We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 13 Best Eye Serums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our top pick is the Tula Eye Renewal Serum for its hydrating and de-puffing abilities By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 14, 2024 12:40PM EST In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Tried Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Alli Waataja Hydration is one of the most important factors in any skincare regimen. While creams and lotions might work overtime at providing deep hydration to the complexion, the under-eye area requires something with a little more lift to get the job done and target some of the peskiest under-eye woes, such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and puffiness — and eye serums are the solution. "The skin under the eyes is very delicate, so using a lightweight serum meant for this specific area can help hydrate and heal the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael I. Jacobs. He recommends using an eye serum to up the ante on hydration and give the delicate under-eye skin a boost of nourishment while also targeting concerns, like dark spots. Considering their potency and effectiveness at nourishing the under-eye area, PEOPLE Tested tried out 27 popular formulas to find the best eye serums to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. All of the eye creams on our list need to be used consistently for visible results. Here are our top picks for the best eye serums that PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum at Nordstrom ($58) Jump to Review Best Budget: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum at Beautyofjoseon.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: StriVectin Tightening Eye Serum at Amazon ($62) Jump to Review Best for Puffiness: Clinique Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage at Nordstrom ($34) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Caracol Natural Skincare The Eye Contour Serum at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best for Dark Circles: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum at Amazon ($74) Jump to Review Best for Fine Lines: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum at Sephora ($64) Jump to Review Best Plumping: Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel at Environskincare.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Roller: Korres Greek Yoghurt Wide Awake Eye Gel at Ulta ($29) Jump to Review Best Quick-Acting: Mario Badescu Skincare Brightening Eye Serum at Nordstrom ($24) Jump to Review Best Overall Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum TULA View On Nordstrom $58 View On Sephora $58 View On Ulta $58 Our Ratings Consistency 4.9/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Skin Texture 4.7/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 4.7/5 Pros The applicator has a cooling effect that soothes and de-puffs the skin. We tested this formula on sensitive skin and found that it felt cool and hydrating without causing irritation. We saw noticeable results after around one week of use. The formula provides ample hydration to smooth and nourish under the eyes. Cons It's thicker than some of the other formulas we tested, so it might not be ideal for skin types prone to blemishes. If you're looking for a top notch beauty product, the Tula Eye Renewal Serum is our top pick for the best eye serum overall because it feels more like a cross between an eye cream and a serum, delivering potent ingredients and deeply nourishing moisture to the under-eye area. Enhanced with noteworthy ingredients such as peptides for targeting wrinkles, pink silk tree for reducing the look of dark circles, and sea algae for hydrating and toning the skin, plus probiotic extract for de-puffing the complexion, this formula has a rich, creamy consistency that provides a burst of hydration that smooths and nourishes the under-eye area. In addition to its formula, the Tula eye serum comes with a cooling applicator that makes it easier to massage the creamy concoction into the skin while effectively eliminating puffy under-eye bags. While testing, we found that it works best as an everyday eye serum, though it’s worth noting that the heavier formula might not be ideal for skin types that are more prone to blemishes. We tested this formula on sensitive skin and found it to be cool and hydrating without causing irritation. We saw improved skin texture, radiant skin, and less puffiness around the eyes after seven to 10 days of regular use. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Peptides, pink silk tree, sea algae, probiotic extract | Good For: Reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing dark circles, de-puffing skin People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Budget Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum View On Beautyofjoseon.com View On Yesstyle.com $17 Our Ratings Consistency 4.9/5 Absorption 4.4/5 Skin Texture 4.9/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 4.8/5 Pros It features a retinal to target fine lines and wrinkles. This formula features high-quality ingredients that are just as effective as some of the more expensive formulas on the market. The lightweight formula is fast-absorbing and compatible with most skin types. Cons Since it’s formulated with retinal, it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Ginseng + Retinal. As its name suggests, this formula is created with ginseng extract and retinal, which work together to target the fine lines and wrinkles caused by the effects of aging, including a loss of elasticity caused by decreased hyaluronic acid and collagen production. During our tests, we found that the eye serum has a super lightweight feel that is cooling and refreshing to the touch — not to mention it’s compatible with most skin types. We also noted how well the high-quality formula layers with other skincare and makeup formulas without lifting or clumping. Since it is so lightweight, the formula is also fast-absorbing, too. This not only ensures that the complexion absorbs all of its goodness but also means a little goes a long way, so you can really get the most out of this budget-friendly eye serum. Since it is formulated with retinal which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, you'll want to use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen while using this product. Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract, retinal | Good For: Targeting fine lines and wrinkles around the eye People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Mature Skin StriVectin Tightening Eye Serum View On Amazon $62 View On Nordstrom $62 View On Sephora $72 Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Skin Texture 4.9/5 Feel 4.8/5 Overall Results 4/5 Pros This formula worked fast to boost our skin's radiance while reducing puffiness under the eyes. It has a cooling applicator that massages the under-eye skin while applying the formula. With regular use, the formula (and applicator) helped reduce the appearance of fine lines. Cons It’s a relatively expensive formula compared to others we tested — however, you can sometimes find it on sale. We tested 27 different formulas to see which would be the best option for mature skin, ultimately landing on the StriVectin Peptight 360 Tightening Eye Serum after being especially impressed with the results. After using this formula regularly over a few weeks, our tester found that the fine lines and wrinkles around her eyes appeared less noticeable. Her skin also felt radiant, firmer, and less puffy. Enriched with a triple peptide blend, caffeine, and Kakadu plum extract, the eye serum works well at tightening and firming loose skin under the eyes while reducing the look of dark circles. This serum also features a cooling applicator that doubles as a massage tool to reduce the look of puffiness with every application. While we think the price is a bit pricey relative to some other options we tested (especially when it's not on sale), our tester noted that the price is comparable to similar anti-aging products on the market. Her only regret? She wishes she had used it earlier throughout her 20s and 30s. Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Triple peptide blend, oligopeptide, dipeptide, tetrapeptide, caffeine, Kakadu plum extract, microalgae, marine ferment algae | Good For: Targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao The 15 Best Foundations for Mature Skin of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Puffiness Clinique Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage View On Nordstrom $34 View On Sephora $39 View On Ulta $39 Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Skin Texture 4/5 Feel 4/5 Overall Results 3.9/5 Pros The roller ball applicator helped massage the under-eye area while applying the product. Since it’s quick-absorbing, the skin drinks up this formula and, as a result, looks and feels much more moisturized and nourished. The formula has an ultra-lightweight consistency that isn’t too creamy or sticky. Cons The roller ball applicator distributes product slowly, which we felt took some getting used to. After testing several formulas, we found that the Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage is the best for addressing under-eye puffiness. We loved this product because it comes in a roller ball applicator which acts like a mini massager and helps drain water retention under the eyes while also softening and soothing with a nourishing formula. It's also quick-absorbing so it leaves the skin looking and feeling moisturized. In addition to the applicator, the ultra-lightweight formula features caffeine for its firming effect and helps to further de-puff, as well as antioxidants for protecting the skin against harmful environmental aggressors and botanicals for soothing. Compared to other products, the applicator distributes the product slowly, which takes some getting used to but also allows you a little more control over the application. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants, botanicals | Good For: De-puffing the skin, targeting signs of fatigue People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Sensitive Skin Caracol Natural Skincare The Eye Contour Serum View On Amazon $26 Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 3.8/5 Skin Texture 3.9/5 Feel 4.4/5 Overall Results 4.9/5 Pros The formula has a thick yet lightweight consistency that is quick to absorb and feels refreshing on the skin. The ingredient lineup consists of soothing, cooling, and healing ingredients that nourish, protect, and calm the skin. It layers well with makeup and other skincare products. Cons Despite the product’s claims, we didn’t notice any firming effects around the eyes during the testing period. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend Caracol's The Eye Contour Serum for its soothing formula, which contains lots of nourishing, protecting, calming, and healing ingredients. Designed with snail secretion filtrate, eyeseryl, xpertmoist, chamomile, aloe vera, and vitamin E, this eye serum packs a hydration punch with its thick yet lightweight moisturizing ingredients that also support more youthful-looking skin by keeping dark circles at bay, de-puffing swollen eyes, increasing hydration, and warding off oxidative stress caused by environmental aggressors. With all of these nourishing ingredients, the product claims to smooth out the look of wrinkles and have a firming effect on the skin. While we didn’t really notice those at the end of the testing period (we may need to test it for a longer period to see those results), we did find that this lightweight hydrator smoothed and softened the skin under our eyes, providing deep nourishment and helped blur the crow’s feet around the eyes ever so slightly. It also layers well under makeup and other skincare products. Size: 0.7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate, eyeseryl, xpertmoist, chamomile, aloe vera, vitamin E | Good For: Reducing fine lines, hydrating skin, targeting signs of fatigue, reducing dark circles People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Dark Circles Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum View On Amazon $74 View On Nordstrom $74 View On Sephora $74 Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Skin Texture 4.5/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 4.7/5 Pros Since vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, this formula protects skin from environmental aggressors that cause premature signs of aging. It has a lightweight formula that works well with a variety of skin types, including oily complexions. This eye serum layers well with other skincare formulas and makeup products. Cons It’s harder to control the product distribution compared to the other products we tested. When targeting discoloration — including under-eye dark circles — a radiance-boosting formula is a must. Dermalogica's vitamin C eye serum is enriched with a potent, bioavailable vitamin C complex that works overtime to boost the skin's radiance under the eyes while also providing protection against environmental aggressors that cause some of the most common premature signs of aging under the eyes. While the formula comes out fast and product distribution is a little tricky, we found that this product absorbs well into the complexion and you don’t actually need a lot to get effective coverage. The lightweight serum also works well with a variety of skin types, including oily skin, and layers well under other skincare and makeup products without piling or lifting, too. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C complex | Good For: Targeting dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and dullness. People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Fine Lines Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum View On Sephora $64 View On Ulta $64 View On Drunkelephant.com Our Ratings Consistency 4.9/5 Absorption 4.8/5 Skin Texture 4.8/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 5/5 Pros After regular use, we noticed the skin around our eyes looked firmer with less noticeable lines and wrinkles. The formula has a thin and lightweight feel without being super runny, making it easier to apply. Albeit pricey, you only need a tiny amount, so a little goes a long way. Cons Since the formula contains retinol, it can make skin more sensitive to the sun (reminder to wear SPF!). It takes a little longer to absorb compared to other formulas on our list. Targeting fine lines around the eyes requires effective formulas with high-quality ingredients designed to reduce this common sign of premature aging. Our top pick for this category is the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides, which is formulated to soften and smooth fine lines while also targeting a loss of firmness and puffy under-eye bags. The eye serum features retinol, which helps effectively diminish fine lines and wrinkles (though it can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so don’t forget to apply a good face sunscreen!). It’s also enhanced by copper tripeptide-1 for its antioxidants and collagen support, as well as caffeine for de-puffing skin and helping eyes appear more awake. This thin and lightweight formula is super easy to apply. When testing this formula, it worked well at de-puffing our skin, and with regular use, we actually saw a firming effect around the eyes, and our fine lines and wrinkles were less noticeable, too. The formula is on the expensive side, so we were also pleased by how little you need — just a small pea-sized amount — to get the job done. And, although it took longer to absorb into the skin compared to other formulas, once it did, our skin appeared deeply nourished and soothed. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Retinol, copper tripeptide-1, caffeine | Good For: Targeting fine lines, loss of firmness, and puffiness People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Plumping Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel View On Environskincare.com Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Skin Texture 4.7/5 Feel 4.9/5 Overall Results 4.9/5 Pros It’s formulated with skin-supporting ingredients that promote suppleness in the skin, while also warding off environmental aggressors that contribute to volume loss. The product has a slightly cooling effect that soothes the skin under the eyes. Since the formula is so thin, other skincare and makeup products layered well on top. Cons It has a runny formula, which can make application a little tricky compared to cream-based products. To restore some of the skin’s supple texture back into the under-eye area, we recommend the Environ Skin EssentiA Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel. This gel formula has a lightweight, watery consistency that, albeit a little tricky to apply at first, applies nicely to the complexion, absorbs quickly, and dries fast, making it a good treatment for layering under other skincare and makeup formulas. Featuring vitamins A, B5, C, and E along with wild thyme and lupin, this deeply hydrating formula protects the skin against the environmental aggressors that lead to volume loss while also restoring and firming the skin under the eyes. It also has a slightly cooling effect that soothes the under-eye skin. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, B5, C, and E, wild thyme, lupin | Good For: Repairing and firming the skin People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Roller Korres Greek Yoghurt Wide Awake Eye Gel KORRES View On Ulta $29 View On Korres.com Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Skin Texture 4.6/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 4.8/5 Pros With regular use, the skin under our eyes looked smoother, softer, and more hydrated and our dark circles looked a little lighter. Since the formula is so lightweight, it layers nicely with other formulas. The applicator makes it easy to control the application and acts as a massage tool for de-puffing while applying the formula. Cons We didn’t notice a firming effect on the eyes like we did with some other serums we tested. The KORRES Greek Yoghurt Wide Awake Eye Gel is our top pick for the best roller, thanks to its easy-to-use formula that evenly distributes formula to the under-eye area while acting like a mini massage tool to de-puff the skin. Enriched with Greek yogurt and caffeine, this eye serum is designed to reduce the look of dark circles by boosting the radiance of the skin under the eyes, de-puffing, and cooling the skin for an overall soothed sensation. While testing this formula, we found that its lightweight consistency made it easy to apply and quick to absorb, which contributed to more cohesive layering with other skincare formulas and makeup products. Although we didn’t notice a major difference in the skin’s firmness and elasticity, the dark circles under our eyes were reduced, and our skin looked and felt smoother, softer, and more hydrated at the end of the testing period. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Greek yogurt, caffeine | Good For: Reducing dark circles, de-puffing eyes, cooling and soothing skin People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Quick-Acting Mario Badescu Skincare Brightening Eye Serum View On Nordstrom $24 View On Sephora $24 View On Ulta $17 Our Ratings Consistency 4.5/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Skin Texture 4.8/5 Feel 4.8/5 Overall Results 3.8/5 Pros With regular use, the formula smooths and firms the skin under the eyes. Its formula features squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to provide deep nourishment that is instantly noticeable. We love the way makeup layers over it, as it’s almost like a lightweight eye primer for concealer. Cons It has a slightly oily feel to it, which might not be ideal for some preferences. While it can take some time for the best eye serums to work their magic, you can get somewhat of a quick fix with the Mario Badescu Skincare Brightening Eye Serum. Enriched with caffeine, squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this formula is an excellent option for those looking for an eye serum that provides instant nourishment as it softens and soothes the skin in just a few minutes. When used regularly, we also found that the eye serum works well at smoothing and firming the skin under the eyes, helping to target fine lines and wrinkles and create an overall more youthful look. And, although we found that the squalane made it a little oily, the consistency still worked well when layered under makeup — in fact, we preferred it as a primer for our favorite drugstore concealer. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Good For: Boosting radiance, smoothing, and de-puffing skin under the eyes People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Brightening Perricone MD Brightening Eye Serum Dermstore View On Dermstore $75 View On Perriconemd.com View On Skinstore.com $75 Our Ratings Consistency 4.1/5 Absorption 3.7/5 Skin Texture 4.6/5 Feel 4.1/5 Overall Results 5/5 Pros After the testing period, we noticed a significant difference in the color of our dark circles. The formula is deeply hydrating and nourishing, providing a softening and smoothing effect to the skin under the eyes. It only took a few weeks to notice its effects on the skin. Cons Due to its oily consistency, it doesn’t layer well with makeup. To boost radiance for dark circles under the eye, a powerhouse ingredient such as vitamin C is required. With this in mind, we recommend the Perricone MD Brightening Eye Serum for this category which, after testing it out, had a lasting effect on our dark circles. Formulated with vitamin C and DMAE, the eye serum comes in a dropper and is designed to boost radiance and firm the complexion while evening out the skin tone. During our testing, we noticed our skin felt instantly hydrated and nourished after application — and it only took a few weeks for us to notice the boosting results, too. Although we love this formula’s radiance-boosting effects, we think it’s best for a nighttime regimen as the oily consistency doesn’t layer as well with makeup. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, DMAE | Good For: Boosting radiance, firming, and toning the skin People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best with Retinol Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum Sephora View On Amazon $71 View On Nordstrom $71 View On Sephora $71 Our Ratings Consistency 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Skin Texture 3.5/5 Feel 5/5 Overall Results 4.5/5 Pros It absorbs very quickly into the skin. A little bit of this product goes a long way. You can use this product in lieu of an eye makeup primer. Cons We didn't notice an improvement in puffiness around the eyes. If you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and a bit of crepiness around the eyes, the Triple Correction Eye Serum from Dr. Dennis Gross is worth a try. This eye serum contains retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and even out skin tone. It also has natural retinol alternatives bakuchiol and rambutan to target fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. With just a single pump of the product, we were able to cover both eyes completely. The gel-based product was absorbed instantly, and the area around our eyes felt much more hydrated. It layered easily with other products and could replace your eye primer. We noticed that our under-eye area felt softer and smoother after using the product, and our eyelids felt a little more firm. Even though our tester has sensitive skin, she reported no burning, tingling, or discomfort after using the product. While we didn’t notice any less puffiness around the eyes, what we did notice was smoother skin with less pronounced crow’s feet and less crepiness around the eyes. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan | Good For: Wrinkles, dark circles Best Cooling Charlotte Tilbury Depuffing Eye Serum Nordstrom View On Amazon $49 View On Nordstrom $70 View On Sephora $70 Pros The lightweight, milky cream goes on clear and smooth. It's easy to apply just the right amount with the included applicator. The serum felt very comfortable and hydrating after application. Cons This product takes a few minutes to absorb. This lightweight, milky cream from Charlotte Tilbury felt very comfortable and hydrating after we applied it to our eye area. It goes on smooth and clear and fully absorbs in about four to five minutes. It didn't tingle or burn or leave the skin feeling greasy or oily. The product has an instantly cooling effect that can be enhanced even more by following the manufacturer’s suggestion and storing it in the refrigerator. We loved the metal applicator, which made it easy to determine just the right amount of product to apply. The skin around our eyes felt a little softer, firmer, and tighter after using the product. After it was fully absorbed, we found it easy to layer the serum with sunscreen and under-eye concealer. In addition to cooling, this formula contains caffeine to give your eyes a much-needed wake-up boost in the morning. Size: 0.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Iceawake, caffeine, Swiss ice wine essence | Good For: De-puffing, firming, smoothing, tightening Other Eye Serums We Tried Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Serum with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid: If you’re shopping for a drugstore eye serum that can de-puff and hydrate the skin, we recommend the Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Serum with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid. During testing, we found that we needed more time to truly see some of its results as we didn’t experience its radiance-boosting claims. But thanks to its deeply nourishing and hydrating formula — which features hyaluronic acid for attracting moisture to the skin — we think it’s worth mentioning because it provides instant hydration and helps soften and soothe the skin under the eyes. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum: We also tested the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum and were highly impressed by its rich formula featuring fast and slow-release retinols to gently target puffiness around the eyes while also blurring fine lines and wrinkles. Similar to the Vichy eye serum, we think we needed more time to experience its firming and tightening effects. However, we were highly impressed by how quickly it worked at boosting the radiance of the skin under our eyes while also providing hydration and nourishment. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Hydrating Eye Serum: The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Hydrating Eye Serum is another drugstore eye serum worth mentioning. As its name suggests, this formula features moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid and caffeine to soften, soothe, and nourish the under-eye area while also de-puffing. Since the serum features a massage applicator, it works fast at de-puffing the eyes, and for the price, we thought it was worth noting. That being said, the eye serum worked best at delivering short-term results vs. long-term benefits, so it didn’t quite make our best-of list. People / Jessica Juliao Things to Consider Before Buying an Eye Serum Ingredients When shopping for effective eye serums, Dr. Jacobs says to first consider the ingredients and look for formulas that support elasticity, collagen, and hydration, such as vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. “Vitamin C and retinol aid in collagen production and skin elasticity, supporting a more radiant under-eye appearance,” he explains. “Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the area without being too thick,” he adds, noting that hydration is important because it can give a more refreshed appearance while softening, soothing, and supporting suppleness. For the best eye serums with vitamin C, consider the Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Eye Serum and the Perricone MD Brightening Eye Serum which both feature formulas with vitamin C for its radiance-boosting benefits. Skin Concern Just as with other anti-aging serums, when choosing the best eye serum, you’ll want to pick the product that is best for your particular skin concern. There are excellent eye serums that target fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, dryness, and puffiness. If you wish to target fine lines and wrinkles with retinol, we recommend the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides. Our top pick for the best quick-acting eye serum, the Mario Badescu Skincare Brightening Eye Serum, features hyaluronic acid along with squalane and niacinamide to support deep nourishment and long-lasting hydration. While many of the products on our list work for dark circles, our top pick for dark circles is the Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum. If under-eye puffiness caused by fluid retention is a concern, we recommend a product with a roller ball applicator, like Clinque’s Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage. Applicator Eye serums come with various applicators, including roller balls, serum droppers, and a fine-tipped tube to deliver formula directly to the under-eye area. The eye serum’s consistency typically dictates the best applicator, though they aren’t always paired well. When using lightweight, gel-like formulas, look for massage applicators that cool and de-puff the skin upon contact. Fine-tipped tube applicators can also work well with lightweight formulas as they allow you to directly apply the product to a specific area and have some control over the amount applied. In some cases — especially if the formula is on the creamer side — a serum dropper might also work best for applying eye serum to the delicate under-eye area. People / Jessica Juliao How We Tested To find the best eye serums, we began by researching top-recommended formulas and carefully considering their ingredients, benefits, and value. From there, we narrowed down our selections to 27 eye serums to conduct real-world and lab testing over several weeks. We rated each product against the following attributes: Consistency: We considered each eye serum formula's texture and consistency, noting how thick or runny it was and whether it had a greasy or oily feel upon application. We also tested if it can double as a primer based on how well it works as a base for makeup and other skincare products.Absorption: To test this, we applied each eye serum and waited ten minutes and then recorded how long it took for the formula to fully absorb, and noted whether or not it felt like the formula sat atop the skin without sinking in. We also took into consideration how much eye serum product we needed to feel like the area was adequately covered — and whether or not that matched up to the recommended usage amount on the package instructions.Skin Texture: After the testing period was complete, we observed how our under-eye area improved, if at all, and noted any specific changes. We detailed whether we saw improvements in dark circles, puffiness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as noting whether our skin looked or felt tighter, firmer, softer, and/or smoother compared to the beginning of testing.Feel: Here, we identified any eye serum products that may be less than ideal for those with sensitive skin, noting any burning or tingling sensations we felt during the initial application. This rating was also based on whether the product felt sticky or tacky on the skin, if it offered any cooling effect, if it felt comfortable to wear, and if it felt gentle enough for everyday use.Overall Results: To discern the overall results, we noted which eye serums were more fast-acting or longer-lasting than others. In the PEOPLE Tested lab, we also measured our under-eye area with a moisture reader to note the difference in our moisture levels before and after applying each eye serum. This rating also covers the scent and whether or not the tester felt the scent (if any) was overpowering or pleasant. People / Jessica Juliao Frequently Asked Questions Which eye serum is the best? Our top pick for the best eye serum overall is the Tula Eye Renewal Serum. Formulated with a blend of nourishing ingredients, including peptides, pink silk tree, sea algae, and probiotic extract, this eye serum targets wrinkles, reduces the look of dark circles, hydrates and tones the skin, and de-puffs. For something a little more budget-friendly, we recommend the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, which has a lightweight formula that is compatible with most skin types and is formulated with retinal to target fine lines and wrinkles while also improving the suppleness of the skin. What is the best anti-aging eye serum? If you’re on the hunt for the best anti-aging eye serum, we recommend the StriVectin Peptight 360 Tightening Eye Serum, which is our top pick for the best eye serum for mature skin. This serum is formulated with a triple peptide blend, caffeine, Kakadu plum extract, microalgae, and marine garment algae to target fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet while also firming the skin around the eyes, and reducing the look of puffiness. Are eye serums effective? According to Dr. Jacobs, eye serums can be highly effective thanks to their targeted ingredient potency, which can aid in boosting radiance, smoothing, and soothing the under-eye area. That being said, eye serums are applied to a more sensitive area, so Dr. Jacobs says it’s important to do a patch test on the inside of the wrist before adding a new eye serum product to your skincare regimen to avoid potential reactions or irritations. What makes a good eye serum? “The ingredients within an eye serum will determine if it’s a good fit or not,” says Dr. Jacobs. He recommends looking for highly moisturizing and antioxidant-rich ingredients as these are a good sign that the serum will improve the appearance of the under-eye area since they can provide deep hydration and reduce dark circles. When should you begin using an eye serum? Although eye serums might seem like a popular treatment for pre-existing concerns, Dr. Jacobs says there’s no time like the present and that anyone can start incorporating an eye serum into the skincare routine at any time — even if you don’t yet experience fine lines, puffiness, or need to correct dark spots.“As we age, people start to see a loss of moisture in more delicate areas, such as the area under the eyes,” he tells PEOPLE. “Adding an eye serum to your routine in your early 20s could help retain the moisture in that area.” Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best eye serums, Jessie first reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their testing experiences. She carefully considered each formula tested, looking at their ingredients, potency, and results to determine which eye serums were most noteworthy in the testing period as well as compared each eye serum to find the best options for a variety of categories and concerns — such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Additionally, Jessie interviewed Dr. Michael I. Jacobs to learn more about what to look for in eye serums and what makes an eye serum the best of the best. Meet Our Expert Dr. Michael I. Jacobs is an associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Technology Director at Cortina. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.