11 Best Vitamin K Creams to Banish Bruises And Dark Circles

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 14, 2024
best vitamin K cream
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When it comes to skincare, you might be familiar with vitamins like A, B3, C, and E. But there's another vitamin, vitamin K, that offers great benefits for your skin. Our experts believe that the best vitamin K cream can reduce issues like dark circles, redness, blemishes, bruises, fine lines, and skin irritations. Even though there's not a lot of research on vitamin K, people who've used it on their skin praise its wound-healing power. That's why we've done our research and brought you some best vitamin K-based skincare products on the market. 

Vitamin K is a vital fat-soluble vitamin that plays important roles in our body like preventing blood clotting, regulating blood calcium, and maintaining bone health. Additionally, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. You can find it in eye creams, wound-healing ointments, face moisturizers, and anti-aging products. We've compiled a list of 11 vitamin K products that deserve your attention. Check out our skincare recommendations below.

11 Best Vitamin K Creams

This powerful cream contains 2% phytonadione (vitamin K) and works wonders on bruised skin. It helps reduce discoloration from bruises and calms redness caused by skin irritation. If you have black or blue marks from surgery, thinning skin, or injuries, this cream can fade them away. Our experts suggest using it under your eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles. However, make sure to do a patch test before using it. The cream also has soybean oil and a blend of fruit extracts (apricot, mango, apple, cranberry, tangerine, and lime) to improve your skin's overall tone.

Pros
  • Works great on bruises
  • Softens skin
  • Works on dark circles
  • Suits all skin type
  • No animal-derived ingredients
Cons
  • None
  • Best Budget-friendly Choice

    Horbäach Coera Vitamin K Cream

    Horbäach Coera Vitamin K Cream
  • Upgrade your skincare routine with this Coera product, a total game-changer that's completely gluten-free. It's packed with the antioxidant goodness of vitamin K, which brightens and firms your skin, giving you a natural glow. Plus, it's super versatile – perfect for moisturizing under-eyes and your entire face. It's all due to its hydrating ingredient list, which includes wild Mexican yam, cucumber, aloe vera, Manuka honey, and royal jelly that soothe the skin and give your skin all the love and pampering it deserves. Just a heads up, don't use it directly on irritated skin or rashes. Otherwise, it's suitable for all skin types.

    Pros
    • Hydrates skin and under-eyes
    • Works well on bruises
    • Free from harsh irritants
    • Affordable
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Not suitable for broken skin
  • Best Paraben-free Formula

    Hellocell Vitamin K Dr+ Petit Cream

    Hellocell Vitamin K Dr+ Petit Cream
  • Explore the benefits of vitamin K with this affordable Hellocell’s Vitamin K Dr. Doctor+Petit Cream. Apart from vitamin K, it is also packed with skin-loving ingredients like soothing allantoin, nourishing panthenol, and hydrating trehalose. This cream works wonders for pre and post-clinical skincare, helping speed up the recovery process. When we tested it, it proved to be perfectly lightweight and fragrance-free, and it also claims to be suitable for fading bruises on any part of your body. We also believe this is the best lightweight product to try out this trendy ingredient.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Strengthens skin barrier
    • Color-free
    • Quickly fades bruises
    • Non-irritating ingredients
    • Alcohol-free
    Cons
    • May not work great on dark circles
  • Best Soothing Formula

    Swanson Vitamin K Cream with Menaquinone

    Swanson Vitamin K Cream with Menaquinone
  • We recently tried the outstanding topical rejuvenator for skin, vitamin K cream from Swanson. Packed with aloe vera, cocoa butter, and essential oils, this cream works wonders, especially under the eyes. Its star ingredient, menaquinone 7 or vitamin K2, aids collagen production, reducing the appearance of bruises, stretch marks, varicose veins, and dark circles. The cream also contains active ingredients, vitamins C and E, which improve skin complexion significantly. When we tested it out, we found that despite its thick texture, the cream blended beautifully, leaving the skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft.

    Pros
    • Thick nourishing cream
    • Brightens the skin
    • Reduces dark circles
    • Soothes the skin
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Takes time to see the results
  • Best Fragrance

    Dermal-K Clarifying Cream

    Dermal-K Clarifying Cream
  • Experience the power of a professional-grade vitamin-K clarifying cream with this Dermal-K product. This amazing moisturizing cream is enriched with vitamin K and natural botanical fragrances like lavender, orange peel, and cedarwood oil. This improves discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles and promotes youthful-looking skin effortlessly. It's gentle enough for your delicate under-eye skin, working effectively to minimize puffiness and diminish dark circles. Also, with shea butter and aloe juice, your skin stays hydrated and smooth, and plant-based antioxidants provide an extra boost for a youthful glow.  It's like giving your skin a refreshing treat.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Helps with spider veins
    • Fades discoloration
    • Pleasant fragrance
    Cons
    • Contains alcohol
  • Skin Beauty Solutions Pro-K with Vitamin E Cream

    Skin Beauty Solutions Pro-K with Vitamin E Cream
  • This product has a strong 5% Pro-Vitamin K formula that promotes skin healing and reduces various issues like spider veins, rosacea, dark circles, scars, and bruises. It's packed with natural antioxidants, making your skin healthy and clear. The cream also includes aloe vera, shea butter, and essential oils for a soothing and moisturizing effect. To ensure it works well, they've carefully blended the ingredients and controlled the pH level for better absorption. Thus, you can welcome healthier and clearer skin with this effective and gentle formula.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Fade bruises
    • Reduces skin irritations
    • Reduces puffiness
    • Eliminates spider veins
    Cons
    • May not have a pleasant smell
  • Best Non-sticky Product

    Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes

    Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes
  • This eye cream handles it all: dark circles, bags, and puffiness, leaving your under-eye area brighter and well-hydrated. It's packed with vitamin K oxide, eyeliss, haloxyl, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to firm up your skin, even out your tone, and reduce dark circles. It's not a quick fix, but if you're in it for the long haul, this luxurious eye cream is perfect. Plus, it goes on smoothly, absorbs fast, and won't leave you feeling sticky. The cooling ceramic applicator makes the application a breeze, and it's gentle enough for daily use without any irritation.

    Pros
    • Works on dark circles
    • Reduces under-eye puffiness
    • Non-sticky cream
    • Cool applicator
    • Gentle formulation
    Cons
    • Quite expensive
  • Best Lightweight Cream

    DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream

    DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream
  • As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more prone to bruises and damage. That's where DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream comes to the rescue. Packed with fortifying ingredients, this concentrated cream, featuring vitamin K, is perfect for arms and hands, the areas most prone to bruising. It also has other powerful ingredients like glycolic acid, arnica oil, ceramides, niacinamide, and retinol that help restore and protect your skin. The best part is that it's not greasy at all. The lightweight formula sinks deep into your skin, making it stronger and healthier.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-sticky
    • Repairs skin barrier
    • Soothes the skin
    • Contains active ingredients
    Cons
    • Might take a while to see visible results
  • Best Cruelty-free

    Doctor Cosmedical Vitamin K Cure Cream

    Doctor Cosmedical Vitamin K Cure Cream
  • Infused with 5% vitamin K, calendula, arnica, and sweet almond oil, this blend is your skin's new best friend. We've seen firsthand how it tackles bruises, inflammation, puffiness, and dark circles effectively. Moreover, it addresses dark patches caused by spider veins and broken capillaries. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, these ingredients work together to combat signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. One thing we particularly admire is how it enhances natural moisture levels, leaving your skin irresistibly soft and hydrated. Further, this strengthening and healing treatment is specifically crafted for sensitive and fragile skin.

    Pros
    • Reduces puffiness
    • Gluten-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Clean Product

    Naturium Vitamin Bright Illuminating Eye Cream

    Naturium Vitamin Bright Illuminating Eye Cream
  • This nutrient-rich eye cream is an apt product for undereye nourishment. Infused with a 2% vitamin K liposome complex and light-reflecting pearl pigments, it not only banishes dark circles but also instantly brightens your eyes with a luminous finish. The ultra-nourishing formula is further enriched with shea butter and glycerin, providing essential hydration. We appreciate how it comes in two flexible shades — light/medium and medium/deep, catering to various skin tones. This product creates a smooth base for your under-eye concealer. It makes applying concealer easy and gives you a perfect eye makeup look without any hassle.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free
    • Maintains skin pH
    • Perfect base for eye makeup
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Some might not like the illuminating effect
  • Best for Fading Bruises

    Pure Valley Arnica Bruise Cream

    Pure Valley Arnica Bruise Cream
  • You can easily repair and soothe uncomfortable bruises with this Pure Valley Arnica Bruise Cream. Arnica, the main ingredient, is proven to reduce pain and swelling from bruises, as backed by a study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. It also contains vitamin K and collagen, making your skin stronger. Further, aloe, grapefruit, and papaya extracts keep your skin hydrated and clear. Plus, witch hazel, calendula, and horse chestnut help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. In essence, it's a powerful blend in a bottle. It heals wounds, soothes bruises, restores moisture, and boosts collagen production, offering a holistic solution for your skin concerns.

    Pros
    • Visibly improves bruises
    • Provides a stronger skin barrier
    • Contains potent plant ingredients
    • Non-greasy formulation
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Defective pump

    Benefits of Vitamin K Cream in Skincare

    Vitamin K has some known benefits, but how it works on the skin isn't fully understood. Studies have looked into the advantages of topical vitamin K, but more research is still needed. It's essential to be cautious about its benefits since the scientific support isn't as strong as other vitamins. Nonetheless, it might help your skin in various ways.

    1. Promotes Healing

    Vitamin K accelerates wound healing by enhancing wound contraction, aiding the body's natural repair process. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology also proved that topical application of vitamin K significantly reduces healing time in patients.

    It also helps in the formation of blood vessels and collagen, which is why it's commonly used to make varicose veins look better.

    2. Antioxidant Properties

    Vitamin K possesses redox properties, enabling the skin to detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from factors like pollution and UV rays. These properties shield the skin from oxidative damage, preserving its health.

    3. Soothes Inflammation

    Known for its anti-inflammatory prowess, Vitamin K alleviates redness and irritation. Particularly effective in conditions like rosacea, it minimizes redness related to broken capillaries, promoting an even complexion.

    4. Reduces Under-eye Circles

    Many eye creams boast about having vitamin K, claiming they can brighten under-eye areas. The idea is that vitamin K affects blood clotting and how blood accumulates in tiny vessels under the eyes. In a 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine, people using pads with vitamin K and caffeine in emu oil saw reduced wrinkles and dark circles. But it's not clear if vitamin K or the caffeine and emu oil caused the improvement in dark circles.

    5. Improves Skin Appearance 

    Medical professionals love using vitamin K creams to reduce swelling and bruising. But here's the cool part — these creams also do wonders for dark spots. Plus, they make those pesky stretch marks look lighter and more radiant. 

    6. Gentle on Skin

    Vitamin K is super gentle and works for all skin types, even if you have sensitive skin. You can easily get it without a prescription at beauty and drugstores, and the best part is that it hardly ever has any side effects.

    How to Choose the Best Vitamin K Cream?

    Usually, vitamin K creams have few to no side effects, and finding the perfect one for your skin type is a breeze. Whether you're looking for eye creams, face creams, or potent vitamin K bruise creams, there's something for everyone. Just choose what suits your needs, and our experts are here to assist you in making the right choice.

    1. Vitamin K Formulation

    Check the ingredient list for the names phytonadione (vitamin K1) or menaquinone (vitamin K2). These are used in concentrations of 1 to 2 percent for effective wound healing. The 5% concentration can also be used, but it's quite potent, so use it carefully.

    2. Additional Ingredients

    Opt for vitamin K creams that include anti-inflammatory ingredients like caffeine or arnica, such as Pure Valley Arnica Bruise Cream. These combinations work wonders in reducing bruises and swelling and thus improve skin appearance.

    3. Look for Other Vitamins

    Consider creams pairing vitamin K with retinol, like DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream for enhanced penetration. Also, look for vitamins C and E, promoting better absorption and a brightening effect, such as Swanson Vitamin K Cream with Menaquinone.

    4. Skin-friendly Creams

    Ensure the cream is gentle, especially for sensitive skin. Look for labels like "non-irritating" or opt for vegan and cruelty-free options such as Naturium Vitamin Bright Illuminating Eye Cream, ensuring a gentle application.

    You can effortlessly pick up most of these creams without needing a prescription. Vitamin K creams are widely available in beauty and drugstores and are safe for most skin types unless someone has a specific allergy.

    Conclusion

    Vitamin K is often overlooked compared to vitamins like A, C, or E. However, using the best vitamin K cream can bring huge benefits, like reducing scars and dark circles and improving skin issues. You can use it once or twice a day, especially as an eye cream. Look for vitamin K creams with brightening ingredients like caffeine, arnica, or retinol for better results. DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream is a good choice with natural ingredients and potent vitamins that rejuvenate your skin. Remember, results take time, so be patient for the best outcomes.

    FAQ's

    Does vitamin K cream really work?
    Yes, vitamin K cream can be effective for healing bruises and wounds, as well as reducing dark circles and making scars look better.
    Is vitamin K good for skin brightening?
    Vitamin K doesn't primarily focus on skin whitening, but it can improve skin tone and reduce redness.
    Does vitamin K remove dark spots?
    Yes, vitamin K can help fade dark spots, but results vary from person to person.
    Are there any potential side effects of using Vitamin K cream?
    Generally, vitamin K creams have minimal to no side effects, but it's essential to do a patch test first.
    How long does it take to see results from using Vitamin K cream?
    Results vary, but improvement may be noticed within a few weeks of regular use.
    Can vitamin K cream be used with other skincare products?
    Yes, vitamin K cream can usually be layered alongside other skincare products and ingredients.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    After exploring numerous skincare products as a beauty writer and certified skincare expert, Anoushka decided to shed light on the overlooked advantages of vitamin K in skincare. She carefully curated her top recommendations based on thorough research and customer feedback, providing unbiased pros and cons. Anoushka's top pick is the Reviva Labs Vitamin K Créme, a product she frequently uses to heal bruises.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More