The 15 Best Eye Serums for Dark Circles and Fine Lines

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. Reviewers report seeing results soon after using it.

Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, caffeine

Best for: Puffiness, dark circles, fine lines

Ulta rating: 4/5 stars

Our expert says: “This is an affordable product with peptides that also strengthen the under skin and help with dark circles.” –Dr. Karan Lal

Even if you’re not getting nearly as much sleep as you should be (don’t worry—that applies to most of us), you can fake being well-rested with an application of this formula. Infused with retinol and collagen, the K-beauty product plumps, hydrates, and brightens the under eyes all in one go.

Key ingredients: Retinol, collagen

Best for: Dullness, sagging, dryness

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE contributor 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 that 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, Hearst senior commerce editor

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

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

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 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. This serum is deeply hydrating and uses vitamin C to brighten dark circles.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, collagen, antioxidants

Best for: Dark circles, fine lines, dullness

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

An ELLE contributor 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

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 do the job.

Key ingredients: Peptides

Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles

Dermstore rating: 3.7/5 stars

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

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

Best for: Puffiness, dullness

Sisley rating: 4.9/5 stars

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

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

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

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

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

ILIA rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert 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, beauty expert

Like a mini facial in a bottle, this rejuvenating eye serum lifts, heals, and brightens 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

Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor 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

“This has purified peptides, which are a great alternative to retinol and help strengthen the eyelid skin,” says Dr. Lal. Additionally, because of the other hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E, the formula soothes dry patches with ease despite its thin, lightweight texture.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, vitamin E

Best for: Dryness, dullness

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this serum because makeup settles into the lines under my eyes. I read [that] eye cream can exacerbate that and to use a serum instead. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I chose this. I am so glad I did! I have very dry skin, and I have tried every moisturizer and eye cream under the sun, from luxury to drugstore. I’ve found a facial moisturizer that works well, but never felt like an eye cream did anything my facial moisturizer didn’t already accomplish. Until this one! This sinks in deep, my lines blur from the hydration, [it’s] not greasy at all, and it stays until I wash my face and re-apply. Although it didn’t prevent my make-up from settling into the lines under my eyes, it was definitely an improvement over an eye cream, just regular moisturizer, or nothing at all. Plus, my under-eye look less crepey when I use it. I’m not sure if there is a ‘permanent’ improvement, but I can see and feel the daily difference between using it or not.”

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.“This serum has a unique peptide that helps build collagen. It also has hyaluronic acid for hydration,” says Dr. Lal.

Key ingredients: Peptides, collagen, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Fine lines, dullness, dryness

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Game changer—wish I’d tried this years ago! I have very dry skin and very dry skin patches near my tear duct. This product plumps and moisturizes my skin and gives me a dewy finish. Dryness has disappeared in virtually days.”

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

Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Been using this serum for about a year and a half, and my under eyes have never looked better. It is a little tacky, but it stays put all through the night. I wouldn't recommend under makeup nor for daytime. Puffiness has subsided, and my under eyes have never been as smooth as they are right now. Fine lines have reduced as well.”

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

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for a little over a month, and I have been super impressed with the results. I have tried loads of high and anti-aging eye creams, and I finally found the one for me! I enjoy the non-sticky formula and the results I am getting. You twist the top of the bottle to expose the pump, which I love! The bottle seems to be lasting a long time, making it even more cost effective. Finally found my holy grail eye cream! Seriously, just add it to the cart already.”

La Mer is one of the most luxurious skin care brands on the market, in part because it focuses on using botanical ingredients to boost its products. 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

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Another fab product from La Mer! This eye cream is lightweight. It makes the eye area hydrated and smoothes fine lines. The cooling applicator makes the product lovely to apply, especially at the end of the day.”