Best Eye Creams For Puffiness 2025

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📝 usncan Note: Best Eye Creams For Puffiness 2025

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When you’re sleep-deprived, puffy eyes are a dead giveaway—and espresso and under-eye concealer can only do so much. In search of the best eye creams for puffiness, we consulted the ultimate authority: hardworking female founders, CEOs and executives who lead companies. They shared their top picks for de-puffing eye creams that minimize dark circles, hydrate and brighten the eye area, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Five eye creams for puffiness on a light blue background.

While lack of rest is a large contributor to puffy eyes, the condition can also be caused by things like sodium intake, changes in skin elasticity and even genetics, according to the experts we spoke with. No matter what the origin, swollen eyes staring back at you in the mirror is probably not the look you’re going for. When you’re running on empty from stress, late nights or long flights, these cooling creams, serums and gels are the key to faking a well-rested appearance.

Our Top Recommendations

Best Eye Cream For Puffiness Overall: Dieux Auracle Eye Gel
Best Eye Cream Applicator For Puffiness: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift
Best Luxury Eye Cream For Puffiness: Sisley Supremya Eye Cream
Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream For Puffiness: InnBeauty Bright & Tight
Best Eye Serum For Puffiness: Biologique Recherce Liposmose
Best Value Eye Cream For Puffiness: Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream
Best Hydrating Eye Cream For Puffiness: Gunilla Eye De-Puff A23
Best Brightening Eye Cream For Puffiness: Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream
Best Tightening Eye Cream For Puffiness: 111Skin Black Diamond Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Peptides, algae extracts, glycerin | Additional benefits: Hydrates, smooths skin, reduces appearance of dark circles | Size: 0.68 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
Dieux’s hydrating gel features algae complex that targets fine lines and visibly minimizes the appearance of dark shadows, while its peptide complex hydrates and leaves skin bouncy, without extra fluid retention. “This eye serum, combined with the Dieux eye mask, makes my undereyes look so refreshed—like I got the best sleep of my life or maybe went to the spa for the weekend,” says Melissa Mash, co-founder and CEO of Dagne Dover. “Neither of these things ever happens, so I was wildly impressed.”

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides, vegan collagen | Additional benefits: Firms and softens skin, reduces the look of wrinkles | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: No
French company Caudalie is known for its use of anti-aging ingredients derived from grapes. This gel cream formula combines antioxidant-rich resveratrol with firming collagen and moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid. The result? Eye swelling and sagging is reduced. “I travel a lot for work and my schedule can be all over the place, so I’m always looking for something that helps me look more rested than I sometimes feel,” says Angela Vranich, co-founder and chief product officer at Little Spoon. “This one is a staple in my bag—it’s lightweight, super hydrating and instantly helps with puffiness after long flights or late nights.”

Sisley Supremya Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants, glycerin | Additional benefits: Revitalizes and lifts, reduces dark circles, smooths appearance of fine lines | Size: 0.51 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
Similarly to how consuming coffee can help battle fatigue, caffeine in an eye cream is a key rejuvenator because it reduces fluid accumulation and can aid in circulation. Sisley’s formula uses caffeine along with plant extracts and moisturizing shea butter and glycerin to revitalize the eye area with a spa-like feel. “I’ve tried many eye creams, but this one is a game changer,” says Sara Naghedi, founder of Naghedi. “I use it night and day; it’s not too thick so you can use it under makeup. The tool it comes with is great for puffiness, and the refillable container is the cherry on top of a perfect product.”

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, bakuchiol, caffeine, peptides, tranexamic acid | Additional benefits: Reduces dark circles and fine lines, brightens | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
If you’re looking to battle puffiness, dark circles, hyperpigmentation and crow’s feet all at once, this formula may be the answer. It includes all-star ingredients such as brightening vitamin C, cedar bark and caffeine to increase microcirculation and improve the look of dark circles. And bakuchiol and peptides target annoying creases around your eyes. “I love InnBeauty’s Bright & Tight because it not only helps fine lines but it adds a glowing lit-from-within brightening effect—so much so that I often don’t need to wear concealer,” says Rachel Liverman, CEO of Glowbar. “I religiously use it after flights, and it makes puffiness go right down like with a compression sock.”

Key ingredients: Caffeine, glycerin, malachite extract | Additional benefits: Firms and hydrates skin | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-free: Yes
If you’re prone to water retention, this product specifically targets fluid-filled under-eye bags. It de-volumizes by improving circulation—caffeine is a main ingredient—and gently moisturizes all while firming and protecting skin from free radicals. “The serum has a very watery texture, so it glides right on,” says Roni Hirshberg, co-founder of Generation Love, who uses it every morning and evening along with the brand’s Crème Contour Yeux et Levres Biofixine. “I love the applicator of the Crème Contour because it has a metal tip and it feels cool on the under eye, almost like a little spa treatment. I always feel refreshed after using it.”

Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Persian silk tree, oat extract, hibiscus flower acids | Additional benefits: Hydrates, reduces appearance of bags and circles, soothes and depuffs | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
This affordable formula packs a punch with a trifecta of effective ingredients: Hibiscus flower acids work to gently exfoliate the eye area without causing irritation; Persian silk tree helps fade the appearance of dark under-eye circles; and oat extract hydrates the eye area. “[This is] a must-have step for the morning, and I love the metal tip applicator that really helps with de-puffing,” says Jessica Tse, founder of Notte Jewelry. “I have quite sensitive skin, and its ingredients are effective yet gentle. I use it twice a day, morning and evening for extra hydration. Unlike some other eye creams I’ve used in the past, it doesn’t peel or make my makeup patchy. It sits really nicely under sunscreen, too.”

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, peptides, panthenol, antioxidants, elastin | Additional benefits: Softens fine lines, hydrates, fades dark circles, supports collagen renewal | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
Swedish brand Gunilla is known for its spa-grade, plant-based skincare, and this formula uses ingredients like witch hazel, arnica, and St. John’s Wort to visibly reduce swelling and increase circulation around the eyes. It has a silky feel, absorbs quickly and leaves lasting moisture without a heavy, sticky residue. “It not only feels incredible under the eyes, but I can instantly feel the moisture penetrating my skin,” says Stephi Maron, co-founder of Blushington. “It also has a cooling sensation, which I love, since my undereyes can get puffy. I put what is left from the product on my finger and massage it on my eyelid area to help keep that area hydrated and lifted.” Maron also likes that it’s fragrance-free and has “no harsh chemicals, which is important to me especially for such a sensitive area.”

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen | Additional benefits: Reduces the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: No
This ingredient-rich cream is made with 10% THD ascorbate—a stable form of vitamin C—vitamin E and ferulic acid to brighten dull, tired-looking eyes. These ingredients are combined with hydrating hyaluronic acid and de-puffing caffeine for an overall, “I just came back from vacation and am super refreshed” vibe. “This is the first and only eye cream I’ve ever loved, and it comes at a time when I really do need it (oh age!),” says Leigh Plessner, chief creative officer at Catbird. “I tap a bit on after applying hyaluronic acid, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s moisturizing and brightening and doesn’t make my eyes burn or get in the way of wearing mascara and a flick of eyeliner.”

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, escin, granactive retinoid | Additional benefits: Reduces the appearance of lines, improves skin laxity, brightens | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
This formula is designed to brighten and boost collagen production, and it has a type of retinoid that is less likely to cause irritation to the delicate eye area. It also includes escin, which works to reduce swelling, inflammation and fluid accumulation. “I can feel my skin getting tighter and firmer every time I use it, which is what I look for in an eye cream,” says Grace Na, founder of Pistola Denim. “I use it every night. It conceals fine lines and tightens the skin around the eye to prevent further fine lines.”

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted beauty team invests lots of time researching, testing and writing about beauty products to determine the very best from the not-worth-your-money items. We’ve covered topics including the best vitamin C serums, the best hair straighteners and the best moisturizers for aging skin.

Forbes Vetted beauty and fashion writer Molly Calhoun authored this story. She has written about lifestyle topics for 20 years and has covered things like the best neck-firming creams, the best blow dryers and the best microcurrent devices for the vertical.
Beauty veteran—and Forbes Vetted deputy editor—Jane Sung oversaw this piece. She has written and edited lifestyle stories for two decades.
We consulted nine female founders and CEOS for their tested insights on the best eye creams for puffiness. They highlighted specific factors including formula, feel, application and results.
We sought the expertise of two experienced skin experts for this story: board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern, and Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist with Union Dermatology.

How We Tested The Best Eye Creams For Puffiness

To determine the best de-puffing eye creams, we used a comprehensive approach, relying on our beauty team’s market knowledge and a broad review of top eye creams for puffiness before meticulously narrowing down picks based on testing and expert insight.

We sought out bestsellers from reputable brands such as Caudalie, InnBeauty, Dieux and Sisley.
We incorporated recommendations and testing insights from top female founders and CEOs, including how and when they use de-puffing eye creams.
We considered the expertise of two board-certified dermatologists and included their deep knowledge of when to apply eye creams and specific ingredients to look for and avoid.
We evaluated each de-puffing eye cream for factors including ingredients, application, feel, additional benefits, value and size.
We included de-puffing eye creams for a variety of uses, including those for brightening, hydrating and anti-aging.

What To Consider When Choosing A De-Puffing Eye Cream

Puffiness under the eyes comes from two primary sources, according to dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern. “The first is fluid retention, often triggered by factors such as allergies, diet, salt intake, hormonal changes, insufficient sleep, or even an uncomfortable sleeping position,” she says. This swelling can fluctuate and is more likely to improve with topical treatments, cold compresses, or lifestyle changes. The second is structural changes that happen as we get older and the fat pads around the eyes shift and the bony skeleton of the midface resorbs. “This leads to a more permanent type of puffiness or bulging that doesn’t improve the same way fluid-related swelling does,” Magovern says.

Key Ingredients

There are a few key ingredients to look for when purchasing an eye cream for periorbital puffiness. In general, you’ll want to look for ingredients that target inflammation and circulation, like caffeine, green tea and peptides, according to Magovern. “Caffeine constricts blood vessels and helps reduce swelling, and peptides can strengthen and firm the skin, supporting both puffiness and fine lines,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates, softening the look of crepiness. Vitamin C, niacinamide and licorice root extract are multitaskers—they help brighten the under-eye area, improve pigmentation from dark circles and boost overall radiance.” Magovern also suggests the use of a mild retinoid under the eyes if it’s something you can tolerate, as it helps preserve the thickness of delicate under-eye skin and supports collagen over time.

In general, avoid high concentrations of glycolic acid or other alpha-hydroxy acids, which can cause irritation and compromise thin and delicate eyelid skin, says Dr. Pooja Rambhia. Fragrances and essential oils can also trigger contact dermatitis for sensitive eyes. “Additionally, avoid products with excessive emollients or occlusive agents that may exacerbate morning puffiness by impeding natural fluid drainage during sleep,” she says.

Additional Benefits

If you’re looking for a multifunction formula, which many of us are, certain ingredients can give an additional boost to puffy eyes, according to Rambhia.

Retinol: “Retinol and retinyl palmitate address fine lines through collagen stimulation, reduce dark circles by improving skin thickness and circulation, and provide overall brightening by accelerating cellular turnover and reducing melanin deposits.”
Vitamin C: “Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) brightens the under-eye area by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, stimulates collagen production to minimize fine lines, and improves vascular integrity to reduce the appearance of dark circles.”
Niacinamide: “It offers comprehensive benefits including anti-inflammatory effects that reduce puffiness, melanin transfer inhibition for dark circle reduction, barrier enhancement for fine line prevention, and overall skin tone improvement.”
Peptides: “Peptides, particularly copper peptides and acetyl tetrapeptide-5, simultaneously reduce puffiness through improved lymphatic drainage, stimulate collagen synthesis for fine line reduction, and enhance overall skin texture and luminosity.”
Kojic acid and arbutin: “They primarily target hyperpigmentation for dark circle reduction while providing gentle exfoliation that can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.”

Formula And Application

Eye creams for puffiness can come in a variety of formulations—creams, gels or serums. Some products, like Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift Depuffing Eye Cream, have a cooling applicator that is popular with users. But timing of application is also important. “The skin around the eyes tends to accumulate fluid during sleep, making morning application optimal for depuffing benefits,” says Rambhia.

“A lightweight, cooling gel with caffeine in the morning can help minimize swelling,” says Magovern. “At night, you can use richer, more reparative formulas with peptides, hyaluronic acid, or retinol to address fine lines and overall skin quality. Bear in mind, though, that consistency of application is most important. “Regular use twice daily will provide the most comprehensive results for both immediate depuffing and long-term eye area improvement,” Rambhia says.

Time To See Results

Thin periorbital skin responds gradually, says Rambhia, and individual results vary based on genetic factors. Hydrating ingredients and caffeine may show results immediately or within the first week. Within two to four weeks, niacinamide and peptides can show improved skin texture and anti-inflammatory benefits. Within six to eight weeks, retinol can help with fine line improvement and you can see dark circle reduction from brightening agents like vitamin C. “Significant collagen remodeling and sustained improvements in all concerns require consistent use for 12 to 24 weeks,” says Rambhia.