Medically reviewed by Dr. Balaji Krishnan, MBBS · Updated September 2026
How to choose
Match ingredients to the cause. Brownish pigment: vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid or arbutin in a gentle formula. Bluish-purple, vascular look: caffeine and vitamin K may help puffiness and circulation to a modest degree. Dry, crinkled skin: hyaluronic acid and peptides. Choose fragrance-free and ophthalmologist- or dermatologist-tested products, because eye skin is thin. Use a rice-grain amount, dab around the orbital bone with a ring finger, and use sunscreen every morning, which matters more than any cream. Expect gradual change over 8 to 12 weeks, if any.
Who really needs this
Anyone with tired-looking or pigmented under-eyes who also sleeps, hydrates and wears sunscreen. Skip heavy products if you have allergic eyes or eczema near the eyes. If dark circles appear suddenly, with swelling, itching or pale skin, check for allergies, anaemia or thyroid issues with a doctor.
