12 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness, According to Dermatologists & Tested by Us
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Some mornings, your eyes just give it away, don’t they? The good news is that the best eye creams for puffiness help you look a little more rested, even when you’re running on fumes. Whether it’s from a late night, seasonal sniffles, or simply how your skin is built, eye swelling happens—and it’s totally normal. “As we get older, we lose collagen and elastin, and the skin under the eyes can become thinner, which can lead to puffiness and undereye bags,” says Angela Weatherall, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Boca Raton Central and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Of course, skin care is just one piece of the puzzle. Consistent sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and keeping alcohol in check can all make a noticeable difference. But when you’ve got those basics handled (or even if you don’t), a well-formulated product with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and antioxidants may help visibly smooth and perk up tired eyes.
To help you find one worth adding to your routine, we asked dermatologists and skin care experts for their top picks—and Glamour editors tested them out. Ahead, the ones that might actually help you look a little more refreshed.
The best eye creams for puffiness, at a glance
- Best Overall: Isdin K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream, $106
- Best for Brightening: Sunday Riley Auto Correct, $60
- Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream, $116
- Best for Oily Skin: Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream, $42
- Best for Dry Skin: Colorescience Total Eye Firm and Repair Cream, $99
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Serum, $27
- Best for Firming: Innbeauty Project Extreme Eye Cream, $48
Best Eye Cream for Puffiness Overall: Isdin K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream
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- What we love: It has a lightweight feel and cooling metal applicator
- What could improve: Marked results require consistent, long-term use; expensive
What experts say: Woke up looking even more tired than you feel? Isdin K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream is here to help give you a rested look after a late night of doomscrolling. This lightweight undereye cream targets puffiness and dark circles with a blend of vitamin K oxide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. It’s also a go-to for derms like Dr. Weatherall, who says, “Its cool-feeling ceramic applicator and product consistency are a favorite of my patients’ and mine.” Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, agrees: “This product gives both the immediate improvement of eye puffiness as well as long-lasting results, and wears well under makeup.” Sensitive-skin-friendly and fast-absorbing, it layers seamlessly into any skin care routine.
What our reviewers say: “This eye cream doesn’t have the same immediate cooling effects as some other products I’ve tried, but I really liked the texture of this cream. It’s a bit richer without being heavy or greasy, so it does a lot to help hydrate and plump my dry skin, which in turn brightened my undereyes—even within just a few minutes,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.
Best for Brightening: Sunday Riley Auto Correct
- What we love: Fast-acting; tackles multiple skin care concerns
- What could improve: Some users with sensitive skin complain of irritation
What experts say: Sunday Riley is practically a celebrity in the beauty editor world, and Auto Correct has earned its (well-deserved) fan club. “I call this my need-to-fake-eight-hours-of-sleep cream. The combo of caffeine and Brazilian ginseng works fast to de-puff and tighten, while light-reflecting particles give an instant brightening effect,” says Kat James, a makeup artist in Malibu, California. “If you want to look awake now, this is the one.” The lightweight formula melts in easily, plays well with makeup, and gives you a wide-awake glow, even on the most tired undereyes.
What our reviewers say: “My criteria for eye cream are a little odd—I need them to be the right amount of moisturizing and not leave tacky residue on my skin, and not give me these weird little white bumps around my eyes. You’d be surprised how many creams I have tried, including fancy ones, that do not fit the bill. But this Sunday Riley cream goes on great, hydrating with no residue, and leaves my eyes refreshed and even a little dewy,” says Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal.
Best Lightweight: NassifMD Age Defying Eye Renewal Serum
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- What we love: The nongreasy texture absorbs quickly, making it suitable for use under makeup
- What could improve: Some users found that the product is difficult to dispense
What experts say: NassifMD Age Defying Eye Renewal Serum is a lightweight cream that is packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid to smooth fine lines, brighten dark circles, and calm puffiness. It also has pullulan, a plant-based sugar that creates a temporary tightening layer on your skin for that instant firming, lifted feel. “It has something called Eyeseryl Solution B, a peptide complex that targets puffiness as well as darkness to give an overall more rejuvenated look,” says Dr. Weatherall.
What our reviewers say: “I found the texture elegant and silky—it glides on smoothly and layers nicely with the rest of my skin care products or under makeup. I started seeing results after about a month of consistent use. While puffiness isn’t my main issue—I struggle more with dryness under my eyes—this managed to tackle both well. The packaging was a bit finicky, though. Sometimes it dispensed too much product, other times I had to pump it a few times to get anything out, so it was hard to tell if I had emptied the tube,” says Glamour contributor Christa Lee.
Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream
- What we love: Targets signs of aging; reduces the look of dark circles instantly
- What could improve: Higher price point for size
What experts say: From vitamin C serums to wrinkle creams to dark spot correctors, there’s always a SkinCeuticals product topping our Glamour “best of” lists, and their A.G.E. Advanced Eye Cream is no exception. “It uses caffeine and various optical diffusers to de-puff as well as brighten the eyelid area,” says Dr. Reed. “It’s a thicker cream, but also has peptides to help stimulate collagen.” With proxylane, glycyrrhetinic acid, and a powerful peptide complex, it tackles puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles in one silky swipe. Stick with it, and you’ll start to notice your eyes looking smoother, brighter, and more rested.
What our reviewers say: “Eye creams absolutely help reduce the common signs of aging! Really, truly. I’d never used them regularly before, and after doing so, I’ve seen a major difference in the skin around my eyes, especially with SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye. The brand claims it’s an ‘anti-wrinkle eye cream to fight the appearance of crow’s feet lines, puffiness, and dark circles,’ and after about 10 days of use, I definitely see a big improvement in both lines and puffiness. The cream has an interesting texture—almost wax-like—so I recommend warming it up a bit on your hand before applying to make it creamier. It also takes a little time to absorb, so be mindful of how much you use if you plan to apply makeup afterward. But honestly, it’s worth it,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
Best for Oily Skin: Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream
What experts say: Clinique All About Eyes is a long-standing dermatologist favorite for tackling undereye puffiness. “It’s powered by caffeine to de-puff the eye area within minutes and formulated alongside key ingredients that hydrate, brighten, and over time, boost collagen and elastin production for long-term results,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, and resident and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. The cream-gel texture feels silky and lightweight, with added vitamin C to brighten the skin and whey protein to help firm it. “The eye area is susceptible to topical irritants, so I love that it’s dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free,” she says.
What our reviewers say: “What I enjoyed most about it is that it absorbs super quickly and creates a firm, smooth surface for makeup, almost immediately after application. I did notice a little less puffiness and darkness, but nothing extremely striking. Bear in mind, I have mature skin, some drooping on my eyelids, and fine lines, so maybe I just can’t see as dramatic a difference as users with younger skin might,” says Twine.
Best Budget-Friendly: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
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- What we love: Affordable price point; fast-absorbing formula
- What could improve: Some users report dryness or irritation, possibly due to the higher caffeine concentration
What experts say: If you’re looking to de-puff your undereyes to the sweet tune of less than $10, then The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG might just be your new go-to. This lightweight, serum-like formula uses a high concentration of caffeine to help constrict blood vessels and visibly reduce swelling, while EGCG—a green-tea-derived antioxidant—calms and protects. “This is my favorite budget-friendly product,” says Dr. Weatherall. “It’s a great starter for undereye dark circles and puffiness to see if a product like this will work for you. I tell patients to start with this one before spending more, since not all eye creams work for everyone,” she says.
What our reviewers say: “I like using this in the morning when I wake up because I have serious puffiness post slumber. Since it’s technically a liquid instead of a cream, it can get a little messy, but I do notice it soothes and hydrates effectively,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Dry Skin: Colorescience Total Eye Firm and Repair Cream
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- What we love: Rich, hydrating texture; a gentle formulation
- What could improve: May feel too thick for some skin types, and can be tricky to dispense due to the pump
What experts say: You won’t find any pointless filler ingredients in Colorescience Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream—it’s all about efficient ingredients packed with purpose to target puffiness, dryness, and fine lines. This ultra-nourishing, antiaging balmy formula is packed with caffeine to visibly de-puff and energize tired eyes, plus Aldavine 5X and peptides to firm and smooth fine lines by boosting collagen. It also contains meadowfoam seed oil, a moisturizing plant oil that helps lock in hydration and soothe dry, delicate skin. “It’s a richer or thicker feeling cream,” says Dr. Weatherall. “It’s probably the most hydrating of all the ones that I recommend. It’s great for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.”
What our reviewers say: “It feels very lightweight and hydrating,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz, who likes to use this to target fine lines around her eyes. “It’s hard to tell if it’s working but I like applying it because it goes on so smoothly.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Serum
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- What we love: Absorbs quickly; provides lasting hydration
- What could improve: Some users say the results are subtle
What experts say: If your undereye puffiness is more of a mild annoyance than a major concern, Vichy Minéral 89 Eyes delivers the kind of subtle refreshment that dermatologists swear by. “Lightweight and nongreasy, so it doesn’t feel like it leaves any residue. I like to put it on at night or in the morning under my tinted sunscreen—it hydrates under my eyes and reduces puffiness,” says Dr. Weatherall. With caffeine to de-puff, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and Vichy volcanic water to soothe, this serum is a great, gentle option for daily eye care maintenance.
What our reviewers say: “The Vichy mineral eye cream gave me a much needed boost. I noticed a slight difference after using the gel on my eyes after moisturizer. It worked wonders at de-puffing,” says Glamour associate visuals director Lauren Brown.
Best for Layering: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
- What we love: Absorbs quickly; a smooth base under makeup without creasing
- What could improve: Not enough hydration for very dry skin types
What experts say: If you haven’t figured it out by now, caffeine is clearly a star in skin care for eye puffiness, but especially when it’s paired with ingredients like Matrixyl 3000, a collagen-boosting peptide, and Albizia julibrissin bark extract, which helps reduce signs of fatigue. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream is a no-fuss, budget-friendly favorite that delivers on its promises. “It’s a simple, but effective formula: caffeine and peptides to de-puff, smooth, and help with elasticity. There aren’t any unnecessary ingredients in this eye cream,” says James. “I love that you’ll feel the tightening pretty quickly, but for best results, use it consistently.”
What our reviewers say: “I really liked this eye cream when I gave it a three-week trial. I definitely noticed that my eyes looked brighter, my undereye puffiness was reduced and my undereye concealer glided on without a skip. The texture is lightweight and fluffy, and I did notice that a little goes a long way—if you pack on too much, it takes a little time to dry down. The results of this one were comparable to others on this list, which kind of makes it a steal for only $11,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Firming: Innbeauty Project Extreme Eye Cream
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- What we love: Absorbs quickly without any greasy residue
- What could improve: Some users say the consistency is too thin
Why we love it: Dealing with both undereye puffiness and fine lines at the same time seems like an oxymoron, but it’s a totally normal thing that happens as we age. Innbeauty Project Extreme Cream Eye is here to tackle both head on. This firming and contouring eye cream is packed with wrinkle-smoothing peptides—acetyl hexapeptide-8 and acetyl tetrapeptide-5—to visibly reduce puffiness and soften the appearance of crow’s feet. Snow mushroom delivers a big hit of hydration, helping to plump and smooth crepey skin so your eyes look lifted, firmer, and more awake.
What our reviewers say: “When I say I’ve tried dozens of eye creams on the market, and this is by far one of the best, I’m not kidding. After using it for about two months now, this creamy formula has managed to minimize the appearance of fine lines around my eyes, and has also made my dark circles way less apparent. I have a hunch that it has something to do with the peptides and amino acids, which work to de-puff and lift, and compared to other picks on the market that promise to do the same thing, this one actually works. The texture of this eye cream is also dreamy—it’s soothing, instantly hydrates, and serves as a great base for primer and undereye concealer. I can’t stop using it, and neither will you,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Multitasker: Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
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- What we love: Absorbs quickly without any greasy residue
- What could improve: Some users say the consistency is too thin
What experts say: If your eye puffiness comes with a side of dark circles and dehydration, Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream is the multitasking eye treatment you’ve been looking for. “For effective eye puffiness relief without breaking the bank, this one stands out as a great choice,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC. “Caffeine is the gold-standard ingredient for reducing undereye bags, and this lightweight gel delivers both intense hydration and de-puffing benefits in a single application.” With hyaluronic acid and peptides in the mix, it absorbs fast, layers well under makeup, and helps wake up tired eyes.
What our reviewers say: “I’ve been using the Neutrogena Eye Cream for Puffiness for 30 days now, and I’m genuinely impressed. It has a cooling, soothing texture that feels amazing in the morning—especially on tired eyes. Over the month, I noticed a visible reduction in puffiness and my dark circles look much lighter and less harsh. It absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, and didn’t irritate my skin at all. Definitely a keeper in my skin care routine,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar.
Best for Smoothing: Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex
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- What we love: Quick, noticeable difference in puffiness and eye circles
- What could improve: Expensive
What experts say: Dr. Reed loves Revision Skincare Teamine Eye Complex because it “contains green tea extract, THD ascorbate, which is a form of vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. This cream is a little thicker than you usually see, and I like how it targets inflammation as well as brightens and smooths the skin around the eyes.” It’s especially great for reducing puffiness thanks to its anti-inflammatory ingredients and rich, hydrating formula. It works overnight to calm swelling, reduce dark circles, and leave your undereyes looking firmer and more refreshed by morning.
Editor’s tip: “The thicker consistency means a little goes a long way—so once a day, especially at night, might be all you need,” says Dr. Reed.
Frequently asked questions
Which eye cream reduces puffiness?
The best products to reduce eye puffiness often contain ingredients and tools that help calm inflammation and drain excess fluid from the undereye area. “Most topicals marketed and formulated specifically for the eye area will target multiple areas of concern and have some overlap with key ingredients that address texture, tone, laxity, brightening, and puffiness,” says Dr. Mraz. “If you’re targeting puffiness specifically, then you likely should seek out products with caffeine for effective results.” Cooling applicators or gentle tools, such as jade rollers or gua sha stones, can also support lymphatic drainage. Just be sure to work from the center of your face outward, then down your neck, to encourage fluid movement.
Why are my undereyes so puffy?
“Undereye puffiness occurs primarily due to fluid retention in the delicate skin beneath the eyes, which lacks sufficient fat or muscle support,” says Dr. Rambhia. “The most common causes include poor sleep, excessive salt consumption, allergies, and crying, all of which can trigger inflammation and fluid buildup.” She adds that aging is another major factor: “As we get older, the muscles and tissues around our eyes start to weaken, which can cause fat to shift forward and make the undereye area look puffy.” Genetics also come into play: “Some people are predisposed to undereye bags regardless of lifestyle factors,” she says. Other contributors include “alcohol consumption, which causes dehydration and water retention; hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy; and underlying medical conditions such as thyroid problems or kidney issues that affect fluid balance throughout the body,” she says.
What ingredients to look for in an eye cream for puffiness
When shopping for the best eye creams for puffiness, peek at the ingredients list for the following superstars:
Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can help reduce puffiness and inflammation by draining excess fluid from the tissues, says Kami Parsa, MD, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in Los Angeles “It can also help constrict the blood vessels under the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles while strengthening the skin barrier, regulating oil production, and preventing moisture loss.”
Peptides: These are short chains of amino acids that can help build and repair skin proteins, including collagen. This can lead to stronger skin structure and reduced puffiness, says Vivian Chin, MD, a cosmetic physician and founder of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics in NYC.
Retinol: This vitamin A derivative can help increase cell turnover and exfoliate the dead skin cells that make dark circles associated with puffy eyes more visible. It can also help boost collagen synthesis and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, says Dr. Parsa.
Arnica: A natural ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties, arnica can be effective in reducing swelling, bruising, and puffiness, says Dr. Chin.
Cucumber extract: Cucumber is not just for spa pictures, says Dr. Chin: “It genuinely helps soothe and reduce puffiness, thanks to its high water content and calming properties.”
Vitamin C: Vitamin C works to brighten the skin, reduce dark circles, and provide antioxidant protection, says Dr. Parsa.
Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can help decrease hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin under the eyes.
Hyaluronic acid: Known for its incredible ability to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid can plump the skin, smoothing out fine lines and reducing the appearance of puffiness, says Dr. Chin.
How do you de-puff super-puffy eyes?
It all starts with giving yourself the care you deserve. You know, clocking enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, skipping out on happy hour, and keeping stress levels as low as possible. But there are other small changes we can make at home day-to-day to improve the body’s natural tendencies to retain fluid, says Dr. Parsa. “These changes include not sleeping on your face, reducing sodium and preservatives in diet intake, reducing inflammatory foods such as dairy and gluten, and using gua sha to promote lymphatic flow.”
Meet the experts
- Angela Weatherall, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Boca Raton Central and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, and resident and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC
- Kat James, a makeup artist in Malibu, California
- Kami Parsa, MD, a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in Los Angeles
- Vivian Chin, MD, a cosmetic physician and founder of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics in NYC
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