1. Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream with Peptides ($65)
This “firming eye gel cream” contains the antioxidant resveratrol, collagen I for firming and contouring, and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid. This eye cream is free of fragrance, which is ideal if you have sensitive skin, and its packaging includes a secret de-puffing weapon: a cold tip that you can use to gently massage the serum onto the skin beneath your eyes.
One reviewer says: “I am 52 and going through menopause. I started getting bags under my eyes recently no matter how much water I drink. I used this just this morning and it’s amazing! Bags gone and no residue!”
2. iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Bright & Tight Dark Circle Firming Eye Cream with Vitamin C & Peptides ($34)
For a brightening under-eye effect, try this eye cream that contains peptides, three types of vitamin C, and Tranexamic Acid, which helps reduce discoloration under the eyes. It also has caffeine, which speeds up blood circulation and can lighten dark circles, and bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that is less sensitizing and can tighten your skin.
One reviewer says: “Love, love, love this product. This eyecream brightens, tightens and covers dark circles like a concealer. I love how light, but nourishing and hydrating it is. It provides instant lifting, depuffing and brightening results.”
3. Shani Darden Skincare Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides ($69)
This rich eye cream is made with a blend of peptides, squalene, niacinamide, ceramides, and silk tree extract. You can expect a brightening and softening effect, according to reviewers, with the firming properties of peptides. One downside, reviewers say, is that the packaging could be better.
One reviewer says: “My eyes are super dry and super prone to milia and this makes my skin look so juicy and smooth.”
4. Alpyn Instant Bright Eye Dark Circle Firming Cream with Niacinamide & Peptides ($52)
It may not be a brand that immediately comes to mind, but Alpyn’s brightening eye cream is quickly becoming a favorite among its fervent fans. Its ingredients include peptides, niacinamide, and a retinol alternative called reneseed to help reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.
One reviewer says: “Most eye creams cause me to develop milia under my eyes but this one doesn’t! So gentle but effective for my sensitive skin. I love the peach hue, it really does blur dark circles! It also helps my concealer blend so seamlessly!”
5. Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream ($115)
It’s pricier than the others, but this eye cream by Dermalogica has high ratings and excellent reviews. The peptide-filled lightweight cream contains quinoa seed extract to help refine the skin’s texture, and a number of botanicals and oils for moisturizing and tightening.
One reviewer says, “This is hands-down the BEST eye cream and I have ever tried, and I have spent a small fortune on all of the "popular" ones, with no luck, until I found this. As a shift worker with often interrupted sleep, I am prone to puffy under-eyes and have searched far and wide for a product that would finally, ACTUALLY HELP. This is it!!! I rarely ever have under-eye puffiness anymore. This is one of the best Sephora products I've ever used. Yes, it's an investment, but this actually works, very well!! Highly recommend.”