I've Had Dark Circles All My Life, and These Are the Only Products That Work
Feeling at a loss when it comes to your dark under-eye circles? These are the best products to treat dark circles, tried and tested by our beauty director.

The topic of dark circles within the beauty industry is one that has frustrated me for as long as I can remember. You see, I came into this world sporting an impressive pair of purple rings underneath my eyes. I have spent most of my life batting off concerns from people that I look tired, drained and unwell. Honestly, I’m fine. It’s just my dark circles.
For many, dark circles don’t come about because of lifestyle choices. Sure, things like dehydration, lack of sleep and a poor skincare routine can worsen the situation, but for people like me, dark circles are permanent fixtures. Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, explains, "The term ‘dark circles’ is used to describe increased pigmentation of the under-eye and is a very common concern. The skin around the eye is unique. There is no subcutaneous fat underneath the skin, meaning it is prone to appearing darker than the rest of the face.”
I find myself frustrated by the use of the term "dark circles” in the industry because so much of the messaging implies that dark circles are our fault and can be totally reversed with one magical product. The truth is that no eye cream will eradicate dark circles. Trust me. I’ve tried them all. There is no magic product that can fix our dark-circle genes. "The causes of dark circles are multifactorial but include genetics (increased melanin deposition), allergies, location of blood vessels and age-related changes,” says Hawkes.
Having said that, despite the fact that there are injectable and surgical options available (Hawkes informs me that there are procedures called lower eyelid blepharoplasty and orbital fat repositioning that can be done and that filler is another option), I’d rather try my hand at as many at-home treatments as possible until I’ve exhausted all of my options.
Over the years, I have found a number of things that help the situation, and it’s not all down to certain eye creams. Keep scrolling to discover the best at-home treatments for dark circles that I have tried.
1. Brightening Eye Creams
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? Of course, there are brightening eye gels and creams out there that can help reduce pigmentation and generally make the eye area look more radiant. "Poor skin quality can worsen the appearance of dark circles, so it’s important to keep it hydrated,” explains Hawkes. Out of all of the brightening eye creams I have tried, these are the ones that have proved most effective.
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This SkinCeuticals eye cream contains Proxylane, glycyrrhetinic acid, Matrixyl 3000 and caffeine, which work in tandem to brighten the eye area with visible results. The texture is ultra silky, and has light-diffusing effects that make dark circles look less visible as you wear it.
Not only does this eye cream look pretty on the shelf, but it’s also so wonderfully lightweight, refreshing and cooling to use. On top of that, it contains vitamin C, to brighten, and niacinamide to boost firmness and make you look more alive.
Not only does this lightweight serum contain the super-brightening antioxidant vitamin C (which also fends off further skin damage), but it also contains milk peptides to increase collagen synthesis and plump the surrounding skin. I have a bottle of this in my stash at all times.
For when my eye area is particularly dry, this rich cream really does the job. It has an illuminating finish that helps to diffuse the look of dark circles and generally makes the skin around my eyes look brighter and healthier. I also always recommend this as an eye cream for mature skin, as the richer finish is ideal for treating delicate undereyes.
One of my favourite Refy products, this stuff is perfect for giving eyes that plump and hydrated look we all crave after long weekends. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine, both of which work to help tone and nourish the skin. For best results, I'd suggest using it morning and night, and as it comes in handy swipeable stick, it's an easy one to add into the rotation.
2. SPF
You might not realise it, but sun damage can really affect the state of your dark circles. "You should never avoid the eye area when applying sun cream. It’s so important, particularly on the upper and lower lids. It will help to delay the signs of skin ageing (including dark circles) as well as protect against the development of small skin cancers,” warns Hawkes.
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If you ask me, a great facial SPF is one that can be layered. This cult option from Ultraviolet hits all the right spots, both protection-wise and its all-day under-makeup wearability.
Another affordable SPF for all skin types and tones, this lightweight fluid is infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten and protect skin. Plus, it doubles as a decent makeup primer, too.
3. Cleansing Balm
The skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate, and being too aggressive with your skincare application can cause damage. "Applying products should involve gently dabbing around the bony rim of the orbit with your ring finger,” advises Hawkes. While that might be something you’re already aware of, it’s important to note that the same rules apply for makeup removal. So if you’re someone who goes in heavy-handed with micellar water, you might want to think again.
Hawkes reveals, "Be careful when removing eye makeup. Don’t rub the eyes excessively.” Personally, I opt for hydrating products that have slip, like a cleansing balm. Using a balm or an oil for your first cleanse to remove eye makeup means you don’t drag or damage the skin with abrasion.
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If you’re a fan of Elemis’s cult Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, you might have noticed that the essential oil content means it gets particularly eye-watering. However, this naked version is fragrance- and essential oil-free, meaning it’s perfect for removing eye makeup.
This K-Beauty cleansing balm is my new skincare obsession. I love the hygienic dispensing system and my skin laps up its moisturising goodness like it's water.
When I’m feeling exceptionally tired and when my face looks particularly drab, I reach for this plumping balm come evening. It contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as plumping and restoring ceramides and peptides.
4. Retinol
Using retinol around the eye area might seem odd at first, but believe me when I say it can make all the difference. The myth that retinol thins the skin is a very abundant one, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. "A vitamin A derivative like retinol helps in several ways. Over time, it will improve skin smoothness and reduce pigmentation,” says Hawkes. The trick is to avoid any irritation where possible. Look for gentle formulas and start off using them only once or twice a week. With consistent application, skin will build up a tolerance, and you can up the usage.
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This clever product harnesses the power of bioflavinoids to brighten dark circles. Working in tandem with slow-release retinol and hyaluronic acid, it also helps to address fine lines and dryness.
Practically every beauty editor I know rates Medik8, so it's no surprise that the brand's eye cream has made it onto this list. It comes in three strengths, so you can pick which % retinol suits your needs and skin best.
5. Facial Roller
I know that facial rollers seem like a gimmick, but I’m sure that my dark circles have diminished since I started using them more religiously. While stone rollers (such as jade and rose quartz) heat up a little too quickly to make a difference on my skin, I have found some products that deliver instantly brighter results.
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Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.
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