Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common — and frustrating — skincare concerns. Whether caused by lack of sleep, stress, allergies, or aging, these shadows can make you look tired, older, or even unwell.
The good news? You don’t need expensive eye creams or cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance. There are plenty of effective home remedies for dark circles under eyes that use simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 natural treatments to reduce puffiness, brighten your under-eye area, and restore a more refreshed look — all without leaving your kitchen.
Cold Milk Compress
You probably already know that milk conditioning as well as various hair masks like avocado hair mask can make your hair more good looking. But do you know that milk is also the cheapest way how to get rid of dark circles? Cold milk will help soothe your eyes and skin while also eliminating dark circles.
Why it works: Rich in lactic acid and skin-soothing proteins, milk helps brighten and hydrate tired under-eyes.
How to use:
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Soak two cotton pads in cold milk
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Place over closed eyes for 10–15 minutes
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Rinse with cool water
Repeat daily for visible results.
Cucumber Slices
We’ve all seen the old movies with women lying in bed with cucumbers over their eyes. This is not just an old wives’ tale since it does help eliminate dark circles under eyes.
Why it works: Cucumber is a classic remedy that cools the skin, reduces puffiness, and gently lightens pigmentation.
How to use:
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Chill thick cucumber slices
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Place one on each eye for 10–15 minutes
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Use twice a day for a soothing effect
Tomato Juice
Tomatoes are extremely beneficial in getting rid of dark circles under eyes as they not only eliminate the dark circles, but they also make your skin feel soft and supple.
Why it works: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps reduce dark pigmentation and promotes smoother, clearer skin.
How to use:
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Mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice with ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
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Gently dab under the eyes, avoiding direct contact with eyes
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Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse
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Use once daily, up to 5 times a week
Almond Oil
Almond oil is extremely helpful in eliminating dark circles under eyes as it is extremely beneficial for the delicate skin that surrounds the eyes.
Why it works: A natural source of vitamin E and fatty acids, almond oil nourishes thin under-eye skin and reduces discoloration.
How to use:
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Dab a few drops under your eyes before bed
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Gently massage with your ring finger
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Rinse off in the morning
Use nightly for 2–3 weeks.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has many benefits for our skin. It is especially effective at lightening dark circles. It also helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines under our eyes and keeps our skin smooth.
Why it works: Coconut oil deeply moisturizes the skin and may help lighten dark areas while preventing fine lines.
How to use:
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Apply a thin layer to clean under-eye skin
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Leave on overnight and rinse in the morning
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Use consistently for visible results
Rose Water
Rose water has many benefits including keeping our skin and hair healthy and shiny. It is good at reducing dark circles, as well.
Why it works: Rose water has natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that refresh the skin and reduce puffiness.
How to use:
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Soak cotton pads in pure rose water
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Place over closed eyelids for 10–15 minutes
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Repeat twice daily for a calming, brightening effect
Cold Tea Bags
Cold tea bags are also very soothing for your eyes and can greatly reduce dark circles. It is recommended that you use green tea or chamomile tea bags.
Why it works: Green and chamomile tea contain antioxidants and caffeine that reduce swelling and tighten the skin.
How to use:
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Steep two tea bags, then chill them in the fridge
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Apply to your closed eyes for 10 minutes
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Repeat daily to diminish dark circles and puffiness
Strawberries
Why it works: Strawberries contain alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants that brighten skin and improve circulation.
How to use:
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Slice a chilled strawberry and place one under each eye
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Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse
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Enjoy the bonus of a refreshing scent!
Lemon Juice
Why it works: A strong source of vitamin C, lemon juice helps brighten skin and reduce melanin production — a key factor in under-eye darkness.
How to use:
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Dilute a few drops of fresh lemon juice with water
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Apply gently with a cotton swab
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Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
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Use cautiously and avoid if you have sensitive skin
Cold Compress
Why it works: A cold compress helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and dark discoloration under the eyes.
How to use:
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Use a chilled spoon, gel eye mask, or cloth soaked in cold water
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Apply to under-eye area for 10 minutes
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Use in the morning for a refreshed look
Potato Slices
Why it works: Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents and vitamin C, which help reduce pigmentation and soothe inflammation.
How to use:
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Grate a chilled raw potato and extract the juice
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Soak cotton pads in the juice and apply under your eyes
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Leave on for 15–20 minutes and rinse
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Use 2–3 times a week
Turmeric and Pineapple
Why it works: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, while pineapple juice offers exfoliating enzymes and vitamin C.
How to use:
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Mix 2 teaspoons of turmeric with enough pineapple juice to make a paste
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Apply under the eyes and leave for 10 minutes
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Gently wipe off with a damp cloth
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Repeat 2–3 times a week
Additional Tips on How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
- Stay hydrated.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Remove makeup before going to sleep.
- Do not smoke or use narcotics.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Reduce Salt Intake.
- Get proper sleep.
- Sleep with extra pillows.
- Use silk or satin pillowcases.
- Do not stay at the computer screen for prolonged periods. Take occasional breaks to rest your eyes.
- Don’t rub your eyes as this causes the blood vessels to dilate.
- Increase your intake of Vitamins A, C, E and Iron.
FAQ: Dark Circles Under Eyes
What deficiency causes dark circles?
Iron deficiency causes dark circles under eyes. Anemia is a condition when there are not enough red blood cells in blood. That also means there aren’t enough oxygen in blood and dark circles appear.
How can I get rid of dark circles in 5 minutes?
You can try apply cold compress or tea bags to reduce swelling. Sack two green or black tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, next chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes and apply under your eyes for 5 minutes.
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