11 Best Eye Creams for Treating Dark Circles and Puffiness, According to Experts

Out of all of our facial features, our eyes can give a major peek into our lives. From the way they light up after we hear good news to the way they squint when we are tired, our eyes are an open book to our day-to-day experiences. Everyone's eyes are still unique, though, and can experience changes in their appearance over time. Dark circles, for example, happen to virtually everyone, but they occur for many reasons.

The main culprits of dark circles are genetics, aging, and chronic rubbing and irritation from allergies or eczema. Loss of fat under the eyes, which often happens as we age, can also cause dark circles. "The loss of the deep fat under the eye causes the blood vessels under the skin to look more apparent, which in turn creates a shadow or darkness," says Onyeka Obioha, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

And while anyone can be prone to dark circles, they impact various skin types and tones differently, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "Those with lighter skin may have dark circles that result from the visibility of blood vessels, giving rise to a blue-gray color," says Dr. Garshick. "Those with darker skin types may be more prone to hyperpigmentation, resulting in brown discoloration underneath the eyes."

In addition, people of Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian descent are typically more prone to genetically induced dark circles, says Dr. Obioha. Those with fair skin, in contrast, often have circles that look more severe, and that's simply because of the very visible appearance of the blood vessels under the paler skin, she says.

The best way to treat dark circles, regardless of your skin tone? Invest in an effective eye cream. "Eye creams help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and prevent them from forming by incorporating ingredients that lighten and brighten the area," says Dr. Garshick. "They also nourish, support, and strengthen the skin and boost collagen production to prevent and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

Shop the Best Eye Creams

• Ponds "Rejuveness" Lifting and Brightening Eye Cream
• Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
• Patchology FlashPatch Illuminating Eye Gels
• First Aid Beauty "Eye Duty" Niacinamide Brightening Cream
• Neocutis Lumiere Illuminating Eye Cream
• SENTÉ Illumine Eye Cream
• Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D. Triple Action Peptide Eye Cream
• Colorscience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
• e.l.f. Cosmetics "Holy Hydration!" Illuminating Eye Cream
• Skinbetter Science ″Interfuse″ Treatment Cream Eye
• ISDIN K-Ox Eye

What to Look for in a Product

When searching for a formula, be sure to focus on the right ingredients. The following agents are key (some have de-puffing benefits, as well), says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Coenzyme Q10

Look for coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which protects against sun damage, as well as SPF (in addition to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, it also helps stave off wrinkles).

Peptides, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins

You'll also want peptides, which support collagen production, and ceramides, which help maintain a strong skin barrier. Similarly, hyaluronic acid provides moisture to the skin and helps with elasticity, and a mix of vitamins C, E, and K improve skin health under the eyes.

AHAs

If you're dealing with hyper-pigmented skin under your eyes, look for a formula with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Struggling with dark under-eye circles? A caffeine-laden eye cream will help diminish their look as well as decrease puffiness.

We asked all three doctors for the eye creams they most often recommend to treat dark under-eye circles and puffiness. Discover their picks below, then choose the right formula for your skin type and tone.