A Skin Expert Just Told Me How to Actually Get Rid of Dark Circles
Dark circles are notoriously tricky to treat, but understanding what's causing them is the first step to making a difference. We asked a dermatologist to share the ingredients, products, and practical tips that can help make tired-looking eyes a thing of the past.
I often get asked what it is that I love about working in beauty, and for me, it's simple: It's the magic of beauty products. Sure, it might sound a little bit like Marie Kondo, but I'm always amazed at the transformative nature of beauty. Sometimes it might be something small (like a primer that makes your skin look subtly brighter or an eyebrow gel that finally manages to fill in a sparse patch that's been nagging you), while other times it might be something more obvious (like a full-on hair transformation or forgoing your usual lip balm for a bold red lip). Either way, I find that I always feel most like myself when I've got the right beauty products on my side.
On the other hand, though, there are certain things that beauty products just can't help with—despite the amount of marketing that might tell you otherwise. I have yet to find a lotion that will genuinely reduce the appearance of cellulite, and nothing on the high street will completely heal my acne. Also, sometimes, no amount of dry shampoo will help with the fact I'm definitely overdue for a hair wash.
If you've landed on this story, you're probably wondering how to get rid of dark circles. But. when it comes to under-eye circles, the jury's out on just how much we can do about them. While there are plenty of concealers for dark circles that can temporarily disguise the appearance, it can be tricky to treat the direct cause of dark circles entirely with products alone.
On the one hand, I've heard that they're entirely hereditary and it's down to your genes as to whether you'll have them. On the other hand, I'm told that it's late nights, stressful jobs and new babies that attribute to the under-eye darkness that often greets me in the morning. So what's the truth?
I caught up with Kate Kerr, skin expert and director of the Kate Kerr London clinic, to chat all things dark under-eye circles—including what causes them, how to avoid them and if there's any way to actually get rid of them. Spoiler: Yes, there is, and it doesn't involve permanently wearing sunglasses.
Keep scrolling to find out how to get rid of dark circles under your eyes once and for all, plus the best eye serums and eye creams for under-eye darkness.
What Causes Dark Circles?
"There are three main causes of dark circles under our eyes," explained Kerr. "The first is pigmentation, the second is having a thin skin, and the third is having hollowing under the eyes. It's really important to be treating the right cause because a lot of people think that an eye cream can help with dark circles, but if the dark circles are caused by a loss of volume, for example, there is no way it's going to help."
Kerr explained that pigmentation is more common in darker skin types but can also be caused by inflammation and friction. "For example, wearing waterproof makeup and having to rub your eyes to remove it or frequently rubbing your eyes," she said.
Having naturally thin skin means that you can see the veins and muscles underneath, which means that dark circles can be more visible. "This can also be caused by tiredness," explained Kerr. "But also, it can be caused by allergies, or it can also just be from having very fair skin and it being more transparent."
The hollowing under the eyes is "caused by a loss of volume that happens with age," said Kerr. This loss of plumpness and elasticity almost creates a "trough," which then creates shadowing and dark circles.
How To Prevent Dark Circles
Now that you might have identified the causes of your dark circles, it's time to work out how to keep them at bay. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do this, according to Kerr.
1. Vitamin C
"If dark circles are caused by pigmentation, you can use ingredients that stabilise the melanocyte to help prevent the activation of the pigment," advised Kerr, suggesting we look out for ingredients like L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C, to help with this. "Being very gentle with the eyes and wearing lots of sunscreen can help with prevention, too."
2. Retinol
"If dark circles are caused by a thin skin, using a retinol-based eye cream will help to strengthen the area and create more of a barrier that hides the blood vessels underneath," said Kerr.
3. Cosmetic Procedures
"If dark circles are caused by a lack of volume, then, really, having a cosmetic procedure like a face filler is the only known prevention, as you can't plump that up any other way," explained Kerr. "The fat pads slip, and they also become smaller with age, so you get this loss of volume, and there is no way to replicate that other than to replace that volume."
How To Minimise Dark Circles
Luckily, if it's too late to totally prevent your dark under-eye circles from appearing, then Kerr's advice will also help to diminish the look of dark circles once they're there.
"Using light-reflective eye creams can also help minimise their appearance," Kerr suggests. Looking for formulations with ingredients like retinol and vitamin C when choosing an eye cream will give you the best chance at reducing the darkness and preventing the dark circles from reoccurring on a regular basis.
Kerr is keen to point out that there is no quick fix for dark circles, however. Even if you opt for a filler, it's only semi-permanent. "It will break down over time," advised Kerr. To really combat dark circles, "you need to be constantly stabilising that melanocyte [which causes the dark pigmentation], so you need to be controlling it at all times."
The Best Products to Get Rid of Dark Circles
- Best Overall: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Cream
- Best for Mature Skin: NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
- Best Tinted Eye Cream: Dr. Sam's Brightly Eye Serum
- Best Vitamin C Eye Cream: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Eye Serum
- Best Retinoid Eye Cream: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream
1. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Cream
This bestselling eye cream uses light-reflecting, yellow-toned pigments to mute the appearance of dark circles and blue undertones. It instantly cancels out under eye darkness for a quick fix, while vitamin C gets to work on dark circles in the long term, too. "I'm a big fan of eye creams that offer both an immediate cosmetic benefit and longer-term skincare benefits, and this is a lovely example," says freelance beauty editor and esthetician Grace Day. "The combination of vitamin C to help brighten the skin over time and light-reflecting pigments to instantly counteract dullness makes it a particularly good option for anyone who wants their under-eyes to look more awake, even without concealer."
Pros
- Works for both immediate and longer-term brightening.
- Lightweight, hydrating texture
- Instantly makes the under-eye area look brighter, smoother, and more awake.
Cons
- The illuminating effect is temporary—it takes longer to see lasting results.
- May irritate very sensitive eyes.
2. NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate
NIOD stands for Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science and if you're looking for efficacious skincare formulations that deliver on their promises, the brand always delivers. Kerr swears by this powerful serum for targeting dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines—it's a great option if you aren't sure about opting for a cosmetic procedure like filler yet. Containing 28 clinical technologies and 72% active ingredients, including drone peptide technology, Matrixyl, and niacinamide, it really leaves tired eyes looking brighter and illuminated darkness beneath. ""What I find particularly interesting about this formula is its impressive peptide technology," says Day. "Rather than focusing solely on hydration, it's designed to address multiple signs of ageing around the eyes, from fine lines and wrinkles to puffiness and dark circles."
Pros
- Targets multiple signs of ageing around the eyes, including fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and uneven tone.
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers easily with other skincare.
- Noticeable improvements with consistent use.
Cons
- May not provide enough nourishment for particularly dry or mature under-eyes.
- Results require consistency and patience—it isn't an instant brightening product.
3. Dr. Sam's Flawless Brightly Eye Serum
While this particular cream doesn't contain any mega-powerful actives like retinol or vitamin C, it does contain bakuchiol and niacinamide to brighten. The best thing about it, however, is its lightly-pigmented formula, which really helps counteract the purple hue of dark circles. "I love that this takes a slightly different approach to traditional eye creams by combining skincare with an element of colour correction," says Day. "The light-reflecting pigments offer an instant brightening effect, while ingredients such as niacinamide, milk thistle, and alpha-glucosyl hesperidin work to address pigmentation, support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of dark circles over time."
Pros
- Combines skincare with a subtle golden tint to immediately disguise the appearance of dark circles.
- Provides hydration for dry skin.
- Works as a two-in-one eye treatment and concealer.
Cons
- One-size-fits-all tint rather than shades for multiple skin tones.
- The illuminating effect is temporary—it takes longer to see lasting results.
4. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin Eye Serum
If you are looking for a targeted dark circle treatment, then you won't find many that can beat Dermalogica's innovative formula (seriously, the reviews speak for themselves). The potent vitamin C formula helps to noticeably brighten pigmentation around under the eyes. "Vitamin C is one of my favourite ingredients for addressing uneven skin tone, and it's particularly useful around the eyes when pigmentation is contributing to dark circles," explains Day. "I like that Dermalogica has paired its vitamin C complex with hydrating ingredients and peptides, so you're getting more than just a brightening treatment, there's also support for skin hydration and firmness."
Pros
- Uses a bioavailable vitamin C complex to target dullness, uneven tone, and visible signs of ageing.
- Lightweight serum texture that absorbs easily without feeling overly rich.
Cons
- May be irritating for very sensitive skin.
- Expensive price point.
5. Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3
"Retinal is one of the ingredients I'd look to when fine lines, crepey texture, and visible signs of ageing are a concern, as it helps encourage skin renewal and supports collagen production," explains Day. "I particularly like that Medik8 has formulated this specifically for the eye area, combining its 0.03% retinaldehyde with ceramides to help support the skin barrier while delivering the benefits of vitamin A." This eye cream has proved a real hit amongst beauty editors. It's incredibly nourishing and contains an impressive concoction of retinoids and ceramides for reduced dark circles without any side effects of dryness or irritation.
Pros
- Uses retinaldehyde, to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.
- Ceramides help support the skin barrier.
- Available in different strengths, so you can build up your retinoid use gradually.
Cons
- Requires a gradual introduction rather than jumping straight into daily use.
- Not suitable during pregnancy.
6. Sunday Riley Autocorrect Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream
Ginseng is another winning ingredient for brightening and energising the eye area. In addition, caffeine, horse chestnut, shea butter, watermelon extract really help to brighten eyes instantly and treat dark circles at a deeper level. The smoothing formula also makes the perfect base for foundation and concealer too.
Pros
- Contains caffeine and ginseng to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and tiredness.
- Silky, lightweight consistency that sits well under concealer.
- Has a noticeable depuffing effect.
- A little goes a long way.
Cons
- Pump dispenses quite generously.
- Expensive price point.
7. Alpha-H Midnight Retinal Eye Cream
The delicate skin around the eyes is usually the first place to show signs of dehydration or not enough shut-eye from the night before. So, while many eye creams targeting dark circles are designed for morning use, it can be even more beneficial to use one overnight, too. This formula combines retinal with shea butter and an intensely hydrating algae blend.
Pros
- Targets fine lines, uneven texture, pigmentation. and loss of firmness.
- Designed to work overnight, supporting skin renewal while you sleep.
- Cooling ceramic applicator.
Cons
- Retinal requires a gradual introduction, particularly for anyone who is new to vitamin A or has sensitive skin.
- Expensive price point.
- Not suitable for use during pregnancy.
8. Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C + Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
Another of Kerr's picks comes in the form of this antioxidant-rich eye cream that kick-starts your skin's natural rejuvenation process to repair damage, lighten dark circles, and improve skin health. It contains a veritable cocktail of brightening ingredients, including lactic acid, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide.
Pros
- A multi-pronged approach to eye-area concerns, including dark circles, fine lines, and loss of firmness.
- Exfoliating lactic acid helps smooth the skin's surface, while vitamin C provides antioxidant and brightening benefits.
- The formula is designed to address both immediate radiance and longer-term visible signs of ageing.
Cons
- The combination of vitamin C and exfoliating acids may be too active for particularly sensitive eye areas.
- Lactic acid can cause irritation if used too frequently or too close to the eyes.
- Expensive price point.
9. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
A beauty-editor favourite, this brightening eye cream is packed with five forms of vitamin C to fight pigmentation and improve the appearance of darkness under your eyes. In addition, it's rich and nourishing, so is ideal for treating areas of dryness.
Pros
- Ceramides and plant oils help replenish the skin barrier and provide nourishment.
- Particularly good for anyone concerned with dehydration, fine lines and loss of firmness alongside dark circles.
Cons
- The richer texture may not appeal to those who prefer lightweight eye serums.
- Expensive price point.
10. Tatcha The Brightening Eye Cream
Not only does this advanced eye cream do a great job of diminishing dark circles instantly, but the addition of slow-release vitamin C, encapsulated niacinamide, and a pro-glutathione antioxidant booster help to address stubborn hyperpigmentation. "This is a lovely example of a multi-benefit eye cream that doesn't rely on just one brightening ingredient," says Day. "Alongside its time-release vitamin C, it contains niacinamide and Japanese plum, helping to target uneven tone while providing hydration and supporting the skin's overall appearance. It's a good option for anyone who wants to address dullness while keeping the delicate eye area comfortable and well moisturised."
Pros
- Creamy, whipped texture that feels luxurious but surprisingly lightweight.
- Provides good hydration without feeling overly heavy or greasy.
- Particularly popular as a morning eye cream, sits well beneath concealer.
Cons
- Expensive price point.
- Longer-term improvements in pigmentation will vary depending on the underlying cause of dark circles.
11. Romilly Wilde Sculpting Eye Serum
A lightweight yet potent eye serum that contains peptides to help brighten the under eyes, this option is ideal for those who don't get on with rich eye creams. It's hydrating and soothing—thanks to nourishing lipids which help support the delicate skin barrier—so is perfect for those who experience sensitivity in the eye area.
Pros
- Designed to support skin longevity and improve the appearance of firmness.
- Lightweight serum texture.
- A good alternative to more traditional, heavily active eye creams.
Cons
- Expensive price point.
- Peptides are not an instant solution for dark circles, so results are likely to be more gradual.
12. Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream
Okay, we know the price tag is big, but trust us. It's worth it if you're looking to invest. Not only does it leave the eye area looking revitalised in a matter of days, but dark circles are noticeably reduced too. Plus, the cooling applicator is perfect for soothing tired early-morning eyes.
Pros
- A particularly nourishing formula that combines the brand's TFC8 technology with hydrating ingredients and peptides.
- Rich texture makes it especially appealing for dry, dehydrated under-eyes.
Cons
- Expensive price point.
- Rich consistency won't necessarily suit everyone, particularly those who prefer lightweight eye serums.
13. Byoma De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel
Think of this cooling gel-serum as an espresso shot for your under eyes. It may not contain heavy hitting doses of active ingredients, but for the price point, the combination of vitamin C, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid makes this a good starting point.
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Lightweight gel texture.
- Features a cooling complex to help reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Cons
- The lightweight gel consistency may not provide enough nourishment for particularly dry or mature under-eyes.
- May take a while to see results for stubborn dark circles.
How We Tested
To find the best eye creams for dark circles, we assessed a range of formulas, considering everything from their key ingredients and targeted benefits to texture, application, and overall efficacy. We looked for products containing proven ingredients such as vitamin C, caffeine, peptides, and retinol, which can help address different causes of under-eye discolouration. We also considered how well each formula hydrates, brightens, and smooths the delicate eye area, alongside value for money and suitability for different skin types.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
