The 13 Best Caffeine Eye Creams for Brighter, Youthful-Looking Eyes
Basically a hug for tired eyes.
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Many of us rely on coffee or tea to give us a boost of energy each day. As it turns out, sometimes our eyes could also use a dose of caffeine in the morning. The eye area is one of the first places exhaustion is reflected; puffy eyes and under-eye wrinkles can appear due to other factors, like genetics and aging, but lack of sleep is a common culprit, too. While under-eye masks and anti-aging eye creams can help, investing in caffeine eye creams can give your under-eye a major boost.
The best caffeine eye creams are pros at banishing puffiness and darkness and can help re-energize the area, making you look and feel more awake. “Caffeine in eye creams works by decreasing puffiness and improving circulation. Under-eye puffiness is extremely common if you are low on sleep, dehydrated, or suffering from seasonal allergies, which makes caffeine a great addition to almost everyone’s skincare products,” says Dr. Nazanin Saedi, a Philadelphia-based board-certified dermatologist.
Top picks for the best caffeine eye creams in 2024
Plus, caffeine eye creams also have a host of other benefits as well; they often contain other moisturizing and plumping ingredients, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Not only will your under-eyes feel rejuvenated, but they’ll also appear hydrated and smooth. After speaking with a trusted dermatologist, combing through the internet for top-rated options, and consulting countless customer reviews, we’ve highlighted the 13 best caffeine eye creams to help you look alive.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Takes time to see full results
While it’s technically not a cream, don’t sleep on the power of a caffeine-enriched serum. The stimulant gives tired eyes a refreshing jolt, while niacinamide works to lighten dark circles over time
Best for: All skin types
Size: 1 fluid ounce
Amazon rating: 4.2 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: I’ve been using this TruSkin Caffeine Face & Eye Serum for a while now around my eyes and on other places that need some tightening up. It seems to me that after I apply it, wait a bit, then look back in the mirror, the little lines and darkness under the eyes aren't as visible. I haven't experienced any sensitivity to this complex. It absorbs quickly, so I can get on with the rest of my skincare routine quickly and proceed with my day.
Pros
- Soothes skin
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
This cruelty-free eye cream gets its caffeine from green tea and green coffee. Combined with vitamin E and aloe, the ingredients wake up the eye area, promote collagen production, and help smooth out fine lines.
Best for: Normal skin
Size: 0.3 fl oz
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “It’s organic, easy to apply, creamy texture, dissolves immediately after application, and within a few moments, you can see it working to rid puffiness and under eye lines.”
Pros
- Easy-to-use and hygeinic packaging
Cons
- May take time to see results
We know and love The Inkey List for its simple, efficacious, and affordable formulas. The brand’s caffeine eye cream features peptides, a rightfully beloved ingredient that firms and plumps the skin for a rejuvenated appearance.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “I have naturally really dark obvious under eye bags, and I started this in January, and my under eyes haven’t been the same since. My friends used to point out that I looked tired, and now, I look awake and even feel awake! It’s so good and so cheap, and I’m telling you, this thing is a game changer!”
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Pros
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Big things come in this small package. Beyond de-puffing caffeine, a host of other proven ingredients make an appearance in this formula: wrinkle-smoothing retinol, moisture barrier-supporting bakuchiol, and soothing ferulic acid.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “I use a small amount of this eye serum at night. You only need one pump for both eyes. I apply under my eye and on my eyelids. I definitely see a difference. My skin looks firmer and tighter. Absorbs quickly into my skin.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Can be irritating for some
Improve your skin’s barrier with this fragrance-free eye cream from Neutrogena. Found in the aisles of your favorite drugstore, this multitasking cream depuffs, hydrates, and brightens the eyes, all while working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best for: Dry skin
Size: 0.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I really think this has helped my dark circles a lot. It goes on easily and is refreshing.”
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- May not be best for sensitive skin
Think of this cream as an energy drink for your eyes. This lightweight formula is built around yerba mate, a South American herb that contains caffeine to energize the eye area. It also contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration, as well as peptides for nourishment.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I love this eye gel! It smooths the skin around my eyes.”
Pros
- Creamy, lightweight formula
Cons
- Doesn’t do much for dark circles
If rough, dry patches start to form around your eyes, reach for this moisturizing eye cream from CeraVe. This tube is chock-full of nourishing niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides to reverse crow’s feet and soften the skin.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I use this eye cream daily and really like the moisturizing effects and the creaminess of the formula.”
Sunday Riley Autocorrect Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Pros
- Depuffs
Cons
- Pump can be faulty
Leave all your troubles to this handy cream from Sunday Riley. Using caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract, this cream depuffs, plumps, and brightens dull, dark circles. After a few uses, eyes are reenergized and youthful.
Best for: Normal skin
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I’ve been using this cream for awhile and it has lightened up the dark circles around my eyes.”
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Pros
- Improves skin elasticity
Cons
- Reviewers say cream takes a while to brighten dark circles
Droopy, dull skin around the eyes can make you look as if you haven’t slept for weeks. SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Eye Complex works to keep your skin looking young and fresh for as long as possible, using fruit extracts, peptides, and Proxylane to hydrate the area and improve dullness.
Best for: Dry, mature, normal skin
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: “An aesthetician recommended this eye cream and I am glad she did. It has a creamy feel and immediately softens the skin under my eyes while providing hydration. It also helps reduce puffiness and keeps my eyes looking great! It is well worth the price.”
Ilia Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream
Pros
- Cooling applicator
Cons
- Can be irritating for super sensitive skin
As the name suggests, this eye cream adds a touch of brightness to your morning eyes so you kick off your day looking awake and full of life. It’s slightly tinted but dries down clear, and is designed with a cooling tip that helps glide the product under the eyes to keep the pressure controlled.
Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily skin
Size: 0.05 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Love this product! It’s so easy to use and I love the applicator tip. It makes it so much easier to apply. It helps hide my dark circles and it’s very light coverage.”
Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Pros
- Brightens dark circles
Cons
- Can be irritating for sensitive skin
For a smoother and brighter under-eye before makeup application, Herbivore’s Super Nova combines potent vitamin C and caffeine to gently address dark circles and plump the area for softer, smoother eyes.
Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily skin
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “Wow! Okay Herbivore! You really have impressed me with this eye cream. I woke up looking rough and tired. I applied this eye cream for the first time and the results blew me away! Bright, hydrated, and awake-looking under-eyes! Thank you for this amazing product!”
Pros
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Results take time
Aging can cause us to lose the luminosity and smoothness of our youth. Luckily, Empelle’s Eye Cream restores all of that and more, courtesy of a blend of emollients to nourish the skin, caffeine and peptides to address anti-aging, and the brand’s MEP Technology to firm.
Best for: Mature skin
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “One of my recommendations for a great eye cream is Emepelle’s Eye Cream. It has caffeine, peptides, antioxidants and humectants, and it also has their non-hormonal MEP Technology that helps restore collagen loss. This combination along with caffeine not only helps improve puffiness, but it will also help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it will brighten the skin around the eyes. I love that it has the immediate benefit of depuffing in combination with the lasting anti-aging benefits of helping to restore lost collagen.”—Dr. Nazanin Saedi, Philadelphia-based board-certified dermatologist
Pros
- Encourages collagen production
Cons
- May take time to see results
This serum gives you the exfoliating benefits of retinol with the hydrating cushion of jojoba oil and hyaluronate to stimulate collagen and boost skin elasticity. The eyes appear brighter and softer, sans any irritation.
Best for: All skin types
Size: 5 oz
Dr. Koo Skincare rating: 5/5 stars
A Dr. Koo Skincare reviewer said: “I’ve tried many eye serums and this is the best I’ve tried. Highly recommend.”
What purpose does caffeine serve in skin care?
“Caffeine comes from coffee beans and has antioxidant properties, helping to decrease the damaging effects of free radicals from UV radiation and pollution,” Dr. Saedi explains. Commonly found in eye creams and, sometimes, body creams and lotions, caffeine also increases blood flow. “Like most things with skin care, you have to wait to see results. It typically takes about four to six weeks of consistent use to see results with these creams,” she adds.
Do caffeine eye creams really work?
Caffeine eye creams work well, but it’s wise to manage your expectations. “Don’t expect miracles. You must be realistic about what topical treatments are able to do. Caffeine can help depuff and brighten the under-eye area by helping with the congestion of the vessels under the eyes,” Dr. Saedi offers.
Is retinol or caffeine better for the under-eyes?
Both ingredients are powerful in skin care, but deliver different results. “Caffeine is good for de-puffing and for improving circulation. Retinols work by increasing cell turnover to improve the skin texture and improve the appearance of wrinkles. Oftentimes, I suggest patients use a caffeine-containing product in the A.M. and then the retinol at night. Then, you are addressing both the puffiness and some of the discoloration, as well as the skin texture,” Dr. Saedi says. Because retinol is powerful, you can build up your tolerance over time. “Just remember that the skin around the eyes is delicate and thin. Retinoids can be irritating, so if you incorporate this ingredient into your under-eye care, choose eye creams with lower levels of retinol or retinoid to avoid inflammation and irritation,” she adds.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose and associate beauty commerce writer Carol Lee spoke with a skin expert about the benefits of caffeine in skin care and scoured reviews for the top-rated eye creams on the market.
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