8 Best Under-Eye Patches for Dark Circles and Puffiness, Tested & Reviewed in 2023

So lately, snail mucin has been all the rage for its potential skin benefits, as it’s said to contain hyaluronic acid, allantoin, antioxidants, and a slew of skin-loving ingredients. Though there’s not a ton of research behind it, it could hydrate, plump, and soothe your skin. These K-beauty eye patches contain a ton of snail mucin and niacinamide (which boosts collagen production) for the smoothest, most awake-looking under-eyes ever.

• Key ingredient(s): Snail mucin, niacinamide

THE REVIEWS: “I bought these because sometimes in the morning I have puffy eyes,” notes one tester. “I put them in the refrigerator, and after placing them on my face, they leave a nice moisturized surface without being greasy or slimy.“

These are my absolute favorite under-eye patches due to their unique ability to let you customize your under-eye treatment each time based on your skin’s day-to-day needs. When I need something brightening? I saturate the pads with my absolute favorite vitamin C serum. When I want next-level hydration? I load them up with some hyaluronic acid cream.

• Key ingredient(s): Silicone

THE REVIEWS: “I used to buy the single-use eye patches, which I loved, but I didn’t like the waste,” one review reads. These are great alternatives. I use my own eye cream and then put these on for 10-20 minutes while I get ready. My eyes are definitely less puffy after!“

These under-eye patches are jam-packed with hydrating ingredients (see: hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, glycerin) and moisturizing ingredients (see: jojoba seed oil, lavender oil, shea butter) for smooth and plump under-eyes. And they aren’t just packaged in gold foil to look cute—the foil helps trap in all the hydrating goodness, so the formula really seeps into your skin.

• Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, aloe, glycerin, jojoba oil, shea butter

THE REVIEWS: “They depuff my tired eyes and they look so cute, I never want to take them off,” one tester notes. “Plus there’s so much extra serum in the package, you can literally put it all over your face.”

Hi, if your under-eye area is dry and dehydrated AF, you need to try this incredibly hydrating eye mask. Thanks to the intense dose of hyaluronic acid in the formula, it’s basically like a tall glass of water for your skin, leaving your under-eyes looking (and immediately feeling) plump and hydrated.

• Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, caffeine

THE REVIEWS: “I loved the material of the patches, and they did hydrate my under-eyes,” one reviewer writes. “I keep them on longer than 15 minutes, and they wake up my tired eyes, soften my under-eye area, and I see less puffiness.“

Yes, this under-eye mask is pricey, but I swear they’re worth every penny. With retinol (a tried-and-true collagen booster) and hyaluronic acid (a super hydrator), this mask will help fade away fine lines and wrinkles over time while ensuring your skin is intensely hydrated.

• Key ingredient(s): Retinol, hyaluronic acid

THE REVIEWS: “Holy grail product,” one tester notes. “It’s worth it. These are the only under-eye patch where I see results after every use. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and depuffs my under-eyes.”

You don’t have to stick these under-eye masks in the fridge to get a cooling sensation—the gel patches feel so soft and soothing on your skin. Plus, they’re filled with a powerful antioxidant, coenzyme Q10, which protects your skin against harmful free radicals.

• Key ingredient(s): Coenzyme Q10, hydrolyzed extensin

THE REVIEWS: “I’m a 25-year-old with dry skin, acne, and structural under-eye circles,” one tester notes, adding, “I’ve tried MANY eye patches and this brand happens to have one of my favorites.”

Not only do these under-eye patches wake your eyes TF up (hi, caffeine, vitamin C, and sodium hyaluronate), but they’re also biodegradable, meaning you can level up your skincare routine while being kind to the environment.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate

THE REVIEWS: “I wear makeup every day, and although I’m young, I’ve always struggled with puffy under-eyes that tend to get dry and look wrinkly,” one reviewer notes. “The cooling jelly substance feels so nice, especially when I put them in the fridge so they are cold. I would recommend this product to anyone who has puffy under-eyes and wants a fast fix before putting on makeup.”

If your eye area could use some brightening and your wallet could use a little break, you need these super affordable under-eye patches. They’re loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fade acne scars and dark spots, for overall brighter-looking skin.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin C

THE REVIEWS: “Cools, brightens, and smooths puffy under eye area,” one tester writes. “Noticeable difference in reducing the appearance of wrinkles as well!”

Consider the ingredients

“Some patches have vitamin C, which helps with hyperpigmentation, while others have hyaluronic acid, which helps plump your under-eye skin,” board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, writes. He notes that they can be beneficial for everyone—though, keep in mind they’re not a necessary step in your skincare routine—but they’re best if you have puffy-, tired-, and full-looking eyes and you’d like a refresher.

There are also under-eye patches that include actives such as retinol, which works to smooth your skin and boost collagen production, and caffeine, which temporarily tightens and firms your skin. Though Dr. Lal warns that if you have sensitive skin, retinol may not be the best to start with as it is powerful and your under-eyes are especially delicate. He suggests first beginning with a hyaluronic acid-based under-eye patch and seeing how you tolerate that. “If you do, you can work your way up to integrating more actives into your patches,” he says.