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The eye area is a particularly vulnerable one—the skin around your eyes is much thinner than that of the rest of your face, and it’s one of the first places where signs of fatigue, dehydration, and aging can rear their heads. That’s why incorporating an eye cream is an absolute must. “Eye creams are formulated with specific ingredients to address common concerns like puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. They provide targeted hydration and nourishment, helping to maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness, which can lead to a more youthful and refreshed appearance while keeping the under eye skin healthy,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, an New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
For example, if puffiness is your main concern, the best eye creams for puffiness often contain de-puffing ingredients like caffeine to constrict blood flow and peptides that encourage collagen production. Some even feature cooling properties that help to reduce swelling almost instantly. Whether your eyes are puffy due to a salty meal, lack of sleep, or just plain genetics, these fine-tuned formulas work hard to revive and rejuvenate your under-eyes in the long- and short-term.
Our top picks for the best eye creams for puffiness in 2024
After speaking to two board-certified dermatologists, asking fellow beauty editors to reveal their favorites, and combing through customer reviews, we’re here to present the 12 best eye creams for puffiness that will help you achieve smooth, taut under eyes every single morning. Scroll down and shop below.
1
Best for Dark Circles
Skinceuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye For Dark Circles
Pros
Absorbs quickly
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Skinceuticals is a beauty editor-favorite brand, and this eye cream is a true powerhouse. Beyond puffiness, the product also combats other signs of aging, including crepiness, dark circles, and crows feet with “a blend of caffeine as well as Proxylane, glycyrrhetinic acid, and Matrixyl 3000. I love that it also uses a blend of optical diffusers to help disperse the light,” Dr. Garshick says.
Key ingredients: Concentrated ProxylaneTM, wild fruit flavonoid blend, Matrixyl 3000, glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I was an eye cream non-believer before this Skinceuticals gem came into my life. I have trouble sleeping, and my under eyes are the first place evidence of my late-night TikTok scrolling appears. With each use of this salve, my eyes appear brighter and smoother. I still get asked for my ID at bars and restaurants to this day (I’m well into my 20s), and I’m giving most of the credit to having a diligent eye care routine—and daily sunscreen, of course.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
2
Best Investment
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Pros
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- May take time to absorb
If you’re not a fan of jar packaging, eye creams that have pumps can come in handy. A pea-sized amount of the formula is all you need to deliver nutrients and plenty of moisture to your eye area; you’ll notice that your fine lines appear camouflaged, your under eyes are brighter, and everything looks tighter overall.
Key ingredients: Peptides, organic stevia rebaudiana extract, beta-glucan, marine plankton extract, ceramides
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I rarely finish an eye cream—I either find them to be too irritating or I don’t think they do much for me. I have hereditary dark circles that almost always look the same no matter what I do for them. This eye cream is one of my favorites, and I feel like it actually makes a difference for dark circles and puffiness. It’s one of the few eye creams that I’ve finished and would genuinely use again.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
3
Best Eye Serum
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Thin texture
Cons
- Takes time to see results
“This concentrated caffeine serum can be used in the under-eye area to help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Not everyone likes the feeling of a rich cream around their eyes; this water-based serum absorbs into the skin rapidly, delivering all of those de-puffing benefits without a heavy, greasy finish.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside
Size: 1 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’m a regular user of The Ordinary products, but this is my favorite! I have tried so many products for my dark circles and puffiness, but this one leaves my under eyes feeling and looking their best. If you need a go-to for your dark circles/puffiness, go for it!”
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4
Best for Instant Results
Dr. Brandt Needles No More No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel
Pros
- Works immediately
Cons
- There may be a learning curve
You may have seen this product on TikTok, and it almost seems too good to be true. But we’re here to tell you that it’s real—as the formula dries, it visibly tightens the eye area within minutes thanks to caffeine, peptides, and silicates.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, silicates, algae, plant extracts
Size: 0.5 oz.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I ordered this in the hopes of getting rid of the bags under my eyes. Well, I applied the cream under my eyes, and it worked. The bags disappeared, and I looked 10 years younger. Great product.”
5
Best Cooling
Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Depuffing Eye Serum
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Using this eye cream feels like pressing a cold spoon against your eyelids first thing in the morning. This instantly cooling eye serum contains a blend of caffeine and peptides, leaving the under-eye area looking smoother, brighter, and refreshed,” says Dr. Garshick. Keep it on hand to give your eyes a quick pick-me-up whenever they need one.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, Swiss ice wine essence
Size: 0.5 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I tested this out, and it worked immediately. The funny thing is that I didn’t think my eyes were puffy until the beauty consultant used this on my eye and I looked in the mirror at both eyes. The one this was used on was immediately less puffy and felt so moisturized and good.”
Pros
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May take time to see results
According to Dr. Mraz, this formula “de-puffs, hydrates, and brightens the eye area as well as proactively prevents signs of aging with long term use. It’s the perfect combination of preventative and reparative.” Another plus is its ceramic tip applicator, which feels cool to the touch and also helps to take down any puffiness.
Key ingredients: K oxide, hyaluronic acid, haloxyl
Size: 0.5 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used to work in dermatology for several years, and this was the only eye cream we all used, including the doctors. It’s pricey but worth the money. The smell is also amazing and feels good while rubbing it in. The quality is 100 percent.”
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7
Best Drugstore
Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller
Pros
- Portable
- Works quickly
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that the applicator can be faulty
You don’t always have to splurge to get your hands on an effective eye cream for puffiness. This option from the drugstore diminishes the look of puffiness with hardworking ingredients caffeine, vitamin C, and mint. “The cool micro-stimulating roll-on applicator makes it so satisfying to literally roll the puffiness aside,” says Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C, mint
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This product is terrific. And you can carry it in your purse easily. It reduces puffiness and takes away that tired look.”
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- May take time to see results
If you want to reap the benefits of retinol but have more sensitive or reactive skin, a bakuchiol-infused eye cream like this one is a great alternative. The formula also contains “coffeeberry extract, rich in caffeine, and lingonberry stem cells to help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin. I also love that it protects against blue light damage and oxidative stress using the lingonberry stem cells,” says Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, lingonberry stem cells, coffeeberry extract
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve always struggled with dark circles and puffiness under my eyes, and I’ve tried countless eye creams in the past, but nothing seemed to make a real difference. This eye cream has truly been a game changer for me, and I can’t help but rave about it. I use a small amount at night before going to sleep, and I wake up with my eyes looking refreshed and revitalized! After using it consistently for a few weeks, I’ve noticed a look in reduced dark circles and puffiness under my eyes.”
Pros
- Convenient packaging
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Although this eye cream is marketed toward men, it goes without saying that anyone can use and enjoy the de-puffing formula. “This lightweight cream uses caffeine and vitamin B3 to reduce puffiness and dark circles. It is easy to use and can be used morning and night,” reports Dr. Garshick. The product also has a slight cooling effect to help wake you up if you’re still a little sleepy.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin B3, niacinamide
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amaon rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Kiehl’s reviewer says: “I use this every morning. It really has made a difference in removing sagging eyes and laugh lines.”
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Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Sensitive skin-friendly
Cons
- Some may dislike jar packaging
Exhaustion leads to puffiness and dark circles, and this eye cream takes care of both concerns. The star of the formula is vitamin C, which is known for its ability to brighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots as well as neutralize aging free radicals.
Key ingredient: Vitamin C
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my second jar of this product, and I do like the way it makes my eyes feel. It is lightweight and stays on without getting sticky or bothering my eyes. It makes the eye area feel soft and lasts. It does work for helping to de-puff around the eyes as well as improving some of the lines and wrinkles.”
11
Best Fragrance-Free
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- May take time to see results
No matter what, your eye area should be and stay moisturized, and the hyaluronic acid in Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost + Caffeine Eye Gel Cream provides a burst of hydration. Meanwhile, caffeine tightens the under eye, and the peptides “help to reduce the appearance of dark circles,” says Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides
Size: 0.5 oz.
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I use this every morning under my eyes, and it helps with puffiness and dryness. I like that it feels cold when applying, and it is not greasy. It is easily absorbed by the skin.”
Pros
- On the more affordable side
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Another classic, the caffeine in this Mario Badescu eye cream limits blood flow in your blood vessels, reducing any swelling, redness, or puffiness. As a result, it also lessens inflammation while hydrating with squalane and jojoba. Reviewers rave about the lightweight texture and note how soft their skin feels post-application.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, terminalia arjuna extract, squalane, lecithin, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba
Size: 0.5 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This eye cream is lightweight and works well for puffy eyes. I have tried so many eye creams over the years, and this works just as well as many of the more expensive anti-puffy eye creams I’ve used. Great value for a great product!”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is an New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
What are some other ways to get rid of puffiness?
Beyond the best eye creams for puffiness, there are some tips and tricks that can help as well. “Other ways to reduce puffiness include applying cold compresses or chilled spoons to the eyes to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, and ensuring adequate sleep can also help prevent puffiness,” Dr. Garshick says. Our experts also point out that utilizing a gua sha or jade roller can help with lymphatic drainage, which can decrease puffiness as well. “Always work your way out from the center of your face and then down the neck with your approach,” adds Dr. Mraz.
Can you get rid of eye puffiness permanently?
Although it will be difficult if the puffiness is genetic, if your puffiness is due to environmental or lifestyle factors, you may actually be able to get rid of it for good. “Consistent use of eye creams, a healthy diet, proper hydration, adequate sleep, and avoiding allergens can help minimize puffiness,” says Dr. Garshick. “In some cases, medical treatments like lasers, microneedling, injectables including PRP or fillers, radiofrequency treatments, or surgery may offer more long-lasting results,” she adds. For example, “sometimes, puffiness is actually tied in with excess skin around the eyes area, and would be better treated surgically with a blepharoplasty,” says Dr. Mraz.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted expert dermatologists to learn more about eye creams for puffiness. She and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
