Best under-eye patches 2024, tested and recommended

If you’re looking for a way to treat the delicate area under your eyes with hydration, nourishment and relief from puffiness, under-eye patches are the way to go.

Connie Yang, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that “under-eye patches work by providing an occlusive barrier over the skin to enhance delivery and absorption of active ingredients into the skin.”

Shop TODAY tapped more board-certified dermatologists to learn all about under-eye patches with regard to their benefits, ingredients and best practices when it comes to placement and frequency of use.

Once you wear a pair (or hopefully multiple pairs) of these under-eye patches recommended by our editors and experts, you'll never want to take them off.

Best under-eye patches, according to experts | Best under-eye patches, according to editors | The benefits of under-eye patches | Ingredients to look for | Do under-eye patches really work? | How we chose | Meet the experts

Key ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants, sea moss, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid | Quantity: 24 (pairs) | Time on: 15 minutes

For under-eye patches that won’t break the bank, these caffeine-filled ones are a great pick. “Since they’re made with caffeine, they constrict blood vessels helping with puffiness,” says Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. In just 15 minutes, these vegan and cruelty-free patches work to restore the delicate skin via their release of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, sea moss and niacinamide.

Each pair also comes in a separate pack making them suitable gifts (or even stocking stuffers).

Key ingredients: Silicone | Quantity: One (pair) | Time on: 10 minutes (when used with Auracle Peptide & Antioxidant Eye Gel)

Searching for reusable under-eye patches? Look no further than these 100% silicone patches from Dieux. “These are clever because they are designed to be used with the under-eye serum or cream of your choice — they’re made of plain silicone and are completely reusable,” explains board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav.

These under-eye patches are designed to suit all skin types whether you have oily, dry or combination skin.

Vivien Moon, an editor at Shop TODAY, also recommends these reusable under-eye patches. She says, "I’ve had these under-eye patches for years and I'm pretty sure they’re the reason I don't really use any other eye masks — I feel like I get much more from these than other patches."

She continues, "I love how lightweight they are and how they stay put, which I don't find other patches normally do. I have recommended them to several friends who have also purchased them since and have loved."

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine | Quantity: 30 (pairs) | Time on: Five minutes

When it comes to under-eye patches that work quickly, Yadav recommends these from Patchology. “These are great because they work in just five minutes, so they can fit into the busiest morning routine,” says Yadav.

Made with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine, these under-eye patches work to minimize puffiness and reduce darkness and wrinkles. You don’t have to worry about where you’ll put them after use as you can simply throw them out since they’re biodegradable.

Key ingredients: Collagen, hyaluronic acid, caffeine and peptides | Quantity: Four (pairs) | Time on: At least four hours

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles, Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, particularly recommends these under-eye patches from Wrinkles Schminkles. Although they’re accompanied by a price tag of nearly $49, this box of under-eye patches contains four pairs with dissolvable microneedles.

She adds that this is an especially favorable pick as these patches work to release collagen and therefore improve the smoothness of the under-eye area. Plus, since they are recommended to be worn for at least four hours, you can wear them while you sleep and remove them when you wake up for a skincare regimen that won’t take away any time from your day (and trust us, we know you’re busy).

Key ingredients: Caffeine, aloe vera, gotu kola and menthyl lactate | Quantity: Six (pairs) | Time on: 10 to 15 minutes

Julie Ricevuto, a commerce editor and producer at Shop TODAY, recommends these eye patches from The Good Patch. She says, "I love these eye patches! I often wake up with puffy under eyes due to allergies, and these quickly help to reduce the puffiness. They are also super hydrating, so my under eyes look smooth and bright after use."

Key ingredients: The brand's Innovative Gel Technology, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and glycerin | Quantity: Six (pairs) | Time on: 15 to 20 minutes

Jess Bender, a senior SEO editor at Shop TODAY, says she "received some samples of this new launch from YSE Beauty’s PR team." Bender continues, "Overall, they do exactly as promised with their brightening and cooling claims, but I didn’t necessarily notice much of a difference in regards to depuffing. I could probably find more affordable eye masks that deliver the same results, but their transparency when it comes to ingredients and usage is worth the splurge in my (very hydrated) eyes."

Under-eye patches can provide many dermatological benefits to the skin surrounding the eyes, particularly the under-eye area.

“Under-eye patches can help temporarily improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines quickly,” explains Yadav.

Moreover, Jaliman notes that they can be cooling and productive because they are targeted and often generate results in just a few minutes.

When shopping for under-eye patches, Jaliman recommends looking for those containing nourishing (and specific) ingredients depending on your under-eye skin care goals.

If you’re looking to hydrate your skin, she advises prioritizing products containing hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin. If you want to reduce puffiness, she recommends opting for those containing caffeine. She adds that niacinamide can be good for lightening or reducing the appearance of dark circles, and that vitamin C as well as peptides can stimulate the production of collagen.

Conversely, you want to ensure you are not purchasing under-eye patches containing harmful or low-quality ingredients. It is a best practice to keep away from products made with alcohols and fragrances, in addition to parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde.

“If you are prone to milia — small bumps or cysts that form around the eye area — I would also avoid ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, lanolin and anything overly occlusive,” adds Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon.

Yes, under-eye patches really work. However, they are designed to provide a short-term solution. “Under-eye patches provide temporary benefits but are not a long-term solution for fine wrinkles, sagging, etc.,” says Palm.

Yadav notes that under-eye patches are generally safe as long as they are being used properly and as directed by your team of physicians and manufacturer instructions.

Yang adds that conducting a patch test before using it can be helpful to rule out any adverse reactions (especially for individuals with sensitive skin).

How long and how often one should use under-eye patches may vary depending on factors including skin type, skin concerns, manufacturer instructions or physician recommendations.

James Kilgour, founder of KilgourMD and Stanford University Resident Dermatologist, adds that wearers should be particularly mindful of prolonged use when wearing gel patches.

Some under-eye patches that are left on for too long or are used too frequently may often have adverse effects. “If left on too long, some under eye patches may actually have the opposite effect and draw water from the skin rather than hydrate it,” explains Yadav.

He continues, “Under-eye patches with powerful active ingredients like retinol used too frequently may cause irritation.”

Proper placement of under-eye patches is essential for avoiding any unwanted contact with the eyes and or potential injury. That said, Yang suggests placing them just below (about three to four millimeters) the lash line.

If you’re allergic to the ingredients contained within a specific pair or brand of under-eye patches, you should avoid contact. Yadav notes that common allergens often found in under-eye patches include silicone and coconut.

Again, Yang advises that individuals who are prone to milia also shouldn’t use under-eye patches (especially those containing occlusive ingredients).

Jaliman also says, “If you have sensitive skin like eczema or rosacea, I would suggest you avoid them as well as they may irritate the skin."

The under-eye patches best for dark circles are the ones that contain brightening agents. “If your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation, look for eye patches containing brightening agents like vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid and arbutin,” says Yang.

When it comes to the under-eye patches that are best for wrinkles, Jaliman recommends those that contain vitamin C and peptides to trigger the production of collagen.

To compile our list of the best under-eye patches, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by the board-certified dermatologists we interviewed as well as our team of editors.

Jenna Clark is a freelance writer based in New York City.