These Caffeine Eye Creams Can Add A Lifting Boost To Your Face In Just Minutes

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Ask anyone, and they'll tell you caffeine is their go-to ingredient for waking up in the morning. Butttt, did you know it also has the same effect when applied topically? Caffeine eye creams are the solution for giving your face a boost in the morning, since some can visibly lift, plump, and firm skin in just minutes.

"Caffeine is a great ingredient to help reduce puffiness under the eyes, as it constricts blood vessels and tightens the skin," says Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. Depending on the caffeine eye cream's ingredients, it may also be able to brighten dark circles and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, too.

Keep in mind that the skin around the eyes is super thin, making it some of the most delicate on your body. Those with sensitive skin can still use caffeine eye creams and other eye creams for dark circles, but should make sure they give it a test run before going all in.

To find the high-end and drugstore eye creams that do it all, we consulted several dermatologists and our beauty director to find the options that deserve a permanent spot on your dresser. If you're ready to explore the anti-inflammatory properties of caffeine, see below for the 14 best caffeine eye creams, according to dermatologists and beauty experts.

Pigmentclar Dark Circles Eye Cream

If you're looking for a caffeine eye cream that targets dark circles—both blue and brown—La Roche-Posay's Pigmentclar is your pick. "La Roche-Posay's formulation includes caffeine, glycerin, and niacinamide," says Thomas Griffin, MD, department chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting. "These ingredients will work together to de-puff, hydrate, and fade discoloration underneath the eyes." Dr. Griffin specifically likes the tube's metal applicator, which has a cooling effect against the skin. That cooling effect helps to further de-puff and decongest the under-eye area.

Rave Review: "It goes on easily and doesn't have a scent. I have sensitive skin and it doesn't irritate at all. I notice a difference in the puffiness and circles under my eyes. The tube lasts a while, so it's worth the price."

Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel

Dermalogica's Awaken Peptide Eye Gel is on the thicker side, leaving the skin under the eyes super hydrated and de-puffed. "This gel formulation will do wonders for puffiness!" says Dr. Griffin. " It's formulated with caffeine and peptides, which will help brighten skin underneath the eyes and reduce puffiness and congestion." You should be careful with over-applying it, though, as some customers say the cream can pill or leave a white residue behind. Still, reviewers say it feels smooth to rub on.

Rave Review: "I keep multiples in the house because my husband and I both use this daily. It’s lightweight and doesn’t clog pores. But boy does it work on eye puffiness!"

Hydro Boost + Eye Cream

Formulated without parabens, phthalates, and dyes, this caffeine eye cream from Neutrogena is gentle enough to be used night and day. "It's fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin," Dr. Griffin says. The cream is made with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to help with dark circles and puffiness, but also to help moisturize the skin. "The addition of hyaluronic acid is ideal for dry skin, as it helps keep the skin hydrated by pulling moisture into it," Dr. Griffin says.

Rave Review: "This eye cream makes my eyes bright and reduces puffiness and dark spots! I was so impressed I purchased another one!"

Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream

Here's another pick from La Roche-Posay just because the brand is that good. Hartman says that several of his patients enjoy using the Toleriane eye cream because it layers well under makeup. "This is especially important around the eye area where the skin is thinner and more prone to looking cakey with multiple layers of product," Hartman says. In addition to caffeine, the cream is also made with vitamin C that has a brightening effect on the skin.

Rave Review: "It really moisturizes the thin skin around my eyes. Other creams or lotions I have tried [gave me] some irritation and slight itching, but this product didn't do that. I love it! Worth the money!"

You-ology Eye Cream

Suitable for all skin types, Younique's YOUOLOGY eye cream uses a powerful mix of peptides, caffeine, and vitamins A, C, and E to help nourish the skin, Dr. Hartman says. "With continuous use, it reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dark under-eye circles." The cream comes with a metal applicator that has a flat and round end—the flat side is used to scoop out product, while the round end can be used to massage the product into skin. The cream has a velvet-like softness when applied to the skin.

Rave Review: This product doesn't feature reviews on its site, but it's a derm-approved option.

Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

RoC's Retinol Correxion Eye Cream can truly do it all, since it can help minimize puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. "The eye cream uses a combination of retinol, glycerin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 to reduce dark circles," Dr. Hartman says. "It also delivers an immediate boost to the skin by adding moisture." Though it's strong enough to tackle three skin concerns, the non-greasy Correxion eye cream is gentle enough for everyday use.

Rave Review: "It's a very soft cream, but covers the skin immediately and stays soft all day. I used it only for a week, but see the softening of the lines under the eyes already."

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl

Dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD, previously told Women's Health that this eye cream from Olay is perfect for helping skin appear firmer and tighter, thanks to the peptides in it. She's also a fan of its consistency. "It's really smooth and lightweight when you apply it under your eyes," she said. The eye cream is actually made from a combination of a hydrating gel and a firming cream, hence the "eye swirl" name. It has a thicker feel than some other eye creams, but customers say it's super hydrating and fast-absorbing.

Rave Review: "I think it's as good as some of the more expensive brands. It has little light-reflecting particles, so [during the] daytime, it boosts your concealer/foundation. I also apply it at night. I like the delivery system—better than a tube I think."

Caffeine Eye Cream

The Inkey List has loyal beauty fans because their products are budget-friendly and effective, and this caffeine eye cream is no different. At less than $15, it's formulated with all the ingredients necessary to go after dark circles and puffiness. Plus, it can also serve as a primer for undereye makeup.

Rave Review: "Love this eye cream! I have always struggled with under eye circles—they’re so dark. This has helped lighten the area and wake them up. I would highly recommend! It’s also a great affordable price!!!"

SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller

A fave of WH beauty director, Brian Underwood, he loves this caffeine eye cream from Garnier because it's easy to apply. The tube is designed with a cooling roller ball that reduces puffiness almost instantly. And, even more cooling relief comes from the gel-like blend of caffeine, mint, and brightening vitamin C infused in the bottle, so that you literally feel refreshed after use.

Rave Review: "I love this roller type application of product and it is soothing to the eye area. I have observed some slight improvement of my under-eye bags—at least my photos indicate this."

Skin Renewing Eye Cream

Alexis Young, MD, a dermatologist based in Paramus, New Jersey, previously told Women's Health that she likes this eye cream because it's made with niacinamide, in addition to caffeine. niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can improve the skin's hydration by encouraging it to stimulate collagen and fatty acids, calming redness and inflammation. The formulation of this eye cream works to restore the skin's natural barrier, keeping it looking healthy and soft.

Rave Review: "I am allergic to lots of face creams. This one is great and doesn’t bother my skin. The area around my eyes feels hydrated in the morning after I use this. I will buy this again."

Read More: Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles

Caffeine Eye Cream

Suitable for all skin types, dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, previously told Women's Health that she likes this lightweight cream because it's effective and absorbs easily. "It helps to reduce dark circles by constricting the blood vessels, helping reduce redness, puffiness, and inflammation," Dr. Garshick said. One of the only caveats customers have with this cream is that the container appears to have more than it does, though reviewers have said that a little goes a long way.

Rave Review: "This eye cream is lightweight and works well for puffy eyes. I have tried so many eye creams over the years and this works just as well as many of the more expensive anti-puffy eye creams I’ve used. Great value for a great product!"

PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm

Made from a mix of wild plant ingredients, this eye cream comes recommended by dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD. "This eye cream is one of my favorites, as it’s packed with vitamin K and a hydrolyzed form of hyaluronic acid that's ideal for absorption into the skin,” she previously told Women's Health. In addition to targeting puffiness, the eye cream is also formulated with bakuchiol, a plant-derived source of vitamin A (retinol which is very trendy right now btw) to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Rave Review: "Alpyn eye cream is great for the morning. It’s not too heavy and doesn’t cause my mascara to end up under my eyes. Would recommend!"

Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream

No matter what color your dark circles are, Caudalie's brightening eye cream is formulated to go after them. In addition to puffiness-fighting caffeine, this product is also made with viniferine, an ingredient the brand says is 62 times more effective than vitamin C at brightening dark circles. The cream can be used as a concealer base or primer before you apply makeup. It's not the best option for those with sensitive skin as some customers say the formula may be a bit drying.

Rave Review: "When I use it at night, I wake up with brighter under eyes. I find myself needing less concealer, and my concealer blends in more smoothly as well. It’s light, hydrates well, doesn’t clog pores, and absorbs nicely."

Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

Made with a blend of vitamin C and peptides, this eye cream is designed to brighten skin, while going after fine lines and wrinkles. It includes caffeine to give the skin a more energized look, and natural-light reflectors that give skin a soft glow, no matter what your skin tone. Some reviewers did complain of irritation or tingling sensations, so it's probably not the best option for those with sensitive skin.

Rave Review: "I love all Summer Fridays products and this one did not disappoint. I wear it every morning and I notice my eyes hydrated and darkness disappears. It wears well under makeup and I have noticed improvement since I started using it."

How we chose the best caffeine eye creams

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated caffeine eye creams. Our team consulted six dermatologists and WH beauty director, Brian Underwood, for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best caffeine eye creams for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL

• Thomas Griffin, MD, department chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting

• Margarita Lolis, MD, dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group

• Alexis Young, MD, a dermatologist based in Paramus, New Jersey

• Marisa Garshick, MD, dermatologist at MDSC Dermatology

• Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, dermatologist at Modern Dermatology

• Brian Underwood, Beauty Director at Women's Health

Why is caffeine an effective ingredient in eye cream?

The skin under the eye is thinner than other parts of the body, so it is more prone to dark circles and puffiness, Dr. Hartman says. Caffeine is effective because it serves as a vasoconstrictor. It restricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, and in turn reduces puffiness when used in a skincare product, Dr. Griffin explains. "It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which further help with puffiness, redness, and the appearance of dark circles," he adds.

How often should you apply caffeine eye creams?

Eye creams, including those with caffeine, can be applied daily, Dr. Hartman says. "I’d stick to once a day for the caffeine eye cream application—in the morning," he adds.

Dr. Griffin recommends you start slow first, using it once or twice a week, and then working your way up to daily use.

What are some signs the eye cream may be irritating?

When it comes to the skin around your eyes, it is much thinner and delicate than the rest of the face. This makes it ripe for irritation, Dr. Griffin says. "Typical signs of irritation include itching, burning, redness, and scaling in the area," he explains. Dr. Hartman also recommends avoiding the product if you feel any kind of discomfort or pain.

You can likely avoid irritation by applying new products only one to two times a week at first to see how your skin will react, and then adjusting your routine from there, Dr. Griffin says.

Is caffeine or retinol better for under the eyes?

Because caffeine and retinol are two different compounds with different properties, it's impossible to pick which one is better, Dr. Griffin says. Both can aid the skin in different ways. "Retinol is a tried-and-true skincare ingredient for anti-aging," he adds. "If used consistently, it will increase cell turnover and boost collagen production, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and texture underneath the eyes."

On the other hand, caffeine is better to treat puffiness and dark circles, Dr. Hartman adds. "Which ingredient to choose comes down to the types of issue you want to treat," he says.

Read more about the best face products

Best Drugstore Eye Creams | Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles | Best Facial Tools | Best At-Home Chemical Peels | Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin | Best Face Sunscreens | Best Dark Spot Correctors

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