I don't know about you, but I get pretty overwhelmed when browsing all the eye creams and eye serums out there. It's both a blessing and a curse that there are so many options. I'm thankful that there are different formulas to choose from, but there are so many to try and so little time (and money) to try them all. Being the impatient person with my dark under-eye circles that I am, I just want the quickest way to brighter-looking eyes, and I want to know it now.
Well, I recently found out that there's good and bad news on that front. The good? These products can help. "Typically, eye serums or creams are lighter than those designed for the face, neck, or chest and have more concentrated active ingredients to work on the delicate skin of the eyes and target fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles while also working to firm and hydrate the area," says board-certified dermatologist Jason Emer, MD, FAAD.
As for the bad news, while they can help reduce the appearance of these annoyances, they can't work big miracles. Board-certified dermatologist Flora Kim, MD, FAAD, always wants her patients to have realistic expectations about these products. "There may be subtle improvements in dark circles, puffiness, or wrinkles, but there is no miracle topical eye formulation," Kim explains. "Having said that, the eyelid skin is the thinnest on your body and needs TLC. Thus, an eye serum or cream plays an important role in your daily skincare regimen."
She says that serums are good if you are prone to developing milia around the eyes or if you want a sheer formulation that absorbs quickly. Creams, on the other hand, are better for mature, dry skin that needs more intense moisture and is not milia prone. Whether you prefer a cream or serum can also depend on personal preference, as the serum has more of a fluid, gel-like consistency.
With my realistic expectations set, I decided to task myself and WWW, Editor in Chief Kat Collings, with testing out an eye serum of our choice to see if it delivered some results. Here's how we did, along with 9 other top eye serums worth every dollar.
The Best Eye Serums, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum
- Runner Up: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Best Budget: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
- Best for Mature Skin: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
- Best Splurge: La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum
The Best Eye Serums of 2025
1. Best Overall: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum
Because I regularly use a lot of Kiehl's products in my skincare routine, I went with the brand's Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum ($50). I liked that it contained vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can brighten skin and that protects against free radicals.
According to the serum description, it's "formulated with 10% pure vitamin C to help visibly diminish dark circles in as little as seven days." It also contains other ingredients like tripeptides and fragmented hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. It was promising, but I decided to heed Kim's words and tamper my expectations. I'm not trying to be dramatic here, but sometimes, it feels like I've been dealing with dark under-eye circles for ages. Along with perpetually dry skin, it's one of my biggest skin gripes.
When I first tested this serum, I noticed the lightweight consistency that absorbed quickly. I patted the product along my under-eye area both morning and night, only needing one little pump for both eyes, which I thought boded well for its economical factor. The serum also felt a little warm to the skin, which Kiehl's says is perfectly normal.
Seven days of testing later, I did notice that my dark circles looked a little lighter. They weren't completely gone, but I didn't look like a total zombie anymore. My under-eye area did seem more moisturized as well, thanks to the hyaluronic acid. And the best part, I didn't have to load up on the concealer. While I can't speak to how it works with puffy eyes, it did help turn things around for my tired-looking, dark eyes.
Pros: Lightweight and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness
Cons: None
Key ingredients: Pure Vitamin C 10%, tri-peptides, fragmented hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 oz
Sarah Yang before and after testing the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum.
2. Runner Up: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
As previously mentioned our editor in chief, Kat Collings also tested a serum. Her pick? The Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum($71). After testing the product for a week, she also saw a noticeable improvement in her under eyes.
"I love how this eye serum has retinol in it, one of the most powerful and clinically proven ingredients for anti-aging," she says. "The retinol is gentle enough for the eye area, so no flaking or dry-skin worries. It's also made to go all around the eye, including on the eyelid. I know some women in their 60s who have had cosmetic surgery on their drooping eyelids, so I'm game for anything to tighten that area proactively."
This was Collings' first time using an eye serum versus an eye cream, and found the Dr. Dennis Gross serum to be as moisturizing a normal eye cream. She notes that she didn't feel the need to layer her usual eye cream on top, which was surprising, as a lot of her face serums have a slight drying, tightening effect where her skin craves a moisturizing final layer of cream. "I'm not looking to have a two-step, double-the-price skincare routine just for my eyes," she says. "I'll manifest that one day, but for now, this serum is doing the trick and then some!"
Pros: Gentle enough around eyes, anti-aging
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, rambutan, retinol
Size: 0.5 oz
3. Best Budget: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
Emer recommends The Ordinary's caffeine solution. The affordable option contains caffeine and green tea, which both work to reduce dark pigmentation and puffiness. It's recommended to massage under the eyes in the morning and at night.
Pros: Water-based, fragrance-free
Cons: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, 5% caffeine
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "Love this! I have noticeably brightened the skin around my eyes after using for several weeks now."
4. Best for Mature Skin: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
This high-rated serum targets all the signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness, and uneven skin tone. It works overnight so you can wake up to brighter eyes. Reviewers rave about its ability to help the eyes look less tired and more youthful.
Pros: Lightweight, hydrating
Cons: May take a while to see results, pricey
Key ingredients: Exclusive night peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants
Size: 1 oz
Customer review: "Love this product. My skin feels so smooth, and my pores look smaller. I had a fine line between my brows, and it definitely diminished. It's almost unnoticeable now. Wish this product was cheaper, but I will continue to buy because it actually works and does what it says it does."
5. Best Cooling: Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
Puffy eyes have met their match in this eye serum. Apply the rollerball to instantly cool and refresh your eyes with ingredients such as caffeine, antioxidants, and botanicals. And it won't leave a sticky, wet mess—it dries quickly.
Pros: Soothing roller ball, cooling, brightening, good for oil skin
Cons: Not a lot of product overall
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, caffeine
Size: 0.5 oz
6. Best Splurge: La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum
The priciest option on our list, La Mer's serum is an investment, but it rejuvenates the whole eye area. The formula promotes elastin production while lifting and sculpting. Use the applicator to massage the product around the eye both morning and night.
Pros: tk
Cons: Expensive
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, seaweed extract, Miracle Broth™, Stretch Matrix Complex
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "I love La Mer products, and this is no the exception. This serum tightens the skin around the eyes and seems to blurs the lines. I am very delighted with the effects of this product, and I've only had it for 3 weeks. La mer is just the best!"
7. Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel-Cream
If you're dealing with dry, dull eyes, take a look at this option. Emer recommends this Neutrogena drugstore pick because it is hyaluronic acid based and is super hydrating. It locks in moisture and absorbs quickly.
Pros: Oil-free formula, affordable
Cons: May bother some with sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "This under eye cream is super hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy. It absorbs quickly and helps keep my under eyes smooth and refreshed throughout the day. Definitely a nice boost for tired eyes!"
8. Best for Dark Circles: Isdin K-Ox Under-Eye Brightening Cream
Kim likes this product because it contains vitamin K, which helps address dark circles, and can be used after Botox to minimize bruising. It also works to even skin tone and repair elasticity.
Pros: Brightens skin and reduces puffiness
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Vitamin K, haloxyl, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "This may be pricey but let me tell you, it lasts a LONG time!!! I’m still on my first one. I only use the recommended amount each day— the size of a grain of rice under each eye— and it’s been over a year I’ve been using it. Moisturizes well and is very effective."
9. Best for Puffiness: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum
Another recommendation from Emer, Tatcha's eye serum is infused with red algae for hydration and caffeine to reduce puffiness and firm skin. The applicator is cooling in itself—it's made of ceramic for a therapeutic, relaxing effect.
Pros: Lightweight, a little goes a long way, cooling
Cons: Pricey for the amount of product
Key ingredients: Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "Love the tube with the ceramic tip for applying the eye cream. It feels so nice and cool going on. Does its job well too of decreasing puffiness in my eyes. Moisturizes well and doesn't over-do it either."
10. Best with Retinol: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum With Caffeine + Copper Peptides
Drunk Elephant's serum is formulated with copper peptides to reduce fine lines and promote elasticity, black tea ferment to smooth, and niacinamide to hydrate. It's also free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrances.
Pros: A little goes a long way, hydrating
Cons: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Copper Tripeptide-1, 3% caffeine, retinol (0.1%)
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "I got a deluxe sample of this product with an order, and that sample has lasted me more than a month. I have been using it a few nights a week on retinol nights and absolutely love this eye serum. It's beautiful and makes a huge difference."
11. Best Smoothing: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
You can use this serum all over your eyes, including your lids. (With some other options, you can only apply to certain areas.) It contains retinol and a marine kelp complex to lift, refresh, and smooth eyes. It's safe to use morning and night.
Pros: Good for mature skin, treats fine lines and wrinkles
Cons: May take a while to see results
Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin
Size: 0.5 oz
Customer review: "I’m a big fan of Murad, and I was excited to try the retinol youth renewal serum. The retinoid is a delayed release so it’s more gentle on the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and prevent dryness!"
How to Choose an Eye Serum
Since Kat and I have different skin types and chose two different serum formulations, what works for us might not exactly work for you. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of trial and error before you find the right one. But there are some common ingredients found in many eye serums—the specific ones you should focus on depend on what your needs are.
"Highly concentrated active ingredients in the serums work to increase circulation, activate cell-renewal processes, tighten and firm skin while hydrating, and decrease pigmentation," explains Emer. Below are some common active ingredients and their benefits:
Retinol, neuropeptides, and vitamin C: Boost collagen production
Hyaluronic acid and ceramides: Help with hydration
Peptides: Promote cell renewal
Caffeine, green tea, and mulberry extract: Increase circulation and decrease puffiness and discoloration
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best eye serums for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
