Thank you concealer, for all you do for us. Your ability to mask dark circles under our eyes truly cannot be understated. Without you, racoons would likely mistake us for relatives. And eye cream, we haven’t forgotten about you. Thank you for preventing and treating dark circles, so your pal concealer doesn’t have to work as hard.
Why do we have to enlist the help of concealer and eye cream in the first place? Ageing and genetics, mainly. But there are other causes of dark circles.
“Dark circles are a common result of poor lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and poor sleep patterns,” says dermal therapist Isabella Loneragan.
“Other causes are excessive rubbing of the eyes and even the state of emotional health. Vitamin deficiencies – including not enough vitamin E, D, K, A and B12 – can also be attributed to causing dark circles.”
The best eye creams for dark circles in 2024
As we navigate the complex world of skincare, eye creams stand out for their role in treating and preventing dark circles. Because while concealer provides a quick fix, eye creams offer long-term benefits by targeting the root causes of those stubborn shadows.
In 2024, the top eye creams combine advanced ingredients to brighten, hydrate and rejuvenate the delicate under-eye area, giving your concealer a break and ensuring you look refreshed and radiant.
Here are some of the best eye creams for dark circles, from high-tech high performers to luxurious concoctions with natural ingredients.
01
CeraVe Eye Repair cream
$16.79 (usually $20.99) at Priceline
CeraVe’s fast-absorbing hydrator works to reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, while also providing lasting moisture to keep the delicate skin around your eyes looking refreshed and revitalised.
“A very well priced eye cream that hydrates the delicate area under the eye,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “It made my eyes less puffy and did help with the dark circles a little too.”
Key features:
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Reduces the appearance of dark circles
- Helps to reduce puffiness
- Hydrates and soothes tired eyes
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Fragrance-free, sulphate-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free
Also available at:
- $18.99 (usually $20.99) at Chemist Warehouse
- $20.99 at Adore Beauty
- $20.99 at Pharmacy Online
- $27.95 at Amazon
02
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
$114.70 (usually $129) at Adore Beauty
This is arguably one of the best creams for dark circles under the eyes. Retinol, tissue-regenerating peptides, vitamin C, liquorice, soy and rice bran extract work to reduce pigmentation and brighten dark circles.
Key features:
- Targets multiple signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains retinol and peptides to strengthen and firm the skin
- Helps reduce puffiness and dark circles
- Brightens and evens out skin tone
- Cruelty-free and cosmeceutical-grade formula
- Suitable for all skin types, including those prone to milia
Also available at:
- $106.95 (usually $119) at Amazon
- $114.70 (usually $129) at Above The Collar
- $129 at Beauty Affairs
03
Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles eye cream
$79 at Amazon
This intensive eye cream targets the two major causes of dark circles: pigmented melanin formulation (brown circles) and poor micro-circulation (blue circles), working to visibly brighten and even out the eye area for a more refreshed appearance.
“I have now purchased this eye cream twice,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “I use it everyday and I just love the light it creates. It hides the dark circles that come after 50! It goes on easily and it’s very moisturising. You won’t be disappointed.”
Key features:
- Visibly reduces blue and brown dark circles
- Instantly brightens the eye contour area
- Targets the root causes of dark circles: melanin formation and poor microcirculation
- Reveals youthful and radiant skin
- Free from parabens, petrochemicals and sulphates
Also available at:
- $89 at Beauty Affairs
- $89.26 at CATCH
- $112.50 at Fresh Beauty Co
04
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
$72 at Myer
Hydrate and brighten dark circles on all skin types with this correcting cream, which instantly illuminates the eye area for a refreshed look. The cooling metal tip helps to massage away puffiness, while the formula works to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Key features:
- Instantly helps brighten all skin tones
- Cooling metal tip massages away puffiness
- Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ophthalmologist tested for safety
Also available:
- $72 at Adore Beauty
- $72 David Jones
- $72 at LOOKFANTASTIC
- $72 at RY
05
La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] retinol eye cream
$49.95 at LOOKFANTASTIC
This eye cream for dark circles is great for sensitive eyes. With an exclusive retinol complex and caffeine, it works to smooth and reduce the look of fatigue.
Key features:
- Reduces the appearance of eye wrinkles, including crow’s feet
- Contains retinol and caffeine for smoother, refreshed skin
- Brightens and evens out the eye area
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Great as a makeup base
- Suitable for sensitive skin and paraben-free
Also available at:
- $42.99 (usually $49.95) at Chemist Warehouse
- $49.95 at La Roche-Posay
- $49.99 at Priceline
06
SkinFix Barrier+™ Triple Lipid + Collagen eye treatment
$100 at Sephora
With a potent combination of active ingredients, this quality under eye cream for dark circles works to brighten, tighten and lift.
“Love this eye cream so much,” wrote a happy reviewer on the Sephora website. “It’s rich and hydrating. You only need a little product, it goes a long way. It works well with all the other SkinFix products. When I use this eye cream consistently I notice a big difference in my under eye darkness and fine lines.”
Key features:
- Brightens, tightens, and lifts the eye area
- Contains B-L3™ technology to boost natural ceramides and improve skin barrier health
- Reduces the appearance of dark circles with caffeine
- Helps reduce under-eye puffiness with algae polysaccharides
- Suitable for all skin types
- Effective for all age groups
07
Ragan Skin Eye Reveal
$88 at Ragan Skin
With vitamins and jojoba oil to nourish and hydrate the skin and support collagen production, this is an ideal eye cream for dark circles.
Key features:
- Deeply nourishes and hydrates with jojoba oil, shea butter and avocado oil
- Promotes collagen production
- Enhances skin elasticity and soothes irritation with cucumber oil and kakadu plum extract
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Improves overall skin health and brightness
How to prevent dark circles under the eyes
“Using nourishing and hydrating eye creams are great for preventing dark circles – especially ones that include vitamin B3 and B5 and vitamin C,” says Isabella.
“There is some proof in the effectiveness of using cold tea bags on the eye area. A professional facial with a focus on treating the eyes is also an incredible revitalising option for tired eyes suffering from bags. By and large however, a focus on leading a healthy lifestyle plus a good skin care routine are the best options to reduce the appearance of dark circles.”
How to find the best eye cream for dark circles
Look for nourishing and hydrating creams with vitamins B3 and B5, as well as vitamin C, says Isabella.
“Unstable vitamin C and aggressive retinol should certainly be avoided in eye creams. Encapsulated retinyl palmitate in a tiny amount around the eyes can be beneficial.”
Related articles:
- All your retinol eye cream questions answered by experts
- The best moisturisers to plump, protect and hydrate mature skin
- The best moisturisers to keep your skin looking quenched and dewy
