Put down your concealer, ladies – we found eye creams that can help control and prevent dark circles under the eyes.

Eye creams should do more than moisturize

We usually turn to eye creams to hydrate the eyes and prevent fine lines. However, the new powerhouse products do more than just that. They contain powerful ingredients that can also brighten the eye area.

Look for sun protection

The skin under the eyes is thin, so it can be more prone to hyperpigmentation from sun exposure. However, we tend to avoid the eye area whenever we apply sun screen.

Look for eye creams with SPF, like Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 34 (paraben-free, water-resistant, and fights off both UVA and UVB) and Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector (doubles as an eye cream and concealer, and contains licorice root extract to brighten and control puffiness). If you have sensitive skin, try Clinique Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Age Defense Eye Cream.

Load up on Vitamin A

Dark circles are more prominent because the skin around the eyes are so thin. Eye creams enriched with vitamin A derivatives like retinoid boost collagen so the skin is less transparent, and can also help fade any existing pigmentation.

Try philosophy Miracle Worker Retinoid Eye Repair Cream (its retinol formula is known to be less irritating) or Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex (designed to protect against environmental damage and minimizing dark circles and dryness). Apply just at night.

Look for brightening ingredients

Ingredients like arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C, daisy extract and licorice can help control melanin production without irritating the skin.

Try Burt’s Bees Brightening Eye Treatment with daisy extract (tested by both ophthalmologists and dermatologists). The Skin Pharmacy’s Natural Eye Serum is also specally designed for treating dark circles and eye bags.

Enjoy best of both worlds

Products that act as an eye cream and a concealer? We’re in! Olay Regenerist Eye Regenerating Cream Touch of Concealer contains niacinamide to help fade discoloration, and its tinted formula instantly tones down darkness. You won’t see immediate results, but it’s an excellent product to prevent dark circles.