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It’s no secret that vitamin C is a hero ingredient in most skincare routines, especially when you’re looking to brighten, tighten, and correct dark spots. While it’s a powerful antioxidant commonly found in corrective serums and hydrating moisturizers, it can work even harder in the targeted, more concentrated formulas like an eye cream. The best vitamin C eye creams hydrate, nourish, protect, and repair the area around your eyes.
Since the skin around our eyes is thinner compared to other areas on our face, it’s more susceptible to dehydration and crepiness, which can result in the appearance of wrinkles. Thinner skin requires more moisture, vitamins, collagen, and ceramides, which is why eye creams are such an important part of your skincare routine as you get older. When an eye cream is harnessed with the superpower of vitamin C (among other important ingredients), it can be transformative.
Vanessa Lee, celebrity medical aesthetic provider and founder of The Things We Do, says, “Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient, known for its antioxidant properties, which help to brighten and protect the delicate skin around our eyes from environmental stressors. It also helps neutralize free radicals that can damage the skin and accelerate aging.” If you’re like me and nerd out on the science of skincare, Lee goes on to explain how vitamin C inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is directly related to melanin production. “By regulating this enzyme, the result is brighter skin in the areas used,” she says.
Beverly Hills-based oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kami Parsa adds that “vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen production to thicken the thin skin under the eyes.” From boosting the skin’s ability to fight off harmful UV rays to promoting collagen synthesis for a more youthful appearance, and most notably, brightening the skin to neutralize dark spots, this superpower ingredient does it all.
Remember, when applying any eye care products, use your ring finger to gently tap the product into the skin, avoiding pulling or stretching in this delicate area. Consistency is key with any skincare product, including vitamin C eye creams. Lastly, Dr. Parsa adds that “it’s important to eat healthy, get enough sleep, reduce stress in life, and reduce alcohol intake because if these things are not addressed, there is no eye cream that will help!”
We consulted skincare experts, tested several formulas on the market, and studied the internet’s rollercoaster of reviews to curate a list of the 15 best vitamin C eye creams. Scroll on to check out our picks.
Farmacy Wake Up Honey Eye Cream w Vitamin C
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can sting a little
This is a lightweight creamy formula full of hydrating honey and caffeine, both working wonders for tired eyes and puffiness. It fights crow’s feet and dark spots by locking in hydration and reducing wrinkles over time.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I really love this product. It takes away the puffiness and brightens around my eyes. I have hereditary, dark circles, and with this product on the consistent basis, I have noticed my eyes brighten up.”
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
Pros
- Sulfate, paraben, phthalate-free
Cons
- Some say it feels sticky
The combination of niacinamide and vitamin C in this Summer Fridays eye cream is unstoppable. Both superstar ingredients work together to improve the appearance of discoloration and texture, while controlling excess oil, brightening dullness, and tightening the skin. It’s a lightweight, gentle formula that won't irritate your eyes or skin or cause a buildup, even under makeup.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely love this eye cream from Summer Fridays. It’s so lightweight and gentle, and immediately I can see a difference after I apply it. It makes my under eyes smoother and firmer, while also brightening and making my eyes look more awake. It stays put on my skin and blends well underneath my makeup. It’s super hydrating as well, but not greasy and absorbs well. I've been using it everyday, and I couldn’t be happier with it.”
Pros
- Fast absorbing
Cons
- Some say it an be irritating
This highly concentrated, fast-absorbing, restorative eye cream delivers a hydration boom in targeted areas. It contains hyaluronic acid and retinol to hydrate, fight wrinkles, and boost skin tone. Other ingredients include oat kernel extract to improve elasticity.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Even though this is super expensive, this little magic bottle works wonders. It feels great and moisturizing and helps to instantly smooth out fine lines and helps to actually repair those lines in about 30 days. It is very lightweight but works well with no scent that I could detect. It is a tiny bit sticky but that goes away in a minute after it dries down. I think this small bottle will actually last two months like that cream, so in the long run, this price isn’t that outrageous.”
Lancer Instant Brightening Booster
Pros
- High potency
Cons
- Some say it can be irritating
Lancer’s Instant Brightening Booster is among the skincare products with the highest potency of vitamin C. With 30 percent vitamin C and turmeric, this powerful combination helps to balance, brighten, and restore the surface of your skin. It’s hydrating and rich with a subtle orange scent.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Best for: All skin types, may not be suitable for sensitive skin (perform a spot test)
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Easy nighttime application. I use this at night and feel brightened in the morning. It has a subtle orange scent. I love the little spoon that comes with it. I would say I have normal to dry skin and this brightener goes on without stinging or burning. I have had no bad skin issues with it. Product will last a long time.”
Pros
- Ingredient list provides a ton of benefits
Cons
- Some say the applicator is a pain
The set of three is a fast track to plump, glowing, tight skin. The eye cream is fast-acting to brighten the under-eyes while simultaneously working to reduce dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles over time. It uses three types of vitamin C for brightening and tightening, along with other firming ingredients. Additionally, the Eye Roller will instantly cool, depuff, and boost circulation, while the Face Glaze provides a dewy glow and sheen.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Inn Beauty Project rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Inn Beauty Project reviewer says: “This eye cream is the best! I have tried eye creams 3x as much and Bright & Tight blow them out of the water! I noticed hydrated, smoothed, and my dark circles are so much better!”
Drunk Elephant C-Tango™ Vitamin C Eye Cream
Pros
- 5 forms of Vitamin C
Cons
- Some say it does not spread easily
Drunk Elephant’s rockstar eye cream uses five different forms of vitamin C and eight different peptides to work overtime. The formula is luxurious and rich and will act fast to show off firmer, brighter-looking skin.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types, may not be suitable for sensitive skin (perform a spot test)
Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have pretty sensitive skin and love this stuff. I’ve purchased it maybe six times. It just eliminates that tired dull look my skin gets as I am maturing. pricy but highly recommend.”
Pros
- Velvety smooth
Cons
- Will take a while to see results
Omorovicza products transport you to a world of luxury. This investment-worthy vitamin C eye cream is combined with vitamins A and F to restore the skin's natural radiance, and smooth, hydrate, and tighten skin over time. The rich formula spreads into a velvety soft sheen that will instantly boost your vibe.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Omorovicza rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Omorovicza reviewer says: “I get really bad bags particularly in one eye in the morning. This cream has absolutely corrected it! It’s pretty amazing. It has also lightened the dark corners which I’ve had chronically my whole life. To add to this, it seems like my whole eye area has firmed up.”
IMAGE Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Takes longer to absorb
If you’re not a fan of heavy creamy textures, this hydrating gel contains all the benefits of a vitamin C eye cream, but in a smoother consistency. The physician-formulated product cools the skin for a firming, puff-reducing, and brightening finish. A lightweight gel is typically suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types, especially for those with sensitive skin
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have extremely sensitive and dry skin and this product has completely transformed my under-eyes. My skin is much more hydrated and I’m not as self-conscious about how my under eyes look anymore.”
Pros
- Highly concentrated
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Peter Thomas Roth’s hydrating eye cream is supercharged by a high dose of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to help smooth crow's feet, brighten the skin under the eyes, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. While it’s fast-absorbing and provides fast results, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. Be sure to perform a spot test on your hand before moving to the face. Start small and build.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types, may not be suitable for sensitive skin
Bluemercury rating: 4/5 stars
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “It definitely works...if you have sensitive skin, test before you use. Also wash face before going to gym.”
Murad Vitamin C Dark Circle Correcting Eye Serum
Pros
- Combats three different types of pigmentation concerns
Cons
- Some say it pills off
Murad’s Correcting Eye Serum harnesses three vitamin C technologies for stability and potency, ensuring it penetrates the skin and performs adequately. It’s unique from others on this list because it contains light-reflecting microminerals that further boost its brightening properties. The science of Murad focuses on multiple types of pigmentation concerns: blue, which is the visibility of unoxygenated blood; brown, which is typically sun damage and hyperpigmentation; and red, which translates to irritation and allergies.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This is the only product that have ever worked for my dark circles. I have dark circles for as long as I can remember and nothing seemed to work in past. My sister recently complemented on how lighter my dark circles are now. If you have hereditary dark under eyes, please give this a try, you won’t regret it.”
Pros
- Refillable pods available
Cons
- Some do not like the scent
Other than the display-worthy container, the first thing you’ll notice about Kora Organics’ Berry Bright Vitamin C Eye Cream is how velvety soft the formula is. It uses an active blend of Vitamin C from superfruits like Kakadu plum and cloudberry, along with a gentle yet potent ascorbyl glucoside that combats dullness. Together, these vitamin-rich botanicals and peptides harness the power of nature to target fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness for radiance. In a sustainable effort, the brand offers refillable pods to reduce waste and celebrate its gorgeous container. Miranda Kerr nailed it with this product.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Kora Organics rating: 4.45/5 stars
A Kora Organics reviewer says: “I have been religiously using the Berry Bright Vitamin C Eye Cream for 2 years. My results are spectacular. As I am getting into the adult years of the beginning signs of aging, this product locks in and gives me the moisturizing results I need for sensitive areas under my eyes. It smells amazing and it’s a staple product in my skincare routine! Thanks Miranda.”
Olehenrikson Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème
Pros
- Crease-resistant and concealer friendly
Cons
- Can sting a little
This best-selling eye cream has a ton of glowing reviews for a number of reasons. Not only does it use a triple vitamin C complex that enhances brightening and elasticity, but it is also combined with a gold delivery system and contains bioflavonoids, like citrus, to neutralize free radicals and further brighten. Most notably, it harnesses the power of banana powder, which is setting powder with a yellow tint used by makeup artists to color-correct and set makeup through light-reflecting yellow mineral pigments Translation? It’s a crease-resistant, concealer-friendly formula.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types (may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin)
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “A little pricey but a little goes a long way. I have really dark circles and this has lightened them in less than a month. I still have about 90% of the jar left! Very pleased.”
Pros
- Thick, hydrating formula
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Naturium’s 0.7 oz. $20 eye cream (larger than most expensive options) is formulated with ingredients that work. As a fashion and beauty editor who has tested dozens of eye creams over the years, this formula is among my favorites. The mix of vitamin C gold complex, retinol, and hyaluronic acid checks all the boxes skincare experts swear by. I live in Los Angeles, where there weather is dry, and this eye cream has significantly (and instantly) helped provide long-lasting hydration and glow. I especially notice how hydrated my skin feels when I wake up in the morning after sleeping with my windows open. It’s a thick formula that penetrates my normal to dry olive skin nicely.
Size: 0.7 oz.
Best for: Dry to normal skin, may not be suitable for sensitive skin
Naturium rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Naturim reviewer says: “I have found the perfect all in one eye cream. This formula is exactly what I was looking. Make my eyes look brighter and minimizing my fine line around my eyes. Will continue to repurchase.”
Pros
- Ginseng and caffeine revive tired skin
Cons
- Reviewers don’t like the smaller sized applicator
This mall-brand bestseller has withstood the test of time with decades of loyal fans. At a mid-level price point, it continues to receive glowing reviews for value, performance, and longevity. Origins combines vitamin C and niacinamide to boost hydration and brighten dark spots. It’s available in two different shades—original for fair-to-medium skin tones and cooler undertones, and warm for medium-to-deep skin tones or warmer undertones. The added ginseng and caffeine revive tired skin for a noticeable glow.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have been using for over a year now, am on my second tub, and love so so much. I can visibly see my dark circles go down and puffiness decrease. my make up looks better, my face without make up looks better, and the price point is great.”
Pros
- Refreshes tired eyes
Cons
- Takes a while to see results
Augstinus Bader is a leader in luxury skincare. Known for its powerful yet simple line of products, The Eye Cream works wonders on dull skin. This is the only eye cream you’ll ever need, with innovative ingredients such as vitamin C, B, and niacinamide. Clinical studies have proven this to improve the appearance of under-eye circles, puffiness, dark shadows, fine lines, and wrinkles while boosting firmness and hydration.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Best for: All skin types, not suitable for sensitive skin
Bluemercury rating: 3.5/5 stars
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “Love this product! I have tried so many eye creams for my 57 years old sun damaged skin and this product is absolutely the best!”
Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
Yes, this was a roundup of the best vitamin C eye creams, but Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream technically doesn’t contain this hero ingredient. Instead, it uses an alternative ingredient that works wonders: viniferine. The ingredient is newer to the mainstream skincare world, but it is said to be just as effective (some say more effective) than vitamin C for brightening dark spots; it targets all pigmentation concerns from blue, brown, purple, and black while hydrating your eye contour and working as a concealer base. Plus the targeted applicator allows for a gentle distribution and lymphatic massage technique. I’ve tested this product and loved the results.
Size: .5 oz.
Best for: All skin types
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This eye cream works wonders! I have tried so many to get rid of dark circles and none have worked like this product! It hydrates my under eye and has increased them to look so much more radiant. I absolutely love this product! Hands down one of the best!”
Meet the Experts
Vanessa Lee is a celebrity medical aesthetic provider and founder of The Things We Do, a Southern California-based beauty concept bar.
Dr. Kami Parsa is a Beverly Hills-based oculoplastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in the eyes and surrounding tissue.
What should you look for in a vitamin C eye cream?
For starters, look for products that have an efficient concentration of vitamin C. Lee says, “It should be between 10-20 percent for maximum effectiveness.” If the percentage isn’t shown, be sure vitamin C is listed within the first three ingredients to ensure potency. “Vitamin C can be unstable when exposed to light and air, so opt for creams in opaque, airtight containers to keep it fresh and potent,” she adds.
The best vitamin C eye creams should blend this holy grail ingredient with others that complement it, according to your skin type and goals. Dr. Parsa recommends looking for additional ingredients below.
- Caffeine: This is a stimulant that can help constrict the blood vessels under the eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. It can also help reduce puffiness and inflammation by draining excess fluid from the tissues.
- Niacinamide: This is a form of vitamin B3 that can help decrease hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin under the eyes. It can also help strengthen the skin barrier, regulate oil production, and prevent moisture loss.
- Retinol: This is a form of vitamin A that can help increase cell turnover and exfoliate the dead skin cells that make dark circles more visible. It can also help boost collagen synthesis and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
The most important element of any eye cream is hydration, which can be achieved with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and beta glucan.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Vanessa Powell is an LA-based fashion editor and stylist turned wellness and beauty guru that tests countless products to curate informative shopping guides in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle space.
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