The 8 Best Under Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired and aged, even if you feel well-rested. Various factors, such as lack of sleep, allergies, thin skin, and the natural ageing process, can contribute to the appearance of these circles. Fortunately, using the right under-eye cream can help brighten, hydrate, and smooth the delicate skin around your eyes, minimising the appearance of dark circles and leaving you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best under-eye creams available to help you combat those pesky dark circles.

The 8 Best Under-Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Here’s a list of eight top under-eye creams for dark circles:

1. Eyebliss Under Eye Cream

This cream contains caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and kojic acid to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while brightening the under-eye area.

Note: All these ingredients are commonly used and have evidence supporting their roles in under-eye care. However, users with sensitive skin should patch test due to kojic acid’s potential for irritation.

Eyebliss Under Eye Cream 15gm

2. Avarta Lightening Under Eye Cream

Formulated with vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, mulberry extract, and licorice extract, this cream targets dark circles and uneven skin tone for a brighter, more rejuvenated appearance.

Note: This product is well-formulated for pigmentary concerns but may be less effective for vascular (bluish) dark circles.

Avarta Lightening Under Eye Cream 10gm

3. Yugard Under Eye Cream

This cream combines vitamin C, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to hydrate, brighten, and make the delicate under-eye skin firm.

Note: This combination is scientifically backed and particularly helpful for mature skin or individuals with thinning under-eye skin.

Yugard Under Eye Cream 15gm

4. Fix Derma Under Eye Cream

Enriched with niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera, this cream helps reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while providing intense hydration.

Note: This is a gentle yet effective formula that suits sensitive skin types and is appropriate for use both in the morning and evening.

Fix Derma Under Eye Cream 15gm

5. Himalaya Under Eye Cream

This herbal formulation features Cipadessa Baccifera, wheat germ oil, and winter begonia to nourish and brighten the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Note: While herbal formulations are often preferred for their minimal side effects, their efficacy for dark circles is not as well-established in scientific literature compared to standard actives like retinoids or vitamin C.

Himalaya Under Eye Cream 15gm

6. Baksons Sunny Herbals Under Eye Cream

Infused with almond oil, wheat germ oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter, this cream deeply moisturises and rejuvenates the under-eye skin, diminishing dark circles and puffiness.

Note: This product may be more effective for dry and tired skin than for pigment-heavy or vascular dark circles.

Baksons Sunny Herbals Under Eye Cream 50gm

7. Himalaya Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream

This luxurious cream contains Cipadessa Baccifera, saffron, almond oil, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E to combat signs of aging, reduce dark circles, and promote a youthful, radiant appearance.

Note: The anti-aging benefits might be modest and take longer to show results. Not ideal as a primary treatment for dark circles.

Himalaya Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream 15 ML

8. Mamaearth Vitamin C Under Eye Cream

Powered with vitamin C, niacinamide, cucumber extract, daisy flower extract, and hyaluronic acid, this cream brightens, hydrates, and soothes the under-eye area, effectively reducing dark circles and puffiness.

Note: This product offers a well-balanced approach for early signs of pigmentation and fatigue around the eyes.

Mamaearth Vitamin C Under Eye Cream For Brightening Under Eyes 20 ML

Causes of Dark Circles

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, including:

• Health issues such as allergies, asthma, anaemia, and poor circulation
• Genetics, as darker skin beneath the eyes is often inherited
• Lifestyle factors like inadequate sleep, poor diet, and excessive alcohol or tobacco use
• Ageing, which leads to loss of fatty tissue and skin thinning around the eyes
• Facial structure, with deep depressions under the eyes creating shadows

Understanding these underlying causes can help you choose the most effective under eye cream for your specific needs.

DIY Under-Eye Cream

Key Ingredients to Look For in Under Eye Creams

When shopping for an under eye cream to combat dark circles, keep an eye out for these potent ingredients:

• Caffeine to reduce puffiness and discolouration by improving microcirculation
• Retinol or retinyl aldehyde to provide antioxidant benefits and boost collagen production
• Hyaluronic acid to hydrate the delicate under eye area
• Vitamin K to address vascular causes of dark circles by modulating blood flow
• Peptides to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve dermal thickness
• Vitamin E for its antioxidant and moisturising properties
• Arbutin and botanical extracts to reduce pigmentation and correct natural pigments

By selecting an under eye cream containing a combination of these powerful ingredients, you can effectively target dark circles and achieve a brighter, more refreshed appearance.

How to Choose the Right Under Eye Cream for You

Here’s how to choose the right under-eye cream for your needs:

• Identify your skin type: Opt for an oil-free cream for oily skin, a hydrating formula for dry skin, or a balanced product for combination skin.
• Target specific concerns: Look for ingredients that address your primary issues, such as dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines.
• Check for active ingredients: Ensure the cream contains effective components like hyaluronic acid for hydration, caffeine for constricting blood vessels, vitamin C for brightening, and vitamin K for anti-inflammatory properties.
• Consider sensitivity: Choose hypoallergenic or ophthalmologist-tested products if you have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses.
• Look for natural ingredients: For puffiness, seek out ingredients like caffeine, cucumber, green tea, or aloe vera.

How to Use Under Eye Cream for Best Results

To get the best results from your under-eye cream, follow these steps:

• Apply gently: Use your ring and middle fingers to tap the cream lightly.
• Warm the product: Rub between your fingers to warm it before applying.
• Use consistently: Apply both morning and night for ongoing hydration.
• Combine with lifestyle changes: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well.
• Avoid overapplication: Use a small amount to prevent puffiness or irritation.

Precautions and Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using under-eye creams for dark circles, keep the following precautions in mind:

• Use only a pea-sized amount to avoid irritation and migration into the eyes.
• Apply the cream at least half an inch away from the eyes to prevent irritation.
• Use the cream on slightly damp skin to enhance absorption.
• Gently dab or massage the cream using your ring finger to avoid rupturing delicate blood vessels.
• Avoid rubbing the cream vigorously.
• Allow a gap of one to two minutes between applying different skin care products.

Conclusion

The right under-eye cream, especially one containing scientifically supported ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and retinoids, can significantly improve the appearance of dark circles. However, consistent application and a healthy lifestyle are equally important. Keep expectations realistic—these creams can reduce but not completely erase dark circles, especially those caused by genetic or structural factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Hamie, H., Yassine, R., Shoukfeh, R., Turk, D., Huq, F., & Moossavi, M. (2024). A review of the efficacy of popular eye cream ingredients. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 10(2), e156. https://doi.org/10.1097/JW9.0000000000000156
• Yan, X., Pageon, H., Lynch, S., Anderias, S., & Brieva, P. (2024). 54534 anti-aging clinical benefits of A new flavonoid-rich eye cream in all skin tones. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 91(3), AB124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.07.499
• Reyes, R., Abou-Dahech, M. S., Nguyen, N. G., Smith, A., Devore Homan, R. C., Schiefer, I. T., Chandler, M., & Baki, G. (2023). Skin penetration of caffeine from commercial eye creams and eye creams designed and optimized based on Hansen solubility parameters. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 639(122973), 122973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122973
• Yang, F., Zhang, X., Wang, H., Guo, M., Zhang, J., Feng, X., Yu, J., Yang, J., Zhu, J., & Wang, Y. (2024). Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream. Skin Research and Technology, 30(7), e13790. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.1379