The 20 Best Eye Serums for Hydration and Dark Circles (2024)

Hydrating glycerin, a gentle retinoid blend, and puffiness-reducing licorice root extract come together in this Bazaar Skincare Award-winning eye serum that gets to work while you sleep.

Customer Review:

"I have used it 3 nights in a row and love it!! Not irritating and results start showing right away. Even my dark circles appear lighter." —Jods547

Yes, this roll-on formula from Chantecaille contains actual 24k gold (it contains antioxidant properties), but it's the multiple peptides and stem cell extract for fine lines that will have you reaching for it again and again.

Customer Review:

"The best Eye Serum hands down!!! Saw a difference in two days...tried many but this one is a keeper!!" —Ava B.

This roll-on option features antioxidant-rich green tea, depuffing caffeine, and brightening niacinamide for a multi-action treatment that also feels so nice to apply.

Customer Review

"Great eye product, great price. Don’t need much, just one pump for both eyes. I use this during the day and a different product at night. I have literally tried every eye cream and this is my go to. I would still purchase if this was triple the price." —reenie09

Dieux's gel serum is ultra hydrating (courtesy of 10 percent glycerin) but remarkably lightweight, so it's less likely to cause a milia outbreak under your eyes. It's also formulated with biotech-derived algae complexes that help brighten dark circles and keep skin looking plump and smooth.

Customer Review:

"A perfect eye serum! Already on my second one. I can’t get enough of this product! I love the way it makes my under eyes feel in the morning, I love it so much!! So hydrating, it makes me look more awake and bright." —Jade C.

Hartman is a fan of this refreshing gel from SkinCeuticals containing vitamin C, caffeine, and ferulic acid, “which is a powerhouse combo that will help brighten dark circles and protect skin from free radical damage caused by exposure to UV rays,” according to the derm.

Customer review: “I’m so excited about this new addition to my skincare cabinet. I love that this is bottled in a pump bottle so that it’s not exposed to the air (oxidation).” —Taylor

This TikTok-viral treatment is “a nice choice if your main concern is crepey skin and you want to tighten the skin around the eyes,” says Hartman, adding that “results can be seen shortly after application—the eye area looks lifted and firmer.” The key ingredients are Firm-A-Tite, a blend of silicates and seaweed for tightening, and Eyeliss, a peptide complex that helps soften wrinkles.

Customer review: “My high school friends ask if I’ve had a facelift. This product does wonders for removing under eye bags and wrinkles (temporarily).” —Lisa

For a budget-friendly option, Hartman likes this serum that “helps reduce the appearance of dark circles due to its active ingredients caffeine and ECGC,” the derm explains. “They work to constrict blood vessels under the eye, which helps keep blood flow moving and reduce fluid in the area.”

Customer review: “After using this for a few weeks, I’ve definitely noticed my fine lines/wrinkles softening and my dark circles going away. My makeup sits much nicer under my eyes.” —MrsBougs

With 1 percent awakening caffeine, 1.5 percent hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a cooling and massaging metal ball applicator, this eye serum is a triple threat in your skincare routine, especially in the morning if you experience puffiness.

Customer review: “I have never had a beauty product that did as promised but this is a product that actually works as advertised. The puffiness under my eyes definitely was diminished and my dark circles became lighter. I could not be more surprised and pleased.” —Daylily

Tula’s serum also has a metal applicator: Press down on the top to dispense the creamy serum—packed with prebiotics, peptides, sea algae—to help firm skin, smooth the look of wrinkles, and brighten dark circles.

Customer review: “The first time I used Tula was when I received it as a gift from my daughter. I was so happy with the results, I got it for myself. I like the packaging and the way it is dispensed. There is no waste due to the pre measured pump. I use it in my morning and nighttime routine.” —Judith A

Clarins’ Double Serum is one of the all-time greats—and there’s a version for eyes, too. Each pump combines two formulas (containing ingredients like turmeric and wild chervil, oat sugars, and leaf of life) for a product that smooths, firms, and hydrates in one application.

Customer review: “I love the thoughtful design of the packaging and that this is a cream and serum in one. It feels refreshing on the skin, my skin seems to absorb it well, and it has enough occlusives to seal in the moisture. It does a great job smoothing the fine lines around my eye area.” —Skinandvelvet

You can use this serum—which has three different weights of hyaluronic acid, for optimal hydration—morning and night, but know that it also has caffeine to help brighten eyes in the AM.

Customer review: “I’ve been using this daily around my eyes in the morning and it absorbs well and doesn’t leave an oily residue. I use this in the morning and Retinol cream at night. Great combination.” —DN

If you’re looking for the product equivalent to putting cold spoons over your eyes, look no further. Roll on Osea’s water-light serum first thing in the morning for a quick wake-up call, and let the seaweed, hyaluronic acid, and peptides do their thing to soothe and smooth skin.

Customer review: “I love everything I’ve tried from Osea, and this eye roll on is no exception. I use it in the morning, and it’s great at adding light moisture while depuffing.” —Katie

With 0.1 percent retinol, this serum will help soften wrinkles without irritating skin. Even better, Drunk Elephant added caffeine and copper peptides to the mix to address puffiness and promote collagen production, respectively.

Customer review: “I’ve used so many eye creams, this is the only one I’ve tried that I can see makes any real difference. I use it at night and pat a small dot gently around my eyes. After a week or two my eyes look rested and bright. Love it!!!” —Langleyy

Brightening is the name of the game with this formula, which contains 7.5 percent time-released vitamin C. Even better, the brand’s copper tripeptide growth factor facilitates optimal vitamin C performance.

Customer review: “I use this for my eye area and for my entire face actually. It helps with with brightening and moisturizing without irritation.” —Clara

Made with twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde (a less irritating form of retinol), this eye serum comes in three different strength levels to fit your skin's needs and routine: 3 contains 0.03 percent retinaldehyde, 6 contains 0.06 percent, and 10 contains 0.1 percent.

Customer review:

“I love this eye cream treatment. This glides on silky smooth and I’ve noticed a reduction in fine lines. No irritation what so ever! Highly recommend even if you have sensitive skin.” —Brian R.

This apothecary-style bottle houses a refreshing gel packed with ingredients under-eyes love, including peptides and caffeine to energize dark circles, as well as vitamin CG, a synthetic form of vitamin C that firms and brightens skin.

Customer review: “I have been using this product for 2 weeks and instantly saw a difference, my under eyes look brighter, less tired and hydrated! definitely recommend!” —emmameany

If you love Skyn Iceland’s cult-favorite eye patches (and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to try this silky, hydrating serum, featuring brightening stars like vitamin C and glycolic acid.

Customer review: “This works best in tandem with the eye gels. Works wonders on my skin and is great to layer on with other products. Serum has a great consistency and really makes the eye contour look rested and radiant.” —Ludwig

Made with energizing biocellular longoza technology, toning rye extract, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this luxe serum can help with puffiness instantly and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles in as little as a week. Plus, it feels “like a little massage under your eyes,” according to Gossip Girl star Thomas Doherty.

Customer review: “This Dior serum is the best for my sensitive skin. I do see an improvement in puffiness and a little darkness that was visible on my under eye area. Very light scent, soothing. This is another wonderful Dior product.” —shecap

Pacifica’s Future Youth collection is designed to protect and strengthen skin now and in, well, the future. This serum, with multi-peptides, black tea ferment, and phytonutrients, supports the skin barrier as it hydrates and plumps, for an all-around refreshing effect.

Customer review: “I’m 44—Been using this day and night for a few days and I really like it. Skin feels a bit tightened, moisturized, and appears brighter. LOVE that it has powerful ingredients but is fragrance-free and doesn’t bother my eyes...a little goes a long way.” —A