Dermatologists Say These Are the Best Caffeine Eye Creams for a More Radiant Complexion (2024)

Not only does this eye cream contain coffeeberry extract which is rich in caffeine, but it’s also formulated with a variety of other effective ingredients that tackle numerous undereye concerns. Along with caffeine, bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) and lingonberry stem cells “help reduce puffiness and brighten the skin,” Dr. Garshick explains. “I also love that it protects against blue light damage and oxidative stress using the lingonberry stem cells.” She adds that it is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

What reviewers say: “I’ve always struggled with dark circles and puffiness under my eyes and I’ve tried countless eye creams in the past, but nothing seemed to make a real difference. That is until I discovered this Truskin Depuffing Longevity Eye Cream!” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “This eye cream has truly been a game-changer for me, and I can’t help but rave about it. I use a small amount at night before going to sleep and I wake up with my eyes looking refreshed and revitalized! After using consistently for a few weeks, I’ve noticed a look in reduced dark circles and puffiness under my eyes.”

This eye cream has nearly 2,000 five-star ratings thanks to its affordability and effective formula. It contains caffeine to tamp down on puffiness while glycerin and squalane provide lasting hydration. Another hero ingredient is Matrixyl 3000, a type of peptide complex that is especially helpful in boosting collagen production and firming the skin Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., a double board-certified dermatologist previously told Prevention.

What reviewers say: “Despite its affordable price tag, The Inkey List’s Eye Cream delivers on its promises,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I’ve noticed a significant reduction in puffiness and a brighter under-eye area since incorporating this into my routine. It’s become a daily essential for combating tired eyes and enhancing overall skin texture.”

This best-selling eye gel is made with yerba mate, an herbal tea that is naturally rich in caffeine and a variety of antioxidants. It also contains three types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin as well as peptides to help firm and depuff the under eyes. Did we mention it has nearly 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is under $10?

What reviewers say: “This product does what it says it does! And it’s very reasonably priced. My eyes are often irritated and puffy from allergies and this product is so cool and soothing!” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I especially love the effect in the mornings as it ‘wakes’ up my eyes. Also very moisturizing. I’ve noticed that my under-eye area looks much smoother and under-eye darkness has definitely faded a bit.”

“This undereye cream is suitable for people with sensitive skin,” says Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA, adding that it contains a number of ingredients in addition to caffeine that “help brighten and moisturize the undereye area,” like niacinamide, thermal spring water, and peptides.

What reviewers say: “I could see a difference within a few days. I had just a little under-eye puffiness and it’s minimized, and under my eyes look brighter,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “The proof is under and around the eyes. I look more refreshed and the product goes on cool and light. Highly recommend this!

“This caffeine-containing eye cream helps to reduce dark circles by constricting the blood vessels helping to reduce redness and puffiness,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It also works to reduce inflammation and hydrates the skin using key ingredients like caffeine and squalane.”

What reviewers say: “This eye cream is lightweight and works well for puffy eyes,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “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!”

This hydrating, caffeinated eye cream “helps to boost hydration in the undereye skin while also reducing puffiness,” says Dr. Garshick, who notes that it also contains peptides to further aid with reducing the appearance of dark circles. It also comes recommended by Dr. Luke who says it’s “suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin” since it does not contain fragrance, parabens, or dyes.

What reviewers say: “I keep this in the fridge and use it twice a day. By the time I used it for two weeks, my dark circles were almost completely gone,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “I was worried when I received it because the tub is so small, but I only need a little for each eye. It doesn’t sting or burn and it absorbs beautifully.”

This eye cream helps reduce the look of puffiness with a blend of niacinamide and caffeine. Dr. Garshick says the formula also works to brighten dark circles, “is easy to apply,” and can be used both morning and night. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free and includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin to nourish the skin.

What reviewers say: “Great for puffy eyes! I’m using it day and night. Made my eyes look fresh,” wrote one reviewer on the Kiehl’s website. “Love it!”

This eye serum is “instantly cooling” thanks to its metal applicator and “contains a blend of caffeine and peptides, leaving the undereye area looking smoother, brighter, and refreshed,” explains Dr. Garshick, noting that it can be used one to two times per day.

What reviewers say: “This is love at first application for me! This feels amazing to apply this to my under eye area and I am truly wowed by how much this depuffed and tightened the delicate skin around my eyes,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “Putting it in my skincare refrigerator makes the experience even better by cooling the product and making the metal tip an eye-opening experience!”

Dr. Luke appreciates that this serum is formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid for depuffing and hydrating the sensitive skin under the eyes. The dropper also and has “unique stainless-steel balls” that she says are helpful if you’d like to perform a light massage around the contours of the eyes.

What reviewers say: “Why did I wait so long to try this?! I don’t have a good skin care routine—nothing for my eyes (36 years old). But I decided to finally try this,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I like the roller balls, and the serum is cooling and refreshing. I saw results within the next day—my eye bags weren’t as baggy and my skin felt smoother.”

Those who have fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes may want to consider a retinol cream. In addition to caffeine, this product contains microencapsulated retinol (which gets released over time for less irritation). “The combination helps minimize lines around the eyes,” Blair Murphy Rose, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York previously told Prevention. “It also contains soothing oatmeal and aloe to reduce the risk of irritation.”

What reviewers say: “Makes my under eye look so smooth and feel smooth too. Easily absorbed and I’ve not suffered with any adverse reactions,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I also use it on my lips especially my top lip as it seems to have helped with fine lines there as well. So definitely value for money.”

This anti-aging “skin renewing” eye cream contains a blend of caffeine, peptides, niacinamide, and ceramides to address a variety of undereye concerns. It has an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars and nearly 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

What reviewers say: “I am a skeptic with a lot of the anti-aging products out there, but also a sucker. This one, in my opinion, is worth the hype,” one reviewer wrote, noting it helped their “crows feet” soften. “I have been using it for about two weeks and man oh man, I can see the difference...10 out of 10.”

Looking for some caffeinated undereye patches to wear while you sip your morning coffee? Not only do these patches contain caffeine, but they also contain a blend of brightening ingredients like kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and niacinamide, making them “great for people that have hyperpigmentation and dark circles under their eyes,” Dr. Lal previously told Prevention while discussing the best under-eye masks.

What reviewers say: “I’ve tried easily 25 different types of undereye masks, and these far surpass anything I’ve used before,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “My dark circles were practically gone as soon as I took these bad boys off. My eye area looks brighter, healthier, smoother…I could go on and on. They feel nice while they’re on, too!”

This cream may be pricey, but it comes highly recommended by both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Luke. “This cream is packed with powerhouse ingredients such as caffeine, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help address multiple undereye concerns,” says Dr. Luke. These ingredients, along with their patented delivery technology, “help hydrate the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness,” adds. Dr. Garshick.

What reviewers say: “I’ve been using this eye cream for over a month now and have seen incredible improvements in my dark under-eye circles! The skin around my eyes no longer looks hollow, and my dark circles are visibly lighter,” wrote one reviewer on Google. “Additionally, some of the fine lines around my eyes are beginning to smooth out. InterFuse has become my new go-to eye cream, and I will definitely be repurchasing it!”

When selecting a caffeine eye cream, our experts suggest taking a look at the other ingredients included in the formula and choosing a product with ingredients that address your specific concerns.

✔️ Firming. Dr. Luke suggests looking for a formula that contains peptides in addition to caffeine to help firm the undereye area.

✔️ Collagen boosting. Ingredients like retinol and peptides help to rebuild collagen and address concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Garshick says.

✔️ Brightening. Our experts agree that vitamin C, vitamin K, and niacinamide all help to brighten the undereye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

✔️ Hydrating/plumping. Try looking for products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to “nourish and plump the undereye skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

✔️ Depuffing. Caffeine is an excellent ingredient for depuffing the undereye area, but so are other antioxidants like niacinamide, which “help combat inflammation,” says Dr. Luke. You can also look for cooling applicators which “can further aid in reducing puffiness by helping to reduce swelling,” Dr. Garshick adds.