The Best Eye Serums to Tighten, Brighten, and Firm

Vogue

4 days ago

Some may debate the value of an eye cream—after all, what does it do that a face moisturizer doesn't? But the best eye serum is a different matter. Unlike a traditional eye cream, which is largely meant to provide moisture, 'eye serum serves more as a treatment step—like a booster—for concerns like fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles,' says Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, LA.
Vogue's Favorite Eye Serums
And many would benefit from incorporating an eye serum into their routine, either alone or beneath an eye cream. 'If you're starting to notice fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles—or just want to be proactive about eye aging—adding a serum can be a game changer,' says Dr. Turegano, who recommends them to her patients over 30, or anyone who's consistent with their skin-care routine and wants to add to it.
Because eye serums are so targeted, the right formula largely depends on what concern you want to address. With that in mind, here's what experts recommend.
In This Story:
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Beauty of Joseon
Revive Eye Serum
$17
AMAZON
Why We Love It: There's no shortage of excellent formulations among Korean skin-care products, but few have matched the efficacy and results of this eye serum. It's a favorite of Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, for its combination of ginseng and retinal, which she calls 'powerful anti-aging ingredients.' (Retinal is a more potent cousin to retinol; it's thought to be gentler, too.) She also gives it bonus points for its 'lightweight, lotion-like formulation,' she says. However, because it contains a retinoid, it's better used only at night.
There's no shortage of excellent formulations among Korean skin-care products, but few have matched the efficacy and results of this eye serum. It's a favorite of Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, for its combination of ginseng and retinal, which she calls 'powerful anti-aging ingredients.' (Retinal is a more potent cousin to retinol; it's thought to be gentler, too.) She also gives it bonus points for its 'lightweight, lotion-like formulation,' she says. However, because it contains a retinoid, it's better used only at night. Key Ingredients: Ginseng, retinal, peptides, macadamia seed oil
Ginseng, retinal, peptides, macadamia seed oil Best For: Those with milia, fine lines, or uneven skin texture
Those with milia, fine lines, or uneven skin texture Size: 30 ml
Best for Dryness: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
$25
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Don't be fooled: This unassuming bottle houses a strategic (and elegant) combination of ingredients designed to brighten and tighten the eye area. The blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide work to 'hydrate, brighten, and reduce appearance of fine lines,' says Dr. Chang, who counts it among her favorites. It's ideal if you aren't seeking heavy-duty actives just yet, or want to try eye serums before investing on an even more powerful formula.
Don't be fooled: This unassuming bottle houses a strategic (and elegant) combination of ingredients designed to brighten and tighten the eye area. The blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide work to 'hydrate, brighten, and reduce appearance of fine lines,' says Dr. Chang, who counts it among her favorites. It's ideal if you aren't seeking heavy-duty actives just yet, or want to try eye serums before investing on an even more powerful formula. Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, niacinamide, peptides, caffeine
Green tea extract, niacinamide, peptides, caffeine Best For: Those seeking benefits on a budget
Those seeking benefits on a budget Size: 15 ml
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum
Why We Love It: While some dark circles are actually shadowing caused by puffiness or one's natural bone structure, others are the result of hyperpigmentation—particularly among those with deeper skin tones, who are more vulnerable to skin discoloration in general. With not one, but two types of vitamin C, then, this formula 'helps brighten the skin and repair oxidative damage from UV radiation,' says Dr. Chang. Because it's rich in antioxidants, it's a particularly good daytime option as well.
While some dark circles are actually shadowing caused by puffiness or one's natural bone structure, others are the result of hyperpigmentation—particularly among those with deeper skin tones, who are more vulnerable to skin discoloration in general. With not one, but two types of vitamin C, then, this formula 'helps brighten the skin and repair oxidative damage from UV radiation,' says Dr. Chang. Because it's rich in antioxidants, it's a particularly good daytime option as well. Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, tremella mushroom, chia seed oil
Vitamin C, tremella mushroom, chia seed oil Best For: Stubborn dark circles
Stubborn dark circles Size: 15 ml
Best for Blue Light Damage: Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum
Chanel
N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Eye Serum
$100
CHANEL
Why We Love It: Chanel's No.1 De Chanel line is a celebration of—and homage to—red camellia extract, which helps reduce the stress lines and wrinkles developed from repeatedly squinting and blinking over the years; here, the anti-aging ingredient is also paired with moisturizing squalane and camellia yeast extract to support the skin barrier. It's especially impactful for those struggling with damage from the blue light of electronic devices—and informs both the eye serum's formula and packaging. 'The cooling effect provided by the rotating cryo applicator combined with the gel-like texture improves microcirculation and helps relieve screen-induced eye fatigue,' the science team at Chanel shared with Vogue.
Chanel's No.1 De Chanel line is a celebration of—and homage to—red camellia extract, which helps reduce the stress lines and wrinkles developed from repeatedly squinting and blinking over the years; here, the anti-aging ingredient is also paired with moisturizing squalane and camellia yeast extract to support the skin barrier. It's especially impactful for those struggling with damage from the blue light of electronic devices—and informs both the eye serum's formula and packaging. 'The cooling effect provided by the rotating cryo applicator combined with the gel-like texture improves microcirculation and helps relieve screen-induced eye fatigue,' the science team at Chanel shared with Vogue. Key Ingredients: Red camellia extract, camellia yeast extract, azalea yeast extract, squalane
Red camellia extract, camellia yeast extract, azalea yeast extract, squalane Best For: Those with dark circles and fine lines
Those with dark circles and fine lines Size: 0.53 oz.
Best for Puffiness: Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage for Dark Circles
Why We Love It: Like a cold splash of water, this cooling rollerball helps you wake up—and simultaneously works to bring down puffiness. The chill is only one way in which it delivers results. On top of that, 'it contains caffeine to help depuff the undereyes and is fragrance-free,' says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. (Fragrance is a common allergen, which could stoke irritation—and thus exacerbate puffiness.) She also likes that it contains antioxidants, as these 'help improve the appearance of under eye circles,' she says.
Like a cold splash of water, this cooling rollerball helps you wake up—and simultaneously works to bring down puffiness. The chill is only one way in which it delivers results. On top of that, 'it contains caffeine to help depuff the undereyes and is fragrance-free,' says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. (Fragrance is a common allergen, which could stoke irritation—and thus exacerbate puffiness.) She also likes that it contains antioxidants, as these 'help improve the appearance of under eye circles,' she says. Key Ingredients: Caffeine, panthenol, grape seed extract
Caffeine, panthenol, grape seed extract Best For: Puffiness and under-eye bags
Puffiness and under-eye bags Size: 15 ml
Best for Deep Lines and Wrinkles: Tata Harper Elixir Vitae Eye Serum
Tata Harper
Elixir Vitae Eye Serum
$350
TATA HARPER
Why We Love It: As Tata Harper is a pioneer in clean beauty, it's little surprise that Tata Harper Elixir Vitae Eye Serum brings together 54 active ingredients meant to minimize wrinkles, reduce puffiness, improve dark circles, and subtly plump skin. Together, they're meant to target even the deeper lines and fields around the eyes—to yield similar results to in-office treatments. 'With injectables, Botox paralyzes the muscles and filler acts like an instantaneous layer of hyaluronic acid in your dermal layer,' Harper told Vogue when the formula first debuted. 'With topicals, the mode of action is different, but you're getting a daily dose of similar effects.'
As Tata Harper is a pioneer in clean beauty, it's little surprise that Tata Harper Elixir Vitae Eye Serum brings together 54 active ingredients meant to minimize wrinkles, reduce puffiness, improve dark circles, and subtly plump skin. Together, they're meant to target even the deeper lines and fields around the eyes—to yield similar results to in-office treatments. 'With injectables, Botox paralyzes the muscles and filler acts like an instantaneous layer of hyaluronic acid in your dermal layer,' Harper told Vogue when the formula first debuted. 'With topicals, the mode of action is different, but you're getting a daily dose of similar effects.' Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Lactobacillus ferment, algae extract, date seed extract
Hyaluronic acid, Lactobacillus ferment, algae extract, date seed extract Best For: Mature skin
Mature skin Size: 15 ml
Best for Firming: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
Murad
Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
$89
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: A bit closer to eye cream than most serums, the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum stands apart for its glycerin and pomegranate seed oils, which together help maintain skin hydration for hours. That sets the ideal environment for both the formula's retinol and retinol booster, which are gradually released throughout the night to deliver results with minimal irritation or dryness—if any.
A bit closer to eye cream than most serums, the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum stands apart for its glycerin and pomegranate seed oils, which together help maintain skin hydration for hours. That sets the ideal environment for both the formula's retinol and retinol booster, which are gradually released throughout the night to deliver results with minimal irritation or dryness—if any. Key Ingredients: Retinol, Swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid
Retinol, Swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid Best For: Sagging or thinning skin
Sagging or thinning skin Size: 15 ml
Best for Dark Circles: Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum with Niacinamide
Innisfree
Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
$22
AMAZON
Why We Love It: This slim tube offers a Who's Who of eye-brightening ingredients, among them green tea, which is rich in amino acids and antioxidants to hydrate and protect this delicate area. But it's 'also made with 2% caffeine to help visibly depuff, and also contains niacinamide to help brighten discoloration,' says Dr. Amin. To further quell puffiness, the rollerball doubles as a mini-massager, helping to move fluids that may be causing bags.
This slim tube offers a Who's Who of eye-brightening ingredients, among them green tea, which is rich in amino acids and antioxidants to hydrate and protect this delicate area. But it's 'also made with 2% caffeine to help visibly depuff, and also contains niacinamide to help brighten discoloration,' says Dr. Amin. To further quell puffiness, the rollerball doubles as a mini-massager, helping to move fluids that may be causing bags. Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic
Green tea extract, caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic Best For: Dark circles
Dark circles Size: 10 ml
Best Applicator: Axis-Y Vegan Collagen Eye Serum
Why We Love It: Dr. Turegano is a fan of this Korean-made eye serum, which is lightweight and brimming with a blend of vegan collagen, peptides, and fruit extract, which work together to brighten and firm the eye area. Moreover, 'it also has a metal applicator tip, which gives an instant cooling, depuffing effect,' she says. Testing by the brand has found that the formula can reduce wrinkles in addition to under-eye bags and puffiness.
Dr. Turegano is a fan of this Korean-made eye serum, which is lightweight and brimming with a blend of vegan collagen, peptides, and fruit extract, which work together to brighten and firm the eye area. Moreover, 'it also has a metal applicator tip, which gives an instant cooling, depuffing effect,' she says. Testing by the brand has found that the formula can reduce wrinkles in addition to under-eye bags and puffiness. Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid
Peptides, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid Best For: Dry or sensitive skin
Dry or sensitive skin Size: 10 ml
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Why We Love It: While some may ask the world of their eye serum, others are content with keeping the delicate under-eye skin healthy and bright. For that, Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is a good option. 'Simple, hydrating, and gentle—this one's perfect if your main goal is moisture and barrier support,' says Dr. Turegano. 'It's a great drugstore option that plays well under makeup.' As it's hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested, it's also unlikely to irritate those with sensitive eyes.
While some may ask the world of their eye serum, others are content with keeping the delicate under-eye skin healthy and bright. For that, Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is a good option. 'Simple, hydrating, and gentle—this one's perfect if your main goal is moisture and barrier support,' says Dr. Turegano. 'It's a great drugstore option that plays well under makeup.' As it's hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested, it's also unlikely to irritate those with sensitive eyes. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide Best For: Dry skin
Dry skin Size: 14 ml
Best for Crows' Feet: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum
$71
AMAZON
Why We Love It: For those seeking to smooth crows' feet, it doesn't get much more effective than retinol. And this particular formula 'combines retinol, ferulic acid, and niacinamide to target fine lines, dullness, and puffiness,' says Dr. Turegano. 'It's strong but still lightweight and doesn't feel heavy around the eyes.' It also contains rambutan and bakuchiol—two plant-derived ingredients that work similarly to retinol, but with less irritation—to bolster its effects.
For those seeking to smooth crows' feet, it doesn't get much more effective than retinol. And this particular formula 'combines retinol, ferulic acid, and niacinamide to target fine lines, dullness, and puffiness,' says Dr. Turegano. 'It's strong but still lightweight and doesn't feel heavy around the eyes.' It also contains rambutan and bakuchiol—two plant-derived ingredients that work similarly to retinol, but with less irritation—to bolster its effects. Key Ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, rambutan, bakuchiol
Retinol, ferulic acid, rambutan, bakuchiol Best For: All signs of aging
All signs of aging Size: 15 ml
Best for Early Signs of Aging: Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
Alastin
Restorative Eye Treatment
$121
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Whether you're targeting puffiness, dark circles, crows' feet, or all of the above, this multitasking treatment can help on all fronts, according to Dr. Turegano. 'It uses a peptide blend to support collagen and elastin and works well even for sensitive or post-procedure skin,' she says. It goes beyond simply supporting collagen production and actually clears out damaged collagen and elastin, thus clearing the way for those new fibers that deliver firmer, smoother skin..
Whether you're targeting puffiness, dark circles, crows' feet, or all of the above, this multitasking treatment can help on all fronts, according to Dr. Turegano. 'It uses a peptide blend to support collagen and elastin and works well even for sensitive or post-procedure skin,' she says. It goes beyond simply supporting collagen production and actually clears out damaged collagen and elastin, thus clearing the way for those new fibers that deliver firmer, smoother skin.. Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, green tea extract
Peptides, niacinamide, green tea extract Best For: Those seeking a one-and-done solution
Those seeking a one-and-done solution Size: 14.8 ml
Everything You Need to Know