Dark circles and hyperpigmentation get the best of our undereyes, especially when we’re lacking much-needed sleep. The delicate skin surrounding this particular area is more susceptible to discoloration and sagging than other parts of your face and body, which is why giving it extra TLC through formulations with tone-evening properties is essential to your skin-care routine. If dark circles and dryness are currently on your list of skin-care concerns, the best vitamin C eye creams will do just the trick to improve skin tone and texture.
Sure, there are quite a few eye creams for dark circles on the market, but our top picks usually contain this specific antioxidant for its impressive radiance-boosting abilities and free radical damage-reducing properties. But, not all forms of vitamin C are equal, because some are less stable than others. “Pure ascorbic acid has consistently been proven to be the most effective at penetrating the skin barrier,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, previously told Allure. “Vitamin C effectiveness [also] increases when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Together, they can double protection against free-radical damage.”
Want brighter days for your undereye area? Then you’re going to need one of these luminance-enhancing eye creams, stat. Below, take a look at the best dermatologist-approved eye moisturizers that are spiked with vitamin C to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
Good news: finding a proper eye cream is as easy as heading to your local drugstore (or, better yet, shopping on its website). Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified New York City dermatologist, gives Olay’s Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Eye Cream her seal of approval for its fragrance-free formulation that’s suitable for sensitive skin types. “This cream contains vitamin C for brightening, peptides to stimulate collagen production, niacinamide to improve dark discoloration, and glycerin for hydration,” Dr. Jaliman says.
Treat your eyes to Chanel’s Sublimage La Crème Yeux, a luxe formula that’ll firm and brighten the look of undereyes. This decadent formula is infused with vanilla planifolia, a proprietary extract from the luxury brand that’s rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C.
Yes, the Origins Ginzing Vitamin C & Niacinamide Eye Cream’s star ingredients are in its name, but there’s more to this cream than this radiance-boosting duo. Dr. Jaliman says this cream is also infused with caffeine to depuff irritated undereyes.