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If the eyes are the window to the soul, our undereyes are an indication of last night's 12-hour Friends rerun marathon. That's when the best eye serum comes in handy. We've all woken up to less-than-stellar-looking undereyes—whether it be self-induced puffiness caused by pulling an all-nighter or dark circles thanks to genetics—but there are innovative skin-care formulas that can help us disguise the look and severity of tired-looking, dehydrated undereyes.
While eye creams are always a good idea for refreshing and hydrating the undereyes in your skin-care routine, the best eye serums offer a more targeted approach to getting to the root of whatever concern you're battling. Similar to face serums, eye serums are thin, quick-absorbing solutions designed to provide targeted treatment with potent ingredients, says Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Brooklyn, New York. These formulas address a range of concerns, including dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Eye Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum, $71
- Best for Dark Circles: Skinceuticals AOX+ Eye Gel, $110
- Best With Retinol: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, $16
- Best for Crow’s Feet: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum, $45
- Best for Dull Skin: Mario Badescu Brightening Eye Serum, $24
- Best for Uneven Tone: Biossance 5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum, $44
- Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum, $22
Also worth noting: Eye serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients and fewer moisturizing and lubricating ingredients, making them lighter in consistency and more absorbent compared to creams. If you prefer more fluid formulas, consider swapping your eye cream for one of the best eye serums. Or if you have a specific concern around the eyes and "desire a more intensive treatment in this area," as Dusan Sajic, MD, an Ontario-based board-certified dermatologist, puts it, an eye serum will serve you well.
With that in mind, scroll ahead for dermatologist-approved and editor-loved picks for the best eye serum for every skin type and concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which eye serums helps with undereye circles?
- What type of eye serum will have an eye-tightening effect?
- What’s the difference between an eye serum and eye cream?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall Eye Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Few formulas can rival the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum when it comes to smoothing, brightening, and firming the undereye area. “This eye serum is one of my favorites because it contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by gently relaxing micro-muscles in the skin, alongside antioxidants and retinol derivatives that support collagen production and cell turnover,” says Dara Spearman, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She adds that it’s especially effective for “early wrinkles, undereye crepiness, or dullness,” and can even help minimize puffiness and dark circles. As with all eye serums, regular application is key to improving the overall texture and firmness of the undereye area, but the results are well worth the wait.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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"This sinks in super fast (no greasy residue!) and even with retinol, it’s never irritated my skin. I’ve been dealing with dullness, dark circles, and those fine lines that love to sneak up around my eyes, but I’ve noticed way more hydration with the help of this serum, which helps smooth everything out and makes my eyes look a lot more awake." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinol, rambutan, bakuchiol
- Who it’s for: anyone who can tolerate retinol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Circles: SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
SkinCeuticals
AOX+ Eye Gel
SkinCeuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: If dark circles are your main undereye struggle, the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel is a game changer—it brightens and revives even the most exhausted eyes (just ask our tester, a pregnant mom who swears by it). “The mix of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), ferulic acid, and phloretin can help brighten dark areas, while the caffeine can help to reduce puffiness,” says Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. Together, these antioxidants and energizing actives target discoloration and fatigue while protecting against free-radical damage. “Plus, its smooth, serum-in-a-gel texture makes it easy to apply across the entire eye area and absorbs quickly,” he adds, leaving your eyes looking refreshed and well-rested.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I've used this vitamin-C gel for ages—it's basically the brand's excellent Phloretin CF gel in an eye cream. It sinks in really quickly to tackle areas where I wouldn't typically put my antioxidant serum, and makes for a killer daytime eye treatment. Even though I'm pregnant and have a toddler on hand, I feel like I look a little more alive in the mornings, with fewer dark circles and less puffiness to prove it." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid, caffeine
- Who it’s for: anyone with dark circles, puffiness, or discoloration around the eyes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best With Retinol: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Beauty of Joseon
Revive Eye Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Why it's worth it: With 2% retinal liposome—also known as retinaldehyde, the most potent form of vitamin A available over the counter—the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is ideal for those looking to fight crepiness and wrinkles on the delicate skin underneath the eyes, which Dr. Sajic says is inherently thinner than the skin on the face and therefore more likely to show damage sooner. This TikTok-viral (and affordable!) formula also features 10% ginseng root extract, a traditional Korean ingredient that helps boost hydration and elasticity. Unlike typical eye serums, this formula has a balm-like consistency to trap moisture and still boasts a lightweight, barely-there feel.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I think eye creams are a ‘nice-to-have’ skin-care step—and if I reach for an eye cream at all, it'll be a retinol eye cream to reap retinol's fine-line-minimizing and tightening benefits. Again, I'm 31 and haven't experienced fine lines around the eyes or generally sagging undereyes, but skin care is—with a lot of emphasis—all about consistent use and prevention. This eye serum has a lightweight, custardy-gel texture that absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look a tad brighter and less puffy the next morning.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinaldehyde, ginseng root extract, glycerin
- Who it’s for: people who want to prevent signs of aging or those experiencing early signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Crow’s Feet: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum
La Roche-Posay
Hyalu B5 Eye Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Eye Serum
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: When brands go the extra mile to make skin care feel easier and smarter, we notice. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Replumping Eye Serum is one of those thoughtful innovations, complete with a built-in metal roller that cools and refreshes tired eyes on contact. Inside, “a combination of hyaluronic acid and panthenol (vitamin B5) plumps up dry, crepey skin around the eyes, while caffeine and niacinamide help reduce puffiness and brighten skin tone,” says Dr. Bittar.. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and feels far pricier than it actually is.
Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if an eye cream doesn’t have a metal applicator, I don’t want it! And this La Roche-Posay treatment not only has a metal tip, but a rollerball tip, which is why I deemed it an instant favorite after the first use. The formula itself is more serum than cream (it’s literally in the name) and easily seeps into undereye crevices to plump with hyaluronic acid and lock in moisture with glycerin. It’s great for day and night, but I find its lightweight texture lends itself to more morning use.” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: anyone targeting crow's feet and wrinkles
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Mario Badescu Brightening Eye Serum
Mario Badescu
Brightening Eye Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If the ingredient lineup—caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid—looks familiar, that’s intentional. “A great undereye serum that contains both niacinamide and caffeine—those powerhouse ingredients that, when used together, give that bright and tight effect quickly and effectively,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami. But the Mario Badescu Brightening Eye Serum takes those staples a step further: Its thoughtful blend of arnica and Centella asiatica helps calm puffiness and soothe delicate skin, while collagen-boosting peptides work to firm and smooth over time. Meanwhile, mica and iron oxides deliver an instant brightening effect, and hyaluronic acid and squalane seal in moisture for a soft, luminous finish that lasts.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: caffeine, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, mica, iron oxides
- Who it’s for: people with a dull or uneven eye area
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Tone: Biossance 5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum
Biossance
5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Why it's worth it: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: More eye serums need metal applicators, please. “The metal tip of the Biossance 5% Niacinamide Brightening Eye Serum glides effortlessly over thin skin, delivering a cooling, refreshing sensation that instantly soothes the delicate eye area,” says Dr. Chacon. But it’s not just the design that impresses—the formula delivers too. Some star ingredients include niacinamide and oil-soluble vitamin C, which work together to even tone and brighten dark circles, while caffeine helps depuff, and squalane locks in lightweight hydration for a smoother, more radiant finish.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 5% niacinamide, vitamin C, caffeine
- Who it’s for: people with undereye hyperpigmentation or uneven tone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum
Cetaphil
Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum
Amazon
Walmart
Why it's worth it: As much as we (and derms) love to praise retinol, for those who are very prone to irritation, sometimes it simply doesn’t mesh. Instead, try a more sensitive-skin-friendly option like the Cetaphil Healthy Renew Eye Gel Serum, which “is formulated with retinol-like peptides that help minimize the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and signs of fatigue,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. These gentler actives deliver similar firming and smoothing benefits without the irritation or adjustment period that retinol can bring. The cooling gel texture is also boosted with vitamins B3 (niacinamide) and B5 (panthenol) to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, while rice lees and edelweiss extracts work to brighten and even tone.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, panthenol
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin targeting dark circles and fine lines
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eye serums helps with undereye circles?
Eye serums that target undereye darkness often rely on brightening ingredients to lighten shadows and even skin tone. “Look for ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide (or vitamin B3), which are great options for a quick, light, brightening effect, while stronger ones like retinoids or retinol will have better, compounding, longer-lasting effects over time,” says Dr. Chacon. For best results, Dr. Chacon recommends using them in tandem: think vitamin C or niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night.
What type of eye serum will have an eye-tightening effect?
Eye serums with a tightening effect can work in both the short- and long-term, depending on your needs. “Immediate results that are great in a pinch for a surprise event or special occasion would be something with caffeine that quickly restricts and shrinks blood vessels, giving a tighter, more awake look,” says Dr. Chacon. For a longer-term solution, she adds, look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain deep moisture and appear plumper and firmer over time.
What’s the difference between an eye serum and eye cream?
Someone might choose an eye serum over an eye cream because serums are typically lighter, faster-absorbing, and easier to layer under makeup. “Serums are generally lighter and a little more ‘slippery,’ allowing for quick and easy application and making them a great daytime option,” says Dr. Chacon. Eye creams, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and more emollient, which makes them ideal for nighttime use. “I prefer the thicker cream options for night routines due to their more moisturizing attributes,” she adds, noting that the heavier texture can sometimes make makeup application or adhesion more difficult.
Meet the experts
- Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute, based in Miami
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Brooklyn, New York
- Dusan Sajic, MD, an Ontario-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sajic Skin Science
- Dara Spearman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best eye serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
