- Works quickly and effectively
- Cooling metal applicator tip
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
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Updated April 14, 2024
Puffiness around the eyes can be caused by many factors, such as lack of sleep, allergies, aging, or dehydration. It can make you look tired, dull, or aged, but fortunately, many eye creams can help you reduce puffiness and restore a youthful and radiant appearance.
“The most important thing when choosing an eye cream is to use a high quality cream that is made specifically for the eye area,” says Dr. Julia Giyaur, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon and a founding director of New York Laser Vision Aesthetics. “There are several options, surgical or non surgical to help with puffiness. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the gold standard for treating under-eye puffiness and gives consistent long lasting results. For those who are not ready for surgical intervention, non-invasive things like fractional lasers, radiofrequency with microneedling, botox and under eye hyaluronic acid fillers can significantly improve the appearance.”
For non-surgical remedies, Dr. Giyaur says, “The ingredients that I recommend are retinol (in concentrations made specifically for eyelids) to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, antioxidants such as vitamin C or green tea extract to reduce inflammation, caffeine and arnica to reduce puffiness by stimulating circulation and hyaluronic acid creams to moisturize.”
How do you choose the best eye cream for your skin type, budget, and preferences? In this article, I review some of the best products for puffiness that are doctor-approved and editor-rated. Some of them also double as the best anti-aging eye creams. I also give you some tips on what to look for in an eye cream and how to use it effectively.
What to look for in a puffy eye cream
Efficacy
Look at reviews from people who have skin similar to yours and see how the eye cream worked for them. You can also check the before and after photos or videos to see the results.
Ingredients
Opt for ingredients that can help reduce inflammation, such as caffeine, green tea, cucumber, or chamomile. You can also look for ingredients that can help hydrate, firm, and brighten the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, or niacinamide.
Application and ease of use
Check how often you have to use the product and how to apply it. Some creams might come with an applicator. Products that are more fluid, like the best anti-aging serums, can be applied with your hands. Some products also have specific storage requirements—such as refrigeration—to keep them fresh.
Price point and product size
The value of an eye cream will vary depending on the product size and the price. You can compare the price per ounce or milliliter to see which one is more affordable.
Our top picks for eye creams for puffiness
Best fast-acting eye cream for puffiness: Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream is a lightweight and refreshing eye cream that can instantly brighten and de-puff the eye area. It contains caffeine, peptides, and antioxidants that can help reduce swelling, smooth fine lines, and protect the skin from environmental damage. It’s also an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, antioxidants
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $32
Pros:
Cons:
- Some reviewers state it’s not moisturizing enough for extra dry skin
The bottom line:
An excellent choice for anyone who wants a fast and easy solution for puffiness that can also brighten and smooth the eye area.
Best fast-acting eye cream for puffiness
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Best depuffing eye cream for dry skin: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a rich and nourishing eye cream that hydrates and plumps the eye area. It contains avocado oil, shea butter, and beta-carotene which help moisturize, soften, and protect the skin. It also has a creamy texture that melts into the skin and provides a smooth base for makeup.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter, beta-carotene
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 14 ml
- Price on publish: $39.99
Pros:
- Very hydrating and soothing
- Creamy, smooth texture
- Suitable for dry to normal skin
- Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested
Cons:
- Some users complain it is too heavy or greasy
The bottom line:
A fantastic eye cream for dry or sensitive skin that is both moisturizing and gentle.
Best depuffing eye cream for dry skin
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Best depuffing eye cream for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream is a soothing gel cream that can reduce puffiness and irritation. It contains neurosensine, niacinamide, and thermal spring water that can help relieve inflammation, redness, and itching. It also has a minimalist formula that is free of parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Neurosensine, niacinamide, thermal spring water
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.67 oz / 20 ml
- Price on publish: $29.99
Pros:
- Helps restore the skin's natural moisture barrier
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons:
- It might not be moisturizing enough for dry skin
- It might not be enough for dark circles or wrinkles
The bottom line:
An excellent choice for anyone who has sensitive or allergy-prone skin and needs a soothing, calming eye cream to reduce puffiness.
Best depuffing eye cream for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream Repair Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Best depuffing eye cream for oily skin: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream is a lightweight and energizing eye cream that can brighten and de-puff the eye area. It contains coffee, ginseng, and magnolia extract that can help stimulate blood circulation, reduce swelling, and enhance radiance. It also has a pearlescent formula that can reflect light and create a natural glow.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Coffee, ginseng, magnolia extract
- Fragrance: Natural citrus scent
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $33.99
Pros:
- Lightweight, refreshing citrus formula
- Pearlescent and illuminating
- Ginseng boosts skin to make you look more awake
- Vegan
Cons:
- Might be too drying or irritating for dry or sensitive skin
The bottom line:
A great eye cream for anyone who has oily or dull skin and needs a lightweight and energizing cream that can de-puff the eye area.
Best depuffing eye cream for oily skin
Origins Ginzing™ Vitamin C & Niacinamide Eye Cream To Brighten & Depuff - Warm - 0.5 fl oz
Best depuffing eye cream for under makeup: Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream
Olay Eyes Brightening Eye Cream is a hydrating and smoothing eye cream that can reduce puffiness and dark circles. It contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and pro-vitamin B5, which can help brighten, even, and firm the skin. It also has a silky texture that can glide on the skin and provide a smooth base for makeup.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5
- Fragrance: Contains fragrance but scent is not detectable
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $35.99
Pros:
- It’s hydrating and smoothing
- Helps your eyes look well rested
- It has a silky and lightweight texture
Cons:
- It might not be enough for severe puffiness or wrinkles
- It might cause some sensitivity to sunlight
The bottom line:
This hydrating, smoothing eye cream can also reduce puffiness and dark circles at a great price.
Best depuffing eye cream for under makeup
Olay Brightening Eye Cream for Dark Circles, 0.5 fl oz
Best depuffing eye cream for morning: Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Brightening Vitamin C
Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Brightening Vitamin C is a refreshing and revitalizing eye cream that can reduce puffiness and dark circles. It contains vitamin C, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid that can help brighten, de-puff, and hydrate the eye area. It also has a gel-cream texture that can absorb quickly and leave a cooling sensation. Shopping tip: Farmacy also made our list for the best night creams.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance: Natural fruity scent
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $40.98
Pros:
- Cooling gel-cream consistency
- It has a natural fruity scent and is cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist approved
Cons:
- One of the most expensive on this list
- Might cause sensitivity or irritation for some people
The bottom line:
This refreshing, revitalizing eye cream can reduce puffiness and dark circles every morning.
Best depuffing eye cream for morning
Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Brightening Vitamin C 0.5 oz / 15 mL
Best depuffing eye cream for evening: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex is a potent and repairing eye cream that can reduce puffiness and signs of aging. It contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and a patented FR-Defense Technology that helps protect the skin from environmental irritants. It also has a gel-cream texture that can penetrate deeply and leave a silky finish.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, FR-Defense Technology
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $34.99
Pros:
- Silky gel-cream texture
- Brightens dark under-eye circles
- Plumps skin
Cons:
- Expensive unless you shop on Amazon
- Some reviews mention high sensitivity or irritation
The bottom line:
With potent FR-Defense Technology, this is one of the best night creams which repairs skin while reducing puffiness and signs of aging.
Best depuffing eye cream for evening
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel-Cream
Best splurge eye cream for puffiness: La Mer The Eye Concentrate
La Mer The Eye Concentrate is a luxurious and nourishing eye cream that celebs love for its ability to reduce puffiness and dark circles. It contains the legendary Miracle Broth, a blend of sea kelp, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that can help heal, regenerate, and transform the skin. It also has a creamy texture that can melt into the skin and provide a smooth base for makeup.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Miracle Broth, The Clarity Ferment, lime tea concentrate
- Fragrance: Natural sea scent
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $170.50
Pros:
- Luxurious and nourishing
- Creamy, smooth texture
- Comes with a silver-tipped applicator to massage eyes
Cons:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
Splurge on a luxurious and nourishing eye cream from La Mer that can also reduce puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.
Best splurge eye cream for puffiness
La Mer The Eye Concentrate
Best budget eye cream for puffiness: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is an affordable and effective eye cream that can reduce puffiness and dark circles. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide that can help restore the skin barrier, hydrate, and brighten the skin. It also has a lightweight texture that can absorb quickly and leave a matte finish. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used morning and evening.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 14.2 g
- Price on publish: $11.49
Pros:
- Affordable and effective formulation
- Marine & Botanical Complex brightens the eye area
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Reviewers love the price point and accessibility
Cons:
- Might not be moisturizing enough for dry skin
- Might not be enough for severe puffiness or wrinkles
The bottom line:
CeraVe offers an affordable and effective eye cream that can also reduce puffiness and dark circles on all skin types.
Best budget eye cream for puffiness
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness for All Skin Types
Best luxury eye cream for puffiness: SK-II SKINPOWER Eye Cream
SK-II SKINPOWER Eye Cream is a premium and potent product that can reduce puffiness and signs of aging. It contains the signature Pitera, a fermented yeast extract that can help improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. It also contains SK-II’s InfinitPower Technology which helps firm, lift, and smooth the skin.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Pitera, InfinitPower Technology, niacinamide,
- Fragrance: Light floral scent
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.49 oz / 14.5 g
- Price on publish: $137.52
Pros:
- Plumps the skin
- Rich texture
- Improves skin’s moisture barrier
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Might be too heavy or greasy for oily skin
The bottom line:
An excellent choice for anyone who wants to invest in a premium eye cream that can reduce puffiness and signs of aging.
Best luxury eye cream for puffiness
SK-II SKINPOWER Eye Cream 0.40 oz/ 14.5g
Best brightening eye cream for puffiness: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright⁺ Eye Crème
Inspired by “banana powder”—a brightening setting powder used by makeup artists—Ole Henriksen Banana Bright⁺ Eye Crème is a hydrating and illuminating eye cream that can reduce puffiness and dark circles. It contains a Triple Vitamin C Complex, Hardy Orange Extract, and collagen that can help brighten, smooth, and firm the skin. It also has a creamy texture that can blend well with makeup and create a natural glow.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Hardy Orange Extract, collagen
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.5 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $41
Pros:
- Hydrating and illuminating
- Creamy, blendable texture
- Lightweight
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- It might not be enough for severe puffiness or wrinkles
The bottom line:
A hydrating and illuminating eye cream that can also reduce puffiness and dark circles and works well with makeup.
Best brightening eye cream for puffiness
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Brightening Eye Crème 0.5 oz / 15 mL
Best gel eye cream for puffiness: Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel is a lightweight and refreshing eye treatment that can reduce puffiness and dryness. It contains Tetrapeptide-5 and algae extract, which can help hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin, as well as two other proprietary ingredients created by the company—Chromabright® and Antioxidant Lipochroman®—which brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Lipochroman® is a supercharged antioxidant that defends against free radical damage.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: Chromabright® and Antioxidant Lipochroman®
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.67 oz / 20 ml
- Price on publish: $60
Pros:
- Lightweight and refreshing
- Absorbs quickly
- Gel-cream formula with a cooling texture
- Dermatologist-formulated
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- A bit of an investment
The bottom line:
This is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a lightweight depuffing eye gel that can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
Best gel eye cream for puffiness
Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel
Best strengthening eye cream for puffiness: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream is a rich and nourishing eye cream that can reduce puffiness and signs of aging. It contains ReNeura Technology+, KOMBU-Bounce Complex, and turmeric extract that can help strengthen, firm, and smooth the skin. It also has a creamy texture that can moisturize and plump the skin.
Specifications:
- Key ingredients: ReNeura Technology+, KOMBU-Bounce Complex, niacinamide, turmeric extract
- Fragrance: Light floral scent
- Usage: Morning and evening
- Size: 0.51 oz / 15 ml
- Price on publish: $65.98
Pros:
- Rich and nourishing
- Creamy, moisturizing texture
- Improves the skin’s moisture barrier
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons:
- Expensive
- It might be too heavy or greasy for oily skin
The bottom line:
A great choice for anyone who wants a rich and nourishing eye cream that can also reduce puffiness and signs of aging.
Best strengthening eye cream for puffiness
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream 0.51 oz / 15 ml
How we selected the best eye creams for puffiness
I selected the best eye creams for puffiness by extensively researching the best eye creams based on the active ingredients, formulation, expert recommendations, and thousands of customer reviews. I reviewed the top products in the market based on ease of use, the application process, short-term and long-term effects, safety, popularity, and price point.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Will puffy eyes ever go away?
Puffy eyes can go away with proper treatment and care. The treatment depends on the cause of the puffiness, which can be temporary or chronic. Some common treatments are rest, cold compresses, eye drops, antihistamines, eye creams, cosmetic procedures, or surgery.
What causes puffy bags under eyes?
Puffy bags under eyes can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Not sleeping enough
- Allergies
- Family history
- Age
- Health-related problems
“If this is a problem that worsens as you age, it is usually caused by fluid accumulation in delicate, thin eye skin,” says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and founder of Dr. Loretta skincare.
“Since eye skin is some of the thinnest on our body, the loss of elasticity in both the skin itself and the vessels causes more leakage of fluid out of delicate (and aging!) vessels, and the skin doesn't have the elasticity to resist puffiness from increased fluid caused by vessel leakage,” she shares. Making sure you get enough sleep and hydration, as well as using a topical cream, can help alleviate puffy bags under the eyes.
Which vitamins help puffy eyes?
- Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation
- Vitamin E: Moisturizes, protects from free radicals, and promotes skin healing
- Vitamin K: Enhances blood circulation, reduces clotting, and strengthens under-eye capillaries
- B vitamins: Regulates fluid balance and helps combat stress-related puffiness and dark circles
Is retinol good for puffy eyes?
Retinol can be beneficial for puffy eyes by stimulating cell turnover and collagen production. It helps improve skin texture and elasticity, reducing fine lines. However, it may be irritating and drying, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.