16 Best Eye Creams for Puffinesss in 2024, According to Experts

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best for Dry Skin

Kiehl's Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Best for Dry Skin

Kiehl's Since 1851 Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Pros

• Non-greasy

Cons

• Formula may be too rich for oily skin types

Henry's pick is this cult-favorite Kiehl's eye treatment. Its blend of avocado oil and beta-carotene aims to reduce under-eye puffiness by 32 percent. Plus, its creamy formula is especially great for dry skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "I absolutely love this product! It smells so amazing and it left my eyes looking less puffy, more hydrated, and brighter overall. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in trying it!" —Cookies

Best with Retinol

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Cream with Retinol

Best with Retinol

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Cream with Retinol

Pros

• Antioxidant properties
• Suitable for all skin types

King's pick does all you could ever want in an eye cream. It contains retinol, antioxidants, and peptides that not only get rid of puffiness but also brighten dark circles and address fine lines. While retinol might be intimidating to use around such a sensitive area, she says it's usually tolerable by most people.

One satisfied customer writes: "Yes it’s expensive but it’s a game changer. I was considering getting fillers. I’ve tried multiple eye creams. I used this product for the first time yesterday, and WHAT A difference it made with my wrinkles and concealer. I’ll continue to buy this!" —elleaye20

Best Luxe

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Creme Yeux

Best Luxe

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Creme Yeux

Pros

• Absorbs quickly
• Brightens dark circles

Cons

• May be too lightweight for those looking for a creamier formula

This gel-cream features encapsulated white camellia extract that is released as soon as it hits the skin. The botanical, plus a complex made of algae extract and tetrapeptide, helps de-puff and reduce the appearance of dark circles in the lightest, most refreshing way.

One satisfied customer writes: "This was so good and made my skin so much better and the hydration i was getting from it was crazy." —Carly

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Best for Skin Elasticity

Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Eye Cream

Best for Skin Elasticity

Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Eye Cream

Pros

• Targets very deep lines and wrinkles
• Features a rich formula

Thanks to the power of ginseng berry, this plush eye cream targets deep lines and wrinkles and supports your skin's natural elasticity. Plus, we're just obsessed with how the jar looks on our vanity.

One satisfied customer writes: "It’s the best eye cream for eye bags, and it also tightens the upper eyelids. It makes the eyes look youthful." —TINGTING...

Bazaar Skincare Award Winner

Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

Bazaar Skincare Award Winner

Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

Pros

• Lightweight
• Features a cooling applicator tip

This eye cream is a true miracle worker in the puffy eye department. Made with sea fennel extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, and peptides, it de-puffs and revives tired eyes. We also love the cooling applicator tip.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have genetically dark circles and this brightens my under eyes instantly and makes me look more refreshed. It’s also a perfect base for makeup as it really hydrates! My fave." —NBtara

Bazaar Skincare Award Winner

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

Bazaar Skincare Award Winner

U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate

Pros

• Lightweight
• Targets fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles

With ingredients like diamond powder, marine plankton extract, and pure beta glucan, this award-winning eye cream de-puffs, lifts, brightens, and smooths the eye area. You'll also notice that it gives a soft-focus glow.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is by far the best eye cream I have used. Its texture is thick and satiny and melts into the skin. Smell is fresh and luxurious too. It keeps my eyes hydrated for many hours." —Simone C.

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Best Value

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Best Value

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Now 31% Off

Pros

• Anti-aging
• Hypoallergenic

A tried and true product among editors and beauty fans, this retinol eye cream is top-tier. It uses the known anti-aging ingredients to reduce wrinkles, brighten dark circles, and de-puff in just weeks.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have fairly sensitive skin that can react negatively to seemingly random products, and this is the first time I've introduced a retinol product into my routine. I've been pleasantly surprised that I've had zero irritation. I realize it should take time to see results so this may be my imagination, but I really feel like it's already making a difference in my under-eye puffiness." —Ellemme

Best Fast-Acting

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye

Best Fast-Acting

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye

Pros

• Smoothing

Cons

• Must allow to dry for five minutes after application

This instantly firming eye treatment set BeautyTok ablaze with incredible before and after shots of eye bags magically flattening. If you were one of the few who missed that viral moment, here's the video for physical proof of this cream's results.

One satisfied customer writes: "As I got into my mid-60s I started getting bags around my eyes. I began to panic & started trying everything to cover them up. Nothing worked. That is until I discovered Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firmx eye tightener. This is the only thing I've found that will make them disappear for a day." —J.W.

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

Pros

• Uses optical diffusers to disperse light and brighten under-eyes
• Helps reduce the appearance of crow's feet

Made with peptides, caffeine, and blueberry extract, this eye cream tackles both puffiness and the aging effects of glycation. It's a favorite of skin experts for a reason—it works.

One satisfied customer writes: "Best eye cream I've ever used. Have been with this one for a few years now and no intention to switch. Keeps my eye area hydrated and as line-free and plump as possible!" —Christina

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Best Balm

Tula Eye Balm Glow & Get It

Best Balm

Tula Eye Balm Glow & Get It

Pros

• Cooling
• Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles

This eye balm is made with probiotic extracts, caffeine, blueberry, and hyaluronic acid. It has a very lovely cooling effect and is honestly fun to apply. It's also great to toss in a bag for on-the-go swipes.

One satisfied customer writes: "As a teacher who has to be up at 5 am, I love this stuff! So cooling and hydrating! Helps to wake me up and start my day!" —Kay

Most Viral

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum

Most Viral

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum

Pros

• Lightweight
• Plumps and smooths under-eyes

Cons

• Doesn't target dark circles

The algae complex, peptides, and glycerin in this popular gel cream help tired eyes look instantly more awake. It's also great to pair with the brand's silicone eye masks for a little extra tightening oomph.

One satisfied customer writes: "A perfect eye serum! Already on my second one. I can’t get enough of this product! I love the way it makes my under eyes feel in the morning, I love it so much!! So hydrating, it makes me look more awake and bright." —Jade C.

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Pros

• Accepted by the National Eczema Association

For a no-frills eye cream at a great price point, turn to this pick from the experts at CeraVe. It's just made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with hydration to plump skin and soothe any irritation.

One satisfied customer writes: "I noticed dark circles under my eyes and researched what I could do to fix. This under eye cream seemed like the right balance (you can spend a fortune on creams) and I'm glad I ordered it. I use it at night before bed and I've seen a reduction in the puffiness and darkness of my eyes. Would definitely recommend this." —Joel

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Best with Antioxidants

Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Best with Antioxidants

Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel

Pros

• Contains hydrating peptides
• Lightweight

Cons

• Must avoid lash line when applying

When it comes to anything Dr. Loretta, the girls who get it, get it. This editor's favorite targets all major eye-skin concerns. Made with peptides, algae extract, cosmetic active ingredient chromabright, and molecule lipochroman, it works quickly to de-puff and tighten the skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "This eye cream helps with my puffiness and moisturizes under my eye." —Annie

Best with Vitamin C

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Vitamin C Eye Cream

Best with Vitamin C

Paula's Choice C5 Super Boost Vitamin C Eye Cream

Pros

• Brightening
• Contains hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump and hydrate skin

While this eye cream's main purpose is to brighten dark circles (and it does so quite well), it also does wonders for puffy eyes. It uses five percent vitamin C to treat dullness and is packed with peptides to firm skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "I suffer from extremely puffy eyes and dark circles when I wake up every morning. This has been a game changer when it comes to the hyperpigmentation under my eyes. It has been brightening my under-eyes while providing adequate moisture and plays nicely with my other skincare products." —ilovetopurplefy

Best with Applicator

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Best with Applicator

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Pros

• Fast-absorbing
• Helps reduce dark circles and fine lines

It doesn't get more luxe than this rich eye cream. It's made with a lime tea extract and special marine complexes that firm skin, de-puff, and brighten dark circles in just a couple of weeks. Plus, it comes with a rounded applicator for a cooling, spa-like effect.

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Best with Caffeine

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Best with Caffeine

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Pros

• Budget-friendly

King says that caffeine is one important ingredient to look for when wanting to treat puffiness. "It can constrict superficial blood vessels and increase microcirculation, thereby decreasing fluid accumulation," she explains. This cream uses caffeine as the hero ingredient to focus on depuffing, but it's also mixed with glycerin and peptides to treat dark circles.

One satisfied customer writes: "After consistent use, I observed a significant reduction in puffiness and a brightening effect on my dark circles, making me look more awake and energized." —samanthaxai

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Michelle Henry, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dr. Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Which ingredients best help treat puffy eyes?

Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, arnica, and chamomile are commonly used to treat puffy eyes. These ingredients are key in helping to minimize inflammation and fluid retention.

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What are some additional ways to treat under-eye puffiness?

Aside from reaching for one of the best eye creams for puffiness, there are a few other methods you can try. Henry says that you can use a cool compress, elevate your head while sleeping to prevent fluid retention, get adequate hydration, reduce sodium intake, address allergies, and get quality sleep.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.

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