And they won't smudge your mascara either.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Face Brightening Serum
Housing an eye serum or cream in your beauty arsenal is basically a fast track to smoother, brighter, younger-looking under-eyes. However, nailing down the right formula isn't nearly as quick of a choice as expected. While retinol eye creams or caffeine-infused treatments are no doubt effective at imparting helpful ingredients, there are also many benefits to transitioning to a lightweight product—this is where I eye serums come in. “Eye serums often have ingredients that are meant for faster absorption, like caffeine, retinol, and vitamin C. They are formulated to be more concentrated and for more elegant application. Creams may have the same ingredients, but their vehicle often allows for slower absorption and more moisturization,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.
And the benefits only get better. If you constantly feel like your eye cream is disrupting your makeup throughout the day, a serum may help reduce smudging. “Lighter products make it easy for makeup application. Serums also allow for quicker absorption and are often more hydrating. They plump the skin faster in this location,” adds Dr. Lal. So whether you’re on the hunt for an anti-aging eye cream or a product that will brighten and de-puff your under-eyes, here are the 17 best eye serums on the market that will make you glad you made the switch.
An offshoot of the bestselling Jet Lag Masque, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Serum is an airy, lightweight formula comprised of a retinol blend and moisture-boosting glycerin to revive tired, jet-lagged eyes.
Key ingredients: retinol, licorice root extract, glycerin
Best for: Tired, dull eyes
An ELLE Editor says: “Before I cared about retinol, eye creams, and serums were the first step to anti-aging I invested in. I'm not proud of my sleep schedule, but I am proud of how easily I can hide any evidence of a restless night with the right formula—and the Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum is exactly what the doctor ordered. It has a whipped, almost weightless feel that sits comfortably under my eyes. Plus, in the few weeks I've been using it, my eyes have brightened up to help me look more awake. Read all about my review, here.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
The delicate skin around the eyes is often the first area to show signs of aging. This peptide-packed serum was designed for that sensitive area and targets some of the key signs of aging, such as crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles.
Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, caffeine
Best for: Puffiness, dark circles, fine lines
Our expert says: “This is an [affordable] product that has peptides that also strengthen the under skin and help with dark circles.” –Dr. Karan Lal
If you had a bad night’s sleep, chances are your eyes will leave evidence behind. Puffiness, dehydration, and dullness are some of the signs you'll notice after a night out. This eye serum is full of invigorating ingredients that will help diminish tired-eye syndrome.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine
Best for: Puffiness, dark circles, dullness
An Amazon reviewer says: “Started seeing a difference in wrinkles and under eye darkness soon after applying it. Lightening up darkness under eyes pretty fast.”
La Mer is one of the most luxurious skin care brands on the market, in part because they focus on using botanical ingredients to give their products a boost. This hydrating eye cream is designed to help strengthen the under-eye area, making it less likely to show signs of aging and stress.
Key ingredients: Seaweed extract, Miracle Broth
Best for: Dullness, dark circles, fine lines, dryness
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I really do want to hate this product but it works. I have tried other products but they are either too thick or not as hydrating. I received a sample of this and it worked so well for me that I actually bought a full size product. If you are looking for an under eye cream that is lightweight and hydrating then this is it.”
If you want to wake up looking refreshed and ready for the day, applying this eye cream is an essential step in your nighttime routine. Created by a Korean skin care brand, it helps diminish dullness and add hydration to the eye area.
Best for: Dullness, sagging, dryness
Our expert says: “Although I thankfully don’t struggle with crow’s feet, I’ve found the skin under my eyes can become dull and dehydrated, even when I make sure it’s protected daily with SPF. This K-beauty gel-cream packs a boost of hydration and feels so soothing to slather on before bed, it quickly became the highlight of my evening skincare regimen. It helps replenish with a blend of natural plant-based ingredients, and while it does contain some retinol for tightening, it’s never irritated my sensitive skin.” –Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor
Drunk Elephant is known for their inventive, easy-to-use, and ingredient-focused products. Their eye serum targets signs of aging, like fine lines and dullness, thanks to a combination of gentle retinol and peptides.
Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, caffeine
Best for: Fine lines, puffiness
An Ulta reviewer says: “First of all, I LOVE the packaging. I also like how this eye cream is thin but still feels very hydrating. I have sensitive eyes but this eye cream doesn’t make my eyes water or sting.”
There is no greater sign of exhaustion quite like defined dark circles. While a lot of fine lines and wrinkles come down to genetics, using an eye serum like this one that’s packed with brightening and nourishing ingredients can help your under-eyes look more vibrant and wide awake.
Key ingredients: Carnosine DP, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E
Best for: Dark circles, dullness
An ELLE Editor says: “During frigid NYC winters, I would layer this eye serum under any normal, not incredible eye cream, and find that I would wake up with more smooth, less lined, under-eyes. It has more of a traditional creamy texture and despite being a contact lens wearer, it won’t water or irritate my eyes. ” –Kathleen Hou, ELLE Beauty Director
Of all the wonderful eye serums and creams on the market, the Olehenriksen Banana Bright is one of the most loved on the market. This serum is deeply hydrating and also uses vitamin C to brighten dark circles.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, antioxidants
Best for: Dark circles, fine lines, dullness
Our expert says: “As much of a grandma as I am, I’ll admit I don’t always adhere to my self-imposed 10 pm bedtime. When my dark circles are telling of a late-night work session or my ~questionable~ decision to go dancing with friends before an 8 am flight the next morning, Ole Henriksen’s banana bright eye cream is my secret savior. With its potent vitamin C trio and orange extract, it helps visibly brighten after just one use.” –Sam Peters
SkinCeuticals consistently knocks it out of the park with their science-based, dermatologist-approved products. Created to battle dark circles and puffiness, this eye cream uses peptides to target several leading complaints in the eye area.
Key ingredients: Peptides, blueberry extract
Best for: Dark circles, puffiness, fine lines
A SkinCeuticals reviewer says: “I’ve been using this eye cream for a while now and it’s the best one I’ve tried so far. A little goes a long way, my eye area is smooth and bright!”
When you need a quick pick-me-up—either after a long flight or before a big event—this smoothing under-eye mask can get you looking red carpet-ready in just ten minutes. Smooth on this cream, leave it on, and you’ll notice the results.
Key ingredients: Natural extracts, vitamin E, vitamin B
An ELLE Editor says: “I became sold on this product after a makeup artist demonstrated it on my right under-eye. I was reluctant and hesitant, because I was not in the mood and jetlagged. But after a few minutes, my right under-eye looked brighter, less creased, and overall just better. Since it is more of a luxurious price point, I tend to reserve this for special occasions, but it really works as a fantastic mask to calm and hydrate one of the most delicate areas of the face.” –Kathleen Hou
The eyes are often the first area where fine lines appear, which can result from squinting more as we age. Targeting deeper wrinkles can be difficult, but this product has made it its mission to get the job done.
Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles
Our expert says: “Revision Revox Line Relaxer is #1! This is a serum with peptides that truly help soften fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.” –Dr. Karan Lal
We love an eye serum that can tackle multiple issues at once. Not only does this luxury eye cream combat common complaints like puffiness and under-eye bags, but it also helps strengthen and heal your lashes at the same time.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, amino acids
Best for: Puffiness, eye bags, dull lashes
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars An ELLE Editor says: “My dark eye circles have always been part of my personality and this eye serum is great for days when I need a little extra help appearing less dark. The metal applicator acts as a mini massage tool, and the formula contains a blend of caffeine (proven to help puffiness), and other moisturizing and firming ingredients like arginine. I also think there’s a little bit of mica in there too, to help deflect the appearance of dark eye circles immediately. ” –Kathleen Hou
While retinol is a powerful ingredient we all love for its anti-aging benefits, it can sometimes be too strong around the eyes. This eye serum uses retinol alternatives to reduce signs of aging, while the cooling tip reduces puffiness.
Key ingredients: Natural extracts, caffeine, peptides
Best for: Fine lines, puffiness
An ELLE editor says: “When my under eyes are puffy or feeling stressed after a long day, I love incorporating this eye cream into my skin care rotation. The cooling applicator is so soothing and helps to de-puff. It hydrates my under eyes and preps my skin well for my concealer. I have sensitive skin and am reluctant to use retinol, so this is a great alternative.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
Frigid weather, eczema, and eye sensitivity can all cause dry patches in the area, which are uncomfortable and itchy. Adding this deeply hydrating serum into your routine not only helps eliminate those symptoms, but can also act as a great base for concealer.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, vitamin E
An expert reviewer says: “This has purified peptides which are a great alternative to retinol and help strengthen the eyelid skin.” –Dr. Karan Lal
When it comes to luxury anti-aging skin care, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair line has been a cult favorite for years. Their Eye Concentrate Matrix nourishes the area, plumps and hydrates, and reduces fine lines.
Key ingredients: Peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid
Best for: Fine lines, dullness, dryness
An expert reviewer says: “This serum has a unique peptide that helps build collagen. It also has hyaluronic acid for hydration.” –Dr. Karan Lal
While a good dunk into a bowl of ice can help reduce puffiness, inflammation, and dullness, why not make it easier with this eye serum? Created by the one and only Charlotte Tilbury, this cooling, caffeine-infused product helps you look wide awake in no time.
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Charlotte Tilbury's Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum is my favorite serum. Most of all I like the cooling metal applicator tip which provides an instant cooling and refreshing effect. Also the serum gets bright, fresh-looking eyes, reduces the appearance of puffiness around the eyes for firmer and smoother skin. My under eyes area looks firm and smooth.”
Like a mini facial in a bottle, this rejuvenating eye serum concentrates on lifting, healing, and brightening dull areas around the eyes. Even better, it’s particularly adept at reducing pigmentation.
Key ingredients: Diamond powder, peptides, hyaluronic acid
Best for: Dullness, sagging, dark circles, puffiness
An expert reviewer says: “This is admittedly on the pricier side, but both my mom and I love how moisturizing this eye cream is, without feeling greasy or settling into fine lines and wrinkles. It is so rich that I really need like I need less than a pea size (maybe a seed is really the right amount). It also plays really nicely with makeup and I find that when I use this, my under-eye feels moisturized all day. If you can splurge, I highly recommend this one.” –Kathleen Hou
Dr. Karan Lal is a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Rita Silva is the Science Communications Manager at The Ordinary.
Just like you might have a hydrating serum and a moisturizer in your routine, eye serums and eye creams may have similar benefits, but provided in different ways. “Eye serums often have ingredients that are meant for faster absorption like caffeine, retinol, vitamin C, et cetera,” says Dr. Lal. He adds, “They are formulated to be more concentrated and for more elegant application. Creams may have the same ingredients but their vehicle often allows for slower absorption and more moisturization.”
Because of this, eye serums often have a lighter texture that some people prefer over heavier creams. “The difference between an eye serum and an eye cream is mainly textural, with some eye creams having the ability to provide additional moisture as expected from a cream format. However, when it comes to the inclusion of key ingredients, these can be added to a serum or cream base. Ultimately, choosing between both formats will be down to personal preference,” adds Silva. If you enjoy applying your eye products during the day under makeup, serums may also be a better option since they dry quickly and are crease less.
Just like a standard face serum, the benefits of an eye serum will vary from product to product. “The benefits of an eye serum will heavily rely on the ingredients that are included in the formulation,” says Silva. For Dr. Lal, some of the common complaints that eye serums target are “fine lines, hyperpigmentation, skin quality.”
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