Finding a definitive answer to your dark circle woes is like trying to find the solution to Cady Heron's famous limit equation in Mean Girls [1]: it simply does not exist. That's because there are many factors that can cause darkness under your eyes, including genetics, dehydration, and lacking sleep.
That doesn't mean that you don't have options. Eye creams are just one way to alleviate the skin concern, and the best ones are loaded with the right stuff. POPSUGAR previously reported that when sifting through labels, you should look for brightening ingredients [2] like vitamin C and licorice to fade hyperpigmentation, hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump the skin above the darkened area, and coloured pigments that reflect light.
If you're not sure where to begin, check out our picks for best eye creams for dark circles ahead.
StriVectin Eye Concentrate For Wrinkles
StriVectin Eye Concentrate For Wrinkles [3] ($69) contains encapsulated caffeine — which penetrates deep into the skin to counteract puffiness — and antioxidants to alleviate dark circles.
Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream
While nothing will completely erase hereditary dark circles, the Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream [4] ($46) does a damn good job of brightening up the area.
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream
Hide the evidence of a long night with the under-$15 Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel Cream [5] ($12), which contains firming caffeine and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
The Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask [6] ($42) contains encapsulated retinol but it won't dry you out thanks to the mix of hydrating avocado oil and avocado extract (both of which are rich in vitamin E) and hyaluronic acid.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
It might seem like a lot of money to spend on eye cream, but the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex [7] ($98) is worth the splurge because it gives you both short and long term results. It uses light-reflecting particles to create illusion of brighter under eyes while blueberry extract and blend of peptides diminish the appearance of dark circles and improves elasticity over time.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream [8] ($64) contains not one, but five different forms of Vitamin C to brighten up your undereye area.
Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex
The Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex [9] ($81) is packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to help fade the appearance of dark circles.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer
A tiny jar of Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer [10] ($47) is packed with skin brightening ingredients, including Vitamin C derived from an exotic plant called Rosa Roxburghii.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Power Eye Cream
The Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Power Eye Cream [11] ($65) has a pump that dispenses a lightweight lotion that's loaded with antioxidants to reduce dark circles.
Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream
Believe it or not, the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream [12] ($69) feels even more luxurious than how its jar looks. The cream uses a plant-derived retinol alternative to firm the delicate skin beneath your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Glamglow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream
At first glance, the Glamglow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream [13] ($39) is primo shelfie-material. Open it up and you'll find a formula packed with firming caffeine, hydrating hyaluronic acid, smoothing peptides, and brightening pigments.