Dark circles are out, skincare is in. For a rejuvenated look, an eye cream with caffeine is a must. Caffeine in skincare can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while brightening the skin. When used under the eyes, it’s a game changer, so we love it in eye creams. 

“Some people will even put their caffeine eye serums in the fridge to help provide a cooling effect, which can also help with puffiness and decrease fluid retention around the eyes,” says Dr. Aya Ahram, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.

No matter your skin type or concern, you’re sure to find an eye cream on our list to help you wake up and eliminate dark circles and other skin concerns.

Our Top Picks Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Eye Cream for Dark Circles at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream at Sephora ($11) Jump to Review Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye at Skinceuticals.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best For Sensitive Skin: Ilia Retinol Alternative Eye Cream at Sephora ($46) Jump to Review Best For Dark Circles: Neutrogena Eye Gel Cream at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Hydrating: Community Sixty-Six Hydrating Caffeine Eye Cream at Sephora (See Price) Jump to Review Best Firming: Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Cooling: Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm (See Price) Jump to Review Best Anti-Aging: CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best De-Puffing: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Eye Cream for Dark Circles

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Laroche-posay.us What’s Great About It Suitable for sensitive skin and eyes

Caffeine reduces appearance of blue and brown dark circles

Niacinamide restores skin’s moisture barrier

Cooling metal applicator

What Could Be Better The applicator may waste some product

If you’re looking for an eye cream that does it all, this is the one for you. It brightens the under eye while reducing both blue and brown dark circles.

It has a metal applicator and a gentle, melt-in texture for a nice cooling effect. It’s also allergy, dermatologist, and ophthalmologist tested, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin and eyes. 

The three key ingredients in this eye cream are caffeine, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water. The caffeine reduces the appearance of dark circles, while the niacinamide helps restore the skin's moisture barrier. The La Roche-Posay thermal spring water is sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay in France and contains minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Tube with metal applicator | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water

　　 Best Budget

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

View On Sephora View On Kohls.com View On Theinkeylist.com What’s Great About It Lightweight and fast absorbing

Wears well under makeup

Caffeine and peptides de-puff under-eye area

What Could Be Better Those with dry skin may not find it moisturizing enough

If you’re on a budget and still want to eliminate your dark circles, this is the eye cream for you. At only $11, The Inkey List eye cream has caffeine as one of its main ingredients. The caffeine and peptides work together to de-puff your under-eye area, and it’s clinically proven to improve the appearance of puffiness and dark circles from the first use.

The cream is lightweight and hydrating, providing instant hydration while absorbing quickly. It’s great to wear under makeup or on its own. If you wear it under makeup, it will help reduce creasing. It’s a great product at an even better price. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Tube | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, Matrixyl 3000 peptide, Albizia julibrissin bark extract

　　 Best Splurge

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye

View On Skinceuticals.com View On Dermstore View On Sfskincare.com What’s Great About It Reduces signs of aging

Improves the appearance of dark circles

Intense hydration

What Could Be Better Need time to see results

Skincare can be pricey, but if you’re going to splurge on a caffeine eye cream, make it this one. The SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye cream does it all, diminishing crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles. 

While caffeine helps bring brightness back to the skin, this cream has other heavy-hitting ingredients, too. The cream has 7.15% concentrated Proxylane, which helps get rid of wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. It also has 3% of Matrixyl 3000, a peptide that helps the skin's natural firmness return.

At over $100, it’s definitely a splurge, but worth it if you want to kiss your dark circles and puffiness goodbye this year. Using this product regularly will get you hydrated skin with a youthful glow in no time. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Jar | Key Ingredients: Concentrated Proxylane, Wild Fruit Flavonoid Blend, Matrixyl 3000, Glycyrrhetinic acid, caffeine

　　 Best For Sensitive Skin

Ilia Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Iliabeauty.com What’s Great About It Sea kennel extract acts as retinol alternative

Reduces the appearance of dark circles and depuff under eyes

Cooling ceramic tip works as massage tool

What Could Be Better May be too lightweight for dry skin

It can be hard to find the right skincare products when you have sensitive skin. You want something that will work without giving your skin a bad reaction. Ilia is a brand known for creating gentle yet effective products for sensitive skin. 

The Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream was made to do four main things: brighten, hydrate, smooth, and de-puff. It is clinically proven to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. It also has the benefits of retinol without the potential irritation: Sea kennel extract, a sustainably sourced alternative to retinol, will brighten and smooth the skin. The two other key ingredients, upcycled avocado extract and caffeine, work to de-puff the under-eye area. And finally, the cooling ceramic tip acts as a massage tool. 

Size: 0.5 ounces  | Application: Tube with ceramic tip/massage tool | Key Ingredients: Sea Fennel Extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, peptides

　　 Best For Dark Circles

Neutrogena Eye Gel Cream

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta What’s Great About It Budget friendly

Works for all skin types

Hyaluronic acid and peptides provide hydration

Fragrance free

What Could Be Better May not be as effective against puffiness

The Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream from Neutrogena has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines. Along with caffeine, hyaluronic acid and peptides work to provide maximum hydration and eliminate dark circles. 

This is also a great budget-friendly option for all skin types. It’s fragrance free and safe for sensitive skin. It’s also ophthalmologist tested and will gently hydrate the delicate under-eye area. 

This product will quickly become a part of your everyday skincare routine. Use the cream morning and night to revive your under-eye area—the cream's caffeine and peptides help reduce the look of dark circles. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Jar | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptide complex

　　 Best Hydrating

Community Sixty-Six Hydrating Caffeine Eye Cream

View On Sephora What’s Great About It Affordable

Niacinamide brightens

Spinach leaf extract plumps and smooths

Hyaluronic acid hydrates

What Could Be Better Thick, may pill

Hydration is the main ingredient to healthy glowing skin. Community Sixty-Six has created a caffeine eye cream for only $18 that hydrates all skin types. The lightweight cream reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness.

It’s packed with ingredients that will instantly hydrate the skin. The niacinamide brightens while the spinach leaf extract plumps and smooths the skin. It also has 2% hyaluronic acid, which adds even more hydration. 

Besides being good for hydration, it also targets dark circles and has anti-aging ingredients. Use it daily, both day and night, for ultimate hydration. It’s like magic in a bottle and will keep you refreshed and renewed. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Bottle with pump | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide, spinach leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, heptapeptide

　　 Best Firming

Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Sephora What’s Great About It Firming gel made with a blend of peptides

Rosemary leaf extract minimizes swelling

Results in minutes

What Could Be Better Pricey

May pill

The under-eye area is delicate and soft, but firm skin gives a healthy and youthful appearance. This pick is a gel, not a cream, but it’s great for firming the skin. The Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel from Dermalogica has caffeine and peptides that also reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, and fine lines. It’s a de-puffing eye gel that works in 10 minutes. 

At $59, it’s one of the more pricey products on our list, but it’s worth it. The key ingredients in the eye gel are caffeine, rosemary leaf extract, and a special tetrapeptide blend of active peptides. The caffeine reduces puffiness, while the rosemary leaf extract minimizes swelling, and the tetrapeptide blend firms the skin. It’s great to add to your morning skincare routine. 

Size: 0.5 ounces  | Application: Tube | Key ingredients: Caffeine, tetrapeptide blend, rosemary leaf extract, lactic acid

　　 Best Cooling

Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm

View on Tula View On Amazon View On Nordstrom What’s Great About It Unique balm stick applicator

Doubles as a highlighter with a rosy tone

Cooling sensation

What Could Be Better Glowy finish may not last

A cooling sensation on the skin can be calming and rejuvenating in the morning. This cooling and brightening eye balm from Tula Skincare leaves a glow while instantly brightening and hydrating the skin. It also reduces the look of fine lines and dark circles. 

The ingredients in the stick balm are the star of the show. The probiotic extracts work to smooth and calm the skin, while the hyaluronic acid provides hydration, and the caffeine tightens the skin. It works on all skin types, so everyone can use it to get better, brighter skin. 

Size: 0.35 ounces | Application: Bottle with cream stick balm | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, probiotic extracts, hyaluronic acid

　　 Best Anti-Aging

CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target What’s Great About It Anti-aging peptide complex

Lightweight formula

Allergy tested and oil free

What Could Be Better Tube makes it hard to get all the product out

The renewing eye cream was developed with dermatologists and tested by ophthalmologists. The budget-friendly cream has anti-aging properties and works to visibly firm all skin types. It reduces the look of puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Apply it twice a day under makeup or on its own. 

The cream has an anti-aging peptide complex as well as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and caffeine to rid crow’s feet and fine lines. The lightweight formula will restore your skin's natural barrier and provide deep hydration. It’s allergy tested and oil free, so it’s safe for everyone to use. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Tube | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine

　　 Best De-Puffing

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What’s Great About It Dark circle complex reduces discoloration and puffiness

Can be applied throughout the day for a brightening effect

What Could Be Better May not be best for sensitive eyes

Many people experience puffiness in the morning. An eye cream that helps decrease puffy eyes is great to include in your skincare routine. It’s even better if, like this one from Sunday Riley, it also has caffeine. The auto-correct brightening and de-puffing eye cream for dark circles is $65 and brightens the under eyes while working to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. 

The eye cream contains a dark circle complex featuring caffeine, Brazilian ginseng, horse chestnut, and light-reflecting particles. The blend of ingredients reduces the appearance of puffiness and wakes the skin. It also includes watermelon extract and antioxidant-rich lutein that provides extra hydration. You can apply the cream throughout the day for a brightening effect. 

Size:  0.5 ounces | Application: Bottle with pump | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, watermelon extract, antioxidant-rich lutein

　　 Best Brightening

Herbivore Botanicals Eye Cream

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Anthropologie What’s Great About It Vitamin C and caffeine brighten the skin and decrease dark circles

Primes the under-eye area for makeup

Turmeric evens out the skin tone

What Could Be Better Smell may be overpowering to some

A brightening eye cream can give the skin a healthy, glowing look, and the Herbivore Super Nova eye cream does just that. It decreases dark circles and reduces puffiness. The award-winning eye cream is lightweight and helps to revive dry and dull skin. It also works great under makeup, priming the under-eye area and preventing concealer from settling into fine lines.

The eye cream has three key ingredients: THD vitamin C, caffeine, and turmeric. They all work to awaken the skin in the morning and brighten it. The 5% THD vitamin C eliminates dark circles, while the caffeine rids of puffiness and turmeric evens your skin tone. Its bright yellow color and light fruity scent enhance the whole experience. You’ll see visibly brighter skin fast using this product consistently. 

Size:  0.5 ounces | Application: Jar | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, THD vitamin C, turmeric root

　　 Best Fast-Absorbing

Mario Badesco Caffeine Eye Cream

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Ulta What’s Great About It Not sticky

Affordable

Lightweight, whipped texture

Reduces puffiness

What Could Be Better Those with dry skin may require a thicker cream

When you’re doing your skincare in a rush in the morning, you want something that will absorb into the skin quickly. The Mario Badescu caffeine eye cream is fast-absorbing, non-sticky, and hydrating. It’s vegan and made for all skin types. It’s also oil, paraben, and synthetic fragrance free. For only $20, it’s a great deal for a caffeine eye cream.

It has a lightweight whipped texture, helping it blend in seamlessly into the skin. The key ingredients in the cream are what make it so incredible. Of course, the caffeine is there to eliminate dark circles, but many more great ingredients are included. The sodium hyaluronate keeps the skin moisturized, while the jojoba esters and squalane act as emollients for the skin. Your puffiness will be gone, and the firmness and elasticity of your skin will return with this eye cream in your routine. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Jar | Key ingredients: Caffeine, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba esters, squalane

　　 Best With Retinol

First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Anthropologie What’s Great About It Encapsulated retinol with a slow-release delivery for less irritation

Made without fragrance, drying alcohols, and parabens

Squalane and ceramides strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier

What Could Be Better Retinol may be too much under the eyes for those with sensitive skin

Retinol can be great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A retinol eye cream is a great choice if your skin isn't too sensitive. One like this one from First Aid Beauty is even better because it even has caffeine. The encapsulated retinol's slow-release delivery allows the product to be applied smoothly and avoids redness and irritation. 

Made with sensitive skin in mind, the eye cream is made free from fragrance, drying alcohols, parabens, and more. It’s also dermatologist tested so you know it’s a product safe to use. The squalane and ceramides work to hydrate the skin and strengthen the moisture barrier. This, paired with the retinol, prevents dryness and loss of firmness. 

Size: 0.5 ounces | Application: Tube | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, squalane, encapsulated retinol, ceramides

　　 Best Mask

Good Molecules Caffeine Energizing Hydrogel Eye Patches

View On Ulta View On Goodmolecules.com What’s Great About It Offer quick pick-me-up for puffy, tired eyes

Fragrance free

Licorice extract, peptides, and aloe vera to brighten dark circles

What Could Be Better Difficult to remove from jar

Sometimes you want something a bit more than an eye cream. Eye patches are great to put on at the beginning of the day to decrease puffiness and the appearance of dark circles, or just to relax after a long day. These caffeine eye patches from Good Molecules brighten and hydrate the skin in just 10 minutes. 

The eye patches were made for all skin types and are fragrance free. The licorice extract, peptides, and aloe vera work to brighten dark circles. The hydrogel technology moisturizes and firms the under-eye area. You’ll have smoother, hydrated skin using this product regularly. 

Size: 60 patches/30 pairs | Application: Eye patches with spatula | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, licorice extract, peptides, aloe vera, hydrogel technology

　　 The Bottom Line

Our Best Overall pick is the La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream For Dark Circles because it’s an all-around effective eye cream for getting rid of dark circles, and it’s safe for sensitive skin. You’ll see a real difference in the color under your eyes and notice how much brighter they appear while using this product.

For a more affordable option, The Inkey List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream is our Best Budget pick. It’s a lightweight and fast-absorbing eye cream that relies on caffeine and peptides to de-puff and prep the under-eye area for makeup.

　　 Questions and Answers

Do caffeine eye creams really work? The biggest question most people have is whether they should even invest in a caffeine eye cream. According to Dr. Ahram, caffeine really does work to improve dark circles and puffiness: “Caffeine can act to help constrict the superficial blood vessels in the eyelids, which makes the blood vessels appear less visible and can help improve darkening around the eyes,” says Dr. Ahram. “By constricting the blood vessels, it can also help push excess fluid out of the eyelids and decrease puffiness around the eyes.” So, if you want to eliminate your dark circles and puffiness, you should include a caffeine eye cream in your skincare routine. 

Is retinol or caffeine better for under eyes? When searching for the right eye cream, knowing which ingredients to look for can be tricky. Retinol is a popular ingredient in many skincare products but can irritate sensitive skin. “Retinol can help boost the collagen in the eyelid skin, which is the thinnest skin in the body. However, because the skin is thin, it may be more sensitive to irritation, so you may only be able to tolerate retinol two to three nights per week, while caffeine should be more tolerable and less irritating,” says Dr. Ahram. 

However, Dr. Ahram adds that caffeine and retinol can “work well together to help target issues such as dark eye circles, fine lines, and puffiness around the eyes.” Make sure to choose products that work for your skin type and avoid using anything you notice harms your skin. 

Should you use caffeine eye cream every day? To truly see the results of a skincare product, repetition is key, but some products aren’t meant to be used daily. However, Dr. Ahram recommends including caffeine eye cream in your everyday skincare routine. “You can use it in the morning if you feel like you have puffy eyes and want to help reduce any bagginess before you start your day. You can see results fairly quickly with this, even within half an hour.” Just like your cup of coffee wakes you up in the morning, your caffeine eye cream will boost your under-eye area. 

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by EnJanae’ Taylor, contributing commerce writer for Southern Living, who has written product reviews for various publications for over three years. To compile this list of caffeine eye creams, she searched various online retailers to find the best options considering ingredients, formula, application, price, and more. For expert insight, she spoke to Dr. Aya Ahram, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.