Even if you’re a face serum pro with a different formula for every concern in your rotation, you might be new to eye serums. These lightweight, highly concentrated siblings to eye cream have been gaining traction, and can help address everything from dark circles to fine lines and wrinkles.
But what is the best to use in your routine? Ahead, we selected 15 of the best eye serums of 2023, including picks from board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
Related article: The 11 Best Eye Creams
The Best Eye Serums
EXPERT PICK
SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel
PROS
- Contains antioxidants
- Absorbs quickly
Hartman is a fan of this refreshing gel from SkinCeuticals containing vitamin C and ferulic acid, “which is a powerhouse combo that will help brighten dark circles and protect skin from free radical damage caused by exposure to UV rays,” according to the derm.
Customer review: “I’m so excited about this new addition to my skincare cabinet. I love that this is bottled in a pump bottle so that it’s not exposed to the air (oxidation).” —Taylor
BEST EYE SERUM FOR PUFFINESS
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye
PROS
- Works in seconds
CONS
- May leave a film on the under-eye
This TikTok-viral treatment is “a nice choice if your main concern is crepey skin and you want to tighten the skin around the eyes,” says Hartman, adding that “results can be seen shortly after application—the eye area looks lifted and firmer.”
Customer review: “My high school friends ask if I’ve had a facelift. This product does wonders for removing under eye bags and wrinkles (temporarily).” —Lisa
BEST EYE SERUM FOR DARK CIRCLES
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
PROS
- Lightweight texture
- Brightening ingredients
For a budget-friendly option, Hartman likes this serum that “helps reduce the appearance of dark circles due to its active ingredients caffeine and ECGC,” the derm explains. “They work to constrict blood vessels under the eye, which helps keep blood flow moving and reduce fluid in the area.”
Customer review: “After using this for a few weeks, I’ve definitely noticed my fine lines/wrinkles softening and my dark circles going away. My makeup sits much nicer under my eyes.” —MrsBougs
BEST DRUGSTORE EYE SERUM
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5%
PROS
- Feels cooling when you apply
- Ophthalmologist-tested for safety, and contact lens suitable
With 1 percent awakening caffeine, 1.5 percent hydrating hyaluronic acid, and a cooling and massaging metal ball applicator, this eye serum is a triple threat in your skincare routine, especially in the morning.
Customer review: “I have never had a beauty product that did as promised but this is a product that actually works as advertised. The puffiness under my eyes definitely was diminished and my dark circles became lighter. I could not be more surprised and pleased.” —Daylily
BEST COOLING EYE SERUM
Tula Eye Renewal Serum
PROS
- Lightweight yet creamy consistency
- Also helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines
Tula’s serum also has a metal applicator: Press down on the top to dispense the peptide-packed creamy serum to help firm skin, smooth the look of wrinkles, and brighten dark circles.
Customer review: “The first time I used Tula was when I received it as a gift from my daughter. I was so happy with the results, I got it for myself. I like the packaging and the way it is dispensed. There is no waste due to the pre measured pump. I use it in my morning and nighttime routine.” —Judith A
BEST DUAL-ACTION EYE SERUM
Clarins Double Serum Eye Firming & Hydrating Anti-Aging Concentrate
PROS
- Multitasking formula
- Reviewers love how hydrating it is
Clarins’ Double Serum is one of the all-time greats—and there’s a version for eyes, too. Each pump combines two formulas for a product that smooths, firms, and hydrates in one application.
Customer review: “I love the thoughtful design of the packaging and that this is a cream and serum in one. It feels refreshing on the skin, my skin seems to absorb it well, and it has enough occlusives to seal in the moisture. It does a great job smoothing the fine lines around my eye area.” —Skinandvelvet
BEST HYALURONIC ACID EYE SERUM
Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Elastic Lifting Eye Serum
PROS
- Great price point
- Hydrating
You can use this serum—which has three different weights of hyaluronic acid, for optimal hydration—morning and night, but know that it also has caffeine to help brighten eyes in the AM.
Customer review: “I’ve been using this daily around my eyes in the morning and it absorbs well and doesn’t leave an oily residue. I use this in the morning and Retinol cream at night. Great combination.” —DN
BEST AWAKENING EYE SERUM
Osea Ocean Eyes Age-Defying Eye Serum
PROS
- Great for travel
If you’re looking for the product equivalent to putting cold spoons over your eyes, look no further. Roll on Osea’s water-light serum first thing in the morning for a quick wake-up call, and let the seaweed, hyaluronic acid, and peptides do their thing to soothe and smooth skin.
Customer review: “I love everything I’ve tried from Osea, and this eye roll on is no exception. I use it in the morning, and it’s great at adding light moisture while depuffing.” —Katie
BEST RETINOL EYE SERUM
Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum
PROS
- Contains multiple anti-aging ingredients
CONS
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
With 0.1 percent retinol, this serum will help soften wrinkles without irritating skin. Even better, Drunk Elephant added caffeine and copper peptides to the mix to address puffiness and promote collagen production, respectively.
Customer review: “I’ve used so many eye creams, this is the only one I’ve tried that I can see makes any real difference. I use it at night and pat a small dot gently around my eyes. After a week or two my eyes look rested and bright. Love it!!!” —Langleyy
BEST VITAMIN C EYE SERUM
iS Clinical C Eye Serum Advance Plus
PROS
- Gentle yet effective
Brightening is the name of the game with this formula, which contains 7.5 percent time-released vitamin C. Even better, the brand’s copper tripeptide growth factor facilitates optimal vitamin C performance.
Customer review: “I use this for my eye area and for my entire face actually. It helps with with brightening and moisturizing without irritation.” —Clara
BEST CUSTOMIZABLE EYE SERUM
Medik8 Crystal Retinal® Ceramide Eye Serum
PROS
- Available in three different strengths
CONS
- Price increases with strength level
Made with twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde (a less irritating form of retinol), this eye serum comes in three different strength levels to fit your skin and routine: 3 contains 0.03 percent retinaldehyde, 6 contains 0.06 percent, and 10 contains 0.1 percent.
Customer review: “I love this eye cream treatment. This glides on silky smooth and I’ve noticed a reduction in fine lines. No irritation what so ever! Highly recommend even if you have sensitive skin.” —Brian R.
BEST EYE GEL-SERUM
Youth to the People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate
PROS
- Multitasking formula
This apothecary-style bottle houses a refreshing gel packed with ingredients under-eyes love, including peptides, caffeine, and vitamin CG, a synthetic form of vitamin C that firms and brightens skin.
Customer review: “I have been using this product for 2 weeks and instantly saw a difference, my under eyes look brighter, less tired and hydrated! definitely recommend!” —emmameany
BEST BRIGHTENING EYE SERUM
Skyn Iceland Brightening Eye Serum With Arctic Peptides
PROS
- Both hydrating and brightening
CONS
- Reviewers said bottle was smaller than expected
If you love Skyn Iceland’s cult-favorite eye patches (and who doesn’t?), you’ll want to try this silky serum, featuring brightening stars like vitamin C and glycolic acid.
Customer review: “This works best in tandem with the eye gels. Works wonders on my skin and is great to layer on with other products. Serum has a great consistency and really makes the eye contour look rested and radiant.” —Ludwig
CELEB PICK
Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Eye Serum
PROS
- Works quickly
Swiping on this eye serum can help with puffiness instantly, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles in as little as a week. Plus, it feels “like a little massage under your eyes,” according to Gossip Girl star Thomas Doherty.
Customer review: “This Dior serum is the best for my sensitive skin. I do see an improvement in puffiness and a little darkness that was visible on my under eye area. Very light scent, soothing. This is another wonderful Dior product.” —shecap
BEST EYE SERUM FOR SKIN BARRIER
Pacifica Future Youth Time Shift Eye Serum
PROS
- Multitasking formula
- Great price point
Pacifica’s Future Youth collection is designed to protect and strengthen skin now and in, well, the future. This serum supports the skin barrier as it hydrates and plumps, for an all-around refreshing effect.
Customer review: “I’m 44—Been using this day and night for a few days and I really like it. Skin feels a bit tightened, moisturized, and appears brighter. LOVE that it has powerful ingredients but is fragrance-free and doesn’t bother my eyes...a little goes a long way.” —A
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.