The best eye serums and creams to work wonders on dark circles

Kiehls Powerful Vitamin C Eye Serum

• Skin Type: All
• Powered by: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, tri-peptide, glycerin
• How often to use: Daily, begin less frequently then increase as tolerated

The most advanced anti-ageing eye maintenance product from the Kiehl’s laboratory to date, this is infused with a powerful dose of ten per cent pure vitamin C, and has been specifically formulated to combat dark circles and minimise the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet. This miracle-working unisex serum immediately refreshes the appearance of tired-looking eyes, is easily absorbed, and leaves no residue. Suited to contact lens wearers, its formula gently warms upon application to help efficacy, too. While vitamin C is obviously the star of this show, the addition of hyaluronic acid and glycerin (as well as the tri-peptide complex) boosts its ability to tackle dehydration.

Horace Moisturising Eye Cream

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera juice
• Frequency: Daily (a.m. and p.m.)

Focusing its intentions on puffiness and dark circles, this unscented daily treatment does away with visible signs of fatigue while refreshing and decongesting immediately thanks to its metal applicator. Made with 98.8 per cent ingredients of natural origin, the formulation is enriched with caffeine which tones and reduces swelling, aloe vera juice to soothe and comfort, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, with the ability to attract moisture from the environment and lock it in. The best bit about this reboot? Unlike the serum, this energising cream is refillable: just buy replacement tubes and repurpose the metal nib and cap.

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment

• Skin Type: Showing advanced signs of ageing
• Powered By: Encapsulated retinal, gentian root extract, oat-firming film
• Frequency: Daily (p.m. only)

Clinically-proven to tackle the visible signs of ageing but gentle enough for overnight use, Murad’s next-gen eye cream reduces deep-set lines, restores elasticity and helps lift and firm droopy, sagging lids and folds. Infused with retinal — more powerful than (and shouldn’t be confused with) retinol — its delivery system has been adapted from technology usually reserved for pharmaceutical applications. I am always a little suspicious of potent products that claim to be both transformative and gentle, but after one week of use my whole eye area did look noticeably tighter, more lifted, and felt firmer and more resilient — without causing any harsh side-effects. It should only be used in the pm and should be followed with a good moisturiser and SPF the next morning.

Garnier Vitamin C Eye Cream

• Skin Type: Tired or dull
• Powered By: Vitamin C, niacinamide, caffeine and banana powder
• Frequency: Twice daily (a.m. and p.m.)

Inspired by (and designed to accompany) Garnier’s bestselling Vitamin C Brightening Serum for the face, this radiance-boosting vegan eye cream works wonders on dull and lacklustre peepers. Taking on eight different signs of fatigue, it addresses dark circles, fine lines, dullness and more, kickstarting your rehabilitation to brighter, well-rested eyes. Fragrance-free and tested on all skin tones, it is powered with 4 per cent vitamin Cg (a vitamin C derivative), niacinamide and energising caffeine. Lightweight and easily-absorbed, its makers recommend keeping it in the fridge for an enhanced wake-up call. Trending ingredients, an efficacious formula and good value: what more could anyone ask for?

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Twin-encapsulated stabilised retinal, chamomile extract, hyaluronic acid filling spheres and ceramides
• Frequency: Every evening (phased in gradually over 4 weeks)

Lightweight and nourishing, this serum lifts, illuminates dark circles, de-puffs and smoothes crow’s feet. The world’s first clinical-strength retinal for under the eyes, it promises to plump and brighten the area while you sleep. Its twin-encapsulated stabilised retinal actually releases vitamin A in an ultra-slowed down system, meaning you don’t have to worry about irritation or discomfort, either. Available in three strengths, use twice a week for the first fortnight, and every other evening for the following two weeks, before building up tolerance to use it on a nightly basis.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, particularly good for dry
• Powered By: Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tocopherol, sodium lactate
• Frequency: Daily (a.m and p.m)

Given that the skin is thinner and more fragile around the eyes, there is also a significant lack of oil production in that specific area. This often leads to the visible effects of fatigue, dryness and dehydration. Aesop’s highly-concentrated, rich buttery eye cream is made to combat this by fortifying the skin around the eye contour and helping to provide sustained optimum hydration. Containing generous measures of vitamins, anti-oxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients, it is especially relevant for those with dry or sensitive skin or to combat cool climates and urban environments.

Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Eye Cream

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered By: BT Matrix, vitamin C, wild ginger extract
• Frequency: Twice daily, every a.m. and p.m.

Powered with a retinol-like blend that supports lost skin structure due to the natural decline in collagen, this anti-ageing/anti-fatigue cream targets all zones of the eye area: under-eye, corner, eyelid and brow bone. Made with a blend of antioxidant black tea and rambutan leaf extracts called BT Matrix, this delivers retinol-like results but is kinder to the skin. I suffer with some sensitivity around the eyes so was eager to put this one to the test. I found it visibly improved my dark circles and blurred the appearance of the lines around the corners of my eyes, but most importantly I didn’t suffer with any sensitivity. Infused with vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone, and wild ginger extracts to reduce eye bags, its protective properties keep skin smooth and firm around the eyes. Another little hack I discovered is you can use it on the spot between your brows to help smooth away expression lines.

Horace Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Patches

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Algae extract, Swiss ice wine and polysaccharide
• Frequency: As and when required/needed

While I’ll always favour of long-term commitment over quick fixes when it comes to achieving results with skincare, there are those times when immediate action is required — and Horace’s eye patches deliver just that. With all the ingredients and efficacy you would expect from a serum, the difference here is that it all comes in an innovative hydrogel technology that creates a second skin effect, sealing moisture in and helping the active ingredients work in the eye area. I obviously put this to the test on a day I needed a little extra help, and the first thing I noticed was an instantaneous refreshing effect, followed by my eyes feeling more awake and ready to take on the day. A must-have as an anti-fatigue back up to soothe tired and puffy eyes, these are the ideal SOS before interviews and dates, or after long flights and hangovers.

Clinique Maximum Hydrator Eye 96-Hour Hydro-Filler Concentrate

• Skin type: All
• Powered by: Lipid-sphere technology, aloe butter, antioxidants
• How often to use: Twice daily

Born out of the success of a similar (bestselling) product for women, this ultralight, plumping water-gel-textured solution for men helps rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier to minimise the evaporation of moisture. Pure aloe butter smooths the skin surface, while encapsulated antioxidants assist in keeping environmental stress at bay that can lead to early ageing. As the name would suggest, it boasts an effective and continual 96 hours of intense, line-eliminating moisture balance. Suitable for all skin types, it's a great product for anyone who is in it for the long game, revealing greater benefits with progressive use.

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered By: Proxylane GX, bilberry seed extract, vegan collagen peptides
• Frequency: Twice daily, every a.m. and p.m.

This multi-corrective, multi-functional and anti-ageing eye cream has been developed to target all four of the major zones of the eye area: the brow bone, the lid, outer corner (where crow’s feet appear) and under the eye. An extension of Kiehl’s’ Super Multi Corrective range, it visibly smoothes, firms, de-puffs, lifts and brightens. The trouble with some do-it-all formulas is that they can be a Jack of all trades but a master of none. Not the case with this easily-absorbed and non-greasy, lightweight gel/cream. It effectively smoothed the skin on my upper eyelids to iron-out fine lines, blurred the appearance of my crow’s feet, reduced my under-eye puffiness and even slightly lifted the appearance of my brow bone.

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Eye Balm

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Vitamin C, peptides
• Frequency: Twice daily, every a.m. and p.m.

Online searches for brightening eye care have been soaring in recent months…late nights, smoking, stress and exposure to both UV and pollution are clearly taking their toll. Here’s a clinically-proven remedy, designed to shift stubborn dark circles from French pharmacy brand, RoC. Delivered in the form of an innovative twist-up stick (a bit like a lip balm) for easy and targeted application, I found its balm-like texture to glide on smoothly without leaving any residue: in fact, it felt like I wasn’t wearing anything. My eyes felt instantly hydrated and looked revitalised: brighter eyes, diminished dark circles and reduced puffiness followed after using it for around four weeks. It also has a cooling effect — I recommend keeping it in the fridge to enhance the experience — which immediately wakes up tired-looking eyes.

Dr Levy Switzerland Eye Booster Concentrate

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: ArganCellActiv® stem cell complex
• Frequency: Daily (a.m and p.m)

Dr. Levy is a Swiss brand that specialises in powerful, medi-grade skin treatments that can be used at home. Its Eye Booster Concentrate has been formulated to provide both deeper, long-term rejuvenating effects, and instant short-term radiance-boosting results. Vegan-friendly, it visibly decreases eye puffiness and “tired” eyes within minutes and tackles the obvious signs of ageing — fine lines, wrinkles, skin firmness, density and radiance — with regular use over time. Designed for the eye contour, it can also be used on the eyelids or even the upper lip as it's powered by a high concentration of the brand’s patented ArganCellActiv® stem cell complex, proven to reinvigorate the production of collagen, natural hyaluronic acid and elastin within the skin. Offering very effective lifting and de-puffing results, it's a little on the pricey side but (using half a grain of rice size per application), it should last you months.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum

• Skin type: Suitable for all
• Powered by: Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, glucosides, niacinamide and bark extract
• Frequency: Twice daily

Part of the The Ordinary's O. Lab incubator concept that champions innovation, this water-based formula features multiple peptide technologies to combat under-eye bags, crow’s feet, puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. Vegan and formulated using highly-concentrated ingredients, it's enriched with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 which targets the appearance, volume and depth of wrinkles around the eye, de-puffing glucosides that improve the  look of dark circles, caffeine and a complex of niacinamide and ash bark extracts to encourage brighter and smoother looking peepers.

No1 de Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Red camellia extract, red camellia oil, red coffee berries/peptide 3D complex
• Frequency: Twice daily, every a.m. and p.m.

This revitalising gel-textured eye serum from Chanel’s No1 skincare regimen, has been designed to restore visibly-younger looking eyes. Infused with red camellia extract, it boosts skin vitality mechanisms by 63 per cent and helps protect skin from oxidative stress. Using it morning and evening I noticed that it instantly delivered a refreshing sensation and perked up any signs of fatigue. A bit of a slow-burner, it really comes into its own with long-term use: for me, that meant reducing under-eye bags after about four weeks and a noticeable tamping down on the intensity of stubborn dark circles after a couple of months. The star of this show, is the patented rotating applicator, which delivers the perfect amount of product per application, massages, and an instantly tightening and cooling effect.

Glossier Full Orbit Eye Cream

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive and contact lens wearers
• Powered By: Polyglutamic acid + hyaluronic acid blend, niacinamide, arctic microalgae, white hawthorn, jasmine flower extracts
• Frequency: Daily (a.m and p.m)

Pitched as a 360 degree reset for eyes, Glossier’s lightweight gel/cream offers access-all-areas eye coverage, including the lids (an area that should be avoided when using most traditional treatments). Offering both immediate and long-term benefits, Full Orbit smoothes the look of fine lines over time and instantly de-puffs whilst visibly reducing dark circles and pumping hydration into the skin. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and approved, the refreshing treatment is powered with a proprietary polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid blend which delivers and retains hydration by drawing moisture into the skin and minimising moisture loss throughout the day. Other benefits include minimising the appearance of fine lines and under-eye puffiness, plus brightening dark circles, hyperpigmentation and microcirculation.

L'Oréal Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Eye Roll-On

• Skin type: All
• Powered by: Vitamins C and B5, caffeine, guarana
• How often to use: Daily (whenever you need a boost)

The ice-cool sensation you experience when using L’Oreal Paris Men Expert’s fuss-free, competitively priced Hydra Energetic roll-on gives eyes an instant wake-up call. Formulated with vitamins C and B5, guarana and caffeine, it actively combats all signs of burning the candle at both ends, such as reducing bags and illuminating dark circles. Part of a wider Hydra Energetic line of fatigue-fighting solutions, the eye roll-on’s metal rollerball applicator also encourages better circulation, tightening the skin and calming irritation and puffiness. Suitable for all skin types, instantly rejuvenating and refreshing, keep it in the fridge for more dramatic results, but if you’re on for a big night out, never leave home without it.

La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum

• Skin type: Suitable for all
• Powered by: Stretch Matrix Complex, Miracle Broth
• Frequency: Daily

Pricey but transformative, La Mer’s luxe precision eye treatment uplifts and rejuvenates the natural eye contours. Like a ‘mini-lift’ for the area from lid to brow, the lightweight serum uses a proprietary Stretch Matrix Complex, which forms an interlaced elastic ‘net’ with skin-tightening benefits. Formulated without parabens and sulphates, it encourages reliance and bounce and effectively improves firmness. Applied with a metal ball-tipped wand to massage the contour and improve circulation, keep the silky-textured formula in the fridge to amplify the experience and its performance.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum Eye

• Skin type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered by: Caffeine, Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5
• Frequency: Every morning

The number one dermatologist-recommended brand in the UK, La Roche Posay is celebrated for its no-nonsense and efficacious skincare solutions. The first hydrating eye serum to be added to its bestselling Hyalu B5 range, this re-plumping concentrate gently and expertly rejuvenates the skin around tired eyes and leaves your peepers looking revitalised, awakened and healthier. Formulated with caffeine to boost circulation and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, plus a combination of two weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure optimal hydration, it's powered with vitamin B5 which strengthens the skin barrier in just one hour. Applied using an innovative stainless steel tool to help cool and de-puff, it also reduces the appearance of fatigue and wrinkles.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Eye

• Skin Type: All
• Powered by: Botanical extracts, squalane, evening primrose oil
• How often to use: Daily

When Kiehl’s launched its iconic Midnight Recovery Concentrate back in 2010, it earned its stripes as a pioneer in the facial oil category. So great was its success, two complementary products were launched to make a complete Midnight Recovery regimen. Midnight Recovery Eye, then, promises “fresher, younger-looking eyes by morning”, helping to diminish puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with the same unique blend used across the range — made up of squalane, a botanical lipid derived from olives, and evening primrose oil — it's packed with antioxidant benefits. The formula is suitable for all skin types and offers an effective, soothing and sensory experience.

Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum

• Skin type: Mature, oily, sensitive
• Powered by: Botanical extracts, caffeine
• How often to use: Twice daily

This budget-conscious, vegan-friendly SOS for tired eyes embraces the power of botanicals, using 99.9 per cent naturally-derived ingredients: caffeine to help improve circulation, green tea extract to protect delicate skin from environmental stressors and pomegranate extract to naturally nourish and tone the skin. A multi-tasking troubleshooter, it tackles loss of firmness, brightens dark circles and tones around the eye contour area. Ideally suited to mature skin, it's most appropriate for normal to oily skin types, including combination and sensitive. Soothing and calming, it is one of the standout moments from this millennial-targeted British brand that uses 100 per cent eco-friendly and recyclable packaging and produces all of its products on-site in Norfolk to help reduce its carbon footprint.

Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Balm

• Skin Type: Tired or stressed
• Powered By: Ceramides, vitamin F, oat kernel oil, omega-rich plant oils and butters
• Frequency: Daily (a.m. or p.m.)

Renowned for only using ingredients that either directly benefit the health of your skin or support the integrity of its formulations, Drunk Elephant’s Ceramighty AF Eye Balm effectively restores and preserves skin elasticity around the eye contour area and smoothes away any visible signs of tiredness. Deeply replenishing, it's loaded with a 3 per cent ceramide blend (a normal eye cream would ordinarily only contain around 0.5 per cent ceramides), which basically helps fill the gaps between skin cells and improves elasticity. Soothing oat kernel oil helps to calm the skin and relieve the appearance of fatigue around the eyes, whilst a fatty acid and antioxidant-rich 10 per cent plant omega-lipid complex helps to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels. Vegan and formulated at a pH of 5.5, it leaves eyes looking well-rested and refreshed and can even help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Eye Serum

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered By: PepticologyTM (peptide blend), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, rice proteins, antioxidant blend
• Frequency: Daily (morning and night)

Proven to positively affect the renewal of over 50 key proteins in skin cells (including collagen and fibrillin), Future Renew is No7’s biggest scientific innovation to date. Developed over fifteen years in cooperation with the University of Manchester, the line’s cutting-edge R&D is akin to that which is typically used for medical research, rather than skincare. Made with potent yet skin-friendly ingredients including super peptide blend Pepticology, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, rice proteins and an antioxidant blend, it has been proven to reverse multiple signs of skin damage caused by sun exposure, environmental pollution, bad diet choices, stress and lack of sleep. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types, it not only helps correct uneven tone but reduce the visibility of fine lines in as little as one week.

Dr Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Eye Serum

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, especially mature
• Powered By: Polysaccharides, red algae extract, purslane extract, calanthe, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid
• Frequency: Daily (a.m. and p.m.)

This ingredient science-based formula from globally-renowned German Dr. Barbara Sturm is designed to address a myriad of common eye concerns such as fine lines, crow’s feet, dryness, dehydration, puffiness, dark circles and swelling. Powered with brightening polysaccharides and anti-fatigue red algae extract, this serum instantly reduces the appearance of eye bags and puffiness. Calanthe extract, meanwhile, firms and tightens delicate skin and supports collagen and elastin production. Gluconolactone and hyaluronic acid deliver intense hydration and help skin maintain moisture. The high-performance solution can be used on its own or as a booster under an eye cream and should be stored in the fridge for even greater efficacy.

Bulldog Age Defence Eye Roll-On

• Skin type: All
• Powered by: Vitamin E, rosemary, echinacea
• How often to use: Twice daily

Founded by Simon Duffy in the mid-2000s, Bulldog’s catchphrase “man’s best friend” instantly helped to position the start-up above its competition. Things have moved on since then with more targeted solutions, but the dedication to concentrate exclusively on men’s skincare concerns still prevails. A bestseller within Bulldog’s Age-Defence range, this easily absorbed, gel-textured solution effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. Combining plant-derived ingredients with man-made actives, it's enriched with an antioxidant complex infused with rosemary, anti-ageing vitamin E and echinacea. Delivered through a roll-on applicator, it is vegan-friendly and leaves no sticky residue.

Votary Super Bright Eye Gel

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including very sensitive
• Powered By: Peptides, green tea, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, plant stem cell extracts
• Frequency: Every morning

Arabella Preston, co-founder of Votary, always suffered with dark circles, so embarked upon a mission to develop a product that would truly make a difference. Super Bright Eye Gel does what it says on the tin, brightening your eyes and remedying the lacklustre. Powered with an infusion of youth-enhancing active ingredients, it effectively refreshes and revives tired-looking eyes whilst also targeting fine lines, elasticity and dark circles. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin-types, the unscented treatment is enriched with antioxidant seed extracts especially chosen for the delicate eye area. A combination of peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and plant stem cell extracts further promote a firmer and more radiant contour area. Transformative and with high impact, the refreshing gel texture has a cooling effect and should be kept in the fridge to help combat sluggish days or the aftermath of a big night out.

Almora Botanica Restorative Eye Serum

• Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered By: Green tea leaf extract, pomegranate pericarp, darutoside, tamarind seed polysaccharide
• Frequency: Daily (a.m. and p.m.)

This 4-in-1 eye collagen booster does it all: corrects under-eye bags, reinforces skin elasticity, diminishes dark circles and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Vegan and made with 99.29 per cent natural origin materials, it visibly strengthens, brightens and lifts, whilst refreshing and energising the eye area. The lightweight solution is enriched with antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extract to reduce puffiness and under eye bags, and pomegranate pericarp extract, which is effective in improving skin elasticity and diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Darutoside strengthens the dermal structure and helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, whilst tamarind seed polysaccharide increases filaggrin, an essential protein for maintaining skin hydration and integrity.

Nuxe Super Serum (10) Eye

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Powered By: Hyaluronic acid, botanical caffeine, niacinamide, biomimetic peptide, fractionated vegetable oil microbeads, a patented plant complex
• Frequency: Daily (a.m. and p.m.)

Vegan and using 96 per cent natural-origin ingredients, this serum has been made with a cutting-edge technology that stimulates natural youth mechanisms thanks to thousands of micro-balls of fractionated botanical oils — plus its concentration of natural hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide, biomimetic peptide and botanical caffeine provide antioxidant, decongesting and refreshing benefits. Light and instantly absorbed with no greasy finish, Nuxe’s Super Serum works hard to correct dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet and stubborn lines such as the lion’s wrinkle (that area between your brows). A 360º rejuvenating treatment for anyone experiencing signs of premature ageing around the eye contour area.