The 10 Best Eye Serums for Dark Circles, Wrinkles, Puffiness, and More

Erin Lukas
·5 min read

There are two types of people out there: Those who swear by eye cream and those who think you don't need it.

For anyone who's highly skeptical of eye cream's promises to actually soften wrinkles, along with crow's feet, and reducing puffiness, may we suggest you try an eye serum?

Unlike heavy creams that tend to be greasy, eye serums are lightweight, rich in ingredients, and formulated with smaller molecules so they penetrate the skin deeper. Basically, you'll be able to target specific concerns, whether that's filling in fine lines or brightening dark circles.

RELATED: How to Get Rid of Dark Under-Eye Circles, According to Dermatologists

So, when should you use an eye serum versus an eye cream? Dr. Shari Sperling, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sperling Dermatology says it really comes down to you.

"It really depends on preference because some people are not used to the lighter feel of serum and really want that thicker moisturizing look that comes with a cream," she shares.

That being said, a lightweight serum will absorb faster than a cream, which makes it a great option for layering under makeup in the morning. Oh, and your bottle will also last longer because a tiny bit of serum goes a long way.

Puffiness? Dark circles? Crow's feet? Fine Lines? Yup, there's an eye serum for that.

Below, the 10 best eye serums for each and every skin concern.

Best Overall: Emma Hardie Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum

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The milky serum is ideal for anyone who loves the rich texture of a cream but hates the greasy aftermath. A blend of plant-based ingredients tag team common eye area concerns including dryness, dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, and loss of firmness.

To buy: $70; dermstore.com.

Best for Puffy Eyes: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

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Like a shot of espresso, caffeine and EGCG (an ingredient from green tea leaves) wakes up the under eye area. On top of targeting puffiness, this serum also tackles dark circles and discoloration.

To buy: $7; sephora.com.

Best Firming: Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum

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Is there any visible sign of aging this serum doesn't treat? That's a hard no. An impressive mix of peptides, antioxidants, niacinamide, and plant stem cells brighten, firm, plump, and smooth wrinkles around the entire eye contour.

To buy: $60; sephora.com.

Best Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Serum Triple Correction Eye Serum

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The reason why retinol gets so much hype? It's an anti-aging ingredient you can count on for results, including crow's feet and crepiness. This serum has retinol to even out skin tone and texture, while antioxidant ferulic acid softens fine lines and wrinkles. Even better: The quick-dry gel doubles as an eyeshadow primer.

To buy: $69; nordstrom.com.

Best Multitasking: Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes

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Lazy people: This two-in-one serum is the skincare product you've always dreamed of. On top of delivering instant anti-aging results, the firming formula also adds volume and shine to lashes with continued use.

To buy: $35; dermstore.com.

Best for Dark Circles: Murad Vitamin C Dark Circle Correcting Eye Serum

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"Dark circles? I don't know her," is what people who use this vitamin C eye cream say. On top of a skin-brightening effect, Murad's juicy serum has sea and fruit extracts that de-puff and soothe dry under eyes.

To buy: $62; sephora.com.

Best Natural Formula: Naturopathica Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum

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Like the mirror and lighting set up you use to get that fire selfie, Naturopathica's serum has built-in shimmer that minimizes dark circles by reflecting light. How genius! Vitamin K treats the under eye area to minimize dark circles over time.

To buy: $78; dermstore.com.

Best Brightening: Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

Keep your unpredictable sleeping patterns a secret by including an eye-opening serum in your morning skincare routine. The botanical extracts and illuminating minerals moisturize, firm, brighten, and de-puff exhausted under eyes.

To buy: $50; sephora.com.

Best for Wrinkles: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II

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Is there anything worse than a nighttime product that leaves greasy residue on your pillows? While this wrinkle-fighting serum is designed to work best while you sleep, it absorbs fast so you can fall asleep without wondering whether you're going to have to change your sheets in the morning.

To buy: $69; nordstrom.com.

Best Splurge: La Mer The Lifting Eye Serum

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For anyone in the mood to truly treat their under eyes, La Mer's serum is your best bet. The silky treatment is made with the brand's signature sea botanicals to lift and tone.

To buy: $260; nordstrom.com.