Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes (Natural & Medical Remedies)

Created by: Tua Saude editing team

Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired or older than you are. They often appear when the skin becomes thinner, blood vessels show through, or there’s fluid buildup under the eyes. Common causes include genetics, dehydration, lack of sleep, or natural skin aging.

While dark circles aren’t a health concern, many people look for ways to lighten or reduce their appearance. Home remedies can help hydrate the skin, reduce swelling, and improve circulation around the eyes. However, if dark circles persist or worsen, it’s best to see a dermatologist for specific treatments, such as creams containing caffeine, retinol, or hyaluronic acid.

Below are some simple, natural options that may help reduce dark circles and puffiness. These remedies are easy to try at home and can complement a healthy sleep routine and good hydration.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

List of natural treatments

Some options for home remedies for dark circles include:

1. Cold compresses

Cold compresses help reduce puffiness and dark circles by constricting blood vessels and limiting fluid buildup under the eyes.

Ingredients

  • Ice cubes

  • Plastic bag

  • Clean, dry towel

How to use
Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin, which can cause irritation or burns. Apply the compress under the eyes for 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also chill a spoon in the freezer for a few minutes and place it under the eyes for the same effect.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help calm the skin and reduce puffiness. It contains bisabolol, a compound that promotes skin firmness and helps prevent early signs of aging.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers or leaves

  • 1 cup of water

How to use
Boil the water, add the chamomile, and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain, cool, and refrigerate until cold. Soak a clean cotton pad in the tea and apply under the eyes for 15 minutes.

Alternatively, chill used chamomile tea bags and apply one under each eye for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Mashed tomato

Tomatoes act as a natural skin brightener, helping to reduce pigmentation and improve skin tone.

Ingredients

  • 1 cold tomato

How to use
Mash the tomato with a fork and gently apply it under the eyes. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry.

4. Potato or cucumber slices

Both potatoes and cucumbers have cooling, soothing properties that refresh the under-eye area and help reduce discoloration.

Ingredients

  • Chilled potato or cucumber slices

How to use
Cut the vegetable into thin slices, close your eyes, and place one over each eyelid. Leave them on for about 20 minutes. Afterward, rinse with warm water to stimulate circulation.

5. Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps reduce pigmentation and puffiness.

Ingredients

  • 2 green tea bags

  • 1 cup of water

How to use
Boil the water, steep the tea for a few minutes, then refrigerate the bags until cold. Place one tea bag under each eye for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse your face.

6. Almond oil

Almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which help hydrate and protect the skin. It can reduce the appearance of dryness and fine lines that make dark circles more visible.

Ingredients

  • Sweet almond oil

  • Cotton pads or fingertips

How to use
Before bedtime, apply 2 to 3 drops of almond oil to a cotton pad or use your fingers to gently massage the oil under your eyes for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse your face in the morning.

7. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel contains compounds like aloin and aloesin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These help hydrate the skin and reduce pigmentation caused by dryness or aging.

Ingredients

  • 1 aloe vera leaf or store-bought pure aloe vera gel

How to use
Extract the clear gel from the leaf and apply a thin layer under the eyes using clean fingers or a cotton pad. Gently massage the area and leave it overnight. Wash your face in the morning.
Always test a small amount of aloe vera on your hand before using it on your face to check for allergies.

Medical and FDA-approved alternatives

If home remedies don’t help, dermatologists may recommend clinically tested products that contain FDA-approved ingredients for reducing dark circles, such as:

  • Caffeine-based eye creams, which help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness

  • Retinol creams, which improve collagen production and skin thickness

  • Hyaluronic acid serums, which hydrate and plump the skin under the eyes

  • Vitamin C creams, which can lighten pigmentation and brighten the skin tone

You are encouraged to consult with a dermatologist for a complete assessment to determine the best treatment approach for you.

Update History
We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.
  • 12 November, 2025 (Current version)
    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse
  • 11 November, 2025
  • Created on November, 2025

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