Best Eye Creams for Puffiness - Doctor Approved & Editor Rated

Puffiness around the eyes can be caused by many factors, such as lack of sleep, allergies, aging, or dehydration. It can make you look tired, dull, or aged, but fortunately, many eye creams can help you reduce puffiness and restore a youthful and radiant appearance.

“The most important thing when choosing an eye cream is to use a high quality cream that is made specifically for the eye area,” says Dr. Julia Giyaur, a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon and a founding director of New York Laser Vision Aesthetics. “There are several options, surgical or non surgical to help with puffiness. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the gold standard for treating under-eye puffiness and gives consistent long lasting results. For those who are not ready for surgical intervention, non-invasive things like fractional lasers, radiofrequency with microneedling, botox and under eye hyaluronic acid fillers can significantly improve the appearance.”

For non-surgical remedies, Dr. Giyaur says, “The ingredients that I recommend are retinol (in concentrations made specifically for eyelids) to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, antioxidants such as vitamin C or green tea extract to reduce inflammation, caffeine and arnica to reduce puffiness by stimulating circulation and hyaluronic acid creams to moisturize.”

How do you choose the best eye cream for your skin type, budget, and preferences? In this article, I review some of the best products for puffiness that are doctor-approved and editor-rated. Some of them also double as the best anti-aging eye creams. I also give you some tips on what to look for in an eye cream and how to use it effectively.

Our top picks for eye creams for puffiness

What to look for in a puffy eye cream

Efficacy

Look at reviews from people who have skin similar to yours and see how the eye cream worked for them. You can also check the before and after photos or videos to see the results.

Ingredients

Opt for ingredients that can help reduce inflammation, such as caffeine, green tea, cucumber, or chamomile. You can also look for ingredients that can help hydrate, firm, and brighten the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, or niacinamide.

Application and ease of use

Check how often you have to use the product and how to apply it. Some creams might come with an applicator. Products that are more fluid, like the best anti-aging serums, can be applied with your hands. Some products also have specific storage requirements—such as refrigeration—to keep them fresh.

Price point and product size

The value of an eye cream will vary depending on the product size and the price. You can compare the price per ounce or milliliter to see which one is more affordable.

How we selected the best eye creams for puffiness

I selected the best eye creams for puffiness by extensively researching the best eye creams based on the active ingredients, formulation, expert recommendations, and thousands of customer reviews. I reviewed the top products in the market based on ease of use, the application process, short-term and long-term effects, safety, popularity, and price point.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Will puffy eyes ever go away?

Puffy eyes can go away with proper treatment and care. The treatment depends on the cause of the puffiness, which can be temporary or chronic. Some common treatments are rest, cold compresses, eye drops, antihistamines, eye creams, cosmetic procedures, or surgery.

What causes puffy bags under eyes?

Puffy bags under eyes can happen for many reasons, such as:

• Not sleeping enough
• Allergies
• Family history
• Age
• Health-related problems

“If this is a problem that worsens as you age, it is usually caused by fluid accumulation in delicate, thin eye skin,” says Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and founder of Dr. Loretta skincare.

“Since eye skin is some of the thinnest on our body, the loss of elasticity in both the skin itself and the vessels causes more leakage of fluid out of delicate (and aging!) vessels, and the skin doesn't have the elasticity to resist puffiness from increased fluid caused by vessel leakage,” she shares. Making sure you get enough sleep and hydration, as well as using a topical cream, can help alleviate puffy bags under the eyes.

Which vitamins help puffy eyes?

• Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation
• Vitamin E: Moisturizes, protects from free radicals, and promotes skin healing
• Vitamin K: Enhances blood circulation, reduces clotting, and strengthens under-eye capillaries
• B vitamins: Regulates fluid balance and helps combat stress-related puffiness and dark circles

Is retinol good for puffy eyes?

Retinol can be beneficial for puffy eyes by stimulating cell turnover and collagen production. It helps improve skin texture and elasticity, reducing fine lines. However, it may be irritating and drying, especially for sensitive or dry skin.