When you’re sleep-deprived, puffy eyes are a dead giveaway-and espresso and under-eye concealer can only do so much. While lack of rest is a large contributor to puffy eyes, the condition can also be caused by things like sodium intake, changes in skin elasticity, and even genetics. No matter what the origin, swollen eyes staring back at you in the mirror is probably not the look you’re going for. In search of the best eye creams for puffiness, we consulted hardworking female founders, CEOs, and executives who lead companies.
Understanding Eye Puffiness
Puffiness under the eyes comes from two primary sources, according to dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern. “The first is fluid retention, often triggered by factors such as allergies, diet, salt intake, hormonal changes, insufficient sleep, or even an uncomfortable sleeping position,” she says. This swelling can fluctuate and is more likely to improve with topical treatments, cold compresses, or lifestyle changes.
The second source is structural changes that happen as we get older. As we age, the fat pads around the eyes shift, and the bony skeleton of the midface resorbs. This can contribute to a less smooth and more sunken appearance, making puffiness more noticeable.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Eye Creams for Puffiness
There are a few key ingredients to look for when purchasing an eye cream for periorbital puffiness. In general, you’ll want to look for ingredients that target inflammation and circulation.
Ingredients that Combat Puffiness and Inflammation
- Caffeine: Caffeine constricts blood vessels and helps reduce swelling.
- Green Tea Extract: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peptides: Can strengthen and firm the skin, supporting both puffiness and fine lines.
- Algae Extracts: Often used for their hydrating and firming properties, and can help minimize the appearance of dark shadows.
- Malachite Extract: Known for its antioxidant properties and ability to help firm and hydrate skin.
Ingredients for Hydration and Skin Improvement
- Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps and hydrates, softening the look of crepiness.
- Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Bakuchiol: A plant-based alternative to retinol that can help with fine lines.
- Tranexamic Acid: Can help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark circles.
- Hydrolyzed Collagen: Helps to hydrate and improve skin elasticity.
Ingredients to Potentially Avoid
In general, avoid high concentrations of glycolic acid or other alpha-hydroxy acids, which can cause irritation and compromise thin and delicate eyelid skin. Fragrances and essential oils can also trigger contact dermatitis for sensitive eyes.
Top Eye Creams for Puffiness Recommended by Experts
We’ve compiled a list of highly recommended eye creams, favored by female founders, CEOs, and executives, that target puffiness and other under-eye concerns.
Dieux Auracle Eye Gel
Key ingredients: Peptides, algae extracts, glycerin
Additional benefits: Hydrates, smooths skin, reduces the appearance of dark circles
Size: 0.68 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
Dieux’s hydrating gel features an algae complex that targets fine lines and visibly minimizes the appearance of dark shadows, while its peptide complex hydrates and leaves skin bouncy, without extra fluid retention. "This eye serum, combined with the Dieux eye mask, makes my undereyes look so refreshed-like I got the best sleep of my life or maybe went to the spa for the weekend,” says Melissa Mash, co-founder and CEO of Dagne Dover.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides, vegan collagen
Additional benefits: Firms and softens skin, reduces the look of wrinkles
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: No
French company Caudalie is known for its use of anti-aging ingredients derived from grapes. This gel cream formula combines antioxidant-rich resveratrol with firming collagen and moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid. The result? Eye swelling and sagging is reduced. “I travel a lot for work and my schedule can be all over the place, so I’m always looking for something that helps me look more rested than I sometimes feel,” says Angela Vranich, co-founder and chief product officer at Little Spoon.
Sisley Supremya Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants, glycerin
Additional benefits: Revitalizes and lifts, reduces dark circles, smooths appearance of fine lines
Size: 0.51 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
Similarly to how consuming coffee can help battle fatigue, caffeine in an eye cream is a key rejuvenator because it reduces fluid accumulation and can aid in circulation. Sisley’s formula uses caffeine along with plant extracts and moisturizing shea butter and glycerin to revitalize the eye area with a spa-like feel. “I’ve tried many eye creams, but this one is a game changer,” says Sara Naghedi, founder of Naghedi. “I use it night and day; it’s not too thick so you can use it under makeup. The tool it comes with is great for puffiness, and the refillable container is the cherry on top of a perfect product.”
InnBeauty Bright & Tight
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, bakuchiol, caffeine, peptides, tranexamic acid
Additional benefits: Reduces dark circles and fine lines, brightens
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
If you’re looking to battle puffiness, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and crow’s feet all at once, this formula may be the answer. It includes all-star ingredients such as brightening vitamin C, cedar bark, and caffeine to increase microcirculation and improve the look of dark circles. And bakuchiol and peptides target annoying creases around your eyes. “I love InnBeauty’s Bright & Tight because it not only helps fine lines but it adds a glowing lit-from-within brightening effect-so much so that I often don’t need to wear concealer,” says Rachel Liverman, CEO of Glowbar.
Biologique Recherche Liposmose
Key ingredients: Caffeine, glycerin, malachite extract
Additional benefits: Firms and hydrates skin
Size: 1 ounce
Cruelty-free: Yes
If you’re prone to water retention, this product specifically targets fluid-filled under-eye bags. It de-volumizes by improving circulation-caffeine is a main ingredient-and gently moisturizes all while firming and protecting skin from free radicals. “The serum has a very watery texture, so it glides right on,” says Roni Hirshberg, co-founder of Generation Love, who uses it every morning and evening along with the brand’s Crème Contour Yeux et Levres Biofixine. “I love the applicator of the Crème Contour because it has a metal tip and it feels cool on the under eye, almost like a little spa treatment. I always feel refreshed after using it.”
Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Persian silk tree, oat extract, hibiscus flower acids
Additional benefits: Hydrates, reduces appearance of bags and circles, soothes and depuffs
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
This affordable formula packs a punch with a trifecta of effective ingredients: Hibiscus flower acids work to gently exfoliate the eye area without causing irritation; Persian silk tree helps fade the appearance of dark under-eye circles; and oat extract hydrates the eye area. "[This is] a must-have step for the morning, and I love the metal tip applicator that really helps with de-puffing,” says Jessica Tse, founder of Notte Jewelry. “I have quite sensitive skin, and its ingredients are effective yet gentle. I use it twice a day, morning and evening for extra hydration. Unlike some other eye creams I’ve used in the past, it doesn’t peel or make my makeup patchy. It sits really nicely under sunscreen, too.”
Gunilla Eye De-Puff A23
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, peptides, panthenol, antioxidants, elastin
Additional benefits: Softens fine lines, hydrates, fades dark circles, supports collagen renewal
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
Swedish brand Gunilla is known for its spa-grade, plant-based skincare, and this formula uses ingredients like witch hazel, arnica, and St. John’s Wort to visibly reduce swelling and increase circulation around the eyes. It has a silky feel, absorbs quickly, and leaves lasting moisture without a heavy, sticky residue. “It not only feels incredible under the eyes, but I can instantly feel the moisture penetrating my skin,” says Stephi Maron, co-founder of Blushington. “It also has a cooling sensation, which I love, since my undereyes can get puffy. I put what is left from the product on my finger and massage it on my eyelid area to help keep that area hydrated and lifted.” Maron also likes that it’s fragrance-free and has “no harsh chemicals, which is important to me especially for such a sensitive area.”
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen
Additional benefits: Reduces the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: No
This ingredient-rich cream is made with 10% THD ascorbate-a stable form of vitamin C-vitamin E, and ferulic acid to brighten dull, tired-looking eyes. These ingredients are combined with hydrating hyaluronic acid and de-puffing caffeine for an overall, “I just came back from vacation and am super refreshed” vibe. “This is the first and only eye cream I’ve ever loved, and it comes at a time when I really do need it (oh age!),” says Leigh Plessner, chief creative officer at Catbird. “I tap a bit on after applying hyaluronic acid, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s moisturizing and brightening and doesn't make my eyes burn or get in the way of wearing mascara and a flick of eyeliner.”
How to use an Eyecream - Vogue's Makeup Tutorials | Vogue Beauty School | British Vogue
111SKIN Black Diamond Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, escin, granactive retinoid
Additional benefits: Reduces the appearance of lines, improves skin laxity, brightens
Size: 0.5 ounces
Cruelty-free: Yes
This formula is designed to brighten and boost collagen production, and it has a type of retinoid that is less likely to cause irritation to the delicate eye area. It also includes escin, which works to reduce swelling, inflammation, and fluid accumulation. "I can feel my skin getting tighter and firmer every time I use it, which is what I look for in an eye cream,” says Grace Na, founder of Pistola Denim. “I use it every night.”
When to Expect Results
The timing of application is also important. “A lightweight, cooling gel with caffeine in the morning can help minimize swelling,” says Magovern. “At night, you can use richer, more reparative formulas with peptides, hyaluronic acid, or retinol to address fine lines and overall skin quality.” Bear in mind, though, that consistency of application is most important. Thin periorbital skin responds gradually, says Rambhia, and individual results vary based on genetic factors.
Hydrating ingredients and caffeine may show results immediately or within the first week. Within two to four weeks, niacinamide and peptides can show improved skin texture and anti-inflammatory benefits. Within six to eight weeks, retinol can help with fine line improvement, and you can see dark circle reduction from brightening agents like vitamin C.