What factors into under-eye bags?

Aside from the understandable factor of time—and a predisposition to eye puffiness from genetics—Moy says that some lifestyle choices may contribute. Potential causes include salt intake, seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, allergic reactions to makeup or medication, smoking, and excessive dryness, which causes inflammation.

Why do under-eye bags occur?

“Imagine it like this: When a balloon deflates, loose material develops,” Moy says. “The same thing happens as we get older. We lose fat, which causes deflation, and that leads to puffiness.”

Can under-eye bags be avoided?

Although Moy is clear that most of what has to do with eye puffiness comes as a result of aging or genetics, he does suggest that getting enough sleep and monitoring your salt intake can lessen bags’ appearance. If you suspect that the puffiness is a result of allergies, Moy recommends consulting a doctor about a prescription to help.

The 12 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness of 2023

The 9 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness of 2022 — Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

We’ve all been there: You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and are baffled as to how on Earth your eyes got so puffy. The point is, under-eye puffiness is normal—no matter whether it’s transient or persistent—though the causes behind both are a bit different. If you’re constantly dealing with major undereye bags, a prominent fat pad could be to blame, says New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

We all have a fat pad under our eye, but, thanks to good ol’ genetics, some of us have larger, more noticeable ones than others. On the flip side, if your puffiness comes and goes or is worse in the morning and dissipates by evening, it’s likely due to excess fluid retention, she says. Several lifestyle factors can exacerbate this, including things such as eating too much salty food, not getting enough sleep, and even allergies and sinus problems, adds Dr. Alan Parks, a board-certified dermatologist in Columbus, Ohio.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Alan Parks is a board-certified dermatologist in Columbus, Ohio. He is the founder of Eastside Dermatology & Skin Care Center, as well as the founder of DermWarehouse.com, and has been practicing dermatology for over 30 years.

The bad news? There’s no easy way to address a prominent fat pad. The good news? There are ways to combat the other type of puffiness. Lifestyle tweaks—think laying off the chips and dirty martinis before bed, sleeping with your head elevated on an extra pillow, actually getting eight hours of sleep—can help mitigate things greatly, as can the right eye cream. Both dermatologists we spoke with say formulas that contain caffeine are a good choice; it constricts the blood vessels and can reduce the amount of accumulating fluid, explains King. Anything cold also helps, be that your eye cream, cold spoons, even cucumber slices, she adds.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Ronald Moy is a cosmetic surgeon, lecturer, and author. Dr. Moy is also a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, and has published more than 200 scholarly articles on cosmetics and dermatologic surgery.

Here, are the best eye creams to reach for when you wake up with seriously puffy peepers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

First Aid Beauty Triple Remedy A.M. Gel Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Firming:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener

Jump to Review

Best Gel Formula:

Dr. Dennis Gross Eye Gel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With SPF:

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for A.M.:

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Jump to Review

Best for P.M.:

Pond’s Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Moisturizing:

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream

Jump to Review

Best Anti-Aging:

SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Antioxidants:

Fresh De-Puffing Eye Cream

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream

Courtesy of Ulta

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What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Can reapply any time to refresh eyes
Can use on lower and upper eyelids

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

What do buyers say? 76% of 200+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

One of King’s top picks, she likes that it contains that oh-so-important caffeine to help constrict blood vessels. But the benefits don’t stop there. This formula also hydrates and firms and even feels innately cooling—an awesome pick-me-up on sleepy mornings. Along with caffeine, it also contains a tripeptide blend to help fight fine lines and wrinkles, too.

Price at time of publish: $36

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, tripeptide blend | Benefits: De-puffs, hydrates, firms | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com

What We Like

Affordable
Layers nicely under makeup

What We Don’t Like

Could be more hydrating

Don’t want to spend a ton of money on eye cream? Pick up this guy. For less than the cost of your lunchtime salad, you get an effective formula that combines caffeine and a line-smoothing peptide, all in a lightweight texture that layers beautifully under makeup. (Because we’re willing to bet you’re going to want to apply a little concealer under those eyes, right?) Up the ante by keeping it in the fridge.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, tripeptide blend | Benefits: De-puffs, smooths lines | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener

Sephora

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Great for a fast fix
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

Can leave a white residue

Yes, this is the product that went viral on social media, but the hype is warranted. Several proprietary combos of ingredients, including one made of silicates and seaweed, form a film over the skin, instantly tightening it and drastically minimizing the look of bags. The results are temporary for sure, but, for a fast fix it’s worth a try. (FYI, you only need a teeny-tiny amount under each eye to get the job done.)

Price at time of publish: $38

Active Ingredients: Firm-aTite, Eyeliss | Benefits: De-puffs, tightens | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Dew It Right Eye Gel

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What We Like

Non-irritating formula
Lightweight
Hygienic bottle

What We Don’t Like

Could be more hydrating

By definition, gel-based formulas contain more water than lotions or creams. It’s why they’re more lightweight and also have an innately cooling feel, as is the case for this de-puffer. At work is hyaluronic acid to help attract water to the skin for plumpness and hydration, plus caffeine for de-puffing purposes. This is another great pick to keep in the fridge, as it will feel all the more cooling if you do.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, sea whip extract, caffeine | Benefits: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles, reduces puffiness, hydrates | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy for Wrinkles & Dark Circle

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Metal applicator tip
Comes in four tints

What We Don’t Like

Can be hard to blend in

We Tested Colorscience's Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy

Parks says that this is a great de-puffing pick in its own right (and has a metal applicator tip that helps make it even more so), but that it’s also choice because it contains SPF. “It can prevent sun damage that decreases the production of collagen and elastin,” he says. It has protective antioxidants, too, and comes in four tints to help camouflage not only bags but dark circles as well.

Price at time of publish: $74

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, peptides | Benefits: Sun protection, de-puffs, coverage | Size: 0.23 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Origins

View on Ulta View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Comes in two pearlized tones

What We Don’t Like

Unhygienic container

Boosting radiance and de-puffing is the name of the game for this formula, both things you want in the morning. Vitamin C does the former (as does niacinamide), while ginseng and caffeine do the latter. Plus, it also comes in two pearlized tones—which don’t add tint or color, necessarily, but do help to make skin look a little more even and radiant, even before makeup.

Price at time of publish: $37

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, peptides | Benefits: Boosts radiance, de-puffing | Size: 0.23 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Pond's

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What We Like

Affordable
Multi-tasking formula

What We Don’t Like

Leaves a residue behind

King says this is one of her most-recommended eye creams. While it’s not going to have the instant de-puffing effects as some of the others on this list, it does contain plenty of beneficial ingredients that are good long-term, think retinol to help stimulate collagen production, which can lead to thicker skin and make bags and puffiness less apparent. There’s also niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help improve tone and texture, she says. The point is, it’s good to use at night (when you don’t need the de-puffing right away) and can reap the long-term benefits with continued use.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, retinol complex | Benefits: Hydrates, improves tone, smooths fine lines | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Fragrance-free
Hygienic bottle

What We Don’t Like

Lavender scent can be polarizing for some

Reviewed: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Is a Rejuvenating Treat

Another great nighttime pick, this oil-based formula is extra moisturizing, great for dry skin. Still, it also contains a plant-based extract that helps to fight puffiness; apply this and prop your head up on an extra pillow and you’ll be golden come morning.

Price at time of publish: $36

Active Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, ruscus aculeatus root extract | Benefits: De-puffs, smooths, moisturizes | Size: 0.51 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of SkinMedica

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Layers nicely under makeup

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

“This contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, vitamin C, and other powerful actives that both de-puff and decrease signs of aging,” says Parks of one of his top choices. In short, it contains everything but the kitchen sink, a great all-around eye cream that really can do it all, especially if you’re trying to turn back the clock. (Which helps to combat the sticker shock over the price tag.)

Price at time of publish: $106

Active Ingredients: Human fibroblast conditioned media, peptides, vitamin E | Benefits: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles, reduces puffiness, hydrates, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fresh Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Feels cooling on skin
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

Doesn't dramatically reduce puffiness

A proprietary black tea complex (hence the name) packs a powerful punch of antioxidant protection in this formula, whose whipped and luxurious texture we also appreciate. (As a quick reminder, antioxidants help prevent skin-damaging free radicals, super important anywhere on your face, but especially on the delicate skin around your eyes.) A little bit goes a long way, and it also works for all skin types.

Price at time of publish: $85

Active Ingredients: Black tea complex, noni fruit juice | Benefits: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles, firms and boosts elasticity, hydrates, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating Tightening Eye Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Pump-top bottle

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Worth the splurge, Parks says that this formula—which relies on growth factors, caffeine, and peptides—is proven to tighten and boost radiance in the under-eye area, leaving it looking smooth and de-puffed. It feels nice and silky, and we also like that it comes in a pump-top bottle that disperses the ideal amount every time.

Price at time of publish: $97

Active Ingredients: Growth factors, caffeine, peptides | Benefits: De-puffs, firms, smooths, boosts radiance | Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Affordable
Lightweight
Layers nicely under makeup

What We Don’t Like

Could be more hydrating

This $7 Caffeine-Powered Serum Is Like Coffee for My Dark Circles

Don’t love the feeling of thick eye creams? Try a lightweight eye serum instead, or more specifically, this one. It’s packed with caffeine, both straight-up and from ECGC, derived from green tea leaves. Just a small amount—easy to dispense from the eyedropper top—helps to knock out dark circles and puffiness, and you can then easily add another eye cream on top if you need more moisture.

Price at time of publish: $8

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, ECGC | Benefits: De-puffs, fades dark circles | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

If your puffiness is chronic, a topical eye cream may not be able to do much. But if it’s temporary, then the right eye cream can help. The First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream gets our top vote, packed with caffeine that helps constrict blood vessels. The ingredient is also the star of the show in The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream and The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum, both super affordable options, the latter of which is also very lightweight. And if you’re looking for a great multi-tasker to reach for in the morning, try the Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35. Not only does it help de-puff (and has a metal applicator tip that feels extra cooling), it also contains protective SPF and has some tint to help conceal under-eye circles, too.

What to Look for in an Under-Eye Cream for Puffiness

Epidermal Growth Factor

"The best ingredient to help with eye puffiness is an epidermal growth factor,” he says. “Everyone has epidermal growth factor in their skin, but we make less of it as we age. Most other ingredients are just variations of moisturizers.”

Caffeine

“Any eye cream containing caffeine should help with puffiness, says King. “It constricts blood vessels and can therefore reduce the amount of fluid accumulating.”

Peptides

Not only are these a good anti-aging ingredient in general, but Parks says they’re good to seek out if you need de-puffing because they help to firm and tighten the skin.

FAQ

What factors into under-eye bags?

Aside from the understandable factor of time—and a predisposition to eye puffiness from genetics—Moy says that some lifestyle choices may contribute. Potential causes include salt intake, seasonal allergies, lack of sleep, allergic reactions to makeup or medication, smoking, and excessive dryness, which causes inflammation.
Why do under-eye bags occur?

“Imagine it like this: When a balloon deflates, loose material develops,” Moy says. “The same thing happens as we get older. We lose fat, which causes deflation, and that leads to puffiness.”
Can under-eye bags be avoided?

Although Moy is clear that most of what has to do with eye puffiness comes as a result of aging or genetics, he does suggest that getting enough sleep and monitoring your salt intake can lessen bags’ appearance. If you suspect that the puffiness is a result of allergies, Moy recommends consulting a doctor about a prescription to help.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She is well-known for waking up super puffy (especially after an evening of too many dirty martinis and/or salty snacks) and uses many of the eye creams featured on the list whenever that does happen.

The 18 Best Anti-Aging Eye Creams of 2023 for Wrinkles, Fine Lines, & Dark Circles

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Is caffeine good for your skin? Cleveland Clinic.
Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31(5):327-345. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2009.00490.x
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-348. doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327
Addor FAS. Antioxidants in dermatology. An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(3):356-362. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175697
OyetakinWhite P, Tribout H, Baron E. Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:560682. doi:10.1155/2012/560682

Best Overall

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy A.M. Gel Cream

Best Budget

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream

Best Firming

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener

Best Gel Formula

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Dew It Right Eye Gel

Best With SPF

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35

Best for A.M.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

Best for P.M.

Pond’s Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream

Best Moisturizing

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream

Best Anti-Aging

SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair

Best With Antioxidants

Fresh Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream

Best Splurge

Neocutis Lumiere Firm Illuminating Tightening Eye Cream

Best Serum

The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum

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