Vitamin C is my holy-grail ingredient. Well, at least one of them. What’s not love? It treats my hyperpigmentation, stops hormonal breakouts, and protects my skin from free radicals (think environmental aggressors). But until I started researching this story, I hadn’t given much thought as to whether or not it was a starring ingredient in my eye cream. (Probably because I often skip eye cream altogether… I know, I know—bad beauty editor behavior.)
But as I enter my late 30s, I’ve noticed that my crow’s-feet could use a little extra TLC, and I was curious if the best vitamin C eye creams could help. Can targeted vitamin C creams yield the same benefits under my eyes as they do for my entire face? Taylor Worden, celebrity facialist and founder of Taylor Worden Skin, says yes. “Vitamin C for the eye area protects against UV damage, and it helps to strengthen blood vessels and helps with blood circulation and brightens dark circles,” she explains.
What’s more, vitamin C is also clinically proven to decrease the production of melanin by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the production of pigment in the skin. Vitamin C isn’t the only strategic ingredient to look for in a best-of-the-best eye cream, though. For delicate areas like the under-eyes, things like caffeine (to decrease puff!) and other hydrating additions—like peptides and hyaluronic acid—should also be in the mix. Keep scrolling to discover our 13 top picks when it comes to the best vitamin C eye creams money can buy.
For mature or skin in need of some extra TLC, we love this iridescent formula made with illuminating liquid crystals. Infused with Neodermyl (an ingredient that helps encourage the production of collagen), retinyl (vitamin A) ceramides, and vitamin C, this hydrating pick addresses fine lines and wrinkles.
For big-time results with a small-time price tag, not many vitamin C formulas on the market can beat this cooling and dark circle–busting eye gel from Versed. Ginseng, vitamin C, niacinamide, and coffee extract work in harmony to tackle any and all under-eye woes in one fell swoop. Be sure to pack it in your suitcase for your next vacay since the kick of circulation helps flush the excess fluid that can get caught in the under-eyes, thus causing to dark circles.
We love a lightweight eye cream that makes a splash. In this case, the vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, and TFC8 in this formula encourage collagen production, add moisture to the skin, and minimize the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.
If you’re new to eye creams, this non-irritating formula offers a great starting point with even better ingredients. With vitamin C to brighten and protect, alongside a tripeptide blend to give the skin an elasticity boost, your under-eyes are in good hands.
If you have the under-eye trifecta—dark circles, crow’s-feet, and general eye puffiness—welcome to the club. But don’t worry. This reviewer-loved, clinically demonstrated formula made with 10% pure vitamin C, tripeptide, and hyaluronic acid will help reduce the look of dark circles and improve the look of fine lines. And if you wear contact lenses, this formula is derm- and ophthalmologist-tested for safety.
An essence that can go under the eyes? Yeah, that sounds intriguing. This lightweight gel is formulated with yuzu extract, Japanese citrus from Kochi to replenish and maintain skin moisture, vitamins C and E to brighten, and starfruit extract to minimize under-eye puffiness and make a hydrating base for makeup application.
Inspired by a makeup-artist essential—banana powder—this crease-resistant, light-reflecting eye cream made with yellow mineral pigments is perfect for pre-concealer makeup prep. Of course, it feeds the skin its daily dose of vitamin C. Well, with a unique gold delivery system. Fancy.
For sensitive-skin types, I can vouch for this eye cream—it’s worth the splurge! The anti-inflammatory formula infused with vitamins C, A, and E and hyaluronic acid instantly plumps my skin and makes my eyes look brighter. And I love that it layers easily with my other skincare products, including my SPF.
This award-winning vitamin C eye cream is one of the best and a skincare enthusiast’s favorite—the ingredients make it easy to see why! Infused with 5% pure vitamin C, anti-inflammatory hemp oil, moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract that helps increase collagen, you get a powerful formula packed into a small bottle.
I know we’re all feeling some fatigue from celebrity launches, but the ingredients in this newbie from Ciara make it a grade-A contender. The under-eye cream is derm-tested and offers a lightweight formula that targets under-eye circles with plumping hyaluronic acid, anti-aging vitamin A, green tea extract, and three forms of vitamin C.
The ingredients in this formula make it clear why this became an award-winning cream. Featuring four peptides, a blend of omega-rich oils that include skin-loving rose-hip and squalene, 1% bakuchiol, vitamin C, and ceramides, this will efficiently address most concerns you have. (Use it morning and night for best results.)
One thing Bobbi Brown does well is give you products that get the job done and multitask. And this all-in-one under-eye primer packed with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and vitamin E complex is no different. This rich yet never-heavy eye cream has vitamin C and also creates the perfect canvas for concealer and makeup prep (while nourishing the under-eye area in the process).
If you’re as obsessed with everything and anything Summer Fridays debuts, then you’ll love this firming and brightening eye cream from the brand. Its powerhouse ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and caffeine for a quadruple punch of brightening, tightening, de-puffing, and soothing benefits.
