The best serums for dark circles under the eyes - TOP 5 in 2026
Shadows under the eyes are often the result of fatigue, lack of sleep, stress, as well as genetics. They can also appear as a result of the natural aging process, when the skin's texture becomes thinner and clearer. That's why choosing the right serum is crucial, because not every serum for dark circles under the eyes will work in the same way. A serum, is a concentrated formula that provides the skin with the necessary active ingredients aimed at reducing dark circles under the eyes. Thanks to its light texture, the cosmetic is absorbed quickly without weighing down the skin, which is especially important for the delicate eye area. Serums for dark circles often contain ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, caffeine or peptides, which help improve microcirculation, hydrate and brighten the skin. In this article, we will present the best serums for dark circles under the eyes, which will help you effectively get rid of this problem. Of course, it is worth remembering that the effects of serums depend on the individual needs of the skin and the regularity of their use. Dark circles under the eyes will not disappear after one application, but regular use of the right cosmetic can work wonders.
Ranking factors that we took into account are:
- Lightening dark circles
- Hydration of the skin
- Firming effect
- Performance
- Visible smoothing effect
- Handiness of packaging
- Price
What ingredients to look for in a good under-eye dark circles serum?
Snail mucus filter: it is rich in natural skin regenerating ingredients. Thanks to its properties, it helps heal micro injuries, accelerates skin regeneration and moisturizes the skin. Its action is aimed at smoothing the skin, as well as reducing dark circles under the eyes.
Elastin: is a protein that is responsible for skin elasticity. It helps keep the skin tight and firm, preventing sagging. In a serum for dark circles, elastin promotes regeneration and improves skin tone around the eyes.
Vitamin A: also known as retinol, it accelerates cell renewal, which helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. It also has a brightening effect on the skin, which is particularly useful in combating dark circles under the eyes.
Caffeine: is a popular ingredient in eye care products, as it improves microcirculation and reduces puffiness. It also helps brighten dark circles under the eyes by improving blood circulation.
See our ranking for the best serums for dark circles:
PURE Eye Shadow Serum reduces dark circles and puffiness, improves the appearance of the skin around the eyes and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Thanks to a concentrated formula with many active ingredients, the serum intensively moisturizes, nourishes and smoothens the skin, improving its color. In the composition of this cosmetic for dark circles under the eyes there is sodium hyaluronate, which strengthens the hydrolipid barrier of the skin, and collagen, which helps to maintain an adequate level of hydration of the epidermis. Elastin contained in the serum slows down the aging process of the skin and improves its elasticity. Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy epidermis. Vitamin E has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, while vitamin B3 effectively levels dark circles under the eyes and other discolorations in the area. Snail mucus extract nourishes the skin and improves firmness, while Spilanthes Acmella flower extract increases elasticity, offering a natural lifting effect. The PURE serum has undergone dermatological and ophthalmological tests, which confirmed its safety, showing no side effects. 95% of testers found that PURE does not cause burning eyes.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 has an anti-aging effect while reducing dark circles under the eyes. Its formula is enriched with two forms of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and saponins from Centella Asiatica. The combination of high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid effectively hydrates the skin around the eyes, creating a barrier that retains water and promotes collagen production. This in turn improves skin density and reduces dark circles under the eyes. Panthenol, strengthens the skin barrier and calms irritation. A 10% complex with caffeine, niacinamide and HEPES has a soothing effect on the skin, while leveling dark circles under the eyes. The serum has a metal applicator with a ball, which further cools and massages the eye area. However, be sure to disinfect the applicator after each application so as not to contaminate the product.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, is a water-based eye serum enriched with a high concentration of active ingredients. The serum's formula uses peptides that effectively reduce typical signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles, bags, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. The serum brightens, smooths the skin around the eyes. Peptides promote collagen production, which has an anti-aging effect and reduces wrinkles and skin irregularities. Niacinamide and caffeine are responsible for brightening the skin and reducing dark circles under the eyes. However, the serum must not be used at the same time as cosmetics containing direct acids, vitamin C, resveratrol and ferulic acid. Therefore, we recommend consulting an experienced cosmetologist before using it.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, an anti-aging eye serum, is a firming serum specially formulated for sensitive skin around the eyes. It contains ingredients that have an anti-inflammatory effect and diminish dark circles under the eyes, such as ginseng extract and niacinamide. The serum's formula also contains anti-aging substances that reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, including retinal and peptides. The 2% retinal contained in the eye shadow serum has been encapsulated in liposomes through which it effectively minimizes the risk of irritation. The entire formula is based on natural ingredients and is vegan. The serum has a rather thick formula, which means that when used under makeup it can weigh down, especially in owners of oily skin.
Skin Trainer Eyes is a product composed to effectively reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Thanks to its technology, the cosmetic acts like an energizing cocktail, revitalizing the eye area, intensively moisturizing it and giving it a fresh and radiant look. In addition, the serum contains active substances with firming and elasticizing properties, which improve microcirculation. The serum comes with a metal applicator, which facilitates its application and provides an instant cooling sensation. The cooling effect contributes to the reduction of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. The serum is available in a small volume of 15 ml, which makes its price seem a bit too high. The product is dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested.
