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The truth is, I'm always up scrolling on my TikTok FYP way too freaking late. The result? My under-eye area has taken a toll. I'm talking dark circles, puffiness, and all the things that start to pop up when I'm not getting my beauty sleep. So, whenever I'm in need of a quick fix that specifically targets the delicate under-eye area, I reach for my under-eye patches. These bbs are full of ingredients that boost hydration, smooth out fine lines, and ~camouflage~ dark circles in legit minutes (think: hyaluronic acid, retinol, caffeine, and vitamin C).
Seriously, they're like little miracle workers, and because everyone wants hydrated, more-awake-looking under-eyes, I took one for the team and personally tested and reviewed the best under-eye patches on the market, and consulted with board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, for all the deets. Whether you need a go-to mask that'll help you fake a full eight hours of sleep or you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, here are the eight best under-eye masks and patches on the market.
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in August 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on under-eye patches, including a dermatologist’s expert advice, and how to choose the best under-eye patches for yourself.
Our top picks for best under-eye patches in 2024:
Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best under-eye patches—according to my own testing and product reviewers—along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best under-eye masks, how to incorporate them into your skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
1
Best Cult-Favorite Eye-Patches
COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
Pros
- Contains small and large patches for different areas of your face
Cons
- There's not a ton of research behind snail mucin
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."
2
Best Reusable Under-Eye Patches
Dieux Skin Forever Eye Mask
Pros
- Made with 100 percent silicone, which is resistant to bacteria growth
Cons
- Though it's made with silicone, you still have to be diligent about cleaning them after each use
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!"
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3
Best Hydrating Under-Eye Patches
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
Pros
- Both hydrates and moisturizes your under eyes
Cons
- Doesn't address fine lines or wrinkles
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."
4
Best Under-Eye Mask for Dry Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Pros
- Contains caffeine, which temporarily reduces puffiness resulting in firmer, tighter under-eyes
Cons
- It can be unsanitary if you don't use the included applicator to grab the under-eye patches
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."
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5
Best Under-Eye Patches for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24
Pros
- Contains scientifically proven ingredients that help fade fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- You'll only see true results from retinol with consistent use, so you'll have to use these as a supplement to your skincare routine
- Can cause irritation if you have super sensitive skin
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."
6
Best Cooling Under-Eye Mask
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Pros
- Filled with the moisturizing ingredient, hydrolyzed extensin
Cons
- Some testers have noticed discoloring on some of the eye patches they recieved
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."
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7
Best Biodegradable Under-Eye Mask
Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels
Pros
- Contains a slew of powerful ingredients that brighten, hydrate, and firm your under-eyes
Cons
- Testers note they can be pretty slippery and hard to stay in place
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."
8
Best Drugstore Under-Eye Patches
Pacifica Eye Bright Undereye Vitamin C Patches
Pros
- Contains vitamin C for brighter skin
Cons
- Some testers noted that there was a bit of tingling upon first application, which they didn't expect. Sensitive skin types should beware
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!"
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How to choose the best under-eye patches:
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.
Meet the experts:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
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Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and the best anti-aging cream. She regularly tests and analyzes under-eye patches and treatments on her under-eyes for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new treatments, formulas, and products.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.