Best Eye Creams of 2025

04.08.2025

Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and dryness are common concerns around the delicate eye area caused by factors like aging, stress, and lack of sleep. The right eye cream can effectively target these issues by providing hydration, reducing dark circles, and smoothing wrinkles. Hydrating eye creams help replenish moisture, while anti-aging eye creams work to firm and brighten tired-looking eyes. In this guide to the best eye creams 2025, we highlight expert-recommended formulas backed by research that specifically address dark circles and other under-eye concerns. Whether you need eye creams for dark circles or anti-aging benefits, these powerful products combine targeted ingredients to refresh, brighten, and smooth for a youthful, radiant appearance.

FAQs About Eye Creams

Why should I use an eye cream? Eye creams are specially formulated to address the delicate skin around your eyes, which is thinner and more prone to dryness, puffiness, and fine lines. They provide targeted hydration, reduce dark circles and puffiness, and help improve firmness and texture, keeping your eyes looking fresh and youthful.

At what age should I start using an eye cream? You can start using an eye cream in your early 20s as a preventive measure to maintain hydration and protect against early signs of aging. If you notice concerns like dryness, puffiness, or dark circles, incorporating an eye cream tailored to your needs can be beneficial at any age.

Do eye creams actually work? Yes, eye creams can be effective when formulated with active ingredients like caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, and hydrators. Consistent use helps improve hydration, reduce puffiness and dark circles, and smooth fine lines. Choosing the right formula for your skin concerns is key to seeing results.

Can I use eye cream under makeup? Absolutely. Most eye creams are lightweight and absorb quickly, making them ideal to use under makeup. Applying eye cream before foundation or concealer helps create a smooth, hydrated base, allowing makeup to apply more evenly and last longer.

What are the best face serums of 2025? INKEY’s Expert Recommendations

1
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 Stars (834 Reviews)

Caffeine Eye Cream

This lightweight caffeine eye cream instantly cools and hydrates the delicate under-eye area, helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Formulated with antioxidant-rich caffeine, Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide, and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, it firms, smooths, and refreshes tired-looking eyes. Designed for daily use morning and night, it absorbs quickly without greasiness, leaving your skin feeling revitalized and comfortable.

Key Benefits:
Reduces puffiness and diminishes dark circles with natural caffeine
Firms and smooths skin around the eyes using Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide
Refreshes tired eyes and reduces signs of fatigue with Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract

Key Ingredients:
• Caffeine - An antioxidant from coffee that tackles water retention - the main cause behind puffiness under the eyes.
• Matrixyl 3000™ - Boosts collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.

Suitable For: All Skin Types, Puffiness & dark circles

What our customers say: "This wonderful little tube has been a savior to my eyes. The cream does not cause any irritation to my skin and is definitely making a difference. My crepey eyelids and tired looking bags are starting to show improvement. Friends have mentioned that I look less tired! You only need to use a tiny amount so the tube will last for ages." - T
£10.00
2
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 Stars (330 Reviews)

Retinol Eye Cream

Ideal for first time users, The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream is specially formulated to gently introduce the delicate eye area to the benefits of retinol. Featuring a slow-release Retinyl Acetate, it helps to smooth fine lines and crow’s feet while minimizing irritation. Infused with hydrating Squalane, this lightweight yet effective eye cream nourishes and refreshes tired eyes, leaving the skin looking brighter and more youthful over time.

Key Benefits:
Gentle slow-release retinol, ideal for the eye area
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet
Hydrates and nourishes for a smoother, refreshed look

Key Ingredients:
• 1% Retinyl Acetate. A slow-release form of retinol that targets signs of aging with minimal irritation
• Squalane - A deeply hydrating ingredient that helps to maintain moisture and skin barrier health

Suitable For: All Skin Types

What our customers say: "This is a very nice cream, it feels great on the skin, leaves my under eye plump, fresh and hydrated. It is not irritating at all." - Tereza N.
£13.00
3
3.7
Rated 3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7 Stars (256 Reviews)

Brighten-i Eye Cream

This lightweight eye cream delivers instant brightness and hydration to the under-eye area while reducing dark circles and uneven skin tone. Formulated with potent antioxidants and light-reflecting minerals, it smooths fine lines and leaves a radiant, plump finish. Ideal for daily use and as a makeup base, it improves brightness and texture over time..

Key Benefits:
Visibly reduces dark circles and evens out under-eye tone for a brighter look
Instantly enhances brightness with light-reflecting Mica Minerals
Smooths and plumps fine lines to create a flawless, radiant base for makeup

Key Ingredients:
• 2% Brightenyl™: A potent antioxidant up to 4 times stronger than Vitamin C that helps fade dark circles
• 0.7% Mica: Reflects light instantly to brighten the under-eye area

Suitable For: All skin types, dark circles

What our customers say: "Brighten-i is a game-changer for tired eyes! Its lightweight, hydrating formula absorbs quickly, noticeably reducing puffiness and dark circles within weeks. The key ingredients work effectively to brighten and smooth the under-eye area. I appreciate the gentle, fragrance-free formula, perfect for sensitive skin. This eye cream has become an essential part of my routine, delivering a refreshed and youthful look. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a real solution to under-eye concerns" - G
£12.00
4
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 Stars (834 Reviews)

Caffeine Eye Cream Duo

Refresh tired, puffy eyes with this duo of lightweight Caffeine Eye Creams. Clinically proven to reduce puffiness and dark circles instantly, these hydrating creams cool and revitalize the under-eye area while smoothing skin for flawless makeup application. Enriched with antioxidant caffeine, Matrixyl 3000™ Peptide, and Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, they help diminish fine lines and signs of fatigue for brighter, smoother eyes with daily use.

Key Benefits:
Reduces puffiness and dark circles for instantly refreshed eyes
Smooths fine lines and fatigued skin with peptide and plant extracts
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture perfect for under-eye makeup prep

Key Ingredients:
• Caffeine - An antioxidant from coffee that tackles water retention - the main cause behind puffiness under the eyes.
• Matrixyl 3000™ - Boosts collagen production for firmer, smoother skin.

Suitable For: All skin types, Puffiness & dark circles

What our customers say: I love this gorgeous eye cream and it is very nice on the under eye. It is a rich consistency and gives you a nice soft texture that feels great. I always use this eye cream along with all my other inkey face products and would not be without it. I highly recommend it" - T
£19.00 £20.00