Finding the correct products with the proper components for your skin type is crucial to creating a successful skin care regimen.Caffeine is among the greatest elements to seek for in a product, according to our experts, and under-eye creams are no exception. According to Manuela Marcheggiani, co-founder and CEO of Isomers Skincare Laboratories and a cosmetic chemist who creates skin care products, caffeine has antioxidant qualities that can shield the sensitive skin around the eyes. It also helps constrict blood vessels, lessen puffiness, and lessen the appearance of dark circles. (Since Marcheggiani creates items, we didn’t ask for suggestions; we just asked her for general purchasing advice.)
However, our experts advise that you evaluate consistency, caffeine proportion, complementing components, and price point before selecting a brand because not all caffeinated eye creams are made equal. The best formulae should fit your age, skin type, and budget.
We interviewed three dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist who creates skin care products to find out more about caffeine-containing under-eye treatments. Their top picks for caffeine-infused eye creams and general buying tips are included below.
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Best overallLa Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
$undefined$44.99Ulta
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Best for sensitive skin100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
$25.99$29.00Amazon
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Best serumVichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum
$undefined$24.99Amazon
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How I picked the best caffeinated eye creams
In order to identify the greatest calming, de-puffing, and moisturizing creams available, I spoke with four skin care experts. They advise considering the following factors when looking for caffeinated under-eye creams:
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Type:
In addition to creams, which tend to be heavy and hydrating, caffeinated under-eye products also come in gels, serums and masks, which may be a better option for younger or more oily skin, according to our experts. They also come in various packaging types, which impact their application and level of hygiene. -
Ingredients
: A greateye cream
will have around 3% of caffeine as well as other quality ingredients, such as
hyaluronic acid
, peptides and
niacinamide
, that help to hydrate, nourish, soothe and protect the under-eye area, according to our experts.
-
Price point
: More expensive does not always mean higher quality, but formulas with powerful plant-based ingredients (likevitamin E
, glycerin and antioxidant-rich extracts) from brands you trust may be worth the splurge, says Nava Greenfield, board-certified dermatologist at
Schweiger Dermatology Group
in New York City.
Related
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The best eye creams with caffeine in 2025
I followed the advice of four skin care specialists while selecting these caffeinated eye creams. The dermatologists I spoke with directly recommended the majority of these products, although others are well-known choices that meet the standards of our experts and have received at least four stars out of hundreds of reviews. Although many brands do not disclose the caffeine levels in their formulations, I did so where it was available in the articles that follow.
Best overall:
La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eye Cream for Dark Circles
- Cooling metal applicator
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Fast absorbing
- Higher price point
La Roche Posay Pigmentclar eye cream is recommended by two of our experts. Greenfield enjoys it because it is of the excellent caliber you would anticipate from the brand and addresses several issues at once, employing niacinamide to reduce redness, glycerin for moisture, and caffeine for circulation. The founder of Sandia Dermatology and board-certified dermatologist Deeptej Singh also suggests it due to its titanium dioxide (sunscreen), which shields the eye from UV and visible light. According to the firm, the solution contains light-reflective pigments to brighten the under-eye area, is devoid of parabens and fragrances, and features a cooling metal applicator to reduce puffiness.
Cream in the size of 0.5 ounces
Best for mature skin:
Mad Hippie Eye Cream
Mad Hippie Eye Cream
- Moisturizing
- Improves discoloration
- Nothing to note at this time
According to board-certified celebrity dermatologist Angela J. Lamb, Mad Hippie is a fantastic line of goods overall, but their eye cream is a true power product because it combines niacinamide to aid with darkness and caffeine to help with puffiness. According to the brand, the cruelty-free solution also contains peptides to revitalize aging skin, argan oil and ceramides for moisture, and white tea for antioxidants.
Cream in the size of 0.5 ounces
Best splurge:
Skinceuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Skinceuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles
- Improves firmness
- Smoothing
- Has a rich, balmy consistency
- Higher price point
- Not the best for oily skin
Singh suggests this SkinCeuticals eye cream for people with older skin. Singh appreciates that the product has several flavonoids, which are present in plants and contain antioxidants to help with inflammation and aging, and that it comes in a glass jar. Additionally, according to SkinCeuticals, the product is devoid of parabens, perfumes, and dyes. The manufacturer claims that the eye cream with.5% caffeine specifically targets dark circles and crow’s feet.
Size:.5 fluid ounces; type: cream
Best for dry skin:
Cerave Eye Cream for Wrinkles
CeraVe Eye Cream for Wrinkles
- Suitable for all skin types
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Fast absorbing
- Nothing to note at this time
Many of the components our experts suggest are present in Cerave’s eye cream, which has received 4.2 stars from over 9,200 Amazon reviewers. These compounds include niacinamide, caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. According to CeraVe, it contains ceramides, which seal in moisture, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, and reduce wrinkles. It is also devoid of parabens and perfumes.
Cream in the size of 0.5 ounces
Best lightweight cream:
Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Herbivore Super Nova 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
- Moisturizing
- Doubles as primer
- Improves uneven skin tone
- Higher price point
Singh also suggests the Herbivore Super Nova brightening eye cream, which contains excellent active ingredients like caffeine to awaken the eyes, turmeric to shield your skin from free radicals, and vitamin C to improve dark circles under your eyes. Additionally, it comes in a glass jar that you can reuse and recycle. The brand claims that even though it is a cream, it is light enough to be worn under concealer or on younger skin.
Lightweight cream, 0.5 ounces in size
Best for sensitive skin:
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
- Smoothing
- Softens skin
- Fast absorbing
- Nothing to note at this time
Singh claims that this coffee bean eye ointment is reasonably priced and contains entire plant extracts from coffee, green tea, green coffee, and vanilla. According to 100% Pure, it is an excellent option for sensitive skin and all age groups because it contains calming aloe and rose extracts and many of its ingredients are certified organic. In addition, this cream is cruelty-free and vegan.
Cream in the size of one ounce
Best mask:
Clean Circle Lights On Brightening Dissolvable Eye Mask
Clean Circle Lights On Brightening Dissolvable Eye Mask
- Increases firmness
- Improves skin tone
- You can store it in the fridge
- Not reusable
Lamb, who incorporates Clean Circle’s line of eye masks into her personal beauty care regimen, believes they’re also excellent. According to the brand, these eye patches also include black mulberry for brightening, red algae for plumping, and peptides for firming in addition to caffeine. These are an environmentally beneficial alternative to certain other single-use masks because they dissolve in hot water after 15 minutes of use.
Mask type; 30 pairs in size
Best for young adults:
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Pregnancy-safe
- Nothing to note at this time
For younger skin care lovers, Greenfield suggests the brand’s caffeinated eye cream. “The Inkey List has simple, straightforward products that can be understood by the consumer, not just the dermatologist,” she adds. The brand claims that because it is fragrance-free, the lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin. Additionally, the packaging is carbon net-zero and recyclable.
Lightweight cream, 0.5 ounces in size
Best serum:
Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum
Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Fast absorbing
- Nothing to note at this time
More than 17,000 Amazon reviewers have given this caffeinated under-eye serum an average rating of 4.4 stars. According to the company, it is suitable for young oroilycomplexions because it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, and contains hyaluronic acid, which nourishes the skin under your eyes.
Serum kind; 0.5 ounces in size
Best budget pick:
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
- Protects from UV light damage
- Reduces fine lines
- Suitable for all skin types
- Tube may be prone to punctures
This eye gel from Good Molecules is by far the least expensive choice on this list, costing $6 for.5 ounces. Nevertheless, it satisfies a number of our experts’ suggested requirements, such as including three kinds of hyaluronic acid in its fragrance-free formulation and whole-plant extract yerba mate, which contains caffeine, antioxidants, and polyphenols. According to the manufacturer, its gel composition is also hydrating for young people or people with oily complexions.
Shape: gel; weight: 0.5 ounces
Best for skin barrier health:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for AM/PM use
- Lightweight
- Nothing to note at this time
According to the company, this moisturizing eye cream strengthens the skin barrier, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and gives the appearance of smoother, more alert eyes by combining peptides, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine. According to Neutrogena, the non-greasy gel cream is excellent for all skin types because it is devoid of typical irritants like perfumes, parabens, and dyes. It has an average rating of 4.2 stars from more than 1,300 reviews on Amazon.
Size:.5 ounces; Type: gel cream
Best applicator:
Dongyu 5% Caffeine Eye Serum
Dongyu 5% Caffeine Eye Serum
- Easy to apply
- Fast absorbing
- Moisturizing
- May dispense a lot of product
Like other products on our list, this 5% caffeinated eye serum contains niacinamide to reduce dark circles and hyaluronic acid for hydration. It has an average rating of 4.1 stars based on over 7,100 reviews on Amazon. According to the firm, it comes in a bottle with a steel roller-ball applicator that calms the region under the eyes, preserves serum, and reduces the spread of germs.
Serum kind; 0.5 ounces in size
Best for firming:
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Depuffing Eye Gel
- Suitable for all skin types
- Improves dull skin
- Reduces fine lines
- Higher price point
- Can pill under makeup
According to the manufacturer, this mild product has a few components, such as caffeine to lessen puffiness, peptides to firm the skin, and rosemary leaf extract to calm the skin and reduce swelling. Dermalogica advises using this gel first thing in the morning. Many reviewers, however, claim that they adore using it as part of their nightly regimen since, with regular usage, they may see a smoother, tighter appearance in the morning and detect a difference in their under-eyes. Based on more than 300 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.1 stars on Amazon.
Gel kind; 0.5 ounces in size
Most cooling:
Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
- Very hydrating
- Brightens the skin
- Easy to apply
- Small size
Given how chilly its texture feels on the face, customers claim that this eye cream, which has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 600 reviews on Amazon, awakens them. They adore how it addresses common issues around the eyes, such as puffiness, dryness, and dull skin. To enhance the cooling sensation, you can place it in the fridge so that its roll-on massage tip applicator (which doubles as a lymphatic drainage tool) also gets cold and can help depuff when you apply the thin and fast-absorbing serum to your skin, according to the brand. To get these effects, this serum contains 2% caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea.
Serum type;.33 ounces in size
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How to shop for caffeinated eye creams
The mere presence of caffeine in a formula isn t enough to ensure a great under-eye cream especially if your skin is particularly dry, oily, sensitive or aging, according to our experts. These are the factors you should consider before making a purchase:
Consistency/Type
Like most skin care products, under-eye formulas come in various consistencies or types. While the right option for you is largely a matter of personal preference, the consistency will affect the product s application process, absorption and efficacy for various skin types, according to our experts.
-
Cream
: Creams are typically the heaviest and most hydrating option, but the ideal texture is still smooth, nongreasy and easily blendable, says Singh. -
Gel
: Lighter than a cream but heavier than a serum, this jelly-like consistency offers hydration without too much oil, according to our experts. -
Serums
: Serums are the most lightweight option and they often absorb quickly into skin, according to our experts. -
Masks/patches
: Masks or patches adhere to the under-eye area, so you can wear them while going about your routine. You can also chill them in the refrigerator to boost their soothing capabilities. -
Oils
: I find oils too heavy for under eyes, says Greenfield, which is why this list doesn t have any but oil-based formulas do exist forexceedingly dry skin
.
Skin type
The age and texture of your skin will likely influence the best under-eye consistency for you. Generally speaking the older you are, the more hydration you need to add to your skin, says Greenfield. As a result, those with more mature skin might benefit from creams with thicker textures, while younger people may prefer lighter gels and serums, according to our experts. Similarly, people with dry skin may need more hydrating formulations, whereas those with oily skin may prefer oil-free options, says Marcheggiani.
Caffeine concentration
Look for products with a sufficient concentration of caffeine to effectively target puffiness and dark circles, says Marcheggiani. The standard percentage for most eye creams is between .5 and 3%, according to our experts.
Fortunately, the overall formulation may be more important than caffeine concentration alone: I prioritize whole plant extracts that include caffeine and green tea polyphenols for their synergistic effects, says Singh.
Other ingredients
In addition to caffeine, our experts also recommend choosing formulas with the following ingredients:
-
Whole plant extracts:
Singh looks for whole-ingredient extracts (like tea leaves orcoffee
beans) that have caffeine, polyphenols and other antioxidants, which work in tandem with each other to produce the best results.
-
Hyaluronic acid:
This hydrates and plumps the skin while also boosting its elasticity. It also pulls in water to reduce dry, fine lines, says Lamb.
-
Vitamin E:
Rich in antioxidants, vitamin E hydrates and protects skin from damage, making it a worthy addition to under-eye formulas, according to our experts. -
Glycerin
: Glycerin is another expert-recommended ingredient for hydration since it pulls moisture into the skin to moisturize and protect it. -
Peptides:
Peptides can firm the skin, which may help with wrinkles and bags, says Marcheggiani. -
Niacinamide:
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide works synergistically with caffeine to brighten dark under-eyes and reduce redness, according to our experts
.
Ingredients to avoid
Since the eye area is particularly sensitive, you should avoid formulas with fragrances and preservatives, according to our experts. Shoppers should also avoid parabens due to their potential impact on the skin microbiome, says Singh.
Packaging
Most under-eye creams come in plastic jars or tubes. However, splurging on better packaging may improve the convenience, application process, hygiene and shelf-life, according to our experts. Pumps or airless jars [better] maintain the stability and efficacy of the ingredients, says Marcheggiani. Singh recommends glass containers that avoid plastic polymers, which is better for both you and the environment.
Price
Pricey eye creams aren t always better but a formula made with high-quality ingredients is worth the expense if you want results, according to our experts. A comfortable price range for well-formulated and effective eye products would fall between the $30 [and] $50 range, says Marcheggiani. When shopping online, gauging the size of the container is particularly difficult, so always check the product s volume before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to its vasoconstrictor properties and circulation-boosting abilities, caffeine is a great ingredient to incorporate if you have under-eye bags, swelling or puffiness, says Greenfield. Studies show that caffeine does in factreduce dark circles and wrinkleswhile boosting elasticity.
Caffeine allergies are exceedingly rare, so most people can use caffeinated eye creams without issue, says Singh. However, those with a sensitivity should avoid any formulas that have it. You should also avoid caffeinated eye creams if you re already usingretinolor under-eye retinoid, since the combination may be too harsh for delicate under-eye areas, says Greenfield.
It s essential to patch-test any new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or conditions, says Marcheggiani.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
-
Manuela Marcheggiani
is the co-founder and CEO ofIsomers Skincare Laboratories
and a cosmetic chemist who develops skin care products. We only spoke with Marcheggiani for general shopping guidance and did not ask about specific product recommendations.
-
Nava Greenfield
, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist atSchweiger Dermatology Group
in New York City.
-
Deeptej Singh
, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, the founder ofSandia Dermatology
and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of New Mexico.
-
Angela J. Lamb
, MD, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am ane-commerce writer, editor and consultant whose work has appeared in publications such as Allure, Bustle, Elite Daily, The Zoe Report, The Daily Beast and Real Simple. For this article, I interviewed four experts who specialize in skin care and cosmetics.
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