I've Had Dark Circles All My Life, and These Are the Only Products That Work
Feeling at a loss when it comes to your dark under-eye circles? These are the best products to treat dark circles, tried and tested by our beauty director.
The topic of dark circles within the beauty industry is one that has frustrated me for as long as I can remember. You see, I came into this world sporting an impressive pair of purple rings underneath my eyes. I have spent most of my life slathering on under-eye concealer and batting off concerns from people that I look tired and drained. Honestly, I’m fine. It’s just my dark circles.
For many, dark circles don’t come about because of lifestyle choices. Sure, things like dehydration, lack of sleep and a poor skincare routine can worsen the situation, but for people like me, dark circles are permanent fixtures. Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, explains.
What Are Dark Circles?
"The term ‘dark circles’ is used to describe increased pigmentation of the eyes and is a very common concern. The skin around the eye is unique. There is no subcutaneous fat underneath the skin, meaning it is prone to appearing darker than the rest of the face.”
What Causes Dark Circles?
I find myself frustrated by the use of the term "dark circles” in the industry because so much of the messaging implies that dark circles are our fault and can be totally reversed with one magical product. The truth is that no eye cream will eradicate dark circles. Trust me. I’ve tried them all. There is no magic product that can fix our dark-circle genes. "The causes of dark circles are multifactorial but include genetics (increased melanin deposition), allergies, location of blood vessels and age-related changes,” says Hawkes.
Having said that, despite the fact that there are injectable and surgical options available (Hawkes informs me that there are procedures called lower eyelid blepharoplasty and orbital fat repositioning that can be done and that filler is another option), I’d rather try my hand at as many at-home treatments as possible until I’ve exhausted all of my options.
Over the years, I have found a number of things that help the situation, and it’s not all down to certain eye creams. Keep scrolling to discover the best at-home treatments for dark circles that I have tried.
The Best Dark Circle Treatments
1. Brightening Eye Creams
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? Of course, there are brightening creams out there that can help reduce pigmentation and generally make the eye area look more radiant. "Poor skin quality can worsen the appearance of dark circles, so it’s important to keep it hydrated,” explains Hawkes. Out of all of the brightening eye creams I have tried, these are the ones that have proved most effective.
A lot of eye creams irritate my sensitive eyes, but this stuff keeps things looking plump and hydrated with no signs of redness. I use it morning and night and see a noticeable difference after a few weeks of use.
This SkinCeuticals eye cream contains Proxylane, glycyrrhetinic acid, Matrixyl 3000 and caffeine, which work in tandem to brighten the eye area with visible results. I find that the texture is ultra-silky, and it has light-diffusing effects that make dark circles look less visible as you wear it.
Not only does this Tatcha eye cream look pretty on the shelf, but it’s also so wonderfully lightweight, refreshing and cooling to use. On top of that, it contains vitamin C to brighten and niacinamide to boost firmness and make you look more wide awake. Like every Tatcha product, it's super gentle to boot, and doesn't aggravate my very sensitive eye area.
Not only does this lightweight serum contain the super-brightening antioxidant vitamin C (which also fends off further skin damage), but it also contains milk peptides to increase collagen synthesis and plump the surrounding skin. I have a bottle of this in my stash at all times.
When my eye area is particularly dry, this rich cream really does the job. It has an illuminating finish that helps to diffuse the look of dark circles and generally makes the skin around my eyes look brighter and healthier. I also always recommend this as an eye cream for mature skin, as the richer finish is ideal for treating delicate under-eye skin.
One of my favourite Refy products; this stuff is perfect for giving eyes that plump and hydrated look we all crave after long weekends. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine, both of which work to help tone and nourish the skin. For best results, I'd suggest using it morning and night, and as it comes in a handy swipeable stick, it's an easy one to add into the rotation.
2. SPF
You might not realise it, but sun damage can really affect the state of your dark circles. "You should never avoid the eye area when applying sun cream. It’s so important, particularly on the upper and lower lids. It will help to delay the signs of skin ageing (including dark circles) as well as protect against the development of small skin cancers,” warns Hawkes.
It's not easy to find a facial SPF that doesn't make my eyes sting or go cloudy and puffy as soon as it migrates, but this Mecca Cosmetica formula has never let me down. It's my favourite facial sunscreen of all time.
The Who What Wear UK team agrees—this Beauty Pie SPF is amazing. It's true to its name, with a silky, lightweight formula, and it leaves my skin perfectly primed for makeup when I'm applying concealer on top, too.
On top of the fact that this SPF feels like a second skin and is one of the best I’ve ever used, it contains really impressive antioxidants to boost glow and even out skin tone.
Another affordable SPF for all skin types and tones, this lightweight fluid is infused with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten and protect skin. Plus, it doubles as a decent makeup primer, too.
This cult sunscreen is boosted with tranexamic acid and niacinamide to address unwanted discolouration and even out your skin tone. It may be on the pricier end, but I've never regretted buying a bottle.
3. Cleansing Balms
The skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate, and being too aggressive with your skincare application can cause damage. "Applying products should involve gently dabbing around the bony rim of the orbit with your ring finger,” advises Hawkes. While that might be something you’re already aware of, it’s important to note that the same rules apply for makeup removal. So if you’re someone who goes in heavy-handed with micellar water, you might want to think again.
Hawkes reveals: "Be careful when removing eye makeup. Don’t rub the eyes excessively.” Personally, I opt for hydrating products that have slip, like a cleansing balm. Using a balm or an oil for your first cleanse to remove eye makeup means you don’t drag or damage the skin with abrasion.
This is possibly one of my favourite beauty products of all time. I’m yet to find a waterproof mascara that this buttery balm can’t beat. Plus, you really can't argue with the price—I recommend this to all my friends who are looking for a cleansing balm that does the job, and stat.
If you’re a fan of Elemis’s cult Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, you might have noticed that the essential oil content means it gets particularly eye-watering. However, this naked version is fragrance- and essential oil-free, meaning it’s perfect for removing eye makeup. It practically melts away even the most stubborn of long-wearing products.
This K-Beauty cleansing balm is my new skincare obsession. I love the hygienic dispensing system, and my skin laps up its moisturising goodness like it's water. And like all K-beauty staples, it's enriched with some skin-loving goodness.
No fragrance, no stinging eyes, no fuss—this cleansing balm feels beautifully luxurious, does the job and isn't so expensive that I feel inclined to put it on a credit card. It's a total joy.
When I’m feeling exceptionally tired and when my face looks particularly drab, I reach for this plumping balm come evening. It contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as plumping and restoring ceramides and peptides.
4. Retinol
Using retinol around the eye area might seem odd at first, but believe me when I say it can make all the difference. The myth that retinol thins the skin is a very common one, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. "A vitamin A derivative like retinol helps in several ways. Over time, it will improve skin smoothness and reduce pigmentation,” says Hawkes. The trick is to avoid any irritation where possible. Look for gentle formulas and start off using them only once or twice a week. With consistent application, skin will build up a tolerance, and you can increase usage.
This clever product harnesses the power of bioflavinoids to brighten dark circles. Working in tandem with slow-release retinol and hyaluronic acid, it also helps to address fine lines and dryness.
If you’re dubious about using retinol around your eyes because you’re prone to sensitivity, this one might also be for you. This formula uses slow-release retinol that delivers its dosage in gradual increments to minimise irritation and damage. I found it to be gentle enough for even my very reactive skin.
Practically every beauty editor I know rates Medik8, so it's no surprise that the brand's Crystal Retinal Eye Cream has made it onto this list. It comes in three strengths, so you can pick which % retinol suits your needs and skin best.
Combining granactive retinoid with vitamin C and niacinamide, this is the ultimate multitasking eye-brightening treatment. Plus, I haven't met a Dr Sam's product I haven't loved...
5. Facial Rollers
I know that facial rollers seem like a gimmick, but I’m sure that my dark circles have diminished since I started using them more religiously. While stone rollers (such as jade and rose quartz) heat up a little too quickly to make a difference on my skin, I have found some products that deliver instantly brighter results.
Possibly one of my favourite eye products out there, this eye serum contains a whole bunch of ingredients to deliver hydration and radiance and minimise dark circles. Plus, it has a built-in metal roller that makes it a dream to apply.
Any sort of ice globe that can be rolled over and around the eyes to help reduce puffiness is a total winner for me. The trick is to make sure you have some sort of cream or serum applied first to allow slip.
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