The 13 Best Eye Masks for Dark Circles of 2025, Tested

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, smoothing | Amount: 30 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The crème de la crème of eye patches manifests in this beauty from Charlotte Tilbury. Perfect for a quick morning refresh or when you’re short on time, these patches instantly hydrate, smooth, and depuff the under-eye area. Like a drink of water for your skin, these babies are formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to nourish and plump—Hollywood’s secret to a rejuvenated look. 

The translucent, gold-flaked patches work their magic in just 10 minutes, delivering visible results that speak for themselves. They also make for the ultimate makeup prep. Our tester loved how seamless her concealer applied afterward. We only wish the packaging matched the luxurious feel of other Charlotte Tilbury products. 

Taylor, tester: “I’ve been using these religiously for the last few weeks and am beyond obsessed. They’re perfect to pop on before I start doing my makeup, and the slight tingly sensation and bouncy, supple feel I’m left with has allowed my typically dry under-eyes not to crease or look cakey after I’ve applied concealer and setting powder.”

Active Ingredients: Tri-hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, allantoin | Benefits: Cooling, depuffing, hydrating | Amount: 3 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Known for their popular pimple patches, Hero Cosmetics knows more than a thing or two about creating effective patches that treat common skin concerns. Infused with panthenol (to moisturize and soothe), niacinamide (to brighten), and three weights of hyaluronic acid (for deep hydration), this mask packs a mighty yet gentle punch. Our tester loved how refreshing they felt without causing any irritation, making them perfect for even the most sensitive skin. Plus, the user-friendly design ensures easy application: the patches turn translucent when it’s time to remove. These sensitive-skin-safe patches not only make it simpler to brighten your under-eyes, but they also leave you with a refreshed, rejuvenated look.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “Almost every eye patch I’ve tried makes my under-eyes tingle, but these are one of the few that don’t cause any irritation. I love the cooling sensation of the gel-like patches, and they leave my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.”

Active Ingredients: None | Benefits: Plumping, hydrating, maximizes product absorption | Amount: 1 pair | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A one-time purchase for infinite under-eye care? Sign us up. The aptly named Forever Eye Mask is a sustainable, cost-effective option made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Unlike traditional eye patches, you use your own eye cream or serum and apply the mask on top. After letting it sit for up to 20 minutes, remove the mask, wash it with soap and water, and store it in its tin carrying case. The silicone material improves product absorption by holding the concentrated products close to the skin, locking in all the key ingredients. A bonus: It’s great to wear while you apply eyeshadow as it will catch any fallout and prep your under-eyes for foundation (a win-win).

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid, glycerin | Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, cooling | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For dry, swollen, or irritated skin, Dr. Lee recommends looking for hydrogel masks to deeply hydrate and depuff. This derm-approved eye mask is packed with niacinamide, glycerin, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid, delivering a powerful moisture surge while working to minimize dark circles and hyperpigmentation. To maximize the brightening effects, the brand suggests positioning the mask with the larger round closest to your nose. The girly pink and red patches come with six pairs per pack and only require 15 minutes of wear. While they can feel a bit sticky, especially when removing them from the packaging, the moisturizing and illuminating effects are worth it in our books.

Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor: “Immediately after taking them off, my under-eye area felt more bouncy and hydrated. Over time, I’ve noticed that the skin around my eyes looks more radiant and less puffy.”

Active Ingredients: Panthenol, aloe, copper peptides, jojoba, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Soothing, smoothing, hydrating | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This eye mask helps with puffiness, dry skin, fine lines, dark circles, and makeup preparation.  What more could we ask for? Made from biocellulose, a highly absorbent fiber, this mask delivers on all fronts. “Biocellulose masks are great for delivering active ingredients and are particularly beneficial for post-procedure recovery,” Dr Lee says. Infused with soothing aloe, calming jojoba oil, and humectant glycerin (among an arsenal of other skin-loving ingredients), this multitasking pick is an excellent catchall for everything under-eyes. While it won’t create dramatic changes, it’s a great standard option that’s always reliable.  

Karla, tester: “Immediately upon removing my first pair of masks—which was easy and didn’t tug at the skin—my under-eye area felt so soft and hydrated. As I continued to use all six under-eye masks, I noticed that my puffiness decreased, and the consistent hydration made my under-eyes feel soft and smooth. In the end, my under-eye area was noticeably plumper and brighter.”

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, allantoin | Benefits: Brightening, depuffing, refreshing | Amount: 6 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dark circles are a common concern, often caused by factors like lack of sleep, dehydration, or genetics. But we completely understand wanting a brighter, more awake-looking complexion. Thankfully, this illuminating pick is the solution. It works to instantly reduce the appearance of dark circles, helping you look your most awake self (or at least fake it). It’s worth noting that vitamin C can irritate sensitive skin, but thanks to the inclusion of allantoin, a soothing ingredient, we didn’t find it too harsh.  

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “I’m impressed with how much these patches brighten my under-eyes after only a few minutes. It’s not just that my skin looks more hydrated, but any shadows actually look lighter.”

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, peptide complex, triple hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Smoothing, anti-aging, plumping, firming | Amount: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether you’re new to retinol or a seasoned user, Peace Out has created the ultimate anti-aging treatment. Enriched with retinol, a peptide complex, and triple hyaluronic acid, this pick transforms your skin, one patch at a time. The powerhouse ingredients work to smooth, plump, and firm your skin. The biggest perk? Retinol will help improve fine lines and texture. To get the most out of the formula, the mask is also uniquely shaped to go around your eyelid. While it may initially feel odd, the benefits outweigh the out-of-the-box design. Plus, your lids can now reap the benefits, too. 

Active Ingredients: 3.5-DA, vitamin complex | Benefits: Firming, toning, depuffing | Amount: 1 serum, 20 patches (10 pairs) | Cruelty-Free: No

When you invest in luxury skincare, you expect a level of opulence—and the Chanel Le Lift Eye Patch and Serum Duo delivers just that. Infused with a vitamin complex and Chanel’s exclusive 3.5-DA extract, this powerhouse duo works to firm, tone, and depuff the under-eye area. Think of it as a workout for your dark circles: first, apply the cooling rollerball serum, then finish with the hydrogel patches to lock in all the nourishing ingredients. The result? An instantly refreshed, plump, and revitalized under-eye area, leaving your skin looking smooth and rejuvenated.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, green tangerine extract | Benefits: Energizing, plumping, brightening | Size: 30 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Vitamin C is renowned for its powerful antioxidant and exceptional brightening properties, and luckily, these patches harness its full potential. Perfect to pop on in the morning for an energizing boost, the mask is designed to replicate the structure of tangerine peels. According to the brand, it boasts 10 times the amount of vitamin C content as a lemon. While this baby is ideal for brightening, sensitive skin types may want to perform a test patch, as high concentrations of vitamin C can sometimes cause irritation.

Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, cloudberry oil, peptides | Benefits: Cooling, firming, depuffing | Size: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While we love the refreshing chill of a jade roller straight from the freezer, sometimes time doesn’t allow for that luxury. Enter: Patchology Eye Gels. The cooling mask provides an instant, fortifying sensation (in just five minutes) that depuffs and firms your under-eyes. You can wear them as you get dressed or finish your hairstyle. Hot tip: We love storing them in the fridge to wake up our skin and provide a lovely, energizing feeling. We only wish they didn’t contain fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin types.

Active Ingredients: Caffeine, cucumber extract | Benefits: Anti-fatiguing, depuffing | Size: 1 pair | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora Collection’s eye masks are like a cup of coffee for your under-eyes. The individually sold masks are infused with caffeine to visibly reduce the appearance of tired eyes. Cucumber extract further helps to depuff and smooth the delicate under-eye area. We love using these in the morning, before a big occasion, or even at night to help reset your eyes.

Active Ingredients: 24K gold, colloidal gold, hydrolyzed collagen, caffeine, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Lifting, firming, hydrating, depuffing | Size: 30 pairs | Cruelty-Free: No

While no eye patch can magically lift your eyes, this mask from Peter Thomas Roth is the next best thing. Formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid, say hello to plump, lifted skin. Another bonus: this mask helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. To add to the sensorial experience (it comes with a luxe spoon), the gel patches use 24K colloidal gold, which helps reinforce the lifting and plumping effects. Just remember to securely close the jar after use to prevent the patches from drying out. 

Active Ingredients: Copper peptides, bakuchiol | Benefits: Depuffing, cooling, brightening, nourishing | Size: 5 pairs | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These anti-aging eye masks are a game-changer for tackling fine lines and wrinkles. Supercharged with copper peptides, they promote collagen production, improve elastin, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The patches are also infused with bakuchiol (the plant-based version of retinol), reinforcing the anti-aging effects by soothing the skin and stimulating collagen production. It delivers visible results, leaving your under-eyes smoother, firmer, and nourished.