My 51-Year-Old Mom and I Both Use This $9 Eye Serum to Get Rid of Zombie-Like Circles

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

It absorbs quickly and leaves behind hydrated under-eyes.

As a person with chronic illness, sleep isn't always something that comes so easily. And sometimes, I look exactly how I feel. I've experimented with dozens of creams, gels, and serums to look more refreshed (even on days when I haven't had enough rest). But out of all the options I've tried, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG has become a part of my daily skincare routine.

This affordable serum didn't just impress me with its price tag; it also delivered noticeable results in reducing the dark circles and puffiness under my eyes. So much so that my 51-year-old mom started asking to "borrow" it whenever I was in town. Needless to say, it's quickly earned a spot on both of our bathroom counters.

$9 at howl.me

Formulated with caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves, this water-based serum is designed to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. The caffeine in the serum helps to constrict blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and inflammation, while the EGCG provides antioxidant benefits that help to protect and soothe the delicate skin under the eyes. It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of fragrance and other common irritants.

The lightweight texture of the serum makes it easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. I use it twice a day, in the morning and at night, by gently patting a small amount onto the skin around my eyes just after washing my face (or after washing off a mud mask). The serum absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any residue behind, leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

My mom and I are not the only ones who love this eye serum. One Ulta reviewer said they noticed such a difference using the product that they stopped wearing concealer altogether. “Within three days, I noticed how much it brightened my under-eyes to the point I stopped wearing concealer,” they wrote.

Other reviews mentioned how effective this serum is for correcting dark circles and puffiness, including one 45-year-old reviewer who said they noticed a difference “almost instantly.” Another 62-year-old reviewer said this affordable serum works just as good as the more expensive one they used to use, and it makes their eyes look “refreshed.”

Finally, a shopper in their 30s with “dark circles and puffy eyes” who “tried everything for the past 20 years,” from eye concealers to ice cubes to retinol, said The Ordinary serum is the only thing that has “worked.”

I'm not saying that The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is going to magically make you look wide awake and fresh-faced after a sleepless night, but it's definitely helped to diminish the appearance of my zombie-like circles. Snag the $9 bottle at Ulta to see the results yourself.

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.