Our top pick is The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
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File puffy eyes under pesky skincare woes. Whether caused by a lack of sleep, a change in diet, or allergies, the appearance of swollen skin around the eyes can not only make us look more tired and lackluster but can also feel really uncomfortable. While figuring out the underlying cause of puffy eyes can get a bit tedious, eye creams are one of the best ways to address this issue in a pinch.
“Eye cream helps the under eye appear smoother, plumper, and firmer,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist tells PEOPLE. “Eye creams are rich in oils and are much thicker than traditional moisturizers,” she adds, explaining how the skin under the eyes is more delicate so it needs thicker and richer products to support overall skin health, including reducing puffiness.
To find the best eye creams for puffiness, our PEOPLE Tested team researched and tested two dozen formulas in both the lab and at home over a four-week period. We carefully considered each formula’s application, including the texture, absorption, and how well they layer with other products. We also made note of both the immediate results and how well the formulas improved the look of puffy skin over a longer period of time. After much deliberation, we landed on the below formulas as the best eye creams for puffiness.
With regular use, our under-eye skin appeared smoother and tighter with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula comes in a 0.5-oz. tube, but a little goes a long way, so this formula boasts excellent value.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly eye creams on our list.
It takes around 10 minutes to fully absorb into the skin, which left our tester waiting to put makeup on top of it.
After testing 24 eye creams for puffiness, we found that The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream is the best formula for reducing puffiness under the eyes. Enriched with caffeine, the formula is designed to target puffy skin around the eye and reduce dark circles. Its formula also features Matrixyl 3000™ for plumping, firming, and smoothing the surface of the skin, as well as albizia julibrissin bark extract to address skin texture through gentle exfoliation.
Throughout the testing period, we were impressed by this eye cream’s ability to moisturize, soften, and de-puff the skin. While we didn’t notice a major difference with dark under-eye circles, we found that the skin appeared much tighter and smoother with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. The application instructions recommend storing this formula in the fridge for additional de-puffing benefits (we recommend investing in a skincare fridge for this reason). When we tried this, we found that it helped cool and soothe the skin in addition to reducing puffiness around the eyes, though it does take around 10 minutes to fully absorb and dry.
The eye cream also costs around $11, which is on the budget-friendly side of the spectrum for a de-puffing skin formula, and makes it one of the best affordable eye creams for puffiness we’ve ever tried. On top of that, you only need a tiny bit of product when applying, so a little goes a long way, adding to the overall value.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Matrixyl 3000, albizia julibrissin bark extract | Benefits: De-puffs skin and targets fine lines
The formula has a cooling effect on the skin, which can soothe irritation.
Immediately after application, our tester noticed that her under eyes were smoother and more refreshed.
The eye cream has a rich and dense texture, so it’s excellent for those with ultra-dry skin (or dry skin patches) around the eyes.
We found that it also serves as a makeup primer and an eye mask.
Considering the amount of formula you get, it’s a little pricey (though a little goes a long way).
For ultra-dry skin or irritation under the eyes, we recommend Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream, which is enhanced with avocado oil, beta carotene, and sodium PCA to balance lipids, nourish, and soften the skin while also building moisture over time.
When testing this formula, we found that it has a slight cooling effect which soothes puffy, irritated eyes. And, with regular use, we noticed a difference in skin tightness. Our tester raved, "It delivered a noticeable tightening sensation under the eye area. The feeling was truly amazing, adding a sense of firmness and rejuvenation."
Those looking for a product that moonlights as a makeup primer or an eye mask for dry skin or patches under the eyes will appreciate this formula. Our tester said that applying a slightly thicker layer of the cream and leaving it on for an extended period of time garnered her additional nourishing "longterm benefits."
While this eye cream is on the pricier side (especially considering how much product you get), a little goes a long way, so it’s an overall good value.
Size: 0.47 oz., 0.94 oz. | Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, beta carotene, sodium PCA | Benefits: Nourish, soften, moisturize, and protect the skin
We noticed a reduction in under-eye puffiness almost instantly, and the formula continued to target puffiness up to two hours after application.
The formula features a thick consistency that provides deep nourishment without feeling super heavy on the skin.
Despite its thick formula, the eye cream layers well with other skincare products.
The formula doesn’t have a cooling effect, so we recommend keeping it in the fridge for additional soothing benefits.
If you want an eye cream that works fast, we recommend the Fenty Skin Thicc N Smooth Rich Peptide Eye Cream. This eye cream is formulated to hydrate, plump, soothe, and nourish the skin, but we also found that it works particularly well at reducing the puffiness — even if your under-eye bags are on the stubborn side. Enhanced with polyglutamic acid (a moisture-binding peptide) for plumping benefits, a blend of hyaluronic acid, kalahari melon, and baobab oil to deeply nourish, and Illipe butter for skin replenishment, this eye cream has a thick and creamy consistency that doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin and layers nicely with other skincare products.
While this formula doesn’t feature a cooling effect, it still soothes the skin — especially if you have dry patches — and effectively reduces puffiness in just the first use. With continued application, we found that this formula worked well at minimizing stubborn under-eye circles, too.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, kalahari melon, baobab oil, Illipe butter | Benefits: Hydrate, plump, soothe, and nourish the skin
We saw a noticeable difference in skin brightness in addition to puffiness after immediate use.
The formula feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.
Since it has a lightweight texture, this eye cream layers well with other skincare and makeup formulas (and it never pills).
You only need a pea-sized amount for both eyes, so a little goes a long way.
The brightening benefits are not longterm.
If you're looking for an eye cream to target dark circles and puffy eyes, reach for Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream. Formulated to brighten, firm, smooth, and depuff the skin while also reducing dark circles under the eyes, this clean beauty formula has a lightweight texture that layers well with other skincare and makeup formulas, so you can wear it day and night for continued benefits.
With its lightweight formula, we were particularly impressed by the texture of this eye cream and how it nourishes the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. It has a metal tip applicator that helps the product glide on easily while providing a cooling sensation which further helped keep eye puffiness at bay. What was even more noticeable, though, was how well it helped to reduce the look of dark circles. Said our tester, "The cream has a light orange color and a slight shimmer that really brightens the under eyes." However, our tester said this was not something she felt is improved over the longterm and more of an immediate effect; she likes to use it in the morning for instant de-puffing and brightening.
Size: 0.05 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sea fennel extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, peptides | Benefits: Instantly brightens, firms, smooths, and de-puffs the skin
With regular use, this formula reduced puffiness and redness under our eyes.
It has a soft and silky feel that is ultra-creamy without being too heavy on the delicate under-eye skin.
The eye cream absorbs and dries quickly, making it easy to layer under makeup in the daytime.
Although the formula is pricey, you only need a small dab to reap the benefits.
The formula has a slight rose scent which some might not prefer.
When it comes to the best splurge-worthy eye cream, we love the Lâncome Absolue Revitalizing Eye Cream. This luxurious cream features a soft and silky feel that provides deep nourishment without feeling too heavy on the delicate under-eye skin. Despite its creamy consistency, it absorbs and dries quickly, so it’s easy to layer under other skincare products as well as makeup when worn during the day time.
While testing this formula, we found that you only need a small dab to reap the benefits, which increases the overall value and makes the price tag a little more palatable. On top of that, it was not only highly effective at reducing puffiness, but it also helped diminish the look of fine lines and decreased redness around our tester's eyes, which she typically experiences due to environmental allergies. She even tried this formula on her rosy cheeks to test its effectiveness and found that it reduced red pigmentation on her complexion, too.
Since the formula features grand rose extract, it has a slight rose scent, which some might not prefer. However, it’s not overpowering and feels refreshing upon application.
Size: 0.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Grand rose extract, linseed extract, shea butte | Benefits: Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles (including crow’s feet), targets signs of fatigue, and deeply nourishes the skin
Since it's an eye gel formula, the consistency feels like a mix between an eye cream and a serum and provides a more lightweight finish.
The formula features peptides and caffeine for firming, soothing, and reducing puffy under-eye skin.
The eye gel absorbs ultra-fast and layers well with makeup (especially concealer), leaving behind a nourished feel.
The product comes out of the tube at a very fast rate which can end up giving you more product than you need.
For a more lightweight eye cream that can target puffiness while also providing ample hydration, look no further than the Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel. This deep-conditioning eye cream provides plenty of nourishment while also targeting puffiness and reducing the look of swelling thanks to its inclusion of rosemary leaf extract, peptides, and caffeine.
When testing this formula, we were not only impressed by its lightweight consistency — which is kind of like a mix between a serum and a cream — but also how effective it is at firming, soothing, and reducing puffiness around the eyes. Additionally, the eye gel absorbs super fast, providing plenty of hydration under the eyes, and layers well with makeup,
The only con was that when trying to dispense the cream, our tester found a lot more product came out than she intended, which made for a bit of waste.
Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Peptides, rosemary leaf extract, caffeine | Benefits: Targets dryness and dehydration under the eyes, minimizes puffiness, and smooths out fine lines
This eye serum is formulated with caffeine to effectively reduce puffiness.
You only need a pea-sized amount, so it lasts a long time.
Since the formula is so lightweight, it absorbs quickly into the skin in under 30 seconds.
The formula has a liquid consistency, so application can be a bit tricky.
Caffeine is one of the best ingredients for reducing puffiness in the skin as it increases circulation and constricts blood vessels, and after testing several options, we found that The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Deputing Eye Serum is the best of the best. Plus, this budget-friendly eye cream costs under $10, making it the most affordable eye cream on our list.
While testing this formula, we were impressed by how fast the lightweight formula absorbs into the skin in just under 30 seconds. Upon immediate application, our tester noticed that their under-eye area appeared brighter thanks to epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (aka, ECGC) which helps boost the serum’s ability to diminish dark circles thanks to antioxidant properties. They also noticed a cooling effect that lasted a substantial amount of time while reducing their puffiness.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside | Benefits: Brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness
The formula features THD (a very potent form of vitamin C ) to brighten the skin under the eyes and help diminish dark circles.
With regular use, our skin felt softer and smoother.
When tapped into the skin, it absorbs in under 30 seconds.
None that we could find.
If you experience dark circles and want an eye cream that can tackle hyperpigmentation while also reducing puffiness, consider the Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream. This formula features a blend of caffeine and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a highly potent form of vitamin C) and effectively reduces the look of puffiness while also brightening the skin under the eyes for a more even-looking skin tone.
In addition to acting as an eye cream for dark circles, this Herbivore eye cream has an ultra-hydrating consistency that's cooling on contact and absorbs quickly into the skin in under 30 seconds. Our tester noticed an immediate decrease in her dark circles and a tightness in the under-eye area. And, with regular use, she even found that the fine lines around her eyes looked smoother and less noticeable.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: THD vitamin C, caffeine | Benefits: Brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, hydrates the skin
The formula deep conditions the skin under the eyes for a softer and smoother-looking eye contour.
We noticed a significant reduction in puffiness.
Despite its thicker consistency, it is fast-absorbing and layers well with other skincare formulas.
The product has a thick consistency and leaves behind a greasy residue, so it’s best for ultra-dry skin or applying at night.
If you have dry skin under the eyes or notice that your eye contour looks a little lackluster, we recommend trying the Clinique All About Eyes gel-cream formula. This thick eye cream adds a burst of nourishment to the under-eye skin, helping to replenish dry skin and add a touch of radiance.
In addition to hydration, the eye cream also works well at reducing puffiness thanks to the included caffeine — our testers even noticed a reduction on days when their eyes appeared more tired than usual, with one tester noting that they felt their under-eyes were more "firm" and less "thin" and "elastic." Additionally, this nourishing eye cream layers well with other skincare formulas and features antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extract to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
One thing to note is that our testers found this formula to leave a bit of a greasy residue, so it may not be suited for someone with particularly oily skin. On the contrary, if you have dry under-eyes, this will be particularly nourishing.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Olive fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, caffeine | Benefits: Hydrates, brightens, and de-puffs the skin
The formula is designed to temporarily smooth out the skin under the eyes and reduce the look of puffiness.
You only need a little bit of product to see results.
It’s an excellent formula for events or photoshoots.
The eye cream is thick and feels heavy on the eyes, so it’s best for ultra-dry skin.
It provides a temporary reduction of under-eye bags, but that rinses away when the formula is removed at the end of the day.
If you deal with puffy under-eye bags and are looking for a quick fix, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags is worth trying. This formula is essentially like Spanx for your under-eyes as it works only while applied to the area but is effective at reducing under-eye puffiness, making it a great choice for events or photoshoots where you want to reduce the look of tired, swollen eyes. In other words, this eye cream works only temporarily, as it takes around 15 minutes for it to smooth out and tighten the skin; however, our tester noticed that the results lasted up to two hours. But despite not giving longterm results, this eye cream is gentle enough to apply every day and is safe for sensitive skin.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Isododecane, acrylates/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, dimethicone | Benefits: Reduces under-eye bags in 15 minutes, smooths out the skin
Our skin felt hydrated immediately upon application.
The eye cream is fast-absorbing and sinks into the skin within seconds.
We saw an immediate decrease in puffiness after application.
You only need the tiniest amount of formula to experience its full effects.
It’s relatively expensive for only a half-ounce of product.
If you want something a little more high-end, the Macrene Actives High-Performance Eye Cream is our top pick for the best luxury eye cream. This eye cream features a formula with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and 38 plant actives — including red algae, squalane, cacao, and coffee — for highly effective benefits.
When testing this formula, we noticed an immediate difference in our skin as it not only hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes but also decreases puffiness and creates a layer of radiance. One tester raved, "In less than three minutes, I saw a dramatic difference. The puffiness went away... and the [rough texture] became smooth like butter."
While the price is high for 0.5 oz. of product, you definitely get what you pay for with this high-quality formula. We also found that you only need the tiniest amount to reap its benefits, so it’s possible to stretch this product out over a longer period of time.
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and 38 plant actives (including red algae, squalane, and cacao | Benefits: Targets fine lines and wrinkles, brightens dark circles, calms inflammation, de-puffs, and protects the skin against environmental aggressors
With regular application, we saw a reduction in fine lines around the eyes and our skin looked a lot firmer and smoother.
The formula features a cooling effect that relieves irritated and puffy skin around the eyes.
This eye gel layers really well and never pills under makeup formulas.
It has a slight scent, so it may not be ideal for everyone with sensitive noses.
For the best eye cream for fine lines, consider trying the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel. After testing two dozen formulas, we found that this one was the most effective at targeting signs of aging. With regular application, the eye gel effectively blurs the fine lines around our eyes while also firming and smoothing the skin altogether.
In addition to its anti-aging benefits, the Dr. Loretta eye gel also boasts a cooling effect that provides irritated and puffy eyes with some soothing relief. Additionally, the eye gel layers nicely with other skincare formulas and never pills when worn under makeup.
Size: 0.67 oz. | Key Ingredients: Chromabright®, Lipochroman® | Benefits: Tightens the skin around the eyes, supports collagen production, protects against UV damage
While it seems like a no-brainer, when shopping for eye creams, including eye creams for puffiness, Dr. Graf says ingredients are the most important thing to consider as they can help determine what it can do for you. “Peptides support collagen production and are great for reducing fine lines,” she explains. “Vitamin C has brightening properties and is an antioxidant; hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and improves skin elasticity,” she adds.
For puffiness, Dr. Dustin Portela, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says to look for caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, and retinol (aka, vitamin A). “Caffeine contains vasoconstrictive properties which can reduce puffiness,” he explains. In addition to supporting collagen production, Dr. Portela says peptides can also support skin firmness, which helps target puffiness while antioxidants such as vitamin C help to reduce inflammation. “Retinol is also effective for reducing puffiness because it will help promote collagen production and increase the skin’s cell turnover.”
If you’re looking for eye creams with caffeine, consider The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, which is our top pick for the best eye cream overall, or our top pick for the best eye cream with caffeine, the The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Deputing Eye Serum. The Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream also features caffeine along with peptides for firming benefits. The best eye creams with vitamin C include Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream and Elta MD Renew Eye Gel.
In addition to ingredients, Dr. Portela says eye cream texture is also important as it can help you determine when to wear it. “Texture is a personal preference, however, lightweight formulas that absorb easily into the skin without leaving a greasy or heavy residue are most common for daytime use,” he explains. Lightweight formulas are also the best for layering under makeup. At nighttime, Dr. Portela says some prefer a thicker moisturizing cream, which can provide ample moisture while you sleep.
After testing two dozen formulas, we found that the best lightweight eye cream is Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel. For something a little more heavy-duty, consider Clinique All About Eyes.
An eye cream’s packaging might not seem like a big deal, but Dr. Portela says it’s important for eye cream formulas as some packaging works better at preserving the potency of the active ingredients and ensures the formula remains effective for longer. With that in mind, Dr. Portela recommends eye creams “that come in opaque or airtight and opaque packaging to protect the formula from light and air exposure.”
To find the best eye creams for puffiness, we researched dozens of formulas before narrowing the list down to 24 eye creams to test. From there, our PEOPLE Tested team took the formulas out for a spin for a day in the lab and from the comfort of their own homes over the course of four weeks. These are the qualities that we looked for:
“Yes, eye creams can help reduce the appearance of puffiness around the eyes,” says Dr. Portela. To find the most effective eye creams for puffiness, look for ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, and retinol. With that said, Dr. Portela notes that the benefits of using an eye cream to reduce puffiness are not permanent, and it’s important to also consider the causes of puffy eyes. “Getting enough sleep and having a healthy diet play a crucial role in your overall skin health,” he explains.
According to our testing, the best eye cream for puffy eyes is The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream. This eye cream is formulated with caffeine, Matrixyl 3000, and albizia julibrissin bark extract and is effective at smoothing and tightening the skin around the eyes. It even has a cooling effect (especially if you store it in the fridge) that soothes the skin around the eye contour. On top of that, the budget-friendly formula costs under $15, so you can get high-quality eye cream without breaking the bank.
If you have puffy eyes, Dr. Graf says to apply cool compresses to reduce the effects of swollen skin. Healthy sleeping habits, staying hydrated, and consistent use of eye cream with targeted de-puffing ingredients (like those on this list!) can also help reduce puffy skin. Additionally, Dr. Portela says to consider your eating habits. “It’s important to make sure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water each day,” he explains, noting that poor nutrition can cause puffiness around the eyes, especially in high-sodium diets.
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best eye creams for puffiness, Jessie first researched the two dozen formulas that underwent testing and carefully reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their experiences with each eye cream formula, paying close attention to ingredients, texture, and how well they layer with other products. She also reached out to top skincare experts Dr. Jeanette Graf and Dr. Dustin Portela to learn more about what makes the best eye creams for puffiness, including what to look for when shopping for a nourishing, de-puffing formula.
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