14 Natural Home Remedies for Treating Undereye Dark Circles

Dark circles, baggy eyes, and puffiness can make you feel self-conscious and tired, impacting both your appearance and confidence. We’ve all woken up feeling like we didn’t sleep at all, only to be greeted by dark circles staring back at us in the mirror. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too, and I’m sure many of you have searched for ways to reduce or eliminate these under-eye concerns.

Relax, and continue reading. In this article, we’ll share effective home remedies to help reduce dark circles under the eyes and restore your bright, refreshed appearance!

1. What are Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
2. What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?
3. How to Get Rid of Dark Circles?
4. Home Remedies for Dark Circles Under Eyes
5. Symptoms of Dark Circles
6. How to Cover Dark Circles?

What are Under Eye Dark Circles?

Dark circles under the eyes refer to the discoloration and puffiness that appears around the lower eyelids. They often look like bags or shadows, and the skin in this area may appear darker than the rest of your face. 

Dark circles can result from several factors, both physiological and environmental, and they may require a combination of remedies to improve their appearance.

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Several internal and external factors can lead to the development of dark circles. Understanding what’s causing them is the first step in effectively addressing the issue.

1. Allergies or Skin Conditions:
   Conditions like eczema or allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and itching around the eyes, often making dark circles worse  (R). For example, those with hay fever are familiar with dark circles caused by constant rubbing and inflammation.
2. Medication:
   Certain medications that dilate blood vessels can also result in dark circles. Always check side effects when starting new medications.
3. Fatigue and Lack of Sleep:
   One of the most common causes of dark circles, fatigue, and poor sleep can make your skin pale, highlighting blood vessels underneath the eyes and creating a darker appearance. (R)
4. Anemia:
   Anemia, a condition where your body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells, can lead to the formation of dark circles as well. (R)
5. Hyperpigmentation:
   Excess melanin, a pigment in the skin, can darken the area around your eyes, leading to a condition known as hyperpigmentation. (R)

Also, Read: Iron-Rich Leafy Green Salad: Combat Anemia Deliciously

How to Treat Dark Circles with Home Remedies

When it comes to treating dark circles, there are several approaches you can consider. These methods vary in intensity and effectiveness, and you can choose the one that best fits your preferences:

1. Medication or Ointments: Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing ingredients like retinol or caffeine can help reduce dark circles by targeting the underlying causes.
2. Laser Treatments: For more stubborn cases, laser treatments can help reduce pigmentation and tighten the skin around the eyes, leading to a more youthful appearance.
3. Home Remedies Using Natural Ingredients: Many people prefer natural remedies, which often involve gentle, skin-friendly ingredients that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Now, let’s dive deeper into these natural home remedies and explore how they can help reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Check Out These Easy Hacks For Getting Rid Of Dark Circles

1. Aloe Vera
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Avocado
4. Baking Soda
5. Banana Peel
6. Cucumber
7. Vitamin E
8. Green Tea
9. Potato
10. Turmeric
11. Tomato Juice
12. Honey
13. Ice Cubes
14. Rose Water

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties. Regular application can help reduce excessive pigmentation under the eyes. (R)

Instructions:

• Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant.
• Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the gel.
• Apply the mixture gently to the under-eye area using a cotton pad.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wipe off with a cotton pad soaked in water.

Read More: Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that lighten skin. Regular use can gradually brighten the under-eye area.

Instructions:

1. Dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water.
2. Soak a cotton pad and apply it to the under-eye area.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then clean it off with fresh water.

Buy Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother

Read More: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

3. Avocado

Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, avocado nourishes the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles. (R)

Instructions:

• Mash half an avocado into a smooth paste.
• Add a few drops of sweet almond oil and mix.
• Apply the paste under the eyes and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Wash off with a warm washcloth.

Read More: Health and Nutritional Benefits of Avocado

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda has gentle exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin, thus reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Instructions:

• Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water.
• Dip cotton pads into the mixture and place them under the eyes for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with normal water.

Read More: Beauty Benefits of Baking Soda

5. Banana Peel

Don’t toss that banana peel! It’s rich in nutrients that can help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness.

Instructions:

• Peel a banana and wash the peel thoroughly.
• Cut the peel into pieces and place them under your eyes for 15 minutes.
• Remove and rinse with water.

Read More: Banana Peel Benefits

6. Cucumber

Cucumber’s natural cooling and hydrating properties make it one of the best remedies for reducing puffiness and dark circles.

Instructions:

• Slice a cucumber and chill the slices in the refrigerator.
• Place the chilled slices over your eyes and leave them on for 15 minutes.
• Remove and rinse your face.

7. Vitamin E

Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin E helps repair and rejuvenate the skin, reducing fine lines and dark circles.

Instructions:

• Mix a few drops of vitamin E oil with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
• Apply the mixture under the eyes and leave it overnight.
• Wash off with warm water in the morning.

8. Green Tea

The tannins in green tea help reduce puffiness and dark circles. It also promotes skin tightening around the eyes, reducing visible bagginess. The caffeine in green tea helps shrink blood vessels, further minimizing puffiness.

Instructions:

1. Soak green tea bags in warm water, then chill them.
2. Place the chilled tea bags under your eyes for 15–20 minutes.
3. Remove and rinse the skin with a damp cloth.

Buy FGO Organic Green Tea

9. Potato

Potatoes have natural bleaching and lightening properties that help reduce pigmentation around the eyes. Vitamins A and C, along with starch, help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, making it an effective remedy for dark circles.

Instructions:

1. Cut potato slices and place them directly under your eyes for 15 minutes.
2. Alternatively, extract potato juice, soak a cotton ball in it, and apply it under the eyes for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help minimize dark circles under the eyes. It constricts the blood vessels under the eyes, helping to lighten the appearance of darkness in the area.

Instructions:

• Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with a tablespoon of water to form a paste.
• Apply it to the under-eye area and leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water.

11. Tomato Juice

Tomato contains lycopene, which has skin-lightening, anti-tanning, and skin-tightening properties. Along with these benefits, the presence of various vitamins helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Instructions:

• Extract the juice of a ripe tomato.
• Soak a cotton pad in the juice and apply it under the eyes.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and wipe it off with a cotton pad.

12. Honey

Honey is rich in anti-inflammatory and natural skin-lightening properties, which help reduce the appearance of dark circles. It also hydrates and moisturizes the area under the eyes, aiding in treating dark circles.

Instructions:

1. Apply raw honey under the eyes and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
2. Rinse off with a cotton pad soaked in warm water.
3. Additionally, increase the intake of honey in your diet for more effective results.

Buy Manuka Honey

Read More: 5 Health Benefits of Honey

13. Ice Cubes

Ice cube application helps tone the skin and combat the signs of dark circles. Ice cubes also help cool and soothe the area around the eyes, reducing puffiness and promoting a feeling of calmness throughout the body.

Instructions:

• Wrap ice cubes in a soft cloth and gently dab them under your eyes for a few seconds.
• Repeat a few times for the best results.

14. Rose Water

Rose water has rejuvenating properties that make it an excellent remedy for dark circles under the eyes. It provides a soothing sensation and cools the area, helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Instructions:

1. Soak a cotton pad in rose water and apply it under the eyes for a few minutes.

Buy SVA ORGANICS Rose Water

Read More: Benefits of Rose Water

Symptoms of Dark Circles

Dark circles can be identified by the following symptoms:

• Puffiness under the eyes
• Discoloration (blue or purple hue)
• Prominent blood vessels
• Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes

How to Cover Dark Circles?

If you’re in a rush and need quick coverage, makeup is your best option. 

Start by applying a color-correcting concealer and then a foundation to even out your skin tone. This method can instantly brighten the under-eye area and hide dark circles.

Also, Read: 10 Easy Hacks Using Castor for Dark Circle Removal

Conclusion

Dark circles can arise from various factors like poor sleep, stress, or even certain health conditions. While it’s unlikely that dark circles will disappear overnight, consistent use of home remedies like aloe vera, cucumber, and turmeric, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can help improve their appearance over time.

So, take the time to pamper your eyes with these natural remedies, and let your eyes shine bright!

• Jun 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Mar 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri