11 Best Peptide Eye Creams To Get Rid Of Dark Circles & Puffiness

Eyes are like the windows of the human body to the outside world. Ergo, it is of utmost necessity to care for and pamper one of the primary organs of the body. While most lotions and moisturizers do take care of the skin on the whole, the skin around the eyes calls for extra care as it is much more delicate and prone to damage. Moreover, the delicate skin around the eyes starts to exhibit the signs of aging quite prominently.

A peptide eye cream comes to the rescue in such situations. Enriched with peptides and other fortifying ingredients, an eye cream helps to fight the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, etc. and reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. As a result, the skin around the eyes emanates a youthful glow that makes the eyes look fresh as a morning flower. But with so many options available, choosing one can be quite a daunting task, especially for sensitive skin. Rest a little, as this task is taken care of by us as we have jotted down a list of the 11 best peptide eye creams to use for healthy looking eyes in 2024.

What Is Peptide Eye Cream Useful For?

Bianca Lorena Saldes

, a registered cosmetic nurse, explains, “Peptides have various names, including neuropeptides, acetyl-hexpeptide-8 (AHA) and palmitoyl oligopeptide. They are known for their elasticity benefits. Neuropeptides are shown to improve skin texture and skin tone, whilst aiding skin firmness.” Peptides are amino acids that are used in the treatment of aging skin. Upon application on the skin, these building blocks of skin protein penetrate deep inside and promote the production of  natural protein a.k.a. collagen and hyaluronic acid. These in turn moisturize the skin and induce skin cell turnover that aids in keeping the skin supple, elastic and free of all signs of aging, hence giving it an illuminated and youthful appearance.

Top 11 Peptide Eye Creams That Make Dark Circles Vanish

1. Best Overall:l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream

4.4

Image: E.l.f.

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

Say bye to dull eyes with the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream. It is made with nature-based ingredients and does not use animal by-products nor tests on them, making for a guilt-free use. A rich formulation that is enriched with peptides and hyaluronic acid, one can be assured of optimum hydration and moisturization of the skin. Moreover, a toxin-free, non-sticky formulation allows fast absorption, making this eye cream with hyaluronic acid and peptides suitable for all day use. There are a lot of reviews available online, check out one such tester’s experience with the anti-aging product in this video.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 3,138 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

2. Best For All Day Use:Belei Triple-Peptide Under Eye Cream

BUY ON AMAZON | $0

Belei by Amazon brings to you the Triple-Peptide Under Eye Cream. This delicate eye cream is devoid of fragrance and harmful toxins and is suitable for all day use. The tri-peptide blend along with the added benefits of hyaluronic acid and caffeine helps to get rid of puffiness, fine lines, dark circles, etc. around the eyes. Just take a small amount of this eye cream with peptides and hyaluronic acid and other ingredients like shea butter and aloe, and apply gently using the ring finger for a non-greasy matte finish.

3. Best Alcohol-Free:Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Multi Action Eye Cream

4.2

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.99

Get firm, plump skin under the eyes with the Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Multi Action Eye Cream. With a robust blend using potent ingredients, this eye cream with peptides helps improve the look of the skin around the eyes for visible results in just a month. This multi action eye cream helps to remove puffiness and fine lines around the eyes, hence restoring its youthful glow. Moreover, this firming eye cream is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested and is free of fragrance and alcohol.

Pro Tip

When it comes to combining peptides with other beneficial skin products, avoid Retinol, Tretinoin, and AHAs/BHAs like glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

4. Best Hypoallergenic:COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

4.4

Image: Cosrx

Now 31% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.99

Get a dose of Korean skincare with the COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream. With 5 types of peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and snail mucin a.k.a. snail secretion filtrate, this korean peptide eye cream rejuvenates the skin around the eyes. It is devoid of toxins, is hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. Use this snail peptide eye cream to remove fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, and nourish the skin with moisture and even tone, leading to a brighter, healthy, youthful glow. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video of the reviewer’s experience.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 184 reviews claiming its efficacy.

5. Best Anti-Aging:DERMA E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Eye Cream

4.2

Image: Derma-e

BUY ON AMAZON | $21.31

Slow down the visible signs of aging and improve skin elasticity by using the Derma E Advanced Peptides And Collagen Eye Cream. With a clean formulation that is vegan and cruelty-free, one can use this peptide eye cream without any guilt. It uses plant based collagen, multi peptides- matrixyl synthe’6, argireline, and pycnogenol in combination with green tea extracts, jojoba seed oil, provitamin 5, and others to promote antioxidants and collagen production, which help in improving skin elasticity. The result is moisturized, supple skin that is free of signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, etc. Use this advanced, double action eye cream that comes in recyclable packaging to illuminate and brighten the skin around the eyes like never before.

6. Best Natural Ingredients:Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream

BUY ON AMAZON | $0

Dark circles will be a thing of the past as you include Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream in your skincare routine. Made from clean ingredients that are botanical, earth, and marine based, this eye cream makes for a guilt-free use as it is vegan and does not test on animals. With a whipped marshmallow-like smoothing texture, this eye cream with peptides and hyaluronic acid along with squalene, glides on the skin seamlessly. It promotes the production of collagen in the skin, which in turn acts on reducing the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, etc. Use this non-toxic eye cream with a multi-peptide blend regularly to unravel a younger you!

7. Best Non-Comedogenic:Estee Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Eye Creme

4.5

Image: Estee Lauder

Now 43% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $39.99

Bring back the lost sheen of your eyes by incorporating the Estee Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Eye Cream into your skin care routine. While the rich formulation helps to deeply hydrate the skin around the eyes, the IR- Defense Technology helps build a natural moisture barrier on the mature skin to keep it safe from any damage that can be caused by infrared rays. The tri-peptide complex amps up the collagen production to leave the user with a smooth and supple skin that is free of wrinkles and fine lines. Formulated without harmful toxins, this non-comedogenic eye cream is tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists, making it one of the best peptide eye cream.

Did you know?

Peptides combine effectively with other substances such as hyaluronic acids, niacinamide, and antioxidants.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 46 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

8. Best Plant-Based Ingredients:Cosmedica Skincare Total Restorative Eye Cream

3.9

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.6

Restore the youthful charm of your puffy, dull eyes with Cosmedica Skincare Total Restorative Eye Cream. Vegans can rejoice as it is made with plant-based ingredients and is not tested on animals. With a formula enriched with peptides, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, lactic acid, and MSM, you will see a visible reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging. Deep hydration and moisturization is taken care of by potent ingredients like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, squalene, evening primrose, and aloe. This vitamin C peptide eye cream is devoid of toxins and helps to keep the skin around the eyes looking healthy and youthful.

9. Best Toxin-Free:OLAY Eyes Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream

4.3

Image: Olay

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.15

Make your eyes the centre of attraction wherever you go with the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream. Fortified with plush ingredients, this collagen peptide eye cream with vitamin B3+ helps to lift up and firm the skin around your eyes. Considering the fact that fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes are clearly visible, it is important to keep the under-eye area moisturized and hydrated, and this eye cream does just that and more. Made with natural ingredients that are plant-derived, Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream is toxin-free and does not support animal testing.

10. Best Hydrating:Brandt Do Not Age Triple Peptide Eye Cream

4.2

Image: Dr. Brandt

BUY ON AMAZON | $33.0

Bid farewell to tired-looking eyes with the Do Not Age Triple Peptide Eye Cream from Dr. Brandt. This triple peptides eye cream helps in deep hydration and rejuvenation of the area around the eyes, making it look youthful. With a formula fortified with choicest ingredients like caffeine, phospholipids, ceramide 3 , and shea butter, this peptide under eye cream aids in illuminating the area around the eyes by removing puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. It has been tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists and is clinically proven to hydrate the skin and improve under-eye discoloration. It is safe on the skin, and can be used with contact lenses too.

11. Best Cruelty-Free:Dirty Works Stop Puffy Eyes Perfecting Eye Cream

BUY ON AMAZON | $0

Let your eyes do all the talking as you pamper them with the Dirty Works Stop Puffy Eyes Perfecting Eye Cream. This fragrance-free eye cream with peptides and caffeine helps to lift and firm the area around the eyes, reduce fine lines, and brighten tired looking puffy eyes. With a host of natural and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, borage seed oil, xanthan gum, alfalfa extract and more, this firming peptide eye cream helps improve circulation that is stimulated by the caffeine content. Moreover, this dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested eye cream helps the light reflectors to act up and reduce the visibility of dark circles around the eyes.

The marketplace has an abundance of eye creams available under different brand names. But the basic use of a high-quality, professional-grade eye cream is to act upon the area around the eyes to reduce the signs of aging and improve the appearance of tired-looking eyes. Let us help you make the right choice for yourself as we have listed down the ingredients to look out for in an eye cream.

How To Choose A Peptide Eye Cream

• Ingredients

1. Caffeine: It helps to reduce the puffy under bags and dark circles, hence reducing the tired look of the eyes.
2. Hyaluronic Acid: It is a moisturizing ingredient that helps keep the skin hydrated, elastic and supple.
3. Squalene: Squalene is known to imitate the sebum produced by the body, making it a great plumping agent that also hydrates and soothes the skin.
4. Retinol: It helps in boosting skin cell production and aids to even out the skin tone.
5. Coenzyme Q10: An ingredient mostly found in sunblocks, it helps to safeguard the skin from sun damage and keeps off wrinkles.
6. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that makes the skin glow and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
7. Vitamin B3: This important ingredient helps to retain the moisture that is absorbed into the skin and keeps it supple.
8. Green Tea: Green tea is yet another antioxidant that helps protect the skin around the eyes and keeps it bright and fresh.
9. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera in an eye cream helps keep irritation at bay and cools the skin.

• Skin type

Start by assessing your skin type. Based on the skin type an eye cream with the following ingredients can be chosen.

1. Oily/Sensitive Skin: People with oily or sensitive skin tend to have acne breakouts at the slightest. Look for a scientifically formulated eye cream with an oil-free composition and ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, retinol, caffeine, and vitamin C.
2. Dry Skin: Dry skin tends to lose out on hydration and choosing an eye cream that has a proven efficacy to impart moisture or lock the moisture in the skin is important. The ingredients that help in doing the above are hyaluronic acid, squalene, vitamin B3, and coenzyme Q10.
   

Benefits Of Peptide Eye Cream

1. Provide deep moisturization and hydration
2. Removes puffiness under the eyes caused due to sleeplessness or tiredness
3. Reduces dark circles, hence making the eyes look brighter
4. Boosts the skin with antioxidants that in turn reduce the visible signs of aging
5. Acts as a base for makeup
6. Helps even out the skin tone around the eyes by nourishing the skin
7. Refreshes and rejuvenates tired eyes
8. It protects the skin around the eyes from irritation and damage.

Infographic: How To Apply A Peptide Eye Cream

While purchasing the right eye product is mandatory, knowing how to apply it the right way will help you achieve great results. Peptide eye creams are known for their anti-aging properties, but not knowing how to pat them on the delicate skin around your eyes may cause redness and irritation. The infographic below offers a brief explanation of the several steps to undertake while using peptide eye creams for long-lasting benefits. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are peptides good in eye cream?

Yes. Peptides help to effectively reduce the puffiness and dark circles around the eyes by promoting the production of collagen.

Are peptides better than retinol in eye creams?

Both peptides and retinol are equally efficient ingredients in an eye cream. While retinol helps in boosting skin cell production, peptides help in making the skin look hydrated and supple.

Is peptide eye cream safe during pregnancy?

Yes, peptide eye creams are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Can you use peptide cream with retinol?

Yes, retinol and peptides complement each other well. These two ingredients offer nourishment to your skin, boost collagen production, and help get rid of premature signs of aging.

Can I use peptide cream with vitamin C?

Yes, vitamin C works great with peptide cream. Together they strengthen your skin’s barrier and keep it nourished.

How often should I apply peptide cream?

Apply a pea-sized amount of the peptide eye cream twice a day, during your morning and night skin care routines.

How long do peptide eye creams take to work on skin?

Peptide eye creams take three to six weeks to work on skin properly.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Bianca Lorena SaldesRegistered Cosmetic Nurse

     

Bianca Lorena Saldes is a Registered Cosmetic Nurse and Esthetic Educator with over five years of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in anti-aging treatments, and she aims to help individuals feel confident and look their best.

Read full bio of Bianca Lorena Saldes

Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer

 

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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