Best Serum For Puffy Eyes – Top 5 Brands

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Puffy eyes and eye bags can drastically alter the way you look. Whether it’s due to tiredness, water retention, reduced skin elasticity, or any other factor, there are products on the market to help reduce that puffiness. The best serum for puffy eyes will contain multiple ingredients formulated to target eye bags and rejuvenate your face.

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

Puffiness around the eyes can be caused by a number of things, including natural aging, water retention from a high salt diet, allergies, infection, or even exhaustion from lack of sleep.

These factors can cause the muscle and skin tissue around the eye to weaken and break down, ultimately resulting in puffiness or bags around the eye as fat from around the eye moves into the area. The puffiness makes the eyes look larger and also gives them a tired appearance.

There are various treatments available for treating puffy eyes. Some are very short-term in nature while others involve surgical procedures that are expensive and require several sessions. 

So, if you want an effective treatment alternative that will not only provide instant results but provide long-term benefits as well at a reasonable price, then you should consider using a serum for puffy eyes.

Serums can help in reducing the swelling and puffiness around the eyes. They also reduce dark circles and fine lines. In addition, they make the skin appear younger by smoothing out wrinkles and improving elasticity.

We’ve done the research to identify the best serums for puffy eyes, including detailed breakdowns of the ingredients that help reduce puffiness and which brand features which ingredient.

Best Serum For Puffy Eyes – The List

1. Tru Alchemy Eye Elixir

When it comes to an eye serum, you want it to do two things: hydrate and cool. The True Alchemy Eye Elixir does just that.

With its smart use of Hyaluronix® to plump the skin and smooth wrinkles, and caffeine to help reduce puffy eyes, there is no wonder that it has such good reviews.

After using it for a number of days, both morning and night, it was already obvious how the eye serum was helping.

Its light-diffusing technology and caffeine help to disguise dark circles and tighten the skin, making the under-eye appear bright and more awake.

Each tube will last around two months, and the price is reasonable too, so may suit those on a tighter budget. Also, it is completely synthetic fragrance-free, though it does have some natural fragrance that some people may not want if they have sensitive skin. 

Pros

• Hydrating – includes Hyaluronix® to plump the skin and help to smooth out any wrinkles
• Awakens the eye – includes caffeine to depuff the under eye
• Two Months worth – each tube will last around two months of day and night use

Cons

• Not fragrance-free – so if you have sensitive skin, this may not be for you. However, none of it is a synthetic fragrance

2. Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum

If you want something that isn’t just for the under eye, then you are in luck. The Murad Revitalixir Recovery Serum can be used on both the full face and eyes. 

The sphere-infused serum helps to reduce lines caused by stress, puffiness under the eyes, and dark circles and renews the brightness and vibrancy within the skin over time.

It also includes cannabis sativa seed oil to boost moisture within the skin, as well as to smooth. Niacinamide, a current favorite ingredient for skincare enthusiasts, helps to refine texture, improve skin elasticity, promote hydration, and is a powerful ingredient if you suffer from acne or hyperpigmentation.

Caffeine helps to relieve puffiness, while wild indigo helps to reduce the dark circles under the eyes.

The effects were immediate when using this eye serum. Whilst the full effects take time, it did reduce under eye puffiness and create a more smooth appearance.  It can be used for a multitude of skin types (oily, dry, sensitive, balanced, etc.).

Pros

• Great results – some are more immediate like reduction of puffy eyes, whilst smoothing texture will happen over time
• Powerful ingredients – includes caffeine, cannabis sativa seed oil, and niacinamide
• Not just for the eyes – can be used on the face too

Cons

• May be cheaper alternatives available

3. TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Eye Serum

Luxury eye serums are all the rage, and if this is something you are wanting, then look no further than TATCHA. The Japanese-inspired skincare product line from TATCHA focuses on the mind and skin connection with ingredients aimed at providing a calming feeling.

The TATCHA Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum is a wonderful eye serum that uses Okinawa red algae, caffeine, and honeysuckle leaf to firm the skin, reduce puffiness, and hydrate.

Also, to make it even more luxurious, the use of a fine dusting of 23-karat gold helps to brighten the under eye, as well as reduce the appearance of dark circles. Surprisingly, it does not add any shimmer, which is nice.

The cooling ceramic applicator feels great, especially in the morning, and with the addition of caffeine, it will make your under eyes feel lively and ready to take on the day. It also targets fine lines, reducing them over time.

If you want something a little less fancy, then there are other options out there. Just take a look at the rest of this list! But overall, this is a wonderful product.

Pros

• Okinawa red algae – a naturally rich source of polysaccharides. It helps to plump the skin by increasing its moisture content, as well as to enhance your skin’s barrier function
• Includes 23-karat gold – does not leave a shimmer, yet brightens the under eye area helping to reduce dark circles
• Cruelty-free – absolutely no animals were harmed in the testing of the product

Cons

• Luxury – great for some, but not for others

4. Ayr Skin Care Awaken Revitalizing Eye Serum

If it’s an all-natural, vegan product you are after, then the Ayr Skin Care Awaken Revitalizing Eye Serum is the one for you. Not only is it fragrance-free, but it also contains no gluten, parabens, synthetic colors, soya, or petroleum.

This eye serum is great for those who have particularly sensitive skin or mature skin. Having said that, anyone can use it. 

Using hyaluronic acid, Ayr Awaken gives the under eye a burst of hydration helping to keep the skin supple. Over time this will lead to wrinkles being smoothed out and puffiness becoming diminished, ultimately providing a firm and hydrated appearance.

It also includes Omega-3 and marine algae to keep the delicate skin looking fresh and awake without the need for stronger chemicals. Other organic ingredients include cucumber, green tea, caffeine, and pomegranate.

Like most of the serums on this list, use a pea-sized drop split between both eyes once in the morning and once at night (and always after first cleansing your skin)!

Pros

• Vegan – does not include any animal-derived ingredients
• Hydrating – includes hyaluronic acid to boost hydration 
• No synthetic ingredients – also no parabens or SLS

Cons

• No cooling effect – though it will help reduce puffiness and keep your eyes looking awake

5. Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum

Based on the cryotherapy trend used by many celebrities, the Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum is made to depuff the eye area and brighten the skin. It is full of anti-aging goodies to help smooth wrinkles and firm the delicate skin.

It also has vitamin C to brighten the skin that works to banish those dark under eye circles, and caffeine to reduce puffiness and fine lines. 

The caffeine complex includes a mixture of algae extract, horse chestnut extract, and caffeine that work as a powerful combo to remove dark circles and boost the elasticity of the under eye area. 

While this might sound a little odd, the Charlotte Tilbury Cryo-Recovery Eye Serum uses what they call “Swiss Ice Wine Essence” made from grapes frozen on the vine to create a blurring, yet tightening effect around the under eye. This gives your eye a more youthful appearance. 

The use of a cooling metal applicator is another nice touch as this instantly wakes you up. You can also use the applicator to massage the product into the skin, too.

It is quite pricey, however, and may not be suitable for all budgets. Even so, Charlotte Tilbury has become an iconic brand that screams luxury. 

Pros

• Cryotherapy inspired – uses cool metal to awaken the eyes
• Swiss Ice Wine – the use of frozen grapes on the vine creates a tightening effect to firm the under eye
• Caffeine – as well as algae and horse chestnut extract, helps to remove dark circles and boost elasticity

Cons

• May not be the best option for those on a budget
• Does contain a parfum fragrance

Comparing Our Favorite Serums For Puffy Eyes

Ingredient Comparison

The table below compares a selection of active ingredients in the products that we have featured in this article. It allows you to see ingredients that the brands have in common while making it easier to select a brand that uses a key ingredient that you are looking for e.g caffeine, niacinamide, etc.  

Desired Results Comparison

The table below compares the featured brands by the desired outcome of using them. This will help you choose a product that targets the exact problem you have.

What To Look For In A Serum For Puffy Eyes

Now that you have taken a look at the best serums for puffy eyes on the market, you might want to familiarize yourself with what to look for in a serum that depuffs the bags under your eyes.

Here are a few tips:

Price

The first thing that you need to consider while choosing an eye serum is its price. Make sure that you don’t go overboard buying the more expensive ones. Look for an affordable one that suits your budget as well as your skin type.

Saying that, the higher the price the more likely the higher the potency. Whilst this might sound super beneficial, always stick to what you need ingredients-wise, and the budget you can afford. 

Ingredients 

Eye serums contain different ingredients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and antioxidants. These ingredients work together to nourish the skin. 

Some of the most common ingredients found in eye creams include vitamin A, C and E, lactic acid, glycolic acid, retinol and caffeine. 

Retinols are known to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Glycolic acid helps in removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. Hyaluronic acid improves moisture levels in the skin. Antioxidants protect against free radicals and prevent damage to the skin.

It’s very important to use high quality products when it comes to your skin care regime. You need to be sure that the product contains all the necessary ingredients and has no harmful chemicals or preservatives. 

Also, it must have a good texture and feel – but really, that just makes it pleasurable and easier to apply. 

Types

There are two main categories of eye serums: moisturizing and non-moisturizing. 

Moisturizing eye creams usually contain hyaluronic acid and other moisturizers like Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Non-moisturizing eye serums contain active ingredients such as caffeine, retinol, and glycolic acid. This type targets specific skin concerns, such as puffy under eyes.

Texture

You should choose an eye serum based on how much you like the texture. If you prefer light textures, then opt for a gel-based eye cream. On the other hand, if you find heavy creams too thick for your liking, try a liquid-based eye cream.

The right texture will suit your preference and make application easy.

Results 

When using an eye cream, you should expect visible results after a couple of weeks. It takes time for the ingredients to penetrate the skin and start working. 

However, once they do, you’ll see a difference in your skin. Your skin will become smoother, softer, and brighter.

If you’re looking for immediate results, you could opt for a targeted serum instead. They provide instant benefits without having to wait for the full effects to kick in.

These can remove an under eye bag within minutes, but after a few hours the effects will wear off, so do keep this in mind if you are spending all day with others. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takaways

If you have bags under your eyes and you’re searching for a product to counteract this puffiness, the best serum for puffy eyes will include caffeine, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

The products we included on this list will help you depuff your under eyes, each one has it’s own pros and cons. We recommend finding the product that best fits your budget and seeing which active ingredient is most effective for you. 

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