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Thanks to celebs like Victoria Beckham and brands like Topicals, under-eye patches have gone from being a hidden secret to a part of Instagram’s “get ready with me” aesthetic. Known to help remedy common concerns around the delicate eye area like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, it’s easy to see why these skin-care tools have become a staple in nearly every it-girl’s routine. But while slapping on a pair and posing in front of your iPhone may be the secret sauce for a cute skin-care selfie, it’s important to understand which ones are best for you, and how to use them correctly in order to reap the full benefits. Ahead, let’s get into Vogue’s picks for the best under-eye patches on the market in 2024.
Our Top Picks
- Best for Fine Lines: Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer, $135
- Best for Tired Eyes: 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask, $115
- Best for Wrinkles: Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Smoothing Eye Mask, $70
- Best Reusable: Dieux Forever Eye Mask, $25
- Best for Hydration: Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, $34
- Best for Puffiness: BeautyBio Bright Eyes Depuffing and Brightening Gels, $40
- Best Retinol: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks, $42
- Best Brightening: Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Eye Patches, $65
- Best for Dark Circles: Augustinus Bader The Eye Patches, $125
In this section
How to Apply Under-Eye Patches
Single-use vs. reusable eye patches—what’s the better option?
How to choose an under-eye patch
The Best for Smoothing Out Fine Lines
Why We Love It: 111Skin’s charcoal-colored patches contain regenerative retinol, plumping hyaluronic acid, clearing yarrow extract (not to mention luxe black diamond particles) to transform tired eyes. No wonder they are Victoria Beckham’s go-to.
- Key Ingredients: 111Skin’s peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, retinol, rose hip extract, hexapeptide, and diamond particles.
- Benefits: Tackles not only fine lines, but also increases hydration, evens out discoloration, and makes skin appear more plump. “Rose hip extract, hexapeptide, and diamond particles work together to brighten and revitalize the under-eye area, making them suitable for morning use to start the day with a radiant complexion,” says Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban.
- How to Apply: Cleanse skin, then remove protective film from both sides. Apply the hydrogel patch under each eye and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Count: Eight pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Consider Chanel’s luxe firming two-step system—a roll-on serum and hydrogel patches stamped with the French house’s logo—the 2.55 of eye care.
- Key Ingredients: Chanel’s Le Lift ingredient 3.5-DA (an extract from the edulis morning glory, dicaffeolyquinic acid), botanical extracts, camellia seed oil, arginine
- Benefits: Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness overtime, while also smoothing out fine lines and erasing signs of fatigue.
- How to Apply: Apply the roll-on serum first, then place the hydrogel patches directly under the eyes.
- Count: 10 pairs of patches per box
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Why We Love It: When it comes to treating her under-eyes before bed, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman looks to SiO’s Super EyeLift patches because they’re easy to use and help her appear well-rested come morning.
- Key Ingredients: 100% medical grade silicone, which Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. explains is ideal for “protecting the skin, skin aging, and collagen remodeling.”
- Benefits: Smoothes out wrinkles and fine lines. With proper care, each patch can be used up to 10 times.
- How to Apply: Cleanse and dry skin, then apply each mask under the eye. Leave on for a few hours, or overnight.
- Count: Two sets of reusable patches per box that can be used for two weeks each.
Why We Love It: Shiseido’s Benefiance pads pack a one-two punch: In addition to smoothing the appearance of wrinkles near the eyes, they can also target laugh lines when placed around the mouth.
- Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, Shiseido’s WrinkleResist24 Technology (featuring hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline). As Dr. Shamban explains, “This combination can stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, hydrate, and improve skin elasticity, making it best for evening use to optimize the skin's circadian rhythm and repair mechanisms.”
- Benefits: Despite retinol being the key ingredient, the formula is non-drying and helps to soften skin.
- How to Apply: After cleansing and before applying serum or moisturizer, apply one mask at a time under the eye. Leave on for 15 minutes, then gently remove. Because the formula includes retinol, we’d recommend applying at night and following with SPF in the AM.
- Count: 12 pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Stay red-carpet-ready thanks to Jennifer Aniston’s facialist, Mila Moursi, whose bio-cellulose patches are made with apple stem cells, royal jelly, and calming ginger root to naturally lift (and illuminate) the under-eye area. “Stem cells enhance skin cell activity, while ginger root provides antioxidant effects,” says. Dr. Zeichner.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, apple stem cells, ginger root, glycerin, immortelle extract
- Benefits: Treats fine lines, dryness, and inflammation in just one step.
- How to Apply: Apply under the eye area two times a week. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Count: Five pairs of patches per box
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Why We Love It: Skin-care expert Dr. Zion Ko teamed up with Murad to create an extra large under-eye mask that helps to firm the eye area with retinol.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol Tri-Active Technology—aka a gentle form of the gold standard ingredient—blue agave extract, bio-cellulose mask. “Blue agave extract helps soothe and calm the delicate under-eye area,” says Dr. Shamban, which is why this ingredient is perfect to pair with a retinol.
- Benefits: Hydrates skin while firming and smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- How to Apply: Apply to the under-eye area and leave on for 15 minutes. Use two to three nights a week.
- Count: Five pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: You’ll never need to buy another pair of under-eye masks again.
- Key Ingredients: Silicone gel, which as Dr. Shamban explains, creates a protective and occlusive barrier. “It’s ideal for nighttime use to keep the skin hydrated while allowing for better absorption of active ingredients, assisting in nighttime recovery,” she adds.
- Benefits: It’s sustainable—both for your wallet and the environment—and can be used with your favorite existing under-eye product.
- How to Apply: Simply apply your favorite eye cream or serum, then place the mask on top for deeper penetration.
- Count: One reusable pair of patches per box
The Best for Thirsty Under-Eyes
Why We Love It: Infusing skin with Icelandic glacial waters and advanced antioxidants, these crescent-shaped, transdermal gel masks deliver a blast of cool for rested and refreshed eyes in just ten minutes.
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed elastin, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, CoQ10, acetyl hexapeptide-8, Skyn Iceland’s Icelandic Complex (featuring glacial water, arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils, and molecular oxygen). “Glacial water can calm and soothe the skin while cloudberry extract, helps brighten and provides antioxidant effects,” explains Dr. Zeichner.
- Benefits: Help to make skin appear firmer, less puffy, and more revitalized.
- How to Apply: Apply to the under-eye area and leave on for 10 minutes. Use at least once a week.c cloudberry and cranberry seed oils, and molecular oxygen)
- Count: Eight pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Infused with a milky prebiotic serum, Jillian Dempsey’s 100% natural, milky masks hydrate the eye area while diminishing fine lines—and feel like a second skin. Just ask Patrick Dempsey.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, camelina oil, and almond oil. “Hyaluronic acid provides hydration, while camelina oil and almond oil offer essential nutrients to support the skin's natural moisture balance, especially when used in the morning to align with the skin's circadian rhythm,” says Dr. Shamban.
- Benefits: These serum-soaked masks work to hydrate, plump, and firm skin.
- How to Apply: Peel off lining and apply to the skin under the eye. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Count: 10 pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Patchology’s Happy Face Eye Gels have earned such a name for a reason: made with hibiscus, coconut extract, and lotus flower for brightening and plumping—not to mention a feel-good rose aroma—the tea-infused treatment is a boost for both your skin and senses. “Hibiscus and lotus flower [in particular] have a calming effect on the skin,” says renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few, who has a background in oculoplastic surgery—making this combination great for anyone also dealing with inflammation.
- Key Ingredients: Hibiscus, lotus flower, rose, coconut extract
- Benefits: Hydrates skin, smooths fine lines, and makes eyes appear revitalized.
- How to Apply: Cleanse and dry skin, then place masks under the eye for at least five minutes. Afterwards, massage any remaining serum into skin.
- Count: Five pairs of patches per box
The Best for Brightening Dark Circles
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Why We Love It: As Augustinus Bader’s latest launch, The Eye Patches promise brighter, firmer under-eyes in just one use. The hydrogel masks utilize a blend of skin-plumping ingredients to gently illuminate dark circles and smooth fine lines.
- Key Ingredients: Bader’s TFC8 complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, fermented polysaccharide, allantoin, vitamin B5, green tea, and sunflower root extract. “These are powerful antioxidants,” explains Dr. Few. “[They protect] against UV damage, and stimulate collagen production.”
- Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, and plumping. Helps to smooth out fine lines, while reducing hyperpigmentation and dark circles.
- How to Apply: Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for up to 20 minutes. Use two to three times a week.
- Count: Six pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Experience celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas’s sought-after touch from the comfort of your own couch with these brightening eye patches, which are the go-to among many a Hollywood starlet.
- Key Ingredients: Matricaria extract, castor oil, hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid, allantoin. “[These ingredients] together promote hydration and protection of the skin barrier,” says Dr. Few.
- Benefits: These extra moisturizing patches reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, while also de-puffing.
- How to Apply: Peel away backing and apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Count: Five pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Peter Thomas Roth’s brightening hydra-gel patches—complete with vitamin C and a wealth of antioxidants—offer a fast fix after a long night out. Pro tip: Store them in the fridge for an instant boost upon waking. Dr. Few suggests doing a patch test before diving into vitamin C to ensure it won’t irritate skin.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, caffeine
- Benefits: Helps to brighten skin and reduce the signs of aging.
- How to Apply: Use the spatula to take out each patch. Apply to the under-eye area and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Count: 30 pairs of patches per box
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Why We Love It: Shine bright with Wander Beauty’s gold foil eye masks, which alleviate puffiness and reduce dark circles with the help of jojoba seed and lavender oils—and zero slip. “I love jojoba seed oil—it’s one of the best, most easily tolerable types of topical oils,” Dr. Few gushes.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts (calendula, camu camu, aloe leaf)
- Benefits: Helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, quench dryness, and smooth out uneven texture.
- How to Apply: Apply to clean skin, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then discard.
- Count: Six pairs of patches per box
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Why We Love It: Not only does it help combat dark circles and discoloration, but these viral-worthy under-eye patches are chic enough to wear anytime, any place.
- Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, arbutin, caffeine. “Kojic acid and arbutin are incredibly effective for treating hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Few. “Caffeine is a natural vasoconstrictor, which makes the eyes look less puffy and reduces vascular hyperpigmentation.”
- Benefits: Helps to get rid of dullness and discoloration—fast.
- How to Apply: Cleanse skin, then apply under the eye and leave on for up to 15 minutes.
- Count: Six pairs of patches per box
For Best for Reducing Puffiness
Why We Love It: A favorite in the Vogue office, BeautyBio’s collagen-infused gel masks—made with illuminating pearl and colloidal silver—fake the appearance of a full night’s rest, even if life is running at a breakneck pace. These truly come in handy to quickly diminish under-eye bags. “Colloidal silver is a very powerful agent to help aid collagen production,” explains Dr. Few, adding that this ingredient is especially effective if used post-microneedling, which should always be done in-office.
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal silver, collagen, pearl, aloe vera
- Benefits: Firms, tightens, and helps eyes look brighter. You can also use on nose-to-mouth lines for similar benefits.
- How to Apply: Place on clean, dry skin and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Discard after use.
- Count: 15 pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Once carried back from Parisian pharmacies by the trunkful, Klorane’s petite patches, formulated with anti-inflammatory cornflower, are the not-so-secret weapon of French girls (and those who aspire to be) for looking—and feeling alive!—and awake. It also includes hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Few describes as a “water-loving” particle, making it perfect for cold or dry climates.
- Key Ingredients: Cornflower water, hyaluronic acid, dextra sulfate
- Benefits: The vegan formula helps skin appear smoother and more hydrated.
- How to Apply: Apply directly to the under-eye area and leave on for 15 minutes.
- Count: Seven pairs of patches per box
Why We Love It: Star ingredient copper peptides comes together with banana extract and bakuchiol to reduce puffiness and fine lines. “Copper peptides have created a buzz because of the antioxidant capabilities,” says Dr. Few. “It can, in theory, also enhance collagen and elastin production, which is important for the under-eye area.”
- Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, banana extract, bakuchiol.
- Benefits: Simultaneously cools the skin to help prevent irritation.
- How to Apply: Place on clean, dry under-eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes, then discard.
- Count: Five pairs of patches per box
How to apply under-eye patches
“Depending on the ingredients infused in the eye patches, they can be used daytime or nighttime to best support the skin’s circadian rhythm,” explains Dr. Shamban. “In the morning, after cleansing the skin, eye patches can help target morning puffiness and dark circles, as the skin is more receptive to treatments during this time.”
Once removed, Dr. Few “absolutely recommends using an SPF.” However, considering the delicate nature of the eye area, not just any product will do. He suggests using the Rejuvenating Eye + SPF 15 cream from his eponymous skin-care line. The formula boasts peptides that reduce skin irritation, stimulate elastin and collagen, and use mineral SPF to protect against UVA/UVB rays.
“For nighttime recovery, apply them in the evening after cleansing and moisturizing to support the skin's natural repair processes,” says Dr. Shamban. You can then follow up with an eye cream or serum of your choice.
Which type of under-eye patch material is best for me?
While brands are quite transparent about the type of concerns their under-eye patches target, understanding what they’re made of is important to consider as well.
“Patches are made of a variety of different materials, depending on the brand,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “These range from gels to cellulose to collagen or even cotton.”
Dr. Shamban suggests opting for patches made from hydrogel for morning use, and bio-cellulose for evening. “Hydrogel patches are hydrating and conform well to the contours of your skin,” she explains. “They help to lock in moisture, reducing morning puffiness and enhancing the absorption of active ingredients.” Bio-cellulose on the other hand creates an occlusive environment for the under-eye area. “This aids in the skin's natural repair processes,” she adds.
Dr. Few also suggests avoiding any eye patches that are fragranced, or use artificial dyes that can irritate the skin.
Single-use vs. reusable eye patches—what’s the better option?
It really comes down to what’s best for you—and your budget. Both Dr. Shamban and Dr. Zeichner agree under-eye patches that were designed to be reused can be a more sustainable option.
However, with any product intended for multiple applications, hygiene must be kept top of mind. “These patches must be properly washed after each use to prevent microbial contamination,” shares Dr. Zeichner. That said, anything labeled as a single-use product should be immediately discarded.
“The patches will degrade overtime,” says Dr. Few. He adds that recycling single-use products also poses a higher risk for contamination, which can lead to issues like styes and even conjunctivitis.
How to choose an under-eye patch
Seeing as there are a plethora of under-eye patches to choose from, Dr. Michelle Henry suggests picking a product based on your needs. “You wouldn’t start using a retinol under-eye mask at 18-years-old, but maybe look for something to treat dryness or dark circles,” she shares. “The specific concern will guide you when to start using them.” Let the below ingredient guide help inform your decision. Whether you’re looking to treat dark circles or fine lines, Henry recommends keeping these ingredients on your radar.
Ingredients to consider
“Vitamin K is an antioxidant that helps with dark circles by reducing the visibility of blood vessels,” she says. “Vitamin C is another popular ingredient, also an antioxidant, that will brighten skin and thicken the collagen which helps to treat the thinning of under eye skin.” She is also a fan of niacinamide for brightening.
“Retinol is always going to be one of the top ingredients for treating fine lines and wrinkles,” Henry shares. “Peptides that stimulate collagen are great to efface fine lines and wrinkles as well.”
“Niacinamide and chamomile are ideal for calming and soothing skin in the under eye area,” Henry notes. Additionally, aloe is a notoriously soothing salve to consider.
According to Henry, “Ceramides and squalene are natural lipids that lock in and promote moisture. Hyaluronic acid is another powerful ingredient to treat dryness.”
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Julius Few is a board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon based in Chicago, Illinois.
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and an ACGME fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon.
- Mila Moursi is a celebrity facialist specializing in French skincare and treatments.
- Dr. Ava Shamban is a Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in wrinkle reduction and other aesthetic skin care procedures.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.