For hydrated and smooth-looking under-eyes.
We’ve all been there: You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and question how on Earth your eyes got so puffy. Under-eye puffiness is normal—whether it’s transient or persistent—though the causes behind both are a bit different. If you’re consistently dealing with under-eye bags, a prominent fat pad could be to blame, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King.
The not-so-good news? There’s no easy way to address a prominent fat pad. The good news? There are ways to combat the type of puffiness that comes and goes. Lifestyle tweaks—think laying off salty chips and dirty martinis before bed, sleeping with your head elevated on an extra pillow, and actually getting eight hours of sleep—can help mitigate things, as can the right eye cream.
Ready to give your under-eyes the attention they deserve? We did extensive research, read through tons of reviews, tapped dermatologists for recommendations, and then put top-rated products to the test for ourselves at home over the course of four weeks. We evaluated each one based on its consistency, absorption, skin texture, feel, and overall look. We also considered the active ingredients in each formula—namely those that address puffiness, like caffeine, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that are gentle enough for the delicate eye area.1 After testing them all for four weeks and rating them on each attribute, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall: Lancome Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream
The best eye creams are the ones that are hydrating without being greasy or sticky, and this one checks that box and more. Formulated with nourishing shea butter and linseed (flax) extract, which the brand says can help firm the skin thanks to a high omega-3 fatty acid content, this rich cream works to hydrate the delicate area while helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.
In addition to the luxe texture and delicate rose scent, we enjoyed how this cream felt once applied—it created a cooling sensation that felt refreshing but never too intense. Over the course of our test, we noticed that this formula not only helped to smooth the appearance of the skin in the area, noticeably diminishing the appearance of fine lines, but it also worked to tone down redness from allergies and eye rubbing. Between its soft and moisturizing formula, its revitalizing feel on the skin, and its ability to create a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the under-eyes, this pick is an easy recommendation.
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Powered by moisturizing avocado oil and shea butter, as well as beta-carotene (an antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables), this rich and creamy formula works to deliver long-lasting hydration and smooth the appearance of the under-eyes. After just the initial application, we noticed a visible improvement in the hydration, firmness, and brightness of the area.
Though some online reviewers find it to be slightly greasy, this didn’t bother us because the formula absorbs quickly and plays beautifully underneath makeup. Once applied, the moisturizing benefits last all day long, and it works to smooth the appearance of fine lines and reduce puffiness, resulting in more firm-looking under-eyes. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, making this a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin or eyes.
Best Budget: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
Eye creams are often expensive due to the high concentration of active ingredients in them, but this option from the Inkey List is effective and affordable. It contains caffeine, which is known to help reduce inflammation, as well as Albizia julibrissin bark extract (silk tree bark extract), which the brand claims works to exfoliate the skin.
Although we didn’t find that it reduced the look of dark circles, we did notice an improvement in puffiness after using it consistently for four weeks. The lightweight texture is soft and hydrating, and we also found that it helped to smooth the appearance of lines and texture in the area. We were pleasantly surprised that after applying a light layer at night, we were still able to detect the moisturizing feel in the morning. All-in-all, it’s a great affordable option for anyone looking for a moisturizing formula that also works to reduce puffiness.
Best Splurge: Macrene Actives High Performance Eye Cream
If you’re looking for an eye cream that’s packed with active ingredients to help address concerns in the area, this one is worth splurging on. Formulated with peptides to support collagen production, caffeine to help reduce inflammation, squalane to moisturize, and a blend of vitamins for antioxidant benefits, it’s safe to say this cream was created to address more than just puffiness.
Upon initial application, the texture felt just a bit greasy, but once it absorbed a bit, the rich consistency felt nourishing on the skin without feeling oily or sticky. Just minutes after applying it, we noticed an improvement in the appearance of puffiness under the eyes. And after using it twice daily for four weeks, we were thrilled that it seemed to reduce the amount of puffiness in general. Besides that, we absolutely loved how smooth it made the area look; it helped to blur the appearance of fine lines and dry patches, creating a softer, brighter, more youthful-looking result. Although it’s quite pricey, the formula is fantastic, and a little bit goes a long way, so if you’re comfortable splurging on it, we think you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Best Firming: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
If you’re looking for an eye cream that helps to firm the skin under your eyes and create a smoother and tighter look, this is the one for you. Formulated with collagen, algae extract, and patented antioxidants, this formula helps to temporarily firm the skin in the eye area while protecting it from environmental damage. We found that it helped reduce the appearance of fine lines, minimize puffiness, and create a smoother, more even texture.
A light layer of the gel texture provides a refreshing cooling effect before setting down. Once set, it does create a minor tightening sensation, though it’s not uncomfortable, and if the sensation means that it’s working to firm the area (which we found it did), then it’s well worth it. The formula doesn’t feel the most moisturizing on the skin, so it’s likely not ideal if you have very dry under-eyes, but considering how well it works to reduce puffiness and smooth the area, we think it’s a fantastic option for those seeking firming benefits.
Best Brightening: Herbivore Botanicals Super Nova Eye Cream
Darkness under the eyes can be caused by a multitude of factors, like hyperpigmentation, thickened capillaries, and thin skin.2 And while a topical cream won’t fix or prevent these things from occurring, it can help to temporarily brighten the area or slightly reduce hyperpigmentation. If you’re on the hunt for a depuffing eye cream that can also help brighten your under-eye area, we highly recommend trying this one.
Formulated with vitamin C and turmeric for antioxidant properties and brightening capabilities, as well as caffeine for depuffing, it helps to create a brighter, more even under-eye area. We loved the rich and creamy (but not greasy texture), and we found that the formula felt hydrating and layered beautifully underneath makeup. While we would have loved to see a bit more of a significant improvement in puffiness, we were pleased that it worked to reduce inflammation slightly while also delivering long-lasting hydration. It has a very subtle yellow tint which helps to counteract blue tones in the area a bit, though it’s the radiant finish that helps to give the skin a nice glow and a brightened appearance.
Best Cooling: ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream
Applying eye cream can make for a brief moment of self-care, and this one is nice if you’re craving a refreshing treatment because the packaging features a ceramic tip applicator that feels cooling as you glide it across your skin. Between the cooling applicator and the formula packed with caffeine, we found that it worked to reduce puffiness in the eye area beautifully. We also appreciated that the texture felt super lightweight while still hydrating the area, thanks to nourishing peptides and avocado extract in the formula.
Not only is this pick great for those looking for a refreshing eye cream, but it’s also nice for anyone who wants to gently smooth texture under their eyes. It contains sea fennel extract, which is a natural retinol alternative that works to brighten and smooth the skin. In addition to getting brightening benefits from the sea fennel extract, the cream itself also has a very fine pearlescence, which helps to give the skin a radiant glow.
Best Serum: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
If you’re looking for an affordable and ultra-lightweight treatment to smooth the appearance of your under-eyes, this one is absolutely worth checking out. Formulated with caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, a bioengineered version of nutrients found in green tea that can help with skin hydration and reduce melanin production, it works to smooth, hydrate, and slightly de-puff the area.3
During testing, we enjoyed how lightweight the serum texture felt—it’s excellent if you find that eye creams feel too heavy under your eyes. It also layers nicely underneath other skincare and makeup products. Though we didn’t notice that it made a large improvement in puffiness, we did see a minor reduction, and we loved that it helped to smooth and hydrate the delicate skin in the area. It also has a slightly cooling effect when you first apply it which feels nice and refreshing in the morning. Plus, it’s affordable and the bottle contains double the amount of product than most eye creams do, making it an excellent value.
Best Gel: Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel
Another lightweight option for those who prefer thinner textures, this gel formula feels weightless under the eyes while still delivering hydrating and de-puffing benefits. While we didn’t find that it helped improve the appearance of fine lines, it did just about everything else. From smoothing the skin in the area and providing long-lasting hydration, to helping reduce puffiness and feeling cooling and refreshing, it’s an excellent product.
The formula contains peptides and caffeine, which help to temper puffiness, as well as rosemary leaf extract, which the brand touts for it’s smoothing benefits. It also contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which works to gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a more even skin texture. If you’re in the market for a lightweight formula that will work to de-puff, hydrate, and smooth your under-eyes, this one has our stamp of approval.
Where We Stand
Out of all the eye creams for puffiness that we tested, the Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream is our best overall pick thanks to a rich, non-greasy formula that works to reduce puffiness, smooth the appearance of fine lines, and deliver long-lasting moisture. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream is a great lightweight and fragrance-free option that works to minimize puffiness and hydrate the skin.
How We Tested
To determine which eye creams are best for puffiness, we did extensive research and read through tons of reviews before tapping dermatologists for recommendations. We then put top-rated products to the test at home over the course of four weeks. We evaluated each one based on its consistency, absorption, skin texture, feel, and overall look. We also considered the active ingredients in each formula.
What to Look for in an Under-Eye Cream for Puffiness
- Ingredients: When looking for an eye cream that targets under-eye puffiness, first look at the ingredients. All of the dermatologists we spoke with say that formulas containing caffeine are a great choice. “Caffeine works to construct blood vessels and reduces the amount of fluid accumulating under your eyes,” says Dr. King. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream and the Macrene Actives High Performance Eye Cream both contain caffeine and worked to reduce puffiness during our test.
- Additional Benefits: Eye creams can do a lot more than just de-puff. In fact, they’re great at providing moisture to dry skin under the eyes, masking the appearance of dark circles, and helping your concealer lay on the skin better. Look for formulas that have plenty of hydrating ingredients like peptides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. Regarding peptides specifically, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alan Parks says they’re good to seek out if you need de-puffing because they help to firm and tighten the skin. Our favorite peptide-rich formula is Macrene Actives High Performance Eye Cream.
- Packaging: When it comes to packaging, opting for a product that has a cooling applicator, like the ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream, is great because it makes for a more sensorial experience and can help aid in de-puffing. It’s also nice that with packaging like this, you don’t have to stick your fingers into the jar.
FAQWhat causes under-eye bags?
Aside from the understandable factor of time—and a predisposition to eye puffiness from genetics—cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ronald Moy says that some lifestyle choices may contribute. Potential causes include salt intake, seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, allergic reactions to makeup or medication, smoking, and excessive dryness, which causes inflammation.
Why do under-eye bags occur with age?
Imagine it like this: When a balloon deflates, loose material develops.“The same thing happens as we get older. We lose fat, which causes deflation [in the skin], and that leads to puffiness,” Moy explains.
How do you avoid under-eye bags?
Although eye puffiness is a common result of aging or genetics, Dr. Moy suggests that getting enough sleep and monitoring your salt intake can lessen their appearance. If you suspect that the puffiness is a result of allergies, Moy recommends consulting a doctor about a prescription to help.