We have all heard of the adage before: the eyes are the window to the soul, but as it turns out, the skin under your eyes can say a lot about how you’re feeling too.
A rough night working late or taking care of your unwell child can show up on your face the next morning, particularly in the form of those dreaded dark under-eye circles. Current stressors like the coronavirus – cue the hectic days and sleepless nights -may be another reason your eyes look tired and puffy.
Yes, you certainly need an eye cream. In fact, only the best eye cream for dark eye circles will do.
Why you need the best eye creams for dark eye circles
Investing in the best eye cream for dark circles is your best bet in combating dark circles if going under the knife isn’t an option.
Sure, many will tell you to log a full night’s sleep as a reasonable fix for dark under-eye circles (which it is, by the way), but it may not be a feasible option for some of us especially if your dark circles are caused by genetics, pigmentation, allergies, and thinning skin.
According to dermatologists, the colour under your eyes is a combination of blood vessels, pigment in the skin, thickness of the skin, and the fluid that can accumulate in this delicate, sensitive area. Dark circles are often the result of skin-darkening pigment combined with redness from dilated blood vessels.
A study by Clarins has also shown that Asian women are more susceptible to increased fatty tissue and decreased lymphatic activity in the skin under the eyes with age, which means the skin can become much thinner and loses density while dark circles become more visible.
Aside from genetics and ageing, other factors such as lack of sleep, dehydration, heavy alcohol consumption, and not eating a well-balanced diet can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles too.
That is why we’ve rounded up the best eye creams for dark circles as well as our top tips to help you improve the look of dark circles.
Word of advice: be sure to patch test the eye cream for any potential allergic reactions before applying them on your sensitive under-eye area.
Other tips to fight dark circles
Good question! Indeed, there are a number of lifestyle habits you can practise on top of using the best eye cream for dark circles to help diminish the appearance of dark circles.
Here are some that we really advocate:
- Protect your eyes from the sun: Any self-respecting dermatologist will tell you that UV protection is essential for both your skin, but did you know that sun damage could also worsen dark circles? Apart from sunscreen (a broad spectrum formula with SPF 50 is the best), you can amp up the sun shield with sunglasses to protect the vulnerable eye area from UV damage that causes skin ageing and further pigmentation.
- Hands off, please: Avoid rubbing your eyes if you can – this may be difficult if you have eczema or allergies but rubbing your eyes is literally one of the worst things you can do to the delicate, sensitive eye area. That’s because constant, prolonged rubbing can result in a form of dark skin called hyperpigmentation. You can try to stop the rubbing by keeping the eye contour area moisturised with the best eye cream for dark circles to cut down on dryness and irritation. Oh, don’t forget to be gentle when washing your eyes or removing makeup too.
- Check your sleeping position: If you’re prone to eyelid swelling, sleeping on your back can be helpful in reducing puffiness as much as it helps to lessen the signs of ageing on the skin. If you’re a side or front sleeper however, investing in a silk pillowcase can help prevent wrinkle-inducing tugging on the skin – we like the Slip version which is available for RM405 on sephora.my.
- Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep is just as essential as UV protection for your eyes. In case you haven’t noticed, being overtired can definitely affect your under-eyes – this reason alone should be why you should aim for eight hours of sleep every night.
Now that you’re up to speed on the reasons why an eye cream for dark eye circles is essential, scroll down to check out the 30 best options in Malaysia that you can try.
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Best eye creams for dark eye circles you can find in Malaysia
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream
Been burning the midnight oil? Had a late night? Look tired all the time? Then, you’ll need this super refreshing morning-after eye cream that can instantly reduce puffiness after a long night thanks to its blend of clinically proven ingredients.
Formulated with caffeine, Panax ginseng, and magnolia extract, it’s capable of stimulating vasoconstriction and fighting free radicals while taking care of puffiness and dark circles around the eyes for a more radiant-looking you. In addition, it also has natural optic brighteners to instantly perk up tired peepers.
Many Sephora reviewers said that the formula re-energises the eyes, with one claiming that it’s helped lighten dark circles after two weeks of usage. No wonder it’s touted as the best eye cream for dark circles.
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream retails for RM102 (10ml) and RM125 (15ml). Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Yeux
Lancôme’s Génifique technology needs no other introduction and just like how it’s good for your skin, the technology is also applicable for your under-eye. This award-winning product may be pricey, but is certainly one of the best eye creams for dark circles you can find; it purportedly reduces the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of fatigue while revitalising the fragile eye contour area in seven days.
Users have reported seeing their dark circles fade within two weeks of use, as well as improvement with puffiness and fine lines. With regular use, this eye cream promises to give you a youthful glow.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Yeux retails for RM242.60. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Avène Physiolift Eyes
Sensitive skin? Not to worry, Avène Physiolift Eyes is formulated to be sensitive skin-friendly with only a simple list of ingredients that zoom directly into the common causes for dark circles.
No frills or fillers here, it delivers skin-replenishing active ingredients via a “patch” technology to restore plumpness and correct firmness while its key ingredient, dextran sulphate, helps to visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness.
Avène Physiolift Eyes retails for RM128.90. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy
If your skin is the type that gets easily irritated by eye creams, consider this 3-in-1 eye treatment from First Aid Beauty. The tinted eye cream boasts caffeine, licorice root, and coralline extract, which work in synchrony to help under-eye circles look brighter and smoother, while light-reflecting pigments immediately illuminates the peepers.
All the natural ingredients used in the formula are also supposedly great anti-irritants and antioxidants, which your skin will thank you for in the long run.
Aside from the cream’s silky, lightweight texture that’s dispensed through a cooling metal tip, the product has also been allergy-tested and features no artificial fragrances and colorants.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy retails for RM163. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
The crowd’s beloved “natural beauty” line takes a maximalist approach with this best eye cream for dark circles, using not one but five different types of vitamin C for superior skin-lightening benefits to improve even the most stubborn signs of damage.
Eight peptides and cucumber extract round up the formulation to help make your under-eye area look firmer and more refreshed.
Not only is it a creamy, soothing mixture that blends easily into the thin under-eye skin, the formula is also free from essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance, and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) which makes it perfect if you’re looking to avoid any harsh ingredients, but still want to see effective results.
In an independent consumer study of 50 users, 84 percent of them say their under-eyes looked brighter while 97 percent note their eye area felt more nourished.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream retails for RM276. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream
Power-packed with a blend of dark circle-diminishing ingredients and a muti-luminising powder, this formulation not only brightens the look of pesky under-eye circles by improving micro-circulation and supporting melanin production, but also makes your skin look plumper and more hydrated.
As it’s both dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, you don’t have to worry about the formula irritating your eyes as it works its magic on brownish and blueish dark rings, making it one of the best eye creams for dark eye circles, for sure.
Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream retails for RM220 at Shiseido’s standalone boutique in Suria KLCC as well as all Shiseido counters nationwide.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue
A potent little pot that’s brimming with peptides, winter daphne stem cell extract, vitamin C, red algae, and time-released retinol, this celeb-favourite – it counts many Hollywood A-listers, including actress Susan Sarandon, as loyal fans – works to improve skin’s texture while strengthening the vulnerable skin around the eyes.
With regular use, you can expect your peepers to be look revitalised and reinvigorated, with the appearance of dark circles and fine lines visibly minimised for a hydrated, brighter and youthful-looking eye area.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue retails for approx. RM249 (US$60). Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
K-beauty enthusiasts are probably no stranger to the cult-favourite Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which contains snail slime to keep skin in check by providing a barrier of hydration, and we guarantee you’ll love this eye cream as it uses the brand’s favourite ingredient to brighten and re-energise the eye area.
In addition to snail mucin, the formula also has niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and five different types of peptides to deeply moisturise and protect the delicate eye contour while boosting skin’s natural collagen production.
Cosrx Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream retails for RM107.90. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Melvita Nectar de Roses Fresh Eye Contour Gel
Infused with rose floral water, this gentle, ultra-light formula helps to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. In fact, 69% of users in a consumer study said that it gives them a well-rested look immediately after application.
Melvita Nectar de Roses Fresh Eye Contour Gel retails for RM181. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15
While non-chemical sun protection of SP 15 prevent further UV damage, alpha hydroxyl lactic acids and optical light diffusers in the formula help to smooth your under-eye area and fade dark circles. Because it’s fragrance-free, it makes the best eye cream for dark circles as it’s less likely to irritate those with sensitive skin.
A little goes a long way with this cream though as one small tube will likely last you for a very long time. Many satisfied users have shared how much they love the hygienic tube packaging (no need to dunk your fingers to scoop up product!) plus the fact that it is extremely moisturising and has also helped to lighten dark circles.
Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 retails for RM258. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Asterspring outlets and authorised salons
Dermalogica counters and online
Dear, Klairs Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel
Like a perfect shot of coffee in the morning for fatigued eyes, this refreshing gel is jam-packed with caffeine and red bean extract to improve the appearance of dark circles and uneven skin tone while helping with de-puffing and anti-oxidizing.
The gel not applies with a cool, hydrating sensation to provide a revitalising finish, it also absorbs really quickly by the skin so you can easily apply makeup almost immediately after without having to worry about the formula pilling especially during those busy mornings.
Dear, Klairs Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel retails between RM86 and RM99. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
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Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream
Vitamin C is a popular skin ally but this potent formula takes it up a notch by using THD ascorbate, an ultra-stale form of vitamin C that’s said to be 50 times more powerful than the traditional variant.
Packed with 10% THB ascorbate, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, this hydrating eye cream can help improve the look of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet instantly and over time while functioning like a second skin to help protect the vulnerable eye area.
A little goes a long way for this powerhouse formula though, as reviewers have reported that the texture veers on the thicker side so you’ll only need very little for each application.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Cream retails for RM275. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream
By now, you should know that retinol is the gold standard of anti-ageing ingredients, and this nourishing eye cream has plenty of it.
The vitamin A derivative, combined with ferulic acid, a potent ECG complex, and anti-ageing oils, works to treat the dehydrated eye area and stimulate collagen production under the eyes, making dark circles, crow’s feet, and skin crepiness less visible. One of the best eye creams in the market? Definitely.
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream retails for RM303. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Skincode Brightening Eye Contour Cream
Suitable for all skin types, this brightening eye cream has a powerful concoction of vitamin B3, alpine-derived complex, and green algae complex to target dark circles and help brighten, smooth and detoxify the eye contour area.
Skincode Brightening Eye Contour Cream retails for RM280. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Glamglow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream
This energising eye cream has weightless, gel-like texture absorbs in seconds and provides surprising hydration, thanks to a cocktail of linoleic acid, watermelon, apple, and narcissus extracts that can instantly brighten dark circles and reduce visible signs of fatigue for glowing, well-rested peepers.
Glamglow Brighteyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream retails for RM159. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
Established since 1968, Clinique has long been producing skincare classics and the sheer, tinted eye cream is certainly deserving of that status. It boasts an impressive list of antioxidants and anti-ageing plant extracts – which even got a five star-rating by cosmetics cop Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice – that helps to fortify the delicate under-eye skin and prevent dark circles from worsening with age.
Apart from its unscented allergy-tested formula, the product comes with a cooling metal-tip applicator that provides relief to puffy eyes adds extra oomph to the hydrating effect. The only downside to it is that it may not work very well with darker skin tones, as it comes in only one shade.
Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector retails for RM178. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream
Supercharged with peptides and vitamins, this helps to fight dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines, and puffiness instantly while renewing skin’s surface over time for younger-looking eyes. The formula also comes with Olay’s colour-correcting technology, so it acts as a touch of concealer that matches all skin tones.
What’s more, among the list of best eye creams for dark eye circles, this is one of the more affordable ones so you won’t have to worry if you’re sticking to a budget.
Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream retails for RM79.90. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Synchronized Recovery
Powered by the exclusive ChronoluxCB, this cushiony gel is the eye cream version of the brand’s iconic Advanced Night Repair serum. It also comes with 10 times the Concentrated Repair Technology, to work overnight to fade dark circles and help repair the visible side effects of lack of sleep, UV, pollution, and even blue light.
A heavy-duty eye cream that will work hard to restore your skin while you rest? That’s certainly the best eye cream you can get for your dark circles.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex Synchronized Recovery retails for RM290 (15ml). Click on the links below to check for latest promotions. There’s also a smaller version (5ml) available for RM85 at Sephora.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
When you’ve got sensitive eyes, it makes sense to be cautious of what eye cream you apply on the area. With this formula that’s free of parabens, sulphates, and phthalates however, you can rest assured that it delivers powerful results with the gentlest touch to avoid aggravating the delicate eye area.
On top of the mild formula, it is also developed with plastic surgeons so you can count on the quick-absorbing cream to brighten tired eyes and smooth lines while reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream retails for RM196. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
La Mer The Eye Concentrate
This is arguably the most luxurious eye cream in every sense (including price), and to be honest, you wouldn’t expect anything less from the brand which harnesses the mighty skin-reviving powers of the sea.
Packed with triple the Concentrated Miracle Broth and lime tea concentrate, the highly potent eye cream works to hydrate and soften the delicate skin around the eye area while at the same time diminishing the look of dark circles. Thanks to the antioxidant-rich formula, it also helps to prevent future damage before it begins.
The best part? The luscious cream comes with a silver-tipped applicator that helps you apply the perfect amount of product each time. It may come with a hefty price tag, but plenty of happy La Mer customers have attested that the results are well worth the cost.
La Mer The Eye Concentrate retails for RM915. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel
Don’t let this refreshing eye gel fool you – it may feel light but boy, does it pack a serious moisturising punch, thanks to a fatigue-eliminating formula that’s heavy in hyaluronic acid, peptides, and licorice.
Additionally, it also has antioxidant-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and protect it from environmental stress. The built-in metallic tip also comes in handy as it feels extra cooling and soothing upon application.
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Eye Gel retails for RM165. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment
Similar to the First Aid Beauty and Clinique formulas above, this is a makeup and skincare product hybrid worth investing in if you’re looking for the best eye cream for dark circles.
Featuring a fusion of silk powder, niacinimide, and plant botanicals, the formula helps to smooth lines, moisturise, and de-puff the under-eye area while improving skin’s natural collagen production.
The combination of light-refracting pearl pigments and Akoya pearl extract not only reflects light and lightly conceals dark circles, it also helps restore radiance and address the three causes of under-eye darkness, thinning skin, blue undertones, and pigmentation.
The lightweight cream formula also contains a proprietary trio of Japanese anti-ageing superfoods to visibly improve your overall complexion instantly and over time. Best of all, it comes in three different shades.
Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment retails for RM200. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
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Klavuu White Pearlsation Completed Revitalizing Pearl Eye Cream
With this blend of pearl and seaweed complex, you can expect dark circles to slowly subside while the overall eye area to look more hydrated with diligent use.
On top of its easy-to-apply texture that glides on the skin really well, the cream can also be applied on your cheekbones as a highlighter for instant brightening effect.
Klavuu White Pearlsation Completed Revitalizing Pearl Eye Cream retails for RM215. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
REN Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift
More than just a fast fix, this gel-serum hybrid comes highly powered by two forms of hyaluronic acid to brighten and tighten the delicate skin around the eyes sans surgery.
The clever formula, which dries quickly without any sticky after-feel, can help reduce the look of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while light-reflective pigments in the formulation instantly camouflage any tell-tale signs of fatigue.
REN Instant Brightening Beauty Shot Eye Lift retails for RM175. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme
Clé de Peau Beauté is known for producing top-of-the-line beauty products and this eye cream is no different, courtesy of its star ingredient, the iris florentina extract which was reportedly six years in the making through careful cultivation and extract process. Widely favoured in perfume-making, the precious iris essence possesses the ability to offer moisturising, regenerating, and anti-ageing benefits to the fragile eye area.
Not only does the cream (which is reportedly Martha Stewart’s longtime favourite, by the way) feel rich, smooth, and utterly indulgent, it also glides easily over dry skin to hydrate with just a dab and comes with a tiny wand that can be used to massage and de-puff the under-eye area.
Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme retails for RM890.
Clarins Multi-Active Eye
Mad busy days, late nights, and interrupted sleep… Stress and fatigue sure have their ways to leave your eyes looking extremely dull and tired.
Bid the visible signs of tiredness goodbye and say hello to luminous, youthful peepers with this botanical mixture of organic teasel, myrothamnus, and horse chestnut that helps to smooth out wrinkles, fade dark circles, and relieve puffiness. If you’re shortlisting best eye creams for dark eye circles, this has got to make it to your list.
Clarins Multi-Active Eye retails for RM212.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
If your eye area tends to be dry with the constant temperature switch, this rich eye cream can help gentle moisturise without leaving any heavy, greasy residue on the skin.
Filled with super-nourishing avocado oil, antioxidant beta-carotene, and ultra-hydrating shea butter, the formula is capable of rejuvenating and re-hydrating the under-eye area while protecting skin from future dehydration. It also boasts a smart texture that quickly transforms the rich cream into a water-like consistency upon application, so that it’s easily absorbed by the skin.
For these reasons and more, it’s no surprise that the formula is the best eye cream for dark circles, even earning the love from Girls actress, Alison Williams.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado retails for RM142.
Nanowhite White Eye Bright
In addition to nano technology and omega White-C, this fragrance-free gel treatment is also formulated with de-congesting herbs like chamomile and centella to lighten eye circles and dark rings while boosting skin’s collagen and elastin levels.
And you’ll be happy to notice its accessible price – who says the best eye creams for dark eye circles have to be pricey?
Nanowhite White Eye Bright retails for RM35.90 at major hypermarkets and pharmacies such as Aeon, Giant, Mydin, Tesco, Aeon Wellness and the following locations. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Uriage Depiderm Brightening Eye Contour Care
Another fragrance-free option, this non-greasy gel-cream is formulated specially for sensitive eyes to help diminish wrinkles, de-congest puffiness, and lighten dark circles for an immediate eye-energising effect.
Uriage Depiderm Brightening Eye Contour Care retails for RM83.90. Click on the links below to check for latest promotions.
Jack Black Protein Booster Eye Rescue
Jack Black is a skincare brand for men, which makes this option totally shareable between you and your other half. Chock full of grape seed extract, peptides as well as vitamins A, C, and E, this treatment works wonder in brightening skin, combating dark circles, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Jack Black Protein Booster Eye Rescue retails for RM179. Click on the link below to check for latest promotions.
