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Under-eye bags are the worst tattletales. They announce to everyone that you stayed up late, had one too many glasses of wine—or are just plain getting older. (Or all of the above!)
Unlike dark circles (which are usually about pigmentation), bags are puffiness caused by fluid retention (AKA swelling), according to the Mayo Clinic. As we age, the muscles around the eyes weaken, and then the fat that also supports the eye can shift, so the whole structure around the eye begins to sag. It can leave you wondering about the best under-eye cream for bags and, luckily, we’ve got answers.
The tricky thing about treating bags below the eyes is that this skin is incredibly thin and sensitive. “The delicate under-eye area requires specialized care,” explains celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer. You want products that are gentle enough not to irritate, but powerful enough to actually make a difference. It’s a tough ask, but it’s doable!
There are a lot of options on the market that promise amazing results, but how do you go about choosing one? We’ve narrowed it down by talking to top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to find the creams and serums that actually work to minimize under-eye bags and give you that well-rested look we’re all chasing. But remember, consistency is key. While some of these options have short-term and long-term effects, it’s regular care that will result in the most noticeable change.
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Top Picks for Under-Eye Bag Treatments
- Best Overall: Dieux Skin Auracle Eye Serum
- Best Lifting:Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream
- Best Splurge:La Mer The Eye Concentrate
- Most Inexpensive:100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
- Best Firming:Benton Fermentation Eye Cream
- Best Brightening: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Eye Cream
- Best Quick Fix:Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye
- Best Natural:LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
8 Best Under-Eye Creams for Bags, According to Celebrity Dermatologists
Best Overall: Dieux Skin Auracle Eye Serum, $44
Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified plastic surgeon and facial aesthetics specialist, recommends this for clean beauty lovers: “If a patient asks me for a clean eye serum that still delivers real results, I’ll usually point them toward Dieux Skin’s Auracle Eye Serum. It’s smartly formulated—free of what most clean-conscious consumers want to avoid—but it still includes clinically backed ingredients that actually do something. You’re getting peptides to help with firmness, caffeine to reduce puffiness, and antioxidant-rich algae and plant extracts to protect the skin barrier. From a formulation perspective, the Auracle Eye Serum is what I’d call ‘clean without compromise.'”
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Best Lifting: Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream, $97
Dr. Lancer explains why this is his top pick: “Lancer’s Eye Contour Lifting Cream targets under-eye bags with a blend of peptides, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid. This formula reduces puffiness, smooths lines, and visibly lifts and brightens the delicate eye area for a rested, rejuvenated look.”
Best Splurge: La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $275
Dr. Schwarcz explains why this luxury cream is worth it: “If you’re going to splurge on an eye cream, La Mer’s The Eye Concentrate is honestly one of the few I’d say is worth it. It’s not just about the name—although yes, the brand has a strong track record. What I like is that it delivers real, visible results. You get improvement in firmness, fine lines, dark circles—it’s not just surface-level hydration. The texture is great, the cooling applicator adds a little something extra to the experience, and it actually feels like a treatment, not just a cream.”
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Most Inexpensive: 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, $29
Dr. Lancer loves this budget-friendly option: “100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream is a naturally formulated cream that adds in polyphenols found in green tea, and coffee cherry extracts for caffeine-powered depuffing, plus antioxidant vitamins to brighten and soothe; it’s highly rated for visible reduction in under-eye bags and is among the most affordable clean options on the market. I like that this brand, while inexpensive, still offers clinical data and well researched ingredients as well.”
Best Firming: Benton Fermentation Eye Cream, $23
Dr. Schwarcz explains the science behind this K-beauty favorite: “This will help improve the appearance of under-eye bags by hydrating and brightening the delicate under-eye area. Its key ingredients include Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate which contains enzymes, amino acids and vitamins that help to firm the skin, improve its texture, and make it look more radiant. Bifida Ferment Lysate is obtained by dissolving the fermentation of bifidus. Not only does it help regenerate the skin and strengthen the cell barrier, but it also helps to treat skin problems caused by various harmful substances inside and outside the skin, which can contribute to the look of under-eye bags.”
Best Brightening: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright+ Eye Cream, $45
Dr. Schwarcz breaks down this vitamin C powerhouse: “This fragrance-free vitamin C eye cream brightens, visibly diminishes dark circles and crow’s feet and improves skin texture. It’s formulated with Gold Complexed Vitamin C ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) + super-antioxidant glutathione combined with real gold to create a highly stable, water-soluble complex that improves delivery of vitamin C to surface layer of your skin. Banana Powder-Inspired Pigments which are naturally derived light-reflecting minerals that instantly illuminate your complexion.”
Best Quick Fix: Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye, $38
Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, recommends this for immediate results, explaining, “This works temporarily to tighten the under-eye area for a visible lift—perfect before events or photoshoots.”
Best Natural: LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream, $21.50
This natural option is an expert fave because it’s formulated with 95.7% natural and naturally-derived ingredients with 77% organic content. It hydrates and moisturizes the eyes, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines.
The formula includes aloe vera for anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, dandelion extract rich in antioxidants, and citrus extracts for natural exfoliation and vitamin C benefits. Ooh la la!
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Expert Tips for Treating Under-Eye Bags
- Apply Gently: The skin around your eyes is incredibly thin, so always pat products on with your ring finger (it applies the least pressure) rather than rubbing.
- Use Consistently: Under-eye bags develop over time, so they need consistent treatment to see improvement. Use your chosen cream twice daily for best results.
- Look for Caffeine: This ingredient is particularly effective for reducing puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing fluid retention.
- Layer Wisely: Apply eye cream before your moisturizer and sunscreen, but give it a few minutes to absorb between products.
- Consider Temperature: Some people find that storing eye creams in the refrigerator adds an extra depuffing benefit from the cool temperature.
- Be Realistic: While these creams can significantly improve the appearance of under-eye bags, severe cases may require professional treatments or procedures for dramatic results.
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Sources:
- Dr. Harold Lancer, celebrity dermatologist
- Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified plastic surgeon and facial aesthetics specialist
- Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery
