Best under-eye serums for puffiness (I Tested 7 That Actually Worked)

Struggling with under-eye puffiness? I’ve tested more under-eye serums than I can count — some gave quick, photo-ready smoothing, while others cracked, flaked, or made puffiness look worse.

Below are my real before-and-after results and honest reviews of what actually helped under-eye bags — and which “instant” serums weren’t worth it, especially on mature skin or under makeup. This page focuses on short-term, visible smoothing — not long-term treatment.

Want causes + long-term fixes? See my full guide to reducing puffy eyes—from allergies to at-home DIYs.

When under-eye serums help — and when they don’t

Under-eye puffiness isn’t all the same, and that’s why some “instant” serums look amazing on one person… and do basically nothing on someone else. 

In my testing, tightening serums work best when puffiness is fluid-related (sleep, salt, allergies, morning swelling). They’re much less effective on fat pads or festoons, because a topical product can’t truly shrink that.

So this page focuses on what I care about most:

Real, visible results — without the usual headaches like flaking, cracking, tightness, or white residue (especially under makeup). As you scroll, I’ll help you match the right product to the type of puffiness you’re dealing with.

If you're looking for “what’s better than Plexaderm,” my full Plexaderm alternatives guide is here. Otherwise, keep reading — below I share which serum worked best for under-eye puffiness (including under makeup).

Why I started testing under eye serums

I’ve had lower eyelid puffiness since my early 20s — and now that I’m older, I deal with the fun combo of puffiness + crepey under-eye texture. And let’s be real… heavy concealer can make that look worse, not better.

So I started testing “instant” tightening serums the way people actually use them: on real mornings, with facial movement, and sometimes under makeup. A lot of them look promising for five minutes… then they crack, flake, or leave a white film.

The before-and-after below is one of the few times I felt like I got the smoothing I was hoping for. These are my real results (not altered). Your results may vary.

Now let’s get into the serums I tested — what worked best, what was ok, and what I wouldn’t buy again.

1. Plexaderm Rapid Reduction Eye Serum

Verdict: Smoother than the old cream, but still fussy. Works best on bare skin; can feel dry and crack with expression. Sensitive skin may prefer EES.

Best for: Quick, photo-ready lift on clean skin.

• Pros: Fast tightening; clearer finish than the old cream.
• Cons: Drying on mature/sensitive skin; makeup layering is tricky; can leave residue.
• Tip: Use a tiny amount; keep your face still 5–10 min to set.

Note: If you want a true comparison of how Plexaderm stacks up against other popular eye-tightening serums, I’ve broken that down separately in my Plexaderm vs competitors guide.

2. Preparation H under eyes (should you?)

Short answer: I don’t recommend it for the eye area. In my test it looked greasier and worse, not better.

Why I don’t recommend:

• Not formulated/tested for the periocular area
• Greasy/occlusive base can emphasize puffiness and pill under makeup
• Can migrate into eyes → redness, burning, watering
• Doesn’t treat common causes (fluid, allergies, fat pads/festoons)

Why people try it: They hope the temporary tightening you get elsewhere will de-puff under eyes.

If you’re going to try it anyway (not recommended): safer steps

• Patch test on inner arm 24 hrs first
• Keep well below the lower lash line; never on lids or near tear ducts
• Use a rice-grain amount on clean, dry skin; don’t rub; let sit 5–10 min
• Don’t combine the same night with retinoids/acids or thick occlusives
• Stop and rinse if you feel stinging, redness, or swelling; if it gets in your eye, rinse thoroughly

What to use instead (works better + eye-safe)

• Instant options: Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye, Easy Eye Solutions
• Long term options: See my guide: how to reduce puffy eyes

My test, bottom line: It didn’t reduce puffiness or refresh my look; the greasy texture made things worse. For real comparisons and safer options, see Plexaderm vs Preparation H.

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3. Instantly Ageless

Verdict: Works at first, then flakes. Hard to apply smoothly and doesn’t play well with makeup.

Best for: Occasional, short-wear touch-ups on bare skin.

• Reduces puffiness initially; flakes after a few hours.
• Chunky texture; often needs thinning; can look patchy.
• I reach for PTR or EES instead when I need reliability.

4. Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye

Verdict: Fast visible de-puffing, but can leave a tight, powdery film if you overdo it.

Best for: Events/quick fixes; light makeup or none.

• Works in minutes; strong tightening.
• Use less than you think; mix with a drop of water if needed.
• If residue appears, you used too much or layered over heavy cream.
• Wondering whether it lasts as long as Plexaderm? See my comparison.

5. INSTA-TOX - Serious Skincare

Verdict: Very liquid—shake well. OK for mild puffiness; weaker than PTR for serious bags. Dries powdery.

Best for: Quick, budget-friendly lift on mild puffiness. 

• Can sputter if separated; apply a thin layer and let set.
• Short wear; residue risk—if that’s unavoidable, I’d pick PTR.

6. Easy Eye Solutions Instant Eye Tuck

Verdict: My top pick. Gentle, smooth, and works under makeup without cracking.

Best for: Sensitive/mature skin; daily wear.

• Soft gel blurs criss-cross/crepey texture.
• Apply a tiny amount; let dry before concealer.
• Easiest “instant” option I’ve used for consistent results.

7. Dr. Brandt No More Baggage

Verdict: Nice light gel for mild puffiness/brightening; not a heavy lifter.

Best for: Subtle de-puff + brighter look; makeup days.

• Dries clear (no visible residue).
• Finding the right amount takes a try or two.
• Less firming than PTR/EES, but gentler finish.

Top 3 picks: For Under-Eye Solutions

1. Easy Eye Solutions — Best overall (daily wear). Smooths/tightens without cracking and plays nicely under makeup.
2. Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye — Best instant, event-day lift. Visibly de-puffs in minutes; use a tiny amount and let set.
3. Dr. Brandt No More Baggage — Best for mild puffiness + brightening. Lightweight gel, dries clear; less firming than the two above.

CTA: Try the one that fits your needs, and tell me which worked best for you!

How to effectively use an Under Eye Puffiness Serum

Best Way to Get a Flawless Finish

To reap the benefits of under-eye serums, you need to know how to apply them correctly. You don't need to be a makeup artist to get it right. You don't need to use a setting spray, setting powder, or cream concealers.

And you don't need a beauty blender or makeup brush to smooth it on...Just your ring finger. Here is my advice:

1. Apply a non-oily hydrating eye cream under the eyes.
2. Apply a tiny drop, half the size of a pea—don’t overdo it!
   
3. Gently smooth it from the inner corners under the lash line outward across the undereye area.

A little goes a long way, adjust the amount next time until you find what works. I usually apply this serum after finishing my makeup, just before heading out the door.

Makeup note: If you use eyeliner, apply it after the serum has fully set. Tightening serums can make liner skip or grab if you go in too soon.
If puffiness (or crepey under-eyes) makes liner tricky, my eyeliner tips are here.

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Best eye serum for puffy eyes: Summary

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links

Here is a quick summary of the review of anti-aging eye products I've tried: EES, Peter Thomas Roth, Plexaderm, Instantly Ageless, Insta-TOX, Dr. Brandt No More Baggage.

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Finally:

If you’ve battled under-eye puffiness like I have, don’t give up. You don’t need pricey treatments or heavy concealer to look fresher.

Start with a lightweight tightening serum (Easy Eye Solutions or PTR Instant FirmX Eye), apply after hydrating, and let it set 5–10 minutes.

Want more real-life fixes that work for tired eyes, fine lines, and feeling fabulous after 40? Join my newsletter for beauty tips I actually use.

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