Puffiness under the eyes isn’t just a tell-tale sign of a late night, it’s one of the most common consequences of aging. According to the Mayo Clinic, the muscles and tissues that hold up your eyelids start to deteriorate, leading to sagging, loose skin. Fat travels underneath your eyes, settling into pronounced, swollen bags. The loose skin under and around your eyes is also susceptible to fluid buildup, which leads to that puffy, fatigued look you want to avoid. While there are simple home remedies to try, such as cold compresses and cucumbers, and more extreme measures such as surgery, the simplest method for reducing puffiness is to apply an eye serum specifically designed for the eye area.

There are a few key ingredients known to strengthen the elasticity of the skin and smooth the undereye area while decreasing puffiness. An effective eye cream will contain peptides and antioxidants. Palymitoyl Tetrapeptide 7, or Haloxyl, stimulates circulation and strengthens the skin. It is especially useful in treating dark circles. Eyeliss, a proprietary combination of three peptide molecules, boosts the circulatory system and reduces fluid retention under the eyes. According to a 2002 clinical study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, patients experienced a 30 percent reduction in the depth of their wrinkles after applying a 10 percent concentration of Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, or Argireline, for 30 days. Cynergy TK and Matrixyl 3000 are two star ingredients to look for. They improve elasticity by stimulating the growth of collagen fibers. Hyaluronic Acid is a key ingredient in any effective eye cream, as it moisturizes and hydrates the thin skin under the eyes while diminishing puffiness. Any mixture of these key ingredients will do, so check your labels carefully.

Elite Eye Serum is packed with goodies. According to EliteSkin, the maker of Elite Eye Serum, the formula is made up of a unique combination of peptides, haloxyl, eliss and argireline. It significantly reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. Many eye serums may firm and tighten, but they do not provide adequate moisture. Elite Eye Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and protects. Antioxidants resveratrol and acai berry encourage cell regeneration and strengthen the muscles and tissues that support the eyelid.

If you don’t like this 99 percent patented serum as an eye treatment, then use it as a facial moisturizer to decrease wrinkles and fine lines. Formulated by dermatologists and scientists at Elldia Labs, this powerful serum is gentle enough to be used everywhere, and leaves skin firmer and softer. Prototype #37-C is rich in peptides and formulated with 1 percent hyaluronic acid. The skin around the eyes looks firmer and less swollen with daily application of this potent eye serum.

Created by Los Angeles Dermatologist Alex Khadavi MD., Rejuve MD eye targets loose, sagging skin and puffy bags. The key ingredients are three bio identical growth factors that encourage the growth of collagen fibers and elastin. Skin around the eyes is lifted, tightened and firmed. Rejuve MD treats the innermost layers of the skin by encouraging cell regeneration.

A cheaper alternative to the more expensive eye serums on the market, DDF tightens the skin around the eyes and reduces puffiness remarkably well for the price. It is moisturizing without being greasy, and softens fine lines and wrinkles. The rich combination of peptides, antioxidants and proteins brightens eyes, making them look instantly less fatigued. DDF was created by Dr. Howard Sobel and is currently owned by Procter & Gamble.