If dark circles, fine lines, and tired-looking eyes are your biggest skincare struggle in 2026, you’re not alone. The under-eye area is thinner, more delicate, and often the first place to show signs of aging.
That’s why a targeted eye serum — packed with peptides, retinoids, antioxidants, and brightening ingredients — can make a visible difference. Here are the 8 best under-eye serums worth your money this year.
TOP PICKS
Sunday Riley Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum
Why We Love It:
This dual‑action formula blends a gentle retinoid with niacinamide to give you the best of both worlds: anti‑aging and brightening. Retinoids promote skin cell turnover and help reduce wrinkles over time, while niacinamide supports even tone and calmer skin. You’ll see smoother texture and improved brightness with consistent use.
Benefits:
Retinoid technology helps fight wrinkles
Niacinamide boosts radiance and improves tone
Smooths and refines under‑eye texture
Key Ingredients: Retinoid derivative, Niacinamide
Best For: Deep lines, texture, uneven tone
Texture: Lightweight yet potent
The Ordinary Multi‑Peptide Eye Serum
Why We Love It:
A standout budget‑friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. This formula combines multiple targeted peptides with niacinamide and soothing elements to tackle early signs of aging, including fine lines and dull, tired‑looking under‑eyes. It’s perfect for people who want results without a heavy feel or high price tag.
Benefits:
Supports collagen production for smoother skin
Helps minimize the look of texture and lines
Absorbs quickly without greasiness
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Niacinamide
Best For: Fine lines, texture, early aging
Texture: Lightweight serum
StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight 360 Degree Eye Serum
Why We Love It:
This premium eye serum stands out for its multi‑directional lifting effect. Formulated with advanced peptides that support elasticity, it targets fine lines and sagging skin — a common sign of aging under the eyes. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer under makeup or heavier creams.
Benefits:
Helps improve firmness and elasticity
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes
Brightens tired‑looking skin
Key Ingredients: Tightening peptides, botanical extracts
Best For: Firming, wrinkles, sagging under‑eyes
Texture: Silky, fast‑absorbing
Why It Converts: Premium product that feels like a luxury treatment, perfect for users looking for noticeable anti‑aging results.
Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum
Why We Love It:
A top performer for everyday use, this serum blends probiotics and peptides with hydrating extracts to help reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, and smooth fine lines. The cooling glide‑on applicator also makes application feel refreshing—an instant perk in the morning!
Benefits:
Minimizes puffiness and dark circles
Hydrates and smooths under‑eyes
Great layering base under makeup
Key Ingredients: Probiotics, Peptides
Best For: Puffy eyes, daily brightening
Texture: Cooling, refreshing gel‑serum
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum
Why We Love It:
This is a go-to overnight treatment for parched, tired under-eyes. Its rich blend of hydrating agents like ceramides and glycerin works while you sleep to plump fine lines and restore smoothness — so you wake up looking refreshed. Many users love this one for how comforting it feels on delicate skin.
Benefits:
Deep hydration and plumping
Helps soften lines over time
Great for night use
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Glycerin
Best For: Dry skin, overnight repair
Texture: Rich but not greasy
U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate
Why We Love It:
If you want a luxury concentrated treatment, this is a top choice. Its potent blend of peptides and antioxidants targets signs of aging while deeply nourishing the under‑eye area. With consistent use, it helps improve elasticity and smoothness—making eyes look rejuvenated and youthful.
Benefits:
Targets deeper wrinkles
Improves firmness and elasticity
Rich antioxidant support
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Antioxidants
Best For: Mature skin, advanced signs of aging
Texture: Silk‑smooth, concentrated
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Why We Love It:
A cult favorite, this affordable K‑beauty serum blends ginseng for circulation and brightness with snail mucin for powerful repair and hydration. It’s especially effective for brightening dark circles and smoothing fine lines, making dull under‑eyes look fresher and healthier over time.
Benefits:
Improves radiance and tone
Hydrates and supports repair
Gentle yet effective for sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract, Snail mucin
Best For: Dark circles, hydration, brightness
Texture: Lightweight gel‑serum
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum
Why We Love It:
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, this eye serum is excellent for those struggling with stubborn dark circles and dullness. Vitamin C helps brighten and even out tone, while antioxidant support defends against environmental stress that can accelerate aging. Dermatologists and editors alike highlight vitamin C serums for boosting radiance and corrective benefits around the eye area.
Benefits:
Brighter, more even under‑eye tone
Helps fight oxidative stress
Smooths fine lines
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C complex
Best For: Dark circles, dullness
Texture: Lightweight, easily absorbed
FAQ
1. How do under-eye serums work?
They deliver concentrated ingredients like peptides, retinoids, and caffeine to reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
2. When should I use them?
Morning for brightening/puffiness; night for anti-aging and repair.
3. Can I layer serums?
Yes, apply lightweight serums first, then richer ones. Avoid layering multiple retinoids.
4. How long until results show?
Hydration: 1–2 weeks; brightening: 3–4 weeks; anti-aging: 6–8 weeks.
5. Are they safe for sensitive skin?
Most are safe, but patch-test retinoids or strong active serums first.