The delicate skin around our eyes is often the first to tell a story—of late nights, stressful deadlines, and the natural passage of time. While we embrace those stories, there's no harm in wanting to look bright-eyed and refreshed. The challenge? Finding a high-performance eye cream that aligns with a vegan and cruelty-free lifestyle.
It can feel like a compromise is inevitable. Will a plant-based formula be potent enough to tackle stubborn dark circles? Can natural ingredients really smooth out fine lines?
The answer is a resounding yes.
That's why we've done the hard work for you, scouring the market and vetting ingredients to curate a definitive list. Here are the 7 best vegan eye creams available in the UK that deliver visible results, proving that you don't need to compromise on your ethics to achieve powerful anti-aging effects.
1. Upcircle Beauty Eye Cream with Maple and Coffee
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Best For: Sustainability and Reducing Puffiness
For those who love eco-conscious beauty, this eye cream from Upcircle is a game-changer
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Key Benefits:
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Brightens dark circles with coffee extract.
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Soothes and firms with maple bark extract.
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Hydrates with hyaluronic acid.
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UpCircle Coffee Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Brighten and hydrate your eyes with this refreshing coffee-infused cream
Product information
$19.87
Product Review Score
4.17 out of 5 stars
189 reviewsProduct links
2. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
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Best For: Budget-Friendly Dark Circle Treatment
A cult classic for a reason, this potent and incredibly affordable serum from The Ordinary is a must-have. While not a traditional cream, its water-light texture absorbs instantly to deliver a high concentration of caffeine directly to the under-eye area. It’s a targeted, no-fuss solution for anyone whose primary concerns are puffiness and vascular dark circles.
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Key Benefits:
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High 5% concentration of caffeine targets puffiness.
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EGCG from green tea leaves provides antioxidant protection.
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Lightweight formula layers perfectly under other products.
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The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum for Aging Eyes
Say goodbye to fine lines and dark circles with this soothing and hydrating eye serum
Product information
$25.00
Product Review Score
4.59 out of 5 stars
34 reviewsProduct links
3. Pai Skincare Echium & Argan Gentle Eye Cream
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Best For: Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin
If your under-eye skin is reactive or easily irritated, Pai is the brand to trust. This gentle-yet-effective eye cream is packed with Omegas 3 & 6 to deeply nourish and strengthen the delicate skin barrier. Echium, a plant-based ingredient, is a rich source of Gamma Linolenic Acid, which helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines without causing irritation.
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Key Benefits:
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Calms and soothes irritation.
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Reduces the appearance of fine lines.
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Certified organic and ideal for sensitive skin.
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$64.00
4.52 out of 5 stars
Pai Skincare Feather Canyon Age Confidence Eye Cream
Gently brightens and firms the delicate eye area for a youthful, refreshed look
Product information
Product Review Score
Product links
4. Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
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Best For: Lifting and Firming
Harnessing the power of marine algae and plant-derived squalane, this luxurious cream delivers a visible lift with continued use. The formula works to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity. It melts beautifully into the skin, creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
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Key Benefits:
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Provides a noticeable lifting effect on eyelids.
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Smooths and firms the under-eye area.
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Deeply moisturises with sustainable squalane.
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Biossance Eye Cream with Squalane and Algae
Say goodbye to fine lines and puffiness with this hydrating eye cream that brightens and nourishes your skin
Product information
$56.00
Product Review Score
4.55 out of 5 stars
54 reviewsProduct links
5. Yeouth to the People Superfood Hydrate + Firm Eye Cream
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Best For: Hydration and Antioxidant Protection
Think of this as a green juice for your eyes. This Yeouth cream is packed with a proprietary superfood blend of kale, spinach, and green tea, offering powerful antioxidant defence against environmental stressors. Combined with crosslinked hyaluronic acid, it provides long-lasting hydration to plump the skin and keep it looking fresh all day.
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Key Benefits:
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Fights free-radical damage with superfood antioxidants.
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Delivers intense, sustained hydration.
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Features a clean, vegan formula with recyclable packaging.
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YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness
Say goodbye to dark circles and puffiness with this refreshing retinol eye cream that brightens and rejuvenates your delicate eye area
Product information
$24.99 $19.42
Product Review Score
4.59 out of 5 stars
229 reviewsProduct links
6. Herbivore Super Nova 5% THD Vitamin C + Caffeine Eye Cream
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Best For: Brightening Stubborn Discoloration
For dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation, a potent dose of Vitamin C is your best bet. The Herbivore Super Nova cream uses THD Vitamin C, a highly stable and effective form of the vitamin, to visibly brighten the under-eye area. Paired with caffeine, it’s a dual-action powerhouse that illuminates and de-puffs simultaneously.
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Key Benefits:
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Visibly brightens pigmentation-related dark circles.
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Firms and de-puffs with caffeine.
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Provides a subtle, light-reflecting glow upon application.
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Super Nova 5% Vitamin C Eye Cream 15ml
Brighten and hydrate your eyes with this powerful vitamin C formula
Product information
$40.83
Product Review Score
4.32 out of 5 stars
18 reviewsProduct links
7. Paula's Choice C5 SUPER BOOST Eye Cream
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Best For: All-in-One Rejuvenation
From a brand that receives significant search interest, this eye cream is a multi-tasking hero
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Key Benefits:
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Addresses dark circles, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
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A stabilised blend of Vitamin C brightens and defends.
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Lightweight lotion texture is suitable for all skin types.
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Paula's Choice C5 Eye Cream 15ml
Brighten your eyes and reduce fine lines with this powerful yet gentle formula
Product information
$40.75
Product Review Score
4.74 out of 5 stars
50 reviewsProduct links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vegan eye cream for dark circles?
The best vegan eye cream for dark circles depends on the cause.
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For puffiness and blue/purple circles (vascular): Look for caffeine. It constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and making dark circles less visible. Our top picks for this are The Ordinary Caffeine Solution and Upcircle Eye Cream.
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For brown/dark spots (hyperpigmentation): Look for Vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and inhibits melanin production. Our top picks for this are Herbivore Super Nova and Paula's Choice C5 SUPER BOOST.
Conclusion
Choosing the right vegan eye cream doesn't have to be a compromise between your ethics and your desire for visible results. Whether your goal is to brighten, firm, hydrate, or simply give your eyes a much-needed boost, there is a powerful plant-based formula waiting for you.
With this list of the UK's best, you're now equipped to find the perfect formula to brighten and rejuvenate your eyes.
