Does potato juice reduce dark circles?

CLAIM:

The post claims that applying potato juice under the eyes can help reduce dark circles. It suggests that compounds present in potatoes, including catecholase, vitamin C, niacin, and starch, can lighten pigmentation, reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels, and soothe tired eyes, making potato juice an effective natural remedy for under-eye dark circles.

FACT:

False. There is no direct scientific evidence that applying potato juice under the eyes reduces dark circles. While potatoes contain vitamin C and other compounds associated with skin health, studies supporting skin-lightening effects involve concentrated topical formulations rather than potato juice, and experts say any temporary reduction in puffiness is likely due to the cooling effect rather than any unique property of potatoes. Dark circles have multiple causes, and their treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause rather than relying on a single home remedy.

You have got these dark circles and are trying everything from expensive under-eye creams to home remedies, wondering what could actually work?

In a recent Instagram post by 'lijiwellness', a page with over 5.31 lakh followers, a claim about potato juice and dark circles has attracted attention online.

The post mentions that, "Study shows that applying potato juice under your eyes helps with dark circles."

The caption of the post presents potato juice as a natural solution for stubborn dark circles and describes it as "the ultimate brightening agent" that might already be available in the kitchen. According to the caption, skincare science and dermatological research suggest that potatoes contain catecholase, "a natural enzyme known for its mild skin-lightening properties that gently target hyperpigmentation under the eyes."

The post further claims that the starch and cold potato juice work together to reduce swelling and constrict tiny blood vessels beneath the thin under-eye skin. It also states that potatoes are rich in vitamin C and niacin, which "help inhibit the overproduction of melanin, gradually fading dark shadows."

Describing potato juice as a "clean, cost-effective DIY hack," the caption adds that its high water content can cool and soothe tired eyes after long hours of screen time. It encourages users to "try soaking two cotton pads in fresh potato juice tonight for 15 minutes" to achieve a fresh and well-rested appearance.

Does potato juice reduce dark circles? 

There is currently no direct scientific evidence showing that applying potato juice under the eyes reduces dark circles. Available research instead points to the complex causes of under-eye pigmentation and highlights established treatments, while some studies suggest that components found in potatoes or vitamin C may have biological properties relevant to pigmentation. However, these findings do not specifically demonstrate that potato juice is an effective remedy for dark circles.

A 2013 review discussing the medicinal uses of potatoes noted that potatoes have traditionally been used for various conditions and stated that "peeled but uncooked potatoes have been pounded in a mortar and then applied cold as a soothing plaster to burns and scalds." It also mentioned their use in treating swollen gums and skin rashes. However, these traditional uses were not supported by clinical trials, and the paper did not investigate dark circles or under-eye pigmentation.

Research specifically examining dark circles paints a more complex picture. A 2016 review on periorbital hyperpigmentation noted that "there is very little scientific data available on the clinical profile and pathogenesis of periorbital hyperpigmentation." According to the review, dark circles can result from several factors, including genetics, excessive pigmentation, allergies, vascularity, edema, skin laxity, and ageing. The authors stated that treatment should focus on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. They highlighted scientifically studied options such as topical depigmenting agents, including hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and retinoic acid, along with procedures such as chemical peels and laser therapy.

Meanwhile, evidence does suggest that vitamin C possesses depigmenting properties. A 2020 systematic review found that "Vitamin C has been used widely as a depigmenting agent in dermatology," although the authors noted that only seven studies met the inclusion criteria and that evidence remained limited. Importantly, these studies involved vitamin C itself rather than potato juice.

Further support for the role of vitamin C came from a 2023 systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving 139 participants. The researchers reported that "there was a significant lightening of the skin treated," and concluded that "topical vitamin C may be a suitable alternative for melasma and photoaging, but more studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the ideal vitamin C concentration." However, these benefits were observed with topical vitamin C formulations and not with potatoes.

Also, a 2021 systematic review of treatments for periorbital hyperpigmentation analysed 39 studies and found that effective options include lasers, topical creams and serums, fillers, chemical peels, platelet-rich plasma injections, and surgery in selected cases. The authors concluded that "various topical creams and chemical peels are useful in treating pigment-based POH," while noting that high-quality evidence remains limited and that additional randomised clinical trials are needed.

What experts say

Commenting on the claim, Dr Shireen Furtado, Senior Consultant, Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, said there is very limited clinical evidence to support the use of raw potato or potato juice for treating dark circles.

According to Dr Furtado, although potatoes contain nutrients such as vitamin C and certain enzymes, no robust human studies have demonstrated that applying potato juice under the eyes can significantly lighten pigmentation or permanently reduce dark circles. She noted that the enzyme catecholase, frequently cited in home remedies, lacks scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for skin lightening in the under-eye area.

"There is very limited clinical evidence to support the claim that applying raw potato or potato juice under the eyes can reduce dark circles. Potatoes should be considered a home remedy with limited scientific support rather than a proven treatment," she said.

Explaining the role of the compounds present in potatoes, Dr Furtado said there is no strong evidence that catecholase, vitamin C, or niacin in raw potato juice can meaningfully improve under-eye pigmentation. While vitamin C is known to help brighten skin and reduce pigmentation when used in specially formulated skincare products, she pointed out that the amount delivered through raw potato juice is unlikely to be sufficient or stable enough to produce a noticeable effect.

"The role of catecholase in skin lightening is not well supported by clinical research, despite its popularity in home remedy claims. Similarly, niacin or vitamin B3 may improve skin tone in cosmetic formulations, but there is no evidence that raw potato juice provides enough of it to reduce under-eye pigmentation," she said.

Dr Furtado further explained that any temporary reduction in puffiness after applying potato slices or juice is most likely due to their cooling effect rather than any unique property of the potato itself. According to her, cold compresses can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling for a short period, making the under-eye area appear less puffy.

"Cold potato juice may help reduce under-eye puffiness temporarily, but there is no strong scientific evidence showing that it works better than any other cold compress," she said.

She also cautioned that although applying raw potato under the eyes is generally safe for many people, it may occasionally cause irritation or allergic reactions.

"Because the skin around the eyes is very delicate, some individuals may experience redness, itching, or irritation, especially if they are sensitive to potatoes or related plants. If any discomfort develops, the application should be discontinued immediately," she added.

Dr Furtado emphasised that dark circles can result from multiple causes, including genetics, ageing, allergies, lack of sleep, pigmentation, and vascular changes. Therefore, treating the underlying cause is often more important than relying on a single home remedy.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS