Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. I’m always up late doomscrolling TikTok and The White Lotus subreddit for season 4 theories. (Natasha Rothwell hive, stand up!) The only problem? Those late nights mean I have dark circles and puffiness in the morning (boo!).
While I'm a huge fan of undereye creams, sometimes I get bored and need to switch things up. They're a fast fix for dryness, puffiness, and dark circles—and even help me fake eight hours of sleep. "The skin under the eyes is prone to changes related to aging skin, such as fine lines, and conditions like dryness and discoloration," says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
In just 10 to 20 minutes, undereye patches temporarily hydrate the delicate skin and help me look refreshed. Plus, they're super cute and add a fun touch to my selfies, even if they're shared to just my Close Friends circle on Instagram Stories. Like any other skin care product, eye masks really get their power from their ingredients, some of which are typically hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine.
As with any beauty product, there are always a few things to consider before making the investment. Since these masks are mostly advertised for their ability to soothe and hydrate, you'll want to check the hydrating and firming ingredients, and keep your expectations realistic since results are usually temporary. Here's what to look out for.
For starters, look for key ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, cucumber, green tea, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. You're less likely to come across vitamin C and retinol, but it's a plus if you do. Patches with a cellulose gel material can also prevent them from sliding off your face (a con I often deal with and try to avoid as much as possible).
Not only is the skin under your eyes thinner and more delicate than in other areas of your face, but it’s also where lymphatic fluid drainage occurs, says dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD. It can also show more blood vessels, and in turn, make dark circles appear more visible, says Dr. Most eye masks are created to reduce fine lines, undereye darkness, and wrinkles while giving your skin the boost of moisture it needs.
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