3 Brightening Eye Creams for Dark Circles

Contrary to what you may have heard, dark circles aren’t only brought on by lack of sleep. Under-eye circles can be caused by many other factors, including sun exposure, age, and allergies. Thankfully, we found three eye creams that can help brighten the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

With its potent concentration of 10.5 percent pure vitamin C—an ingredient known for its ability to improve the skin’s appearance—Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate helps to illuminate the look of dark circles. Additionally, the concentrate contains Haloxyl, which can help improve the skin around the eye by increasing skin density.

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate, $44

Since sun damage is a leading cause of dark circles, protecting this delicate area from UV rays is a great way to stop the darkness before it starts developing. Lancôme’s Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28 offers the eyes an all day moisturizing treat plus, a broad-spectrum SPF 28. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the formula’s vitamins and antioxidants help to visibly reduce dehydration lines around the eyes, while caffeine works to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28, $40

Sometimes you just have to fake it ‘til you make it and Garnier’s SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller lets you do just that. The 2-in-1 eye care plus concealer features tinted mineral pigments to help temporarily cover dark circles and shadows. The formula also contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and caffeine to help reveal a brighter-looking eye area. 

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, $12.99