In this post we will summarise the 11 best eye creams of 2022 to remove dark circles completely
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles are caused by one of two things; either there is a pigmented skin on the area around the eyes or the vessels under the skin are causing darkness due to the the de-oxygented blood accumulating in this area. The pinch test can help determine which one is causing dark circles and will direct you to which cream for dark circles is most likely to work for you to target the cause.
Other contributing factors can be lifestyle, diet and vitamin deficiencies.
Check the post on 10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Circles For Good if you prefer to try natural ways before trying a cream of dark circles.
What ingredients to look for in a cream for dark circles?
If your are targeting pigmented skin, you will need an ingredient that will help to exfoliate and resurface the skin surface in which case Retinol can work amazingly. It is a vitamin A derivative and helps to resurface the skin and at the same time promotes collagen production which also helps to minimise the appearance of dark circles.
The benefits of Retinol, a vitamin A derivative are well known in the world of medicine for many skin conditions. Although the strengths you find in products that are available without a prescription may not be of medical grade strength they are certainly a good starting point and can still make a huge difference to your skin concerns, including dark circles, overtime when used consistently.
On the other hand if the problem is underneath the skin where the vessels are apparent, vitamin C creams, collagen promoting ingredients and caffeine based creams or serums can help. Other brightening and moisturising ingredients can also work well such as hyaluronic acid and peptides and some AHA’s.
When trying any new product, it is important to remember not to mix ingredients that may not mix well and cause a reaction. It is also worth remembering that good things take time so patience and consistence is key for long term effects, this being said some of the recommendations below do have short term effects too.
1. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream £54.00
Drunk Elephant really does speak for itself. Not only is this filled with vitamin C to brighten eyes, it’s also enriched with nourishing peptides, ceramides and antioxidants all of which help to strengthen the delicate skin around the eyes. You can expect instant results and a great dewy texture. Vitamin- C is amazing at boosting collagen production, minimising discolouration and helps to given an overall youthful appearance.
It is also free of fragrances, SLS, alchohol and dyes.
2. Peace Out – Retinol Eye Stick-£25.00
This is a powerful stick; containing retinol, peptides and squalane. All of which help to reveal a brighter smoother finish, it also contains astaxanthin which is a a very strong anti-oxidant- 6000 x the strength of vitamin C. Not only is this amazing for the under eyes but can be also be used to breakouts as retinol is often used for acne and breakouts.
3. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream £24.99
This is another strong contender in the retinol category, it addresses signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation and leaves skin feeling softer and younger. It also contains zinc which has anti-oxidant properties which helps to protect the delicate eye area from uv sun damage.
4. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream £9.60
This is a must have addition for sensitive skin. It helps to hydrate and nourish the under eye and is packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump up skin under the eye which makes the skin look tired and dull. It is non-greasy and fast absorbing, providing a perfect canvas for sleek, wrinkle free eye make-up.
5. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream £8.99
Caffeine can be a quick fix for under eye dark circles and puffiness. It constricts blood vessels under the skin (which are naturally blue due to deoxygenated blood) to minimise the dark appearance that the blue vessels cause. Apart from contributing to darkness under the eyes it helps with puffiness so can be used a quick fix after a sleep-less night.
6. MURAD Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum £65.00
This eye serum is truly the king of retinol based eye creams. It contains retinol in three different forms-a fasting acting retinoid, time released retinoid and a retinol booster. It is sure to leave your under eye looking brighter, smoother and with visibly reduced dark circles.
7. MEDIK8 Advanced Day Eye Protect £36.00
This eye cream contains three key ingredients. It based on the routing of Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A in the evening, topped with a serving of UV protection. It makes reducing dark circles and protecting from sun damage easier and more inconveinient than ever.
8.Origins GinZing Ultra Hydrating Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser £26.00
This cream for dark circles contains ginseng which can increase circulation of blood which helps to minimise the appearance of darkness under the eyes, it also contains coffee beans (meaning caffeine ) which helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of de-oxygenated blood. It is also an oil free formula and can be used all over the face, so is perfect for acne prone or oily skin.
9. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Synchronized Recovery £46.00
This cream for dark circles contains patented technology containing hyaluronic acid to aid moisture in addition to a range of powerful anti-oxidantst that help to diminish dark circles and keep them away. It also feels amazingly light weight on skin, can be used all over the face and can make the skin tighter in just a few uses.
10. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Eye Cream £27
With korean skin care and its miracles, this eye cream for dark circles had to be on this list. With brightening powers of ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid this cream is winner to beat dark circles.
11. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask £41.00
Once again the magic ingredient Retinol has made itself of this list and to have a mask that can be slept is all you need for a moisturised under eye with reduced darkness. It the perfect way to wake up and start your morning skin care routine whilst looking like you have managed a full nights sleep.
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