14 Best Eye Creams for Puffiness, According to Dermatologists and Editor Testing

ProsContains a natural retinol alternative that can be used day and nightImmediately helps under-eyes look less puffyLightweight under makeupConsThe immediate depuffing effect might not last all dayWhy we love it: Although this is billed as a lifting and firming eye cream, it’s fantastic for depuffing. The formula uses harungana extract, a natural retinol alternative, to help tighten skin, which can make fluid retention under your eyes appear less noticeable. Plus, there’s caffeine to help improve the microcirculation of your blood vessels, which can reduce the look of swelling and under-eye bags right away.Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, panthenol, oat extractFragrance-free? NoUsage: Morning and/or eveningCosmo editor’s review: "I applied product to my left eye only here to really see the difference. I make sure to go all around my eyes, including my full eyelid, crow's feet, and just below my brows. 30 seconds after application, my bags look significantly less pronounced, my brow is lifted, and my skin looks a little smoother."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORProsApplicator stays chilled to help bring down under-eye swellingSuper lightweight gel consistency works well under concealerConsNot the most hydrating on this list if you have dry under eyesWhy we love it: Winner of the Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award for best depuffing eye cream, this gel formula uses a mix of lightweight hydrators, antioxidant-rich caffeine, and soothing ingredients to help calm down under-eye puffiness. The tip applicator, which stays chilled to even further reduce swelling, is an added touch.Key ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, adenosine, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, panthenolFragrance-free? Yes, but contains a lot of essential oils that could be irritating for some with sensitive skinUsage: Morning and/or eveningCosmo editor’s review: “This first entered my rotation when I was sleep-deprived in Korea. But now, I swipe it under my eyes nearly every day, regardless of how much sleep I’m working with, to help hydrate my delicate eye area and depuff any bags.” —BGAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHelps tighten under-eye bags while brightening dark circlesReviewers love how it absorbs quickly into the skinConsOne of the most expensive options on this listWhy we love it: If you're willing to spend a little extra cash, we think Sunday Riley's Autocorrect eye cream is totally worth the $$$. Made with depuffing ingredients like caffeine and ginseng extract, this splurge-worthy solution is a favorite among Amazon shoppers and Cosmo editors alike."My skin is sooo picky when it comes to skincare—my bathroom shelf has basically become a graveyard for half-used eye creams that I’ve had to discard," says Samantha Jones, commerce editor. "But!! This (admittedly expensive) option from Sunday Riley is a staple in my routine now: I love the lightweight yet super-hydrating formula that absorbs easily, and the inclusion of caffeine makes a noticeable difference in reducing dark circles and puffiness."Key ingredients: Caffeine, ginsengFragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningProsReviewers love the lightweight, non-greasy feelThe most affordable option on the listConsMay not be hydrating enough for those with dry skin Why we love it: Like a shot of espresso for your under-eyes, this caffeine-filled eye cream helps to temporarily constrict blood vessels, which boosts circulation and reduces puffiness. For a two-pronged approach to depuffing, I like to keep the tube in the fridge. The combo of caffeine and coldness are a match made in heaven for tackling puffiness and under-eye bags—especially on rough mornings.Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptidesFragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningCosmo editor’s review: “I feel immediate results when I apply this eye cream. It’s perfect for waking up my eyes in the morning or for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and it absorbs quickly with no residue left behind.”—CATHARINE MALZAHN, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITERAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTargets both puffiness and dark circlesCooling tip soothes tired eyesWhy we love it: Dark circles and puffiness getting you down? Then try this editor-loved product from Caudalie. "I use this eye cream every morning and it makes me look 100x more alive even at 7 a.m.," says Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor.Caudalie's eye cream uses the power of grape-derived enzymes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, along with caffeine to target bags and puffiness. "The caffeine is literally like a dose of awakening coffee for my eye area, and the cooling tip is great for de-puffing and massaging the product into my skin," Hyman says.Key ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, viniferine (grapevine sap extract)Fragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningPros3-in-1 formula targets puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circlesReviewers love how it feels hydrating and absorbs quicklyConsHas a slight scent that may irritate sensitive skinExpensiveWhy we love it: Your eye cream should work as hard as you do—which is why our editors swear by this multitasking product. Filorga’s 3-in-1 treatment not only calms puffiness with the help of peptides, but it also targets fine lines and dark circles with hyaluronic acid and polyphenol, an antioxidant that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles."I've used Filorga a few times a week for about six months," says Jessica Dukes, commerce editor. "It definitely shrinks the puffy circles under my eyes, and even though I may be feeling tired, I don't look it!"Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, polyphenolFragrance-free? NoUsage: Morning and/or eveningAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLightweight texture looks great under makeupHelps reduce the appearance of fine linesConsThinner formula won't feel as hydrating as other optionsWhy we love it: Prefer a more lightweight formula when it comes to skincare products? Look no further than the Dr. Loretta eye gel, which has a light-as-air texture and uses ingredients like peptides and antioxidants to firm and tighten the skin—meaning it's also great for reducing the appearance of fine lines.Key ingredients: Peptides, algae extractFragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningCosmo editor’s review: "This eye gel immediately makes me look like I've been drinking a gallon of water a day and sleeping nine hours a night. I love how lightweight the gel texture feels—it's great under makeup or layered beneath a more moisturizing eye cream at night."—BGProsAffordable and widely accessible at drugstoresHelps reduce under-eye puffiness as well as fine lines and dark circlesConsSome reviewers with ultra-sensitive skin said it caused their skin to get a bit red and flakyContains parabensWhy we love it: Dr. Zeichner says that under-eye crepiness and puffiness are the result of weakening collagen and elastin fibers from things like aging, UV exposure, and inflammation from chronic rubbing of the eyes. The fix? This top-rated retinol eye cream, which happens to be a favorite of mine and many dermatologists. “It contains a gentle form of retinol to strengthen under-eye skin and reduce the appearance of lines as well as puffiness and dark circles," Dr. Zeichner said.Since its retinol-infused formula can make skin more sensitive to the sun, we recommend saving this cream for the evening as a part of your nighttime skincare routine.Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerinFragrance-free? YesUsage: EveningAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsContains retinol and vitamin C to smooth and brighten under-eyesDeeply hydrates, making it an ideal choice for those with dry skinConsTexture may be too thick for those with oily skinThe jar is a bit cumbersome IMOWhy we love it: One of my personal favorites on the list, this eye cream from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is nothing short of magical for your under-eyes. It has a very rich, almost balm-like consistency that traps moisture under the eyes so that the delicate (and often dry) skin in that area is left smooth and hydrated. Similar to other retinol-infused creams, we recommend using this cream in the evening to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.Dr. Zeichner is a fan too and says, “this rich cream combines retinol with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to strengthen and brighten the skin under the eyes.” He adds that the depuffing action is courtesy of a botanical blend.Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, plant-derived stem cells, shea butterFragrance-free? NoUsage: EveningProsHas the Eczema Association Seal so you know it's super gentleMade without potential skin irritants, including harsh actives, fragrances, and dyesConsNot as fast-acting as some other options on the listWon't dramatically smooth fine lines or wrinkles around the eyesWhy we love it: CeraVe's Eye Repair Cream is an excellent choice for someone who is new to using an eye cream or anyone who has sensitive skin. I consider it the white T-shirt of eye creams; a basic that you can always rely on in your line-up. I love its gel-like formula under my eyes because it feels refreshing, weightless, and absorbs quickly. It gives me a little pick-me-up in the morning that won’t mess with my makeup for the day, either.Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acidFragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningCosmo editor’s review: “It's my go-to recommendation for anyone who’s looking for a "basic" eye cream that can be used morning and night without irritation (hi to you sensitive-skinned babes).”—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITORAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoubles as the perfect under-eye primer for makeupHas a sheer yellow tint that neutralizes discoloration under the eyesConsWhile it's excellent at brightening, it's not our #1 pick for puffinessWhy we love it: The first time I tested this eye cream, I was hooked. I've been using it for as long as I can remember, and it consistently makes my eye area look more wide-awake. I wouldn’t say that it’s the number one eye cream for puffiness, but it does brighten like a champ, which helps draw attention away from any bags or puffiness under my eyes. It's also *perfect* for wearing beneath concealer and makeup thanks to a creamy, non-pilling formula and a banana-inspired tint that helps neutralize discoloration upon application.Key ingredients: Hardy orange extract, vitamin C, jojoba seed oilFragrance-free? YesUsage: MorningCosmo editor’s review: “I suffer from dark circles, so this is a need, not a want, for me. I love that it has a yellow tint to slightly brighten and color correct under my eyes. It doesn’t depuff as noticeably as other products, but it plays well with others. That means I can layer it with a depuffer to erase dark circles and puffiness together.”—CMProsCooling applicator enhances the formula's depuffing benefitsMade with all-natural, plant-based ingredientsConsThe formula has a slight shimmer that some reviewers didn't loveOne of the top ways to quickly get rid of puffiness is by gently pressing a cooling tool, or even a cold spoon, under your eyes. Lucky for you, this eye cream has a cooling ceramic tip applicator so you can leave your spoons in the kitchen. By massaging your under-eyes with the cooling tip as you apply the caffeine-and peptide-packed formula, you can double the depuffing benefits. This bb is an absolute staple in my morning skincare routine, especially after nights when I've had one-too-many margs at happy hour. Key ingredients: Sea fennel extract, peptides, caffeine, avocado extractFragrance-free? YesUsage: MorningGlowing customer review: "This product is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. It makes concealer and foundation easier to put on. It blends well in the skin and the applicator is easy to use. A definite must-have in my daily beauty routine."Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsReviewers love the way it instantly cools and soothes the eye areaContains vitamin C to brighten and smooth delicate eye skinConsSome reviewers say the formula is prone to pilling under makeupWhy we love it: Dr. O’Connell says that this eye cream from Tru Alchemy is one of her favorites for depuffing and brightening the eye area. “The formula is a hybrid of a cream and a serum, meaning it penetrates the skin deeply like a serum and hydrates just like a cream," she said. It also has all of the key ingredients for depuffing, brightening, and smoothing. Think: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, vitamin C, niacinamide, and squalane.Key ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, vitamin CFragrance-free? YesUsage: Morning and/or eveningProsHelp depuff and revitalize your under-eyes in just 15 minutesA great option for travel or after a long flightConsNot the best option for daily useThey're not reusable like some other eye patches on the marketWhy we love it: No, these aren't technically an eye cream, but there aren’t many things that feel as good (or work as well) as popping on a set of under-eye patches after a late night. I slap on these caffeine-and hyaluronic acid-infused patches while I do my eye makeup to help hydrate and depuff my under-eyes and help catch any fallout from my eyeshadow. Plus, I love that they’re made of a bio-cellulose material that helps seal in moisture, but without feeling too sticky or slimy on my skin.Key ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acidFragrance-free? YesUsage: As neededAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowMeet the experts:Joshua Zeichner​, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic & clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY. Jessica Cheung, MD, is a dermatologist practicing in Chicago and New York.Adrienne O'Connell, DO, is a doctor of osteopathic medicine in Laguna Beach, CA. Dr. O’Connell is also the president and medical director of Laguna Beach Aesthetics.How to choose a depuffing eye cream:Keep an eye out for key ingredients.“When choosing an eye cream it is crucial to read the ingredient list,” Dr. O’Connell says. “There are a few key ingredients—including caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid—that really work well at taking away puffiness, especially when combined, and so those are the ones you want to look for.”Cheung also says that “ingredients that help firm and strengthen your skin, including retinol and antioxidants, will help to fight puffy eyes,” too.Pay attention to the applicator.Along with containing depuffing ingredients, many popular eye creams for puffy eyes come with a cooling, massage tip applicator (like Caudalie, Ilia, and Tru Alchemy, above) which helps with further depuffing. Plus, they feel incredible.Consider your skin type.Everyone's skin is different, and an eye cream that works for one reviewer may not work for you. For example, if you have drier skin, you may prefer a richer formula like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream, while someone with oilier skin may have better results with a gel-based product like the Dieux Auracle Eye Gel.Additionally, an eye cream that’s super potent and yields amazing results for one person may be too strong for someone with sensitive skin. We recommend patch-testing a product on your wrist to see if your skin is reactive to it before applying it to more sensitive areas like your eyes.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow do you depuff your eyes fast?There are a few different methods for quickly reducing eye puffiness. To depuff your eyes fast, you can dunk your face in an ice bath or apply cold compresses to your eyes, Cheung says. She also says that placing chilled cucumber slices or damp tea bags on your eyes can depuff in a pinch as well.Damp tea bags are especially useful because you'll get the cooling effects as well as some caffeine for reducing inflammation. Giving yourself a lymphatic massage (with your hands or an ice roller) can help to move any puffiness-inducing fluid around and deflate under-eye bags as well.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women's magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who's always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness, and beyond.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing skin, hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness and beyond.