A young caucasian smiling woman is applying a care product to her face, looking into the camera
With gentle options from brands like Dr. Dennis Gross, Drunk Elephant, and more
While eye creams and eye serums both offer visible results, serums can be a bit more potent. “With an eye serum, the focus is more on the active ingredients than on the moisturizing properties,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD. “The formulation should still be hydrating, but it won’t be as rich as a cream.”
There are eye serums for just about every skin type and concern, from dark circles and under-eye bags to crepiness and crow’s feet. We conducted hours upon hours of research on the best eye serums, evaluating formulas on their active ingredients, the benefits targeted, and how well they deliver results. After testing out 26 options firsthand and consulting with a trusted board-certified dermatologist and board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides
Do you usually think of thick, creamy formulas when you think of eye products? Because same. But, this one is actually so much more lightweight than you might expect. It’s pillowy-soft and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it a dream to apply before bed. The reason we say before bedtime rather than during daytime is, well, because it has a lot of retinol in it. Retinol is known for its ability to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production, targeting fine lines and wrinkles. In doing so, it can make the skin really sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to save for the evening hours. The formula also contains caffeine, a powerhouse ingredient that reduces puffiness and acts like a cup of coffee to the face, plus copper peptides which boost collagen and keep skin bouncy and fresh. It also comes housed in a unique airless pump container that makes it super easy to pump out product and can be recycled once you’re done.
Who It’s For
Consider this pick if you’re looking for a retinol-laden serum to target fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. It’s also worth checking out if you’re interested in products with eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.
Best for Puffiness: StriVectin Peptight 360˚ Tightening Eye Serum
Another standout from testing, the StriVectin Peptight 360 Tightening Eye Serum had a considerable effect on the look of our under-eye bags. Not only did it de-puff the area, but it tightened the skin under the eyes over time. But how? Well, the light, easy-to-layer formula leans on three unique peptides to improve skin elasticity and amp up collagen production, as well as caffeine, which helps to brighten dark circles. We were also fans of the cooling applicator tip that gently massages, depuffs, and wakes up the eye troughs.
We didn’t mind it, but we occasionally experienced a slight tingling sensation immediately after application. It’s not a dealbreaker for us, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have super-sensitive skin.
Who It’s For
This serum is a good choice for those who want to target under-eye bags or general puffiness in the eye area upon waking up.
Best Cooling: Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum
If you haven’t gotten enough sleep or you’re just really tired in the morning, a cooling serum might be able to help you feel a bit more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. This formula from TULA harnesses the power of peptides in addition to a few extracts—pink silk tree, sea algae, and probiotic extracts, to be exact—that reduce the look of tired, puffy, and dark under-eyes. After a few weeks, we’re happy to report that our under-eye skin feels soft, smooth, and a bit more youthful than it did before; however, the star of the show (and the part we really love) is the cooling applicator. Many other products on this list feature similar iterations, but something about the shape and size of this metal-tipped pen really did the trick on slow mornings.
One thing we want to point out is that during testing, we started to notice tiny little bumps around the contours of our eyes. We’re not entirely sure if they were pimples or another type of irritation, but we had to limit our use of the product to once daily (rather than twice) and it seemed to have made a difference.
Who It’s For
Ideal for those who want a soothing, cooling sensation to grace their eyes upon waking up, this is a solid choice. The potent and creamy formula helps reduce the look of wrinkles and dark circles, while the cooling metal applicator works wonders on sleepy, puffy eyes.
Best Hydrating: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes
Just like the rest of our skin, under-eye skin needs moisture, too. However, because the area is so close to the eyes and is incredibly sensitive, you can’t just lather on any old moisturizer. Enter this hydrating serum from Vichy. Designed to smooth and illuminate the delicate eye area, this formula leans on skin-plumping hyaluronic acid (which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, effectively keeping the skin hydrated and healthy) and mineral-rich volcanic water from Vichy, France. During testing, we noticed an improvement in the hydration of our under-eyes and a slight wrinkle-plumping effect; however, it wasn’t super drastic. While hyaluronic acid is a nice ingredient to have on hand for temporarily improving the look and feel of skin, it won’t actually address the cause of wrinkles or diminish them once and for all.
Who It’s For
With ample hydration, this serum from Vichy is a good idea if you struggle with dryness under your eyes. It offers a subtle plumping effect, so those looking to soften the look of wrinkles will like this one, too.
Best with Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
When it comes to over-the-counter skincare products that actually yield noticeable results, Dr. Dennis Gross is one brand you can count on, and the Triple Correction Eye Serum is no exception. Right off the bat, we loved the airtight container, which houses the runny liquid securely. The serum boasts a cooling, depuffing effect that feels nice first thing in the morning.
The most noteworthy ingredient in this formula is retinol. What’s great about its inclusion in the formula is it gets to work rather quickly on crow’s feet and fine lines. In addition to retinol, this eye serum contains bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative), plus antioxidant all-star ferulic acid (an ingredient that targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots) to target signs of aging more aggressively without compromising the delicate under-eye skin. Over the course of the testing period, we saw a noticeable difference in the lines underneath our eyes and were astonished by how much softer the skin felt.
The only con is that it takes a few minutes to really sink into the skin. Learn from our mistakes and give the serum a few minutes to absorb before applying products like concealer on top of it.
Who It’s For
This serum is a good choice for anyone concerned about signs of aging around the eyes. While aging is inevitable, this retinol-powered serum boosts collagen production and softens lines and wrinkles in the eye area.
Best with Vitamin C: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Vitamin C Eye Serum
Research suggests that when topically applied, vitamin C can help protect the skin from a whole slew of concerns, including signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone. It’s also an antioxidant, which helps protect the skin from aggressors in the environment, like UV rays and pollution, that can damage the skin1. This vitamin C serum is intended strictly for the under-eye area and went on very smoothly—during testing. We found that a pea-sized amount can cover both under-eyes—and even helps makeup, like dark circle concealer, go on more evenly. With a couple of weeks of use, we experienced an improvement in the brightness of our under eyes. While the results weren’t the most drastic (you can’t really get rid of dark circles completely), we appreciated looking a bit more well-rested in the morning. Vitamin C can irritate the skin, but we didn’t experience any sensitivity, even on a tester with very sensitive skin.
Something to keep in mind: The formula can be runny right out of the tube, so use caution when depositing the product onto your skin.
Who It’s For
Anyone looking to brighten their under eyes will benefit from this formula, but especially those with dark circles and signs of tiredness.
Best with Antioxidants: Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel
Vitamin C, as mentioned above, is a powerful antioxidant that can help address skin damage and prevent future damage from happening. This formula leans on antioxidants, too, just in the form of plant-based alternatives—rooibos, honeybush, and resveratrol. Over the course of a month, we saw an improvement in the look of dark circles. And, thanks to an illuminating sheen, the product offered a nice glow effect that made under-eyes appear brighter and more plump within seconds. The product has a very lightweight consistency and a lot of stretching power, meaning a small amount can cover a large area. The only downside is that it’s watery, so if you use too much, you risk wasting some precious formula. If you use a tiny amount twice a day, however, the product will last up to several months without a refill.
Who It’s For
This is a nice choice for anyone looking for a nice brightening effect nder their eyes, as well as an antioxidant boost that targets signs of aging, uneven skin tone (i.e. dark circles), and more.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Designed to improve sagging skin around the eyes, this sensitive skin-friendly under-eye serum boosts elasticity and restores damaged skin. It contains two potent anti-aging ingredients: retinal and ginseng. Retinal, which is similar to retinol, is an ingredient that helps increase cell and collagen production, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and does so while being a touch gentler than prescription formulas.2 Ginseng is an herbal ingredient that, when applied topically, can reduce inflammation, boost hydration, and protect the skin barrier. All that is to say, this stuff is the secret sauce when it comes to gentle yet effective anti-aging skincare.
Aside from the ingredients, there’s a lot to love about this formula. During testing, we appreciated the cooling effect it provided; it felt refreshing on the eyes and even made us look more awake after use. A tester, who was sick the week before, was experiencing under-eye darkness due to sinus agitation and dehydration. After using the product for a week, she explained that she noticed a vast improvement in her under-eyes—they looked brighter, less puffy, and less tired—in other words, she looked like she’d been brought back to life. We didn’t notice any dryness, but several online reviewers noted their under-eyes were dry after use. To combat this, we recommend following up with a hydrating eye cream.
Who It’s For
We recommend this eye serum to anyone looking to address wrinkles, dark circles, or puffy eyes with a gentle formula. It’s potent, thanks to retinal and ginseng, but feels comfortable and soothing on the skin.
Where We Stand
The Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum is hands down the best eye serum we tried. Between its lightweight consistency that layers well under makeup and the fact that it offers almost instant results, we firmly believe you can’t go wrong. We also really like the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum. The intensive yet gentle blend of retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, and rambutan provides noticeable results—especially as it pertains to anti-aging.
Other Options We Tested
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye
This is the product that went viral for making a woman look 20 years younger in seconds. The quick-fix potion instantly lifts, firms, and depuffs your entire eye area, and although we still don’t know exactly how this magic formula does it, the results sure are something.
Mario Badescu Skincare Brightening Eye Serum
If you’re in the market for something illuminating, hydrating, and long-lasting, you can’t miss this product from Mario Badescu. Apply it morning and night for better results.
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Wide Awake Eye Gel
Hydration is the name of the game for the under-eye area and we really enjoyed this formula during testing. It leans on Greek yogurt (yes, the kind you eat) to nourish the skin around the eyes while a double shot of caffeine diminishes dark circles and puffiness.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors spent hours researching the best eye serums on the market, evaluating features like ingredients, size, and textures, before landing on over a dozen formulas to try out for ourselves. We tested a handful of the products, taking into account how well it lingered on the skin, whether or not the formula made our eyes burn, and if it actually addressed the concerns it said it would.
What to Look For in an Eye Serum
- Ingredients: It goes without saying that ingredients are among the most important elements to consider when purchasing a skincare product. And that especially rings true here since the skin around the eyes is so delicate. Try reaching for a formula packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and make it appear more youthful. Vichy LiftActive Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes is a great option because it contains a heaping dose of hyaluronic acid among other nourishing ingredients. She also recommends vitamin C and retinol can help target puffiness, lines, and wrinkles, while improving the appearance of dark circles, too. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum is one of our favorite products on this list that contain retinol.
- Gentle formulations: Doctor of a nursing practice Dr. Jodi LoGerfo previously told Byrdie that the skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face and is prone to damage. That said, an eye serum should both heal and maintain that sensitive skin. If for any reason a formula makes your skin sting or itch, skip it. The goal here is nourishment, not irritation.
- Eye safety: Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist, explains that many cosmetic products are not actually eye-safe. “Avoid too many preservatives and fragrances, which can damage (or at the very least) irritate the ocular structure,” she explains. “I prefer plant oils or any product that is as natural as possible.” With that in mind, we recommend Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, which contains several plant oils in its formula.
FAQ
What are the benefits of eye serums?
Like regular face serums, eye serums contain concentrated doses of various actives, like retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides. This allows them to target various concerns, like crepiness, fine lines, crow’s feet, dark circles, and under-eye bags.
How do you apply eye serums?
Deposit a small amount of product onto a clean finger (roughly the size of a grain of rice for each eye). Next, using your ring finger (aka the most gentle finger), tap the serum under your eyes. Hilal-Campo recommends focusing the application on the tear trough area below the eye, as well as crow’s feet to avoid getting the product too close to the lash line.
How often should you use an eye serum?
You can apply an eye serum up to two times per day. In fact, daily use is often recommended to achieve the desired effect. However, due to the nature of retinol, you may want to work your way up to everyday use with products containing the ingredient to avoid irritation.
What do you do if you get an eye serum in your eye?
According to Hilal-Campo, you should remove the product immediately and then flush your affected eye with a sterile saline solution to cleanse the eye.
