9 Best Undereye Masks for Puffiness, Dark Circles, and Tired Eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using undereye masks?

David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, explains to Allure that undereye masks can offer a range of benefits. “Eye masks can occlude the undereye area to improve the delivery of active ingredients, whether for hydration or brightening,” says Dr. Kim. Common ingredients may include vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, peptides to plump, retinol to help resurface, and the list goes on. In the case of reusable undereye masks, the silicone works as a vacuum-like seal to better deliver the aforementioned actives, courtesy of skin-care products like gels, creams, and serums.

The cooling effects of undereye masks can also be beneficial. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, explained to Allure that eye puffiness occurs from vessel dilation, and placing a cool object on the undereyes can help the vessels constrict to reduce swelling. Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC, added that in addition to reducing puffiness, coolness can help relieve itchiness in the eye area, which “can worsen puffy eyes due to rubbing them.”

How do I know if an undereye mask is working?

“Undereye masks are just like your eye creams or any skin-care product in that you have to be consistent and use it regularly to see a difference,” says Dr. Kim. “Don’t expect doing the brightening eye mask one time before a special event will magically solve your skin concerns. Be steady and consistent.” With time, you’ll begin to notice softened fine lines and less morning-time eye puffiness. Often, reusable undereye masks are a tool to improve the effects of your skin-care products, so keep in mind that if you aren’t noticing improvement, consider adjusting the other products in your routine.

Meet the experts

• Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
• Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Robert Anolik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

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For our list of the best undereye masks, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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