wear all day and all night (I despise thick formulas, especially during humid seasons like this) and because a little goes a long way, I anticipate this tube lasting for ages.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
Gabby noticed a huge difference in not just under eye puffiness, but also uneven tone, after using this Alastin eye cream.
As a sensitive skin girl, I have major respect for a brand that’s dermatologist-developed, paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free. I have even more respect when said brand uses incredibly effective ingredients to de-puff. With caffeine and a specialized yeast derivative, half a pump of this eye cream instantly calms puffy under eyes. It also uses humectants to lock in moisture and peptides to plump fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine (de-puffing), yeast extract (de-puffing), Kakadu plum (brightening), neuro-calming peptide (softening)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: De-puffing, brightening, hydrating, softening
What We Love: Results are visible right away; texture that absorbs easily and doesn’t have a greasy feel; wears well under makeup; not runny; good for sensitive skin
What We Don’t: It does have a higher price point
Review for MC: “I *struggle* with eye creams at night. My eyes are uber-sensitive and I always end up with watery, irritated eyes that are insanely puffy come morning. This option, though? It's a game-changer. The silky-smooth texture leaves my under-eye looking brighter, healthier and refreshed when I wake up. My skin feels calm, looks hydrated, and feels supple. It sheers out pretty instantly on the skin, too, so I never to rub too intensely.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha says this eye cream layers flawlessly under makeup.
“This is my go-to,” says Dr. Lal. “It has peptides and neuropeptides to soften lines, and arnica to reduce bruising, swelling, and discoloration. It is costly, but it lasts and is 100 percent worth it.” Unlike other eye creams on the market, this particular product is designed to amp up results from in-office under-eye treatments—be it Botox or laser resurfacing. When it comes to puffiness, the applicator will be your BFF. The metal tip feels cool upon application and, with a little massaging action, can help drain excess fluid.
Key Ingredients: Cucumber fruit water (tightening and cooling), antioxidants (protect from free radicals), DEJ Targeting Blend (targets fine lines, firms, and lifts)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Lifting, firming, boosts post-procedure results
What We Love: Dermatologist developed and approved; prolongs results of filler or lasers; clinically proven to address eyelid drooping
What We Don’t: It is an expensive product and you may go through it quickly
Review for MC: “I’ve never met a Revision product I didn’t like. Their face sunscreen is one of my all-time favorites, and from the second I popped the cap off of this (big!) black tube, I knew I was in for a treat. While it’s made for fine lines, Revox is a killer as an eye cream. The sleek metal applicator seems to depuff my delicate under-eye area instantly—I use it to tap the product in just like I would use my ring finger—and the serum-like texture is so calming that I don’t want to wait until after cleansing to put it on. Plus, it includes arnica—an ingredient after my daughter-of-a-naturopathic-doctor heart.” — Sophia Vilensky, Beauty Freelancer
Just because this eye cream was designed to work in tandem with injectables doesn't mean you can't use it if you don't have any filler or botox.
It’s called an “awakening eye gel” for a reason; this eye cream like eight hours of sleep in a little jar. Tammy Fender is known for leveraging the powers of plants for incredible skin results—and this eye cream is no exception. With gentle ingredients designed to play nicely with the delicate skin under the eye, this creamy yet lightweight texture sinks right in. Anti-inflammatory oils target puffiness, so you look wide awake by the time you finish your morning coffee.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (hydration), rosemary leaf extract (anti-inflammatory)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Nourishing, de-puffing, hydrating
What We Love: Great texture that provides visible results instantly; feels even better when stores in the fridge; helps stimulate flow of the lymphatic system
What We Don’t: Has a bit of a strong smell
Review for MC: “A few years ago, I had a facial with Tammy Fender—and it was truly a transformative experience. Her use of plant-based products is just as therapeutic for the mind and body as it is effective. Since then, I’ve been a devotee to her products. This eye cream is on constant rotation in my morning routine because it truly take away any puffiness or fluid retention. I like to massage the eye contour as I apply the cream for even better results. It doesn’t dry down fully, which leaves my under eyes bright and glowy all day.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
While you can pump this right onto your under eye, Samantha likes to warm it up between her fingers first.
If your puffiness is rooted in inflammation or more prominent in the morning, you should consider an eye cream with a cooling applicator. Case in point? The ceramic tip that accompanies the highly effective (and dermatologist-approved) ISDIN eye cream is a game-changer. “It has a cooling application, smells great, and contains eyeliss, which targets puffiness, haloxyl, which targets dark circles, and vitamin K oxide, which brightens eyes,” explains Morgan Rabach, M.D. and board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin K Oxide (brightens and reduces dark circles), hyaluronic acid (moisture)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Depuffing, firming, brightening
What We Love: Marie Claire 2023 Skin Award Winner; visible results in 28 days; cooling metal applicator; completed clinical testing to prove efficacy
What We Don’t: Might make sensitive eyes water; expensive
Review for MC: “A new favorite in my eye cream repertoire, ISDIN’s Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes is a creamy formula that does the job and does it well, the job being making me feel like a million bucks. Thicker than you’d expect, the gentle-smelling formula reminds me of some of the highest-end night creams I’ve tried and absolutely melts into my skin in the morning, destroying puffiness and brightening dark circles (seriously) in the process. Besides the actual product, my favorite feature is the ceramic applicator. Exceptionally cooling, it feels so nice against those morning eye bags.” — Sophia Vilensky, Beauty Freelancer
ISDIN's eye cream has a lightweight finish, but it can irritate sensitive eyes.
Also Recommended
Constantly waking up with puffy eyes doesn't have to be your status quo. In fact, this ReVive eye cream was designed to change exactly that. Apply it before bed with the cooling applicator and let it work its wrinkle-reducing, de-puffing, firming powers over night. My favorite part? You can use the formula on 11-lines too. In a clinical study, 100 percent of participants reported it plumped up the area.
Key Ingredients: Peptides (firming), caffeine (depuffing), daisy extract (brightens), pineapple extract (exofliates)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Firming, de-puffing, even skin tone
What We Love: Can be used on problem spots around the eye; dramatically reduces crows feet and 11-lines; luxe texture; cooling applicator
What We Don’t: Might tingle a bit on sensitive skin
As someone who looks like a literal zombie after a bad night’s sleep, I can confirm that this “resurrection” eye cream lives up to its name. The formula—which contains brightening, depuffing, and antioxidant-forward ingredients—truly targets every possible under-eye concern. Turmeric, which is responsible for the yellow yellow, brightens the skin in five minutes (yes, I timed it). Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and formulated without silicones or waxes, so you can feel confident that your eyes won’t end up irritated.
Key Ingredients: Tree bark extract (brightening), resurrection plant (depuffing), turmeric (brightening), coffee and licorice extract (depuffing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: De-puffing, brightening
What We Love: Multi-benefit; good for nighttime use; very brightening and good for dark circles
What We Don’t: A little difficult to rub in
If you’re on the hunt for an eye cream that’s going to check off all your boxes (think: Hydrating, anti-aging, and de-puffing), just pop on over to the drugstore. “This has everything you need to target,” says Dr. Lal. With retinol, caffeine, and the brand’s proprietary hydrating Thermal Spring Water, it will take a multi-action approach to your under-eye. You can expect some *very* gentle exfoliation (Dr. Lal says this one is great for all skin types), a brightened appearance, and a smooth and soft texture on the delicate eye contour.
Key Ingredients: Retinol (exfoliating), caffeine (de-puffing), Thermal Spring Water (hydrating)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: De-puffing, smoothing
What We Love: The drugstore price; highly-efficacious ingredients; dermatologist-recommended; good for crow’s feet
What We Don’t: Can be irritating on sensitive skin and eyes; not fragrance-free
Hydration is half the battle when fighting a puffy appearance—rest assured this eye cream delivers. “This is an ultra-gentle balm full of retinoids to help soften fine lines and de-puff your eyes,” Dr. Lal explains. While the retinoid reduces signs of aging, ingredients like shiitake mushroom extract, vitamin E, and black current seed oil swoop in to provide antioxidant protection and reinforce the skin barrier. In fact, this little guy works so good, that 90 percent of people said it reduced their puffy-eyed appearance after six weeks.
Key Ingredients: Granactive retinoid (firming and softening), vitamin E (strengthening), shitake mushroom extract (healing)
Size: 0.4 ounces
Benefits: Hydrating, smoothing, de-puffing
What We Love: Safe for sensitive skin; dermatologist-recommended
What We Don’t: Not good for daytime use as the texture is more of an occlusive balm
This cult-favorite eye cream from The Inkey List is jam-packed with caffeine to reduce the look of puffiness from the very first application. It also doesn't skimp in the hydration department thanks to a special peptide complex, and as a result, plumps up fine lines and under-eye wrinkles. It's super lightweight and great for the daytime, but if you run on the dry side you might want to layer something a little thicker on in the evenings.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine (de-puffing), peptides (plumping), Albizia Julibrissin bark extract (smoothing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, de-puffing
What We Love: Recyclable packaging; great price point; really effective on dark circles; cruelty free; clean at sephora
What We Don’t: Can pill depending on the concealer you use
This sleeping mask boasts encapsulated retinol and coffeeberry, both of which work overnight to de-puff your under-eye. The star here is really the avocado (in case you couldn't tell from the green jar). It's rich in antioxidants (we love environmental protection) and has a soothing and calming effect, making it a great option for dry skin types. To top it all off? The entire formulation is vegan.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol (smoothing), avocado oil (nourishing), coffeeberry (depuffing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Brightening, firming, hydrating
What We Love: Creamy, rich texture that’s great for nighttime; vegan; cruelty-free; not irritating on sensitive eyes
What We Don’t: While it will depuff your under-eye over time, it doesn’t have as dramatic instantaneous results as others on this list
This eye cream is loved by editors and dermatologists alike—it's an anti-aging powerhouse. It's going to reduce puffiness, while also reducing little crows feet, and dark circles. How it does this, you ask? A combination of proxylane, blueberry extract, and peptides boost radiance and create a youthful appearance. This product counts Hilary Duff as a fan, too. “I am obsessed with this,” she previously told New Beauty. “It’s super velvety and moisturizing and has immediately brightened my dark circles.”
Key Ingredients: Pryloxane (plumping), caffeine (de-puffing), Glycyrrhetinic Acid (brightening)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Brightening, de-puffing, reduces wrinkles
What We Love: Celebrity fans; great for mature skin; evens out skin tone
What We Don’t: A little difficult to rub in
If you're in the market for a do-it-all eye cream that targets pesky puffiness, along with dark circles and fine lines, Ahava has your back. This particular eye cream is fortified with minerals from the dead sea, which are loved for their nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects.
Key Ingredients: Red microalgae (firming), dead sea minerals (soothing and depuffing)
Size: 0.5 ounces
Benefits: Firming; de-puffing; smoothing
What We Love: Very luxurious texture; vegan formulation; tested on sensitive skin
What We Don’t: Not a great daytime option as it can feel a bit thick
What to Look For in an Eye Cream for Puffy Eyes
- Retinol
Not only can retinol be a transformative ingredient for your entire face, but it can also substantially improve the look of your under eye area. "Retinol helps stimulate collagen and helps reduce the hyperpigmentation which is common in this area," says Dr. Lal. That in mind, you're not going to want to double dip—pick a retinol eye cream specifically designed for the delicate skin under the eye.
- Hydrating Ingredients
This is pretty much the baseline for any good eye cream. Dry and dehydrated skin is only going to contribute to puffiness. Moisturizing ingredients are far and wide, but it's best to make sure your eye cream has been proven to boost moisture. “Ceramides and hyaluronic acid will make sure the skin is hydrated," says Dr. Rabach. "Peptides can also help repair damaged collagen, which is prevalent in the aging eyelid region," adds Dr. Lal. Glycerin, fatty acids, and squalane are also worth noting.
- Caffeine
"Caffeine is another great ingredient which helps shrink blood vessels in the skin which reduces puffiness, albeit temporarily," says Dr. Lal. If you want to up the ante on the puffiness-reducing power, pop your caffeine-infused eye cream in the fridge before application.
- Fragrance-Free
While in large part fragrance in a product is personal preference, just be warned that it can exacerbate puffiness via an allergic reaction. Fragrances can also react with the sun and cause hyperpigmentation. "Hyperpigmentation in this region can last for months to years," says Dr. Lal. A product that contains fragrance isn't necessarily bad, but just use extra caution if you have sensitive skin or eyes.
What Causes Puffy Eyes?
First things first: Puffy eyes are normal. Dr. Rabach explains that people can have a genetic predisposition to puffy eyes as a result of fat piercing through the muscle. So, if you’ve inherited under-eye bags from your family, don’t expect your puffiness to disappear overnight. But (and this is a biggie) sometimes puffy eyes are the result of easy-to-change lifestyle habits. “Eating salt can cause water retention and seasonal allergies, or allergies to eyes creams, can cause swelling and fluid build up around the eye,” explains Dr. Rabach. Another possibility? You're not getting as much shut eye as you should. "Poor sleep also contributes to puffy eyes," adds Dr. Lal.
When Will I See Results?
In short: The best eye creams can reduce puffiness. That said, it’s important to have reasonable expectations. A few pats of product isn’t going to completely remove the puffy under eyes you’ve had your entire life. The right ingredients can, however, make a visibly noticeable difference—it's just going to take time.
"Don’t expect overnight miracles and don’t expect 100 percent improvement," says Dr. Lal. "Eye creams and serums are great for those that want something to do at home, but they do not replace in-office procedures. Eye creams and serums are a supplement to procedures and take, on average, eight to 12 weeks to see improvement. It just takes that long to stimulate collagen and improve skin quality."
Meet the Dermatologists
Dr. Morgan Rabach is a board-certified Dermatologist and media expert with hundreds of opinion articles on skincare and the use of injectable cosmetic procedures. Dr. Morgan is known for her expertise in cutting edge techniques for Botox and Fillers and the savy use of skin products. Additionally, she deeply enjoys helping people eliminate acne scarring.
In addition to her private practice, she is a Clinical Assistant professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. She graduated from Brown University with Honors in Biology, earned her medical degree from New York University School of Medicine, and completed her medical internship at Yale New Haven Hospital and her dermatology residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center where she served as chief resident.
Originally from New York City, he grew up in Queens and attended Hunter Science High School in Manhattan. He graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, where he completed a rigorous seven-year accelerated combined medical program. He was selected to be an academic medical scholar, during which he received a Master of Science in neuroscience and a scholarship for three years of medical school and graduate training. He was elected to the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha medical honor societies. He completed his internal medicine internship at the University of Connecticut Medical Center where he was elected intern of the year. He completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Massachusetts, where he was elected chief resident. He continued at the University of Massachusetts to complete a pediatric dermatology fellowship, where he gained an interest in vascular anomalies, pediatric laser, and dermatologic surgery of pediatric patients.
Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, melanocyte keratinocyte transplant surgery for vitiligo and hypopigmentation, pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and enjoys treating patients from birth onwards. He is the only board-certified pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist in the country.
