Eye Cream for Dark Circles

Dark circles are difficult to treat

If you're stuck with dark circles under your eyes, you'll find a huge number of products on store shelves claiming to solve all your problems. Unfortunately, there isn't much science behind the claims. Popular ingredients for treating dark circles include vitamin K, which is thought to repair blood vessels that create a bluish hue under eyes, and kojic acid and hydroquinone -- compounds that have some skin-lightening abilities. While you might see some lightening, no topical cream is going to get rid of dark circles completely.

Contrary to popular belief, dark circles are not caused by lack of sleep. Instead, they can be triggered by a myriad of causes, including allergies (which can lead to extra pressure in the sinuses), dark shadows caused by the depth of the eye socket, leaking capillaries (which can lead to a bruised appearance), and excess pigmentation under the eye area due to genetics. Experts at Dermatology Times, a monthly publication for dermatologists, warn: "under-eye circles are remarkably resistant to treatment." Most experts say cosmetic surgery and laser treatments are the best methods of eradicating chronic dark circles, since these procedures will reduce the prominence of visible veins. Three to five laser treatments are usually required, but the effects typically last five to 10 years or more. The total cost can run up to $6,000 depending on the region you live in and the surgeon you choose.

For more mild cases, however, reviewers say that a treatment that helps to disguise dark circles, such as Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment (*Est. $26 for 0.5 oz.), might help somewhat. Allure magazine gives the formula a Best of Beauty award for containing ingredients that fade dark circles gradually and offering immediate results with skin brighteners. Olay's eye cream contains optical diffusers that can help to camouflage and conceal dark circles with light-diffusing pigments. The effects are purely cosmetic, however. This moisturizer also contains several beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, glycerin and vitamin E. Paula Begoun praises the silky texture and finish that Illuminating Eye Treatment imparts.

As with all eye creams designed to reduce dark circles, user reviews at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com for Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment are mixed. Several comment on the immediate but temporary brightening of the area, and some say that the formula lightens discolorations over time. A few say that Olay's Eye Treatment contains too many light diffusers, making it difficult to absorb into the skin. These unsatisfied reviewers say that the moisturizer doesn't pair well with makeup. Others point out that the formula must be applied sparingly in order to avoid such problems.

Origins GinZing (*Est. $30 for 0.5 oz.) is another concealing eye cream with optical diffusers. Although it isn't reviewed as often as Olay's eye cream, reviewers say that it does have a temporary brightening effect. Some don't think it's moisturizing enough, though. Paula Begoun says that it contains potentially irritating plant oils, namely myrtle leaf water, and that the effectiveness of its antioxidants, such as green tea extract and others, is negated by its packaging.

Hylexin (*Est. $60 for 0.5 oz.) has been heavily marketed as the best eye cream for dark circles. The manufacturer's website cites a clinical trial (although details of the trial are not provided) in which more than 80 percent of the women studied who had serious dark circles and used the same ingredients found in Hylexin "saw an obvious, tangible, visible reduction in the color and severity of their dark circles." Hylexin is designed to treat chronic dark circles that are caused by leaking capillaries under the skin's surface, which can create a bruised appearance. Research shows that hesperidin methyl chalcone, a key ingredient in Hylexin, can help to aid venous problems. Paula Begoun points out, though, that this research studied the internal use of the ingredient and that there has been no substantiated research as to its effectiveness when applied topically. Users are directed to apply Hylexin topically twice per day, morning and night.

Users posting to MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions about Hylexin. None of the users posting comments here claim to see a complete reversal of their dark circles, but some of them say they've seen an improvement. The majority of users, however, have seen no difference at all, even with extended use of Hylexin. This may be due to the underlying cause of their dark circles, which can include fatigue, hyperpigmentation or enlarged blood vessels. A dermatologist can often help to diagnose the cause of dark circles. Ultimately, we chose not to include Hylexin in our Best Reviewed section because of this discrepancy in results.