11 best under-eye patches I've tested (& whether they work)
When I’m stressed, travelling long haul, have a headache or just have really tired eyes, I always reach for under-eye patches.
Why? These little wonder masks are your best friend for a quick fix that sees sleepy peepers turn to bright-and-bushy-tailed eyes. Eyes that look awake, alert and ready to face the day. Or, if you need to relax after a stressful day (because #life), they can equally deliver some much needed rest and relaxation.
“Under-eye patches contain a combination of potent active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides and others,” says Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at Osvi Dermatology.
The skin beneath your eyes is ultra-thin (up to five times thinner than the rest of your face) and low on fat reserves – so it shows tiredness, vessel-visibility, puffiness and pigmentation much quicker. Add in stress, heat, lack of sleep, screen glare, and you’ve got an ideal cocktail for dark circles. In fact, one clinical trial found that pads enriched with caffeine and vitamin K reduced the depth of dark circles after four weeks of nightly use. Patches also work by boosting hydration, drawing moisture in, and helping to reinforce the skin’s barrier around the fragile under-eye zone.
So, if you feel that Sleeping Beauty is your alter ego and the three layers of concealer and foundation aren't cutting the mustard, why not treat yourself to some one of the best eye creams, and some of the best under-eye patches below (and have a little lie down while you're at it). Because trust us, taking time for your self-care is always worth it.
- How I tested the best eye patches
- Why you can trust me
- Our full under-eye patch reviews
- How do under-eye patches work?
- How long should you wear them for?
- How often should you apply them?
- Where in your skincare routine should they be used?
- How do you get rid of under-eye puffiness?
- Do under-eye patches really work?
Meet the experts:
- Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at Osvi Dermatology.
- Dr Paris Acharya, aesthetics and skincare expert and co-founder of The Ardour Clinic.
How I tested the best eye patches:
We take testing seriously here at Glamour. To bring you the best under-eye patches on the market, I sifted through countless formulas, testing everything from cooling gels to innovative plumping patches. I paid close attention to texture, ingredient lists, and - importantly - whether they actually stayed put (because let’s be honest, a patch sliding into your mouth mid-scroll is never the vibe). Only those that genuinely brightened, soothed, and hydrated made the final cut.
We also took on board expert recommendations throughout the testing process. Dr Paris Acharya, aesthetics and skincare expert and co-founder of The Ardour Clinic reveals that she personally opts for eye patches and masks that contain hyaluronic acid. “It's the ultimate hydrating ingredient, perfect for firming, plumping and de-puffing the eye area,” she says.
And the expert's absolute favourite under-eye patches? The Hyaluronic Acid Microneedle Eye Patches from PCA Skin. “Each pair contains 1,254 self-dissolving micro-needles infused with 50mg of hyaluronic acid, which gives an enhanced delivery of hydrating ingredients to the under-eye area. The result is a visibly improved appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.”
Why you can trust me:
As a freelance editor, I’ve tested hundreds of products across skincare, makeup, and wellness, for titles like Glamour, HELLO!, Marie Claire and Women's Health. I've spoken to experts, attended industry events and sat at panel talks to further my skincare knowledge. As such, I know more than your average beauty fan when it comes to the best under-eye patches to invest in.
Every product in this guide was tried and tested by me over a number of weeks, so you can trust that the recommendations below genuinely deliver brighter, more rested-looking eyes. I paid close attention to how each patch performed on puffiness, dark circles and hydration, and how my under-eyes looked and felt afterwards. I also noted texture, fit, scent and how well they layered under makeup - because practicality matters as much as payoff. The ones that made it here are the patches that consistently delivered visible brightness, smoother skin and that “I’ve-had-eight-hours” kind of glow.
Ahead, shop Glamour's edit of the best under-eye patches to buy right now.
After a week of testing, these UKLash Hydra-Gel Patches became a fast favourite for my tired, puffy mornings. They cling comfortably under the eyes without sliding, and after ten minutes the area looks noticeably brighter and more hydrated - the kind of “awake” effect you normally only get after a full night’s sleep. The serum leaves a dewy finish that sits well under makeup, making them a solid prep step before foundation or concealer.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, ceramides, vegan collagen, aloe vera, liquorice, marshmallow root extract.
- Pairs of patches included: 30 pairs.
- Pros: Hydrating, brightening, comfortable fit, vegan and cruelty-free.
- Cons: Pricey; jar format less travel-friendly.
Developed with world-leading skincare scientists, Charlotte Tilbury uses Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches backstage before fashion shows to smooth, plump and refresh the under-eyes of models. With 91% of testers agreeing that their eye area looks smoother and firmer afterwards, these clever under-eye patches also feature an advanced delivery system that allows for optimal hydration within the delicate eye area. The result? Smooth, firm, hydrated under-eyes.
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, allantoin (a moisturising agent used to treat dryness) and the brand's Bio-Smooth Eye Contour Complex (which works on dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles).
- Pairs of patches included: 30.
- Pros: Non-slip and non-drip, cooling, hydrating, plumping.
- Cons: Expensive price tag.
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Your under-eye area is the thinnest skin on your body, so it's no surprise that it may need a little fortifying help now and then, which is where the PIXI FortifEYE Eye Patches come in. Melting away under-eye bags and dark circles, these best under-eye patches star botanical collagen to fortify and smooth, as well as a plumping fusion of caffeine and peptides. In short? They're little works of wonder for when you've had one too many late nights (we've all been there, friends).
- Key ingredients: Botanical collagen, peptides, caffeine.
- Pairs of patches included: 30.
- Pros: Depuffs, preps skin well for makeup, includes a spatula.
- Cons: Can be tricky to separate the patches.
We've all had one too many late nights binging Netflix with salty snacks in hand, but have no fear: Beauty Pie is here. The Depuffing Under-Eye Gel Pads are soaked in serum, which is positively brimming with active ingredients. The brand uses its own de-puffing Lipopeptide Complex, alongside a blend of eight hyaluronic acids to keep your under-eyes smooth and hydrated. And if you're still to be convinced, just read the glowing (literally) reviews.
- Key ingredients: A depuffing Lipopeptide Complex, strengthening Arctic algae, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
- Pairs of patches included: 20.
- Pros: Hydrating, work quickly, vegan, cruelty-free.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Coming in a box of eight, the 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask is a powerhouse product that makes light work of fine lines. Also targeting dullness, dark circles and pigmentation, it uses a fusion of potent ingredients to deliver serious results, fast. Perfect for popping on before a big event or special occasion, these best under-eye patches will allow you to see refreshed, brightened under-eyes, with a reduced appearance in fine lines and wrinkles.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide.
- Pairs of patches included: 8.
- Pros: Brightening, smoothing, plumping, instant results.
- Cons: Expensive price tag.
Read more: Shop the best moisturiser for mature skin.
If you're ever woefully looked in the mirror at your dark circles and pondered if they're getting darker by the day, the Augustinus Bader The Eye Patches are the best option for you. 95% of testers agreed that the brightness of their eye area was visibly improved, with dark circles also visibly reduced by 42%. These little works of wonder also help to lock in moisture for smooth and supple skin, lessen the look of fine lines and wrinkles and minimise puffiness.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, fermented polysaccharides, Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8).
- Pairs of patches included: 1.
- Pros: Suitable for all skin types, vegan, calms redness and irritation, plumps, smooths, hydrates.
- Cons: Expensive price tag.
Dry, flaky under-eyes causing you grief? Turn to the Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Mask, which stars three uber-hydrating ingredients. Plankton (no, not from SpongeBob) delivers a wealth of moisture-boosting benefits, while brown algae brings further hydration to the party. This multi-beneficial mix is rounded off with hyaluronic acid and chorella (an algae-derived antioxidant).
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plankton, brown algae.
- Pairs of patches included: 6.
- Pros: Smooths, tightens, plumps, brightens.
- Cons: Expensive price tag.
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Cooling gel eye patches are my go-to to wake up sleepy peepers, and the Rare Beauty Find Comfort Under-Eye Patch Kit nails it in one. Featuring an uber soft, hydrogel texture (pop them in the fridge overnight to reap those cooling benefits), these best under-eye patches are positively packed with goodness. Think: puffiness-reducing caffeine, strengthening cacao seed, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. *Immediately adds to bag*
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cacao seed, caffeine.
- Pairs of patches included: 8.
- Pros: Non-slip, suitable for sensitive skin, vegan, cruelty-free.
- Cons: Nothing of note.
Get the 'gram ready because the MZ SKIN Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Mask is Instagram gold… literally. Infused with collagen, hyaluronic acid, seaweed, and nano gold particles, these best under-eye patches deliver a luminous look in just 15 minutes. The nano gold particles help to promote an immediately radiant eye area, as well as fight damage from free radicals and provide a glowing, healthier-looking appearance.
- Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, seaweed and gold nano particles.
- Pairs of patches included: 1.
- Pros: Lessens dark circles, puffiness and inflammation.
- Cons: Expensive price tag.
Start your day off bright with these little ray of sunshine under-eye patches. With its colour reflecting its abundance of copper peptides (which boost collagen production and are fantastic for plumping) the LIVE TINTED Rays Copper Eye Mask also blends caffeine, bakuchiol, and banana extract to brighten and depuff tired eyes. Plus, they dissolve in water when you're finished with them.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, bakuchiol, copper peptides, niacinamide.
- Pairs of patches included: 1.
- Pros: Biodegradable, cooling, hydrating.
- Cons: Can feel dry quite quickly.
Searching for a reusable option? Look no further than the Dieux Skin Forever Eye Masks, which you can use time and time again — simply wash them after each use with mild soap, warm water and a gentle hand. Crafted from soft silicone to gently attach to your under-eye and seal in your preferred eye serum or eye cream, this is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to ensure you get the most out of your eye care products.
- Key ingredients: Soft silicone.
- Pairs of patches included: 1.
- Pros: Sustainable, non-slip, come with their own storage tin.
- Cons: Some say that they don't get cold after putting them in the fridge due to its specific material.
Your under-eye patch FAQs, answered:
How do under-eye patches work?
Think of under-eye patches as mini moisture masks that plump, smooth and brighten in as little as ten minutes. They work by delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients directly to the delicate skin beneath your eyes – an area that’s thinner and more prone to dehydration, puffiness and fine lines. Most patches are infused with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, and circulation-boosting actives like caffeine. The hydrogel or biocellulose material helps lock these ingredients in place, creating a gentle occlusive barrier that allows them to penetrate more effectively.
How long should you wear under-eye masks for?
“Typically, it is recommended that you should wear under eye masks for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow the ingredients to fully absorb,” advises Dr Paris. “However, the longer you wear them, the bigger benefits you will notice. It also depends on the exact eye patches that you opt for, too.”
How often should you apply them?
Dr Paris recommends to apply under-eye patches 2-3 times a week, prioritising the days where your skin is feeling dull and dry.
“It can be especially beneficial to apply your eye patches the morning after a big night out, as alcohol can leave behind dry, dehydrated skin, so under-eye masks can help to increase moisture levels,” she says.
Where do they sit in your skincare routine – and can you wear makeup after?
“While you can wear under-eye patches any time, I would advise using them during your evening skincare routine, so that the ingredients can absorb over night,” comments Dr Paris. “You usually tend to have more time during the evening too, so this may mean that you can leave the patches on for longer. Although many like to wear them in the morning as a refreshing way to start the day.”
For evening use, Dr Paris recommends to remove your makeup, double cleanse, and then apply your patches, not using any serums or creams, as this can reduce the efficacy of the patches. Leave them on for as long as possible, and then apply your regular nighttime products. “Some people even like to sleep in their eye patches, but this is of course personal preference,” she adds.
“If used in the morning, you can apply makeup afterwards. Just make sure to follow the same order as the evening routine — cleanse, apply your eye patches, then the rest of your products, and then makeup,” Dr Paris continues.
“They actually make the perfect smooth base for your under-eye makeup to sit on. And if you already invest in professional, in-clinic treatments for your eyes (like polynucleotides and wrinkle relaxing) then investing in effective eye patches can help to enhance and prolong the results.”
How do you get rid of under-eye puffiness?
Eye puffiness usually comes down to fluid retention, lack of sleep, allergies or even too much salt - so tackling it is about both skincare and lifestyle. Start with something cooling: chilled under-eye patches, a cold spoon or a jade roller can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Look for ingredients like caffeine (to boost circulation), niacinamide (to strengthen skin), and hyaluronic acid (to hydrate and smooth). Consistent sleep, staying hydrated and removing makeup gently all make a difference too. And if puffiness lingers, an eye cream with peptides can help firm the area over time.
The Glamour verdict: Do under-eye masks really work?
It's a big yes from us.
Under-eye masks are especially beneficial at reducing puffiness and adding hydration, which can be a life saver in the morning. And with consistent use, they're great at lessening the look of dark circles, dullness and fine lines.
They're not a permanent solution, but if you follow Dr Paris' advice with wearing them 2-3 times a week (which is where the Dieux Skin Forever Eye Masks come into their own) you'll soon start to reap the benefits of a refreshed, rejuvenated under-eye area. And in a society where getting eight hours of sleep is a stretch, who doesn't want that?
Looking for more hacks to brighten your under-eyes? Read our expert guide on how to get rid of dark circles, or browse our edit of the best eye creams for dark circles and wrinkles. For more from GLAMOUR's Freelance Commerce Writer Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @geeleighbee.
