Caffeine eye creams, under-eye wrinkle fillers, and brightening concealers are all good and well, but if you’ve been craving an even easier and quicker fix for puffy, dark, or crepey (or all of the above) under eyes, you can’t go wrong with a solid pair of under eye patches. We do have to warn you though that eye masks don’t always address the source of the issue, so it’s more of a quick and temporary aesthetic band-aid. “Patches can offer some minimal to modest improvement, so it’s important to have the right expectations,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Omar Ibrahimi. “However, these are usually fairly well-tolerated and come with minimal risk.” Not only that, but they’re so easy to use, are extra cooling and de-puffing if you keep them in your fridge (a blessing when you’re beyond tired), and always make for a cute Instagrammable selfie.
Best for Early Mornings
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
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We know that it’s hard to pick out an eye mask to try when there are so, so many options from a seemingly limitless number of brands. We did the homework for you by asking skin experts, looking at what ELLE editors use, and sifting through customer feedback. Below, you’ll see what we consider to be the 15 best under-eye patches for brighter, firmer, and de-puffed under eyes in just a few minutes.
Best for Quick Results
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
Pros
- Gentle exfoliation
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
Cons
- Can be difficult to take out of the packaging
You may have seen these eye patches on the coolest beauty girls and boys, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks. The formula features a host of healing and brightening ingredients, like caffeine, niacinamide, and kojic acid. In just 15 minutes, you’ll look like you’ve had your eight hours of sleep (even if you haven’t).
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, caffeine, arbutin
Pairs per pack: 6
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When I think about buying a face mask, I tend to ask myself two questions: Are they effective? And are they cute enough to wear outside? With these, it’s a resounding yes to both. These hydrogel patches help to fade discoloration and hydrate your eye area while delivering a soothing cooling sensation. With my sensitive and dry skin, it’s really important for me to show my under eyes some extra love, so these always come in handy. I always pop these on when I have some down time or if I’m running quick errands.”—Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Pros
- Sustainable
Cons
- May bunch up under eyes
You can forget about constantly refilling your stash and opt for these delightfully reusable patches that have taken TikTok by storm. Made of soft, medical-grade silicone, they’re packed with potent ingredients, like niacinamide, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, to visibly soothe, brighten, and plump. Bonus: They’ll also help lock in your favorite skincare products for even better results.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, peptides, niacinamide
Pairs per pack: 1
Dieux rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “The idea of a reusable eye mask is clever, but it also works. I’ve tried the Dieux eye mask (made of silicone) on top of my favorite eye cream on just one side. After a few minutes, the side with the mask was slightly brighter and less crepey-looking, which made my tired, grey eye circles on the other side stand out more. And you can keep using it—if not forever, then for a long time.”—Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
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Best for Early Mornings
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Pros
- Helps firm and lift
Cons
- Shape may not work for everyone
Alexa, play “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. These eye patches actually contain 24K gold, with skincare benefits that include firming and lifting. Meanwhile, hydrolyzed collagen helps airbrush out any fine lines, and caffeine shakes out that heavy feeling on your lids from early mornings.
Key ingredients: Collagen, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, gold
Pairs per pack: 30
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I cannot tell a lie—I fell for the hype with this one. I’ve seen this mask on my feed countless times at this point, so I decided that I needed to try it for myself. These eye patches are indeed a true treat for my under eyes; they depuff and smooth out the skin in the area within minutes, and I feel extra fancy having gold-infused masks on my face. They do smell slightly medicinal, but not in a bad way, and the scent is nearly undetectable unless you’re placing them under your nose (which I wouldn’t recommend).”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- No slipping
Cons
- Can tear easily
Patchology has mastered the art of creating eye patches for any situation. The Serve Chilled On Ice version soothes, firms, tightens, and smooths, all made possible thanks to peptides, bakuchiol, and cloudberry oil, which is chock-full of brightening vitamin C.
Key ingredients: Cloudberry oil, bakuchiol, peptides
Pairs per pack: 5
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Coffee doesn’t do anything for me, which is why I don’t drink it often. But every time I wake up more exhausted and sluggish than usual, I wish I could indulge in a cup and have it rejuvenate me in the way it seems to do for everyone else. However, Patchology’s eye patches have become my personal wake-up trick. I slap a pair on in the morning, and I feel ten times more awake and aware of my surroundings than I did without them. They’re perfect even on busy mornings since I only need a few minutes with them to experience their effects.”—Carol Lee
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Pros
- Plumping
Cons
- Not as much serum as others
Brighter under eyes are coming, especially if you try these sun-shaped masks. They’re soaked in a serum packed with banana extract and hydrogel to soothe and brighten. Plenty of copper peptides, which encourage collagen production and plump skin, are in the mix too.
Key ingredients: Copper, bakuchiol
Pairs per pack: 1
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “These patches make it look like you have copper sun rays under your eyes. When running on minimal sleep, I put these on post-shower, and by the time I’m ready for work, it looks like I snuck in three additional hours of sleep. I love them!”—Danielle James, beauty expert
Best for Fine Lines
111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
Pros
- Unscented
- Visible results
Cons
- Need to use regularly to maintain results
This uber-luxe under eye mask will give even the most sensitive under eyes the pick-me-up they need. The formula contains diamond particles that exfoliate the skin, so the active ingredients can get to work and soak in for hydrating, brightening results.
Key ingredients: Diamond particles, hyaluronic acid, hexapeptide, rose hip
Pairs per pack: 8
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is one of the most luxurious eye masks, but I really think it’s one of the best for an almost immediate result. It really feels like it forms a seal to infuse my under-eye area with moisture so that they look less dry and more plumped up. Also, it has a cooling effect. Maybe the fact that it’s black also makes me feel like it’s seriously working, or it could be its hydrating yet functional formula of retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.”—Kathleen Hou
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Pros
- Offers brightening properties
- Celebrity favorite
Cons
- Can slip around with too much movement
Developed by Dr. Catherine Chang, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, these eye masks are designed to infuse the skin with impactful ingredients within 10 to 15 minutes. The serum is packed with vitamin C and ferulic acid to brighten dark under eyes and fight wrinkles, while caffeine banishes any puffiness you might be experiencing.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C, niacinamide, ferulic acid
Pairs per pack: 7
NakedBeauty MD rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “True to their name, these eye masks have the gentle aroma of rose, which adds to the luxurious experience of using them. They’re instantly cooling, even without being refrigerated beforehand, and I can feel how hydrated, supple, and smooth my under eyes feel after I take them off. I recently took a couple of flights back-to-back, and I kicked myself for not packing these in my carry-on—my eye area definitely would’ve been in much better shape if I had. The pink-tinted patches are also definitely Instagram-worthy.”—Carol Lee
Pros
- Comes with a case
Cons
- Edges can lift
These reusable eye patches were created to help smooth and hydrate the under-eye area. If you travel a lot or are worried about losing a pair, this set comes with extras, so you can keep some at work or let a guest borrow a set when they come to visit.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, ceramides
Pairs per pack: 6
Talika rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Drew Barrymore loves these eye patches and I love them for the same reason. Much like the Dieux, they are also reusable but come in a set of three so that if you loose one or even two, you still always have a backup.”—Kathleen Hou
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Pros
- Expert-made
Cons
- Can slip off face
If you are someone who enjoys using eye masks often, it might be better to invest in them in bulk. For just $30, this K-beauty set comes with a whopping 30 pairs. That means you can use them liberally and not worry about running out any time soon.
Key ingredients: Marine extracts
Pairs per pack: 30
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Why would I want just 12 eye masks or some teeny number of them, versus 30? I like that this is literally a tub of eye masks and that it’s minimal waste, too, because they’re stacked on top of each other like cookies. My friend Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, was the one who introduced me to Shangpree, a legendary Korean facialist purveyor whose estheticians are required to do three years of training before they’re even allowed to touch a face. Naturally, their products are made with the same level of fastidiousness.”—Kathleen Hou
Pros
- Non-irritating
Cons
- May dry out quickly
If you love indulging in spa nights on the regular, this pack of 24K gold- and hyaluronic acid-infused eye patches will have you covered. Amazon reviewers mention that they visibly help plump and smooth skin and are non-irritating.
Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera
Pairs per pack: 16
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “A product I didn’t know I needed. As a mom, I hardly get any full eight hour rest, so there are days when I look extremely exhausted, but this mask helps with uplighting my face to give me a refreshing look. I’ve made this a priority in my skincare routine, and you should too. Say bye bye to fine lines, dark spots, and more. Literally, it left my skin so soft and rejuvenated.”
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Pros
- Aloe keeps under-eyes soothed
Cons
- Container may be too hefty for travel
You might not be at a spa with cucumber slices on your eyes, but this is the next best thing. These masks are nourishing, calming, and safe for even the most sensitive wearer. Pro tip: Pop these in the freezer for extra cooling effects.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, cucumber extract, aloe vera
Pairs per pack: 8
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My favorite eye mask. I always keep a jar in the fridge so they are extra cold when I apply. Just a nice cool and refreshing eye mask.”
Best For Brightening
Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches
Pros
- Softening
Cons
- May leave behind a residue
You put vitamin C on your face to deal with hyperpigmentation and dullness, so why not do the same for your under eyes? Plus, a jolt of caffeine in these works to banish puffiness. If your goal is to make everyone around you think you sleep for eight hours a night, these will do the trick.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, vitamin C
Pairs per pack: 30
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve never used a product that has worked as fast and as well as these eye hydrogels do. These brighten, soothe, depuff, and hydrate my under eyes all at the same time. I put them on in the morning, make my coffee and breakfast, and maybe do a few chores (I took down curtains yesterday morning while wearing them, and they stayed on fine). I also have very sensitive eyes and can’t use a lot of moisturizer and eye creams, but these don’t bother me at all.”
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Best Hemp-Infused
PÜR Mellow Eyes Hemp Infused Eye Patches
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Good for puffiness
Cons
- May not stay put very well
No need to stress—just throw on some of these hemp-infused eye masks and watch your worries drift away. These masks help hydrate and calm the sensitive skin near your eyes, thanks to green tea extract. The sweet kiwi smell might just trigger your cravings, too.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, cucumber extract
Pairs per pack: 30
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been wanting to find an under eye mask with healthy ingredients that won’t irritate my skin, and this is it! I love the slight tingly sensation and how much it brightens, hydrates, and minimizes puffiness. I will definitely be buying this again!”
Best for Under Eye Bags
Pixi BeautifEYE Hydrogel Under-Eye Patches
Pros
- Brightening
Cons
- Eye patches may stick together inside jar
Perk up tired eyes with an energizing blend of vitamin C, licorice, and ginseng. Note that these are paraben-free and great for all skin types, too.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice, ginseng
Pairs per pack: 30
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I get the worst under eye puffiness, especially in the morning. Dark circles, too. I pop these on while I do my hair and take them off as I finish up before moving onto my makeup. It leaves a bit of a tacky moisture behind that I pat in, and then your skin soaks it up, which works wonders. I give it a few minutes to fully soak in before layering on my makeup, and that has always worked well. This tackiness subsides at that point. These always make me feel better about my skin because my eyes look hydrated, less puffy, and a bit brighter.”
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Best for Dark Circles
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Rose Gold Eye Masks
Pros
- Plenty of hydrating serum
Cons
- Can slide around
Look fabulous during and after an application of these gold foil eye masks. Powered by anti-inflammatory and brightening camu camu extract as well as plumping peptides, the patches erase signs of exhaustion in minutes. They come with a lot of serum, so you can apply any excess product onto your under eyes afterward for extra hydration.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C
Pairs per pack: 6
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love these patches to remove my wrinkles and puffiness from sleeping. Easy to use and work great!”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Karan Lal is a celebrity dermatologist currently practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a dermatologist with Connecticut Skin Institute.
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What are the most common under-eye complaints?
“Dark circles are multifactorial and can be due to loss of fat from aging, veins that are creating that dark appearance under the skin, and/or hyperpigmentation from chronic rubbing,” says Dr. Lal. “After dark circles, the next big complaint is wrinkling and crepiness. This is due to skin thinning as we age. Sun damage also contributes to skin thinning.”
Can under-eye patches really help with these issues?
A good skincare routine coupled with professional treatments can bring the results you desire. “The under-eye area is an area that needs procedures,” Dr. Lal adds. “Filler, neuromodulators, fractional ablative resurfacing, and or picosecond lasers are needed to truly make your under-eye issues better.”
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Are there ingredients people should look for when trying to treat puffiness or dark circles?
“Yes, there are a variety of ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, caffeine, green tea, and niacinamide,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “Ingredients like retinol or vitamin C can also help but beware, these may be more irritating.” If you’re looking for some gold under-eye patches, beware that some people can find them sensitizing. “Gold can actually cause hyperpigmentation, and some people can be allergic to gold,” warns Dr. Lal. Gold and other heavy metals can leave a blue-gray pigment behind, but in most cases, this hyperpigmentation is reversible.
Is there a way to make under-eye patches more effective?
“Yes, applying them before bedtime and sleeping with them allows many uninterrupted hours of application where the ingredients will work,” says Dr. Ibrahimi.
Reviewed byMona A. Gohara, M.D.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Mona Gohara, M.D. is a Yale-trained, board-certified dermatologist, Oberlin College-bred feminist, medical media expert, and member of the ELLE Beauty Advisory Board. Mona enjoys educating on skin health, skin cancer, skin of color, and sun protection. She has done this through writing, lecturing on the local, national, and international levels, and by engaging popular media. Mona is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, where she chaired the social media task force, The Women’s Dermatologic Society where she serves as president, and The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, where she chairs the DEI Work Group.
