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<br></em></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Under-eye bag treatments</h2><p>FYI: Under-eye bag treatments fall into two categories: (1) professional treatments done in the office by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for permanent or longer-lasting results; and (2) at-home treatments, which can potentially help decrease some surface-level puffiness, depending on the cause. Here’s a quick breakdown:</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Professional under-eye bag treatments: </h3><ul><li><strong>Medications</strong> (like antihistamines for allergies, or diuretics for fluid retention)</li><li><strong>Surgery</strong> (aka a lower blepharoplasty, where excess fat and tissue is removed from under the eyes for a permanently smooth result)</li><li><a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a36289333/under-eye-filler/” target=”_blank”><strong>Under-eye filler</strong></a> (can help blend your under-eye fat pads with your cheeks by adding some strategic volume)</li><li><strong>Laser treatments</strong> (can help tighten, smooth, and brighten skin, depending on the type of laser used)</li><li><a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30443411/what-is-derma-rolling/” target=”_blank”><strong>Microneedling</strong></a> (promotes collagen production to help firm skin and fade hyperpigmentation, which can offset the look of bags and dark circles)</li></ul><h3 class=”body-h3″>At-home under-eye bag treatments: </h3><ul><li><strong>Cryotherapy</strong> (i.e., usings chilled or frozen tools, eye masks, and devices to temporarily constrict blood vessels and deflate some puffiness fast)</li><li><strong>Retinoids</strong> (boosts collagen to help tighten and thicken skin around the eyes)</li><li><strong>Skincare routine</strong> (see: always, always removing makeup and <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a28100561/how-often-should-i-wash-my-face/” target=”_blank”>washing your face</a> to prevent skin irritation and eye puffiness)</li><li><strong>Lifestyle changes</strong> (like reducing sodium intake to curb fluid retention in your skin, getting more sleep, reducing major life stressors, etc.)</li><li><strong>Targeted eye creams</strong> (like caffeine-based formulas to temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling)</li></ul><p>See? You’ve got options. And don’t worry—I got the experts to explain your in-office and at-home treatments in even more detail below, including answers to all your Qs, like what causes under-eye bags, if it’s possible to get rid of them naturally, and more. But for now, <strong>keep scrolling for the easiest under-eye bag treatments to try asap</strong>, including the <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g2590/best-eye-creams/” target=”_blank”>best eye creams</a>, skincare devices, and tools that’ll help de-puff and smooth.</p>” />
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1
Treat under-eye bags and dark circles with brighteners
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
1
Treat under-eye bags and dark circles with brighteners
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Pros
- Uses tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid to brighten dark spots
Cons
- Might be too strong for some with sensitive skin
FYI: Brightening up your skin with this tranexamic-acid treatment can actually make your under-eye bags look a bit less pronounced, says board-certified dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD. Essentially, evening out the darkness helps create the illusion that your under-eyes are a bit flatter. Just dab the serum just under your eyes two to three days a week, then follow with a moisturizing eye cream to help offset potential dryness from the formula’s brightening niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and azelaic acid (yup, this serum is a powerhouse).
THE REVIEWS: “I struggle with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dark under-eye circles and uneven skin tone,” writes one tester. “The serum is creamy and smooth. I just gently rub it into my skin, and I will say, after about two uses, I began to notice that my dark spots were feeding quickly.”
2
Cover under-eye bags with concealer
Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under-Eye Concealer
2
Cover under-eye bags with concealer
Saie Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Under-Eye Concealer
Pros
- Has a radiant finish that helps minimize the look of under-eye bags
Cons
- Some testers wish it had more coverage
Slathering concealer over your bags will actually make them look more pronounced and puffy. Instead, dab and blend this brightening under-eye concealer around the inner corner of your eye and right below your under-eye bag to give the look of flatter, less-shadowed skin. And no, it’s not just trickery either: The formula is also filled with moisturizers (see: squalane and glycerin) to give your skin a dewy finish, helping to reflect light and make your bags look a little less pronounced. Consider it the under-eye bag equivalent of contouring your cheekbones.
THE REVIEWS: “One of the best concealers I’ve used,” writes one reviewer. “It literally melts into my skin and covers my red spots and under-eye bags seamlessly. But it’s also super hydrating and doesn’t flake off like other concealers I’ve tried!”
Consider a laser treatment for under-eye bags
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Dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD says a fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser procedure is the best under-eye bag treatment if you can afford it. Sometimes called the “Madonna eye-lift” (because Madonna herself had this treatment in the past), an under-eye fractional CO2 laser emits light that removes layers of skin to help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles, and firm your skin, says Dr. Mark.
But you should know this procedure is pretty painful, even though your dermatologist will slather on some numbing cream beforehand, and it’s not cheap ($600 to $900 per treatment, and some derms recommend two treatments). There’s also a little downtime: Your skin will likely be inflamed, swollen, and irritated for three to five days afterward.
Try a microneedling with radiofrequency treatment for under-eye bags
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One of the most popular tightening and toning treatments is microneedling with radiofrequency (RF microneedling), like Vivace or Morpheus8, which uses a tool covered in tiny needles to puncture your skin to trigger the skin-healing process—i.e., a way of getting your body to create more collagen and elastin to heal itself, leading to smoother, firmer, and more even skin. RF microneedling can be used right up under your eyes to help flatten under-eye bags and brighten dark circles. But note that it’s a pretty pricey (and uncomfortable) option, with one treatment costing anywhere from $600 to $1,100, and most providers recommend three treatments to notice the best results.
MY REVIEW: After one treatment of Vivace, my skin was noticeably brighter and smoother, especially under my eyes where I have hereditary under-eye bags. I now barely put concealer under my eyes and just de-puff with an ice roller when I feel a bit puffy in the mornings.
Reduce your salt intake
Salty foods (including alcohol) aren’t the sole reason why you might have under-eye bags, but they can be the reason why you wake up with more pronounced baggage after sipping margaritas and crunching on tortilla chips. “I know this sucks, but try to avoid salty foods and don’t drink a lot of alcohol if you’re trying to reduce bags,” says board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, since “both habits lend themselves to fluid retention,” resulting in a swollen-looking face.
6
Massage Under-Eye Bags With Cryo Globes
Bequipped Facial Ice Globes
6
Massage Under-Eye Bags With Cryo Globes
Bequipped Facial Ice Globes
Pros
- Made of glass, so they get cold fast in the freezer
Cons
- Easier to break than plastic or metal wands
It only took a gazillion years to come up with a more glamorous tool than the ol’ refrigerated-spoon trick, but glad we’re finally here. Cryo facial tools, like these glass cryo globes, help to reduce inflammation and swelling under the eyes by temporarily shrinking the blood vessels in your skin, says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD.
After cleansing and moisturizing your skin (moisture helps cryo tools glide easily across your face), massage your under-eyes with the globes, starting at the inner corner of your eyes, before gliding them up toward your temples. Or, for a full-scale chill, rub them around your face in tiny circles—there’s really no wrong way to use them. Just make sure to periodically wash them with soap and water to keep ‘em clean and gunk-free.
THE REVIEWS: “Right away, I could feel a way more freshness on my skin in using the ice globes compared to my other beauty tools,” one review writes. “They don’t tug at my skin or cause any discomfort, and they just feel so fresh.”
7
Use a Chilled Eye Pillow for Puffiness
IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow
7
Use a Chilled Eye Pillow for Puffiness
IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow
Pros
- Filled with beads that act like a weighted blanket for your eyes
Cons
- Strap isn’t adjustable, so you’ll have to lay still if you don’t want it to fall off
Sue me, but there are nights when a basket of super-salty French fries overtakes my affinity for smooth, bright, under-eyes. Enter: this chilled eye pillow (yup, it’s a thing) that’s basically an eye mask, compression wrap, and ice pack, all in one. I keep it in my freezer, and whenever I need some under-eye TLC, I’ll slip on the mask and hang out (nap) until the pillow goes warm. It’s not as effective at de-puffing as straight ice, but the cold still helps constrict blood vessels, while the weight of the mask helps speed up fluid drainage.
THE REVIEWS: “I store it in the freezer in a freezer bag and use it in the morning if my eyes are swollen or to help me fall asleep at night,” one reviewer writes. “The pressure is just right, and it keeps cool for a good amount of time.”
8
Try A De-Puffing Gel for Under-Eye Bags
Dr. Brandt No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel
8
Try A De-Puffing Gel for Under-Eye Bags
Dr. Brandt No More Baggage Eye De-Puffing Gel
Pros
- Lightweight gel acts as a primer for concealer or foundation
Cons
- Not hydrating enough for dry or patchy skin types
Even though, no, eye creams are not a requirement, they can still be a positive addition to your morning routine if they’re formulated with the right ingredients. This cult-favorite gel not only contains caffeine to temporarily constrict blood vessels, plus light-reflecting particles to offset dark circles, but it’s also known for creating a sheer film on your skin that “tightens” as it dries. The combo leaves your under-eyes looking smoother and brighter, especially after swiping on a layer of concealer.
THE REVIEWS: “With an ice pack and this cream, bags were COMPLETELY gone,” one review writes. “WOW. I could go to work and not look like I went on a bender the night before.”
9
Dissolve Eye Makeup With a Cleansing Oil
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Face Wash Cleansing Oil
9
Dissolve Eye Makeup With a Cleansing Oil
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Face Wash Cleansing Oil
Pros
- Can break down waterproof makeup without irritation
Cons
- May require double-cleansing with a regular face wash if you’re acne-prone
Sounds too simple, but it’s true: Your under-eye bags could just be the result of sleeping in your makeup (boo, hiss, bad). Leaving residue on your eyes—whether from makeup wipes or not properly washing your face—can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to chronically puffy eyes. The fix? Cleansing oils, which break down and dissolve all makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner, before washing them cleanly away. Just massage a pump of this cleansing oil across your dry (!) skin, focusing on your eye area, then rinse and moisturize as usual.
THE REVIEWS: “I used this cleanser in place of a makeup remover and it almost disintegrated my makeup for me,” one tester writes. “There was no burning or feeling of scrubbing like every other makeup remover I’ve ever used.”
10
Try Gua Sha for Under-Eye Bags
Sacheu Stainless Steel Gua Sha
10
Try Gua Sha for Under-Eye Bags
Sacheu Stainless Steel Gua Sha
Pros
- Made of stainless steel, so it doesn’t hold onto bacteria as easily
Cons
- A little heavier to hold than a stone gua sha
Listen, I don’t have the patience to wait for my skin tools to get cold in the fridge after I inevitably forget to put them in there. So I got this stainless-steel gua sha that not only stays a bit cool on my vanity at all times, but can also quickly chill out in the freezer in a few minutes. Whenever I need a little de-puffing massage, I dab on an eye serum and gently glide the straight side of the gua sha from the inner to outer corners of my eyes 5-10 times each. No, gua sha won’t magically get rid of genetic eye bags, but it can help temporarily increase lymphatic drainage to decrease some puff.
THE REVIEWS: “I love that it’s stainless steel, so non-porous, so I won’t have to worry as much about bacteria and germs,” writes one tester. “It feels cooling on the skin even without being in the fridge overnight, but that makes for an extra refresher.”
11
Constrict Puffiness With a Caffeine Eye Serum
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
11
Constrict Puffiness With a Caffeine Eye Serum
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + ECGC Depuffing Eye Serum
Pros
- Lightweight texture makes it easy to layer under concealer or foundation
Cons
- Dropper cap can easily leak if not screwed on tightly
The number-one topical ingredient every single expert recommended for treating under-eye bags? Caffeine. According to dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens up blood vessels to reduce the appearance of veins and swelling. This lightweight eye cream from The Ordinary contains a major dose of caffeine, plus a mix of EGCG (a soothing antioxidant found in green tea) and peptides (to help strengthen the elasticity around your eyes). Massage a few dabs of serum under your eyes every morning, then follow with your regular face moisturizer.
THE REVIEWS: “Have used like 6 bottles of it now, day and night,” writes one tester. “The price is amazing, a bottle lasts forever, and it gets rid of all my puffiness and a lot of my darkness.”
12
Sleep with Silicone Under-Eye Patches
SiO Beauty Eye and Smile Reusable Lift Anti-Wrinkle Patches
12
Sleep with Silicone Under-Eye Patches
SiO Beauty Eye and Smile Reusable Lift Anti-Wrinkle Patches
Pros
- Reviewers say patches stayed sticky for 10 uses
Cons
- Have to repurchase a new pack every month if you regularly use
Any beauty product that I can sleep in and still reap the benefits in the morning is good in my book (lazy gworl here). These silicone eye patches won’t dramatically reduce under-eye bags, but when you stick them on before bed as a ~precaution~, their gentle compression may help reduce some of the fluid retention that can contribute to puffiness, giving you the illusion of tighter, less-baggy under-eyes (especially when paired with a good concealer and color corrector). You can also keep them in the freezer and stick them on top of your eye cream in the morning to help boost the de-puffing effects.
THE REVIEWS: “I was amazed how relaxed and bright my eyes looked the next day, and knew I was hooked,” writes one review. “Nothing else has worked as well as the SIO patches. They will easily last 10-15 uses if you handle as instructed.”
13
Treat Puffy Bags With an Under-Eye Roller
Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller
13
Treat Puffy Bags With an Under-Eye Roller
Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller
Pros
- Roller-ball stip stays a little cold, even without being refrigerated
Cons
- Gel contains alcohol, which can be drying on sensitive or dry skin
Dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, suggests enlisting the help of this gel-infused roller to help de-puff your under-eye bags when you don’t have time for a full cryo-therapy session. The cooling roller tip acts like a mini cryo wand as you massage and roll it across your eye area, helping fluid drain faster than if you had just tapped on a regular eye cream. And the gel itself is also excellent—formulated with vitamin C and caffeine to help brighten and firm the skin around your eyes with continued use. Like 90 percent of my skincare products, I like to keep this roller in the fridge for added de-puffing powers. I just massage it under each eye for 30 seconds before tapping in the excess gel and finishing with moisturizer and sunscreen.
THE REVIEWS: “I have very dark circles and puffy eyes and have tried many products,” writes one reviewer. I started using this product at least a month ago and just last week my husband started saying I was looking different in my eyes for some reason. I couldn’t figure it out; then, we both realized that under my eyes were so much brighter and less puffy.”
14
Boost Your Collagen Production with Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler Serum
14
Boost Your Collagen Production with Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler Serum
Pros
- Available and accessible at most drugstores
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance, which some sensitive-skin types may not like
Listen up: if you’re not already using a retinol cream, your time has officially come. “While retinol may not get rid of under-eye bags themselves, it can help improve skin elasticity over time,” says Dr. Fahs. Retinol, reminder, speeds up your cellular turnover while stimulating collagen production. More collagen = more elasticity in the skin, which can mean firmer, smoother under-eyes over time.
Instead of spot-treating with a retinol eye cream, which can be needlessly irritating and limiting, massage a sheer layer of this retinol serum across your face (yup, even under your eyes) one to two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, before working your way up to every other night indefinitely. Because retinol can be a bit drying at first, end your night routine with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and mitigate any flaking or irritating side effects.
THE REVIEWS: “I have dry and sensitive skin, but this doesn’t break me out or irritate my skin at all,” writes one reviewer. “I love it and how it is helping get rid of my wrinkles.”
15
Add a Brightening Vitamin C Formula
BeautyStat Universal Universal C Eye Perfector
15
Add a Brightening Vitamin C Formula
BeautyStat Universal Universal C Eye Perfector
Pros
- Lightweight formula sinks in quickly
Cons
- Might be too glowy for oily skin types
JSYK, under-eye bags and dark circles aren’t the same thing, even though they’re often lumped together in the same complaint. If you’re dealing with both, try this vitamin C-spiked eye cream, which can help brighten skin over time. Vitamin C not only protects against damage-causing free radicals (which lead to premature fine lines and collagen loss), but it also helps disrupt the melanin production in your skin, working to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
While only professional treatments can completely get rid of under-eye bags, amping up the brightness around your eyes can make shadows less noticeable and bags look flatter. You can use this eye cream day or night, but because it’s so lightweight, I prefer to layer it under my concealer to help it blend better into my foundation.
THE REVIEWS: “It went on super smoothly, and I had no hint of any burning sensation at all,” writes one tester in a review. “And, maybe most importantly, my skin finally felt like it was getting some moisture! I can’t even describe what a relief this was to me.”
16
Try a Microcurrent Facial to “Lift” Skin
NuFACE FIX Line-Smoothing Device
16
Try a Microcurrent Facial to “Lift” Skin
NuFACE FIX Line-Smoothing Device
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Uses research-backed microcurrents to help encourage tighter-looking skin
Cons
- Requires consistent, daily use to see results
Using low-grade electrical currents to make your face look a bit more ~lifted~? Sounds fake, but trust me—I’m obsessed. Microcurrent devices, like the cult-favorite NuFace, use the technology of microcurrent facials to help stimulate blood flow and muscle contractions to leave your face looking a bit more glow-y and “tighter” over time.
The NuFace Fix (pictured here) is a smaller version of the original NuFace Trinity and designed to easily glide around the eyes and mouth to work on fine lines and puffiness. No, it won’t permanently get rid of under-eye bags (nothing but surgery can do that, sry), but in my experience of using it for daily for the last year, I’ve noticed that it temporarily leaves my under-eye bags looking a smidge smoother than any cream or massage ever has.
THE REVIEWS: “So far, it’s become my favorite of the NuFace line, mostly because it’s so easy to use; small, light, and portable; and can be a quick or a longer treatment,” one review writes.
17
Amp Up the Hydration Around Your Eyes
Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides
17
Amp Up the Hydration Around Your Eyes
Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides
Pros
- Helps temporarily plump fine lines so concealer applies more evenly
Cons
- Reviewers say the pump can easily get clogged
Dewy, moist, glow-y skin automatically looks healthier and plumper. So even if your skin is hyper-sensitive and you’re not looking to add a bunch of additional actives to your skincare routine, your under-eye bags can still benefit from a moisture-rich eye cream like this one from Shani Darden. The formula is filled with tightening peptides that help encourage the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, along with hydrating squalane, soothing niacinamide, and barrier-repairing ceramides to leave your fine lines a little softer, and your eye area looking way healthier. And don’t worry—the cream is moisturizing, yes, but not so heavy that it’ll cause concealer to slip around. Dab it on over moisturizer in the morning and at night, and if you’re feeling ~extra~, use cryo wands or a gua sha to massage it into the skin.
THE REVIEWS: “I have very sensitive eyes, and this eye cream is non-irritating,” writes one tester. “It hydrates nicely and works well underneath makeup too. A little goes a long way, and I anticipate this lasting a long time.”
Can eye bags be removed without surgery?
Eye bags can’t be completely “removed” without surgery if they’re a result of fat under your eyes versus just overall swelling. Retinoids or skin-tightening treatments will firm your skin and make your under-eye bags look less pronounced, but they won’t “deflate” your bags necessarily. Only a lower-lid blepharoplasty can truly get rid of the fat underneath your eyes.
Why do I get bags under my eyes?
According to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, you may have bags under your eyes due to a mix of health and behavioral factors. “Puffiness is often caused by poor lymphatic circulation or by dietary factors, like high sodium, which draws water into your skin’s tissue,” says Dr. Nazarian. While you can play around with your eating habits, you can only do so much when it comes to your lymphatic system—it may be holding on to excess lymph (aka fluid) because of hormones, new medications, or stress, which is why you should always check with your doctor if anything seems off.
Before you start worrying about your system or your love of salt, though, know that your bags may also just be something you were born with, meaning there’s nothing “wrong” with you, your lifestyle, your health, etc.—your skin may simply be showing the natural muscle structure beneath it, giving you the appearance of puffiness.
Can allergies cause under-eye bags?
Yes, allergies can cause temporary under-eye bags, says board-certified dermatologist Kenneth Mark, MD. “Allergies cause swelling by dilating the blood vessels and release a histamine,” says Dr. Mark, which is why over-the-counter antihistamines (like Zyrtec and Claritin), eye drops, and nasal sprays can help decrease irritation or fluid retention. Of course, if you think you’re struggling with allergies or have other widespread allergic issues, go to your primary care physician or an allergist for targeted help.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
Contributor
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she’s obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She’s been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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