10 Best Under Eye Creams that Fight Puffiness and Brighten Your Skin
Losing sleep over puffy eyes? We’ve rounded up the best under eye creams for beneath your peepers!
The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and thin. As a result, when you suffer from decreased circulation, dehydration, or lack of sleep, dark circles and puffiness may result. Sun damage in this area of the face can increase signs of aging, such as crow’s feet and wrinkles.
The good news is that a quality under eye cream that is packed with skin-boosting ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol, can help prevent skin issues and restore the skin to its original beauty. An eye cream will keep the skin around the eyes well moisturized and help firm the skin. These creams can also minimize wrinkles, help even out skin tone, and act as a skin base for your makeup.
Below, we will share the top 10 under eye creams that help fight puffiness, brighten the skin, and combat fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the best 10 Under Eye Creams in 2022?
- Best overall under eye cream : ClearStem Skincare Brighteyes Eye Gel
- Best under eye cream for aging skin : AnnieMak Reverse Anti-Aging Serum
- Best under eye cream for dry, sensitive skin : Smile CBD Face Cream
- Best under eye cream for a youthful glow : Foreo Serum Serum Serum
- Best under eye cream for dark circles and puffiness : Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
- Best under eye cream with natural CBD for anti-aging : CBDfx Rejuvediol Face Serum
- Best certified organic under eye cream : Extract Labs CBD Face Cream
- Best under eye cream with hylauronic acid : CBDistillery Bota Age-Deying Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Best CBD cream for men and women : Pure Spectrum CDB Restore: Hydrating Face Creme
- Best under eye night cream : Palmetto Harmony 4Cs Night Cream
How We Chose The Best Eye Creams?
Active Ingredients
Eye creams are specifically formulated to treat specific concerns, and as such, the active ingredients in the product should reflect that. Some of our picks have several active ingredients that target different skin concerns at the same time, such as dark circles and wrinkles.
Texture
Our picks for the best under eye creams include a mixture of creams, serums, and oils. The texture needed for an under eye cream will vary from one skin type to another and based on different skin needs. Therefore, our picks include a mixture of creams, serums, and gels.
Customer Reviews
Because customers have first-hand experiences with products, we thoroughly examined various customer reviews to determine the efficacy and quality of each under eye cream.
Benefits of Using an Under Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is thin, but as we age, it will thin even more. Because of this, this is the first area that often shows signs of aging. A quality anti-aging under eye cream can add moisture back to the skin while preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The best under eye creams can also minimize the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and other visible signs of fatigue. Using a rejuvenating under eye cream can help even out skin tone while nourishing the skin.
How to use an under eye cream?
First things first, it is better to start using an under eye cream sooner rather than later. It is much easier to prevent visible signs of aging than it is to reverse them.
As far as working an under eye cream into your regular skincare routine, the process is simple. Wash your face thoroughly and apply a toner. Massage your favorite serum into the skin, and then apply the under eye cream before adding a quality moisturizer.
When applying one of the best under eye creams, make sure you are gentle. Ideally, you should use your ring finger. Begin the application of the cream on the inside of the eye and gently move outward. Let the cream dry thoroughly before moisturizing your face.
For optimal results, apply your best under eye cream in the morning and at night.
Want more? Read our other skincare stories?
Best Under Eye Cream Products in 2022
ClearStem Skincare Brighteyes Eye Gel
Best overall under eye cream
Buy from ClearStem Skincare, $54
Why we like it:
- Speeds up collagen regeneration
- Reduces dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet within a week
- Reduces active breakouts
Founded in San Diego, California, ClearStem Skincare is a skincare brand that focuses on producing anti-aging and anti-acne products with no toxins or hormone disrupters. The female co-founders of ClearStem Skincare strive to create products that will deliver a positive change and help people feel better about themselves without having to sacrifice health.
Since its inception, the company has won numerous beauty awards and featured in highly rated media outlets.
Brighteyes Eye Gel offers a nourishing, cooling, and renewing effect on the skin. It is formulated with aloe, stem cells, and peptides that work to brighten and firm the delicate skin around the eyes. More than just an eye gel, ClearStem Skincare Brighteyes Eye Gel also works well as an overnight lip mask to bring back smoothness to dry, cracked, and chapped lips.
This anti-aging eye gel contains no pore-clogging ingredients and no hormone disrupters.
Things to know:
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Doubles as a lip mask
- Cruelty, silicone and gluten-free
- Vegan
- Subscription requires a commitment of 3 months
What Customers Are saying: Customers love how soothing the cooling effect of the gel is. Some have extremely sensitive skin around the eyes, reporting that this gel doesn’t irritate the skin at all. Some customers have reported that the eye gel works great underneath makeup. Although the company claims it takes about a week to experience a noticeable difference, some customers say they can tell the difference after just one use.
AnnieMak Reverse Anti-Aging Serum
Best under eye cream for aging skin
Buy from Annie Mak Skincare, $67.96
Why we like it:
- Reduces depth and length of wrinkles up to 15% in four weeks
- Natural and patented ingredients
- Supports Collagen Production
AnnieMak is a skincare company that strives to deliver clean and effective products that can restore your skin to its natural glow. They strive to keep their products low and affordable while sourcing only the cleanest and most organic ingredients when possible.
The Reverse Anti-Aging Serum by AnnieMak is specially formulated with science-backed ingredients to fade age spots, smooth wrinkles, and promote satin skin within mere days. Only natural, pure, and clean ingredients are used, including raspberry seed oil, tremella mushroom extract, cranberry seed oil, and more.
Things to know:
- No toxic chemicals
- Vegan, cruelty and gluten-free, and non-GMO
- Third-party testing
- Free shipping only with subscribe and save option or orders over $99
Smile CBD Face Cream
Best under eye cream for dry, sensitive skin
Why we like it:
- Moisturizing lightweight cream
- Contains 300mg CBD
- THC-free
Although a new company that was established in 2020, Smile CBD The company uses only organically grown hemp from USA farms to ensure the purest and highest potency.
Smile CBD is one of the few CBD brands that are GMP Certified, showing that the company is using some of the best manufacturing practices. In other words, the brand is one you can put your trust in.
When used daily, the Smile CBD Face Cream can soften fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes and entire face, creating soft, supple skin. The product not only moisturizes the skin, but the cream also offers instant relief from common aches and pains. Further, it contains ingredients that can help fight free radical damage and reduce the signs of acne, eczema, and aging skin.
Although the Smile CBD Face Cream can be used by people of fall skin types, it may be most effective for those with dry, sensitive skin due to its high moisturizing properties.
Things to know:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Third-party tested
What Customers Are saying: Customers report this CBD Face Cream has left their skin feeling smoother and tighter than ever before. They love the difference between this product and generic productions. Some customers report using the cream daily under their makeup with no issues. It has helped some people with acne, discomfort, redness, and swelling in the face and neck.
Foreo Serum Serum Serum
Best under eye cream for a youthful glow
Why we like it:
- Great for all skin types
- Hydrates the skin
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free formula
- Free of fragrance, alcohol, oil and parabens
Founded in 2013, Foreo is a Swedish-based company that also has logistic centers spread across the world. The company has received many awards and press recognition for its beauty innovations. The company strives to produce effective and clinically tested products that help improve the beauty of the skin.
Marketed as a lightweight serum that offers ingredients the skin needs to be young and radiant, Foreo Serum Serum Serum contains microcapsules that work to push the serum into the deepest layers of the skin. Rich with antioxidants, the serum is designed to protect the skin, help diminish signs of aging, and replenish moisture levels.
Why we like it:
- Some customers report the serum is too thick
What customers are saying: Overall, customers are happy with Foreo Serum Serum Serum, especially when they use it with the Bear microcurrent device for an at-home facelift. While some users report the serum is hydrating and silky, others report that it is thick, dries quickly, and leaves a sticky residue behind.
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
Best under eye cream for dark circles and puffiness
Buy from Skin Solutions, starting at $100
Why we like it:
- Lightweight, smooth formula
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Glides on easy, absorbs quickly
Founded in 1988, Obagi is a U.S.-based skincare company that creates products tailored to aging skin. The company also produces products for sun protection and acne treatment. Obagi is a brand that dermatologists worldwide put their trust in. The company uses clinically proven ingredients that promote healthy skin and has one of the highest efficacy rates.
Elastiderm eye cream is specifically formulated with a proprietary blend of minerals to encourage tighter and smoother skin around the eyes. It is also designed to improve skin elasticity and firmness while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Things to know:
- Great for all skin types
- Ophthalmologist tested, and dermatologist approved
- Cruelty-free
- Some don’t like the lightweight, thin texture of the cream
What Customers Are Saying: Customers rave about Elastiderm and how it has helped them improve the skin around their eyes. Many report that the rough texture around their eyes that existed before using the cream is hardly if at all, noticeable any longer. Some say that the eye cream is very hydrating, and makeup goes on smoothly after application.
CBDfx Rejuvediol Face Serum
Best under eye cream with natural CBD for anti-aging
Buy from CBDfx, $39.99 (was $69.99)
Why we like it
- Uses organically grown hemp from USA farms
- Includes full spectrum CBD
- Third-party lab tested
Founded in 2014 and based in California, CBDfx is reportedly the world’s second-largest privately held CBD-focused company. The company was founded on the idea that everyone should be able to reap the benefits of CBD. CBDfx offers an assortment of full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate products, which are made with non-GMO, organically grown hemp.
Containing 250mg of full spectrum CBD and other premium ingredients, this face oil serum is specially formulated to diminish the existing signs of aging while preventing future wrinkles. Its ingredients also work together to renew skin elasticity, fight against free radical damage, and stimulate cellular turnover.
Things to know:
- Cruelty and solvent-free
- Vegan
- The exact list of ingredients is not displayed on their website (as of the time of this publication).
What Customers Are Saying: It looks like all product reviews are combined in one area, making it difficult to distinguish the reviews for the serum and other products offered. However, overall, it appears that customers are happy with CBDfx products, including the serum. One user says they are seeing a reduction in under eye bags and puffiness as well as diminished fine lines.
Extract Labs CBD Face Cream
Best certified organic under eye cream
Buy from Extract Labs, $72 (was $89.99)
Why we like it:
- Contains certified organic ingredients
- Contains full spectrum CBD oil
- Third-party testing
Veteran-founded in 2016, Extract Labs is a reputable CBD company located in Boulder, Colorado. Craig Henderson founded the company hoping to create CBD-based products to offer a natural alternative to harmful, addicting medication for fellow veterans. The company prides itself on providing only the highest-quality and purest CBD products for as little as possible.
The CBD Face Cream by Extract Labs contains shea, beeswax, jojoba, lavender, rosemary, and full spectrum CBD hemp oil, all of which are certified organic ingredients. Though these ingredients are simple and gentle, they pack a powerful punch and are designed to soothe the skin, add moisture, promote recovery, and alleviate soreness.
Things to know:
- Customer loyalty rewards programs
- May be more like a balm wax instead of a cream
What Customers Are Saying: Customers report good experiences with Extract Labs’ CBD Face Cream. They say a little goes a long way and has helped with aches and pains, wrinkles, dry skin, and more.
CBDistillery Bota Age-Deying Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best under eye cream with hylauronic acid
Why we like it:
- Uses organic, non-GMO, locally sourced hemp
- Works for all skin types
- Third-party testing
- Transparent labeling
Based in Denver, Colorado, and founded in 2016, CBDistillery is one of the fastest-growing CBD brands. Certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, they strive to be transparent about their ingredients, the effectiveness of their products, and their manufacturing process. The company offers a wide range of CBD products, including oils, serums, gummies, chocolates, drink mixes, and more.
The Bota™ Age-Defying Hyaluronic Acid Serum fuses ginger root, manuka flower, hyaluronic acid, and CBD to create a super-hydrating serum that has the power to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Things to know:
- Website lacks product information
What Customers Are Saying: Customers report the serum is great for aging skin. One user reports that her face appears smoother and tighter and fine lines disappear after three weeks of use.
Pure Spectrum CDB Restore: Hydrating Face Creme
Best CBD cream for men and women
Buy from Pure Spectrum, $29.99
Why we like it:
- Works for all skin types
- Jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Restores your skin to its youthful glow
Pure Spectrum is headquartered in Evergreen, Colorado. The company has family-owned farms that produce high-quality hemp farms that focus on sustainable farming practices. No herbicides, pesticides, or toxins are used, allowing them to use quality and clean hemp in their products. They offer a variety of CBD-infused products, including oils, salves, creams, and pet products.
Containing shea butter, aloe vera, nourishing oils, soothing botanicals, and CBD, Restore: Hydrating Face Cream is designed to smooth fine lines, hydrate the skin, and reduce inflammation while restoring the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Restore is made with 500mg of broad-spectrum CBD.
Things to know:
- Uses broad-spectrum CBD
- Some may not like the citrus scent
What Customers Are Saying: Customers say this face cream is soft and creamy, smells good, and has improved the overall appearance of their skin. Some report soft, more hydrated skin, while others report tighter skin with fewer wrinkles.
Palmetto Harmony 4Cs Night Cream
Best under eye night cream
Buy from Harmony, starting at $22.50
Why we like it:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains full-spectrum CBD
- Non-GMO
Founded in 2015 by Jane Ralph, Palmetto Harmony CBD is a transparent and vertically integrated hemp CBD company. They control the entire process of production, from growing and extracting to manufacturing the finished products. They grow USDA-certified organic hemp in South Carolina and offer tours of both their farm and manufacturing facilities.
The 4C’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream is part of Harmony’s three-product skincare line. This cream contains carrot extract, caffeine, collagen, and CBD to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize puffiness, and provide your face with a more youthful, smooth appearance. It contains 300 mg of CBD per bottle.
Things to know:
- Third-party testing
- Limited product information on the website
What Customers Are Saying: Customers are happy with the skincare line offered by Harmony. They report improved texture of the skin, and many use it daily.
FAQs
Are under eye creams safe?
Eye creams are safe and good for the skin, especially if made from pure, natural ingredients. However, these creams are not suitable for your vision. For that reason, it is important to take special care when applying the cream to avoid it getting in your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, wash it out immediately with warm water.
In addition, every person is different and may have allergies to certain ingredients (even natural ones!), so check the ingredient labels before using them.
What’s the best under eye cream for me?
The ingredients in under eye creams vary based on the issue they are treating. To find the best one for you as an individual, you will need to identify the problem you want to correct. For instance, do you want to minimize dark circles and puffiness? Or maybe you want to reduce the signs of aging? Whatever the case, to ensure you choose the best eye cream for you, you must find a product that targets your personal concerns.
Can I use more than one under eye cream?
If your budget allows for multiple under eye creams, then there is no reason you can’t use two different ones. If you decide to do this, aim for a cream that targets puffiness and dark circles in the morning and a cream that works to smooth and firm the skin at night.
Conclusion
Everyone wants the skin around their eyes to remain free of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness. Unfortunately, genetics, age, and lifestyle habits can cause these issues.
Luckily, investing in a quality under eye cream that targets your specific concerns and skin type can help. Keep in mind, though, that more than one product may be necessary to address all of your concerns.
However, when an under eye cream is used regularly, you can reap the benefits of better-looking and feeling skin.
