It started like most weird beauty hacks do—on the internet. Somewhere between a TikTok scroll and a Reddit rabbit hole, the claim popped up: “Rub raw potato under your eyes for a week—it’ll fix your dark circles.”
Some people laughed it off. Others said their grandma used to do it. But one woman actually tried it. Seven days. One potato. No filters. And the results? Let’s just say she wasn’t the only one surprised.
Day 1: Just Curious 🗓️
She wasn’t expecting much. It was a Monday morning. She peeled a raw potato, cut two thin slices, and gently pressed them under her eyes. It felt cold. Soothing. A little weird. But not unpleasant.
“Okay,” she thought. “At least this feels like I’m doing something.”
Ten minutes later, she tossed the slices, rinsed her face, and went on with her day. No difference. But it was just Day 1.
Day 3: Wait, What’s Happening? 🥱
By the third morning, she started noticing something. Her usual puffiness—the kind that made her look half-awake until noon—wasn’t as bad. Her under-eyes looked a little smoother. Brighter, maybe?
She shrugged it off. Could be lighting. Could be wishful thinking. But she didn’t stop.
Day 5: People Are Noticing 👀
Halfway through the week, something changed. Her roommate asked if she’d gotten new makeup. A coworker on Zoom said she looked more rested.
She hadn’t slept better. She hadn’t changed her routine. But somehow, her under-eye area looked… better. More even. Less gray. Less baggy.
That night, she took a before-and-after photo just to check. The difference wasn’t huge, but it was real. And she was officially intrigued.
What’s in a Potato Anyway? 🧪
Turns out, potatoes aren’t just good for fries. They’re loaded with skin-friendly stuff:
- Vitamin C – helps brighten skin and fight free radicals
- Starch – has a calming effect and may help with irritation
- Enzymes like catecholase – believed to reduce dark spots and pigmentation
Plus, raw potatoes are naturally cold and hydrating. Combine that with the gentle pressure of resting slices under the eyes, and it’s not hard to imagine why some people swear by it.
What Do Dermatologists Say? 🩺
While most dermatologists won’t recommend rubbing vegetables on your face as a first choice, a few experts weighed in on the trend. And their take? Surprisingly open-minded.
“It’s not a magic cure, but raw potato can temporarily reduce puffiness and make the skin look brighter,” said Dr. Lisa Hall, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “Just make sure to test a small area first and avoid if your skin is sensitive.”
The science isn’t definitive, but the ingredients and method aren’t totally off base. Cold compresses are known to reduce inflammation. And many over-the-counter products contain similar plant-based compounds.
Day 7: The Side-by-Side Says It All 📸
After a full week, she posted her results. Same lighting, no filters. The skin under her eyes looked smoother, more even-toned, and noticeably less puffy.
Her followers blew up the comments:
- “Okay but WHY does this work?!”
- “Trying this tonight.”
- “My grandma used to swear by this too.”
She wasn’t claiming it cured her dark circles forever. But she looked fresher. More awake. And for a remedy that cost less than $1 and took 10 minutes a day? Not bad.
Want to Try It Yourself? 🧊
Here’s how she did it:
- Peeled a raw potato (white or Yukon gold works well)
- Cut two thin slices—about the size of a cucumber round
- Laid down and placed one under each eye (juice side down)
- Set a timer for 10–15 minutes
- Rinsed with cold water after, and moisturized as usual
Optional: store the potato in the fridge for extra cooling effect. ❄️
A Few Quick Tips ⚠️
- Don’t reuse slices—cut fresh each time
- If your skin feels itchy or irritated, stop immediately
- Always use clean tools and hands to avoid bacteria
- Avoid if the potato is green or sprouting—it may cause irritation
Final Thoughts 💭
No, a raw potato won’t replace sleep, hydration, or long-term skincare. But for a low-cost, low-effort trick that made a visible difference in a week? It’s worth a shot.
Sometimes the weirdest beauty tips are the ones passed down for generations. And this one? Might just belong in your fridge and your routine. 🥔✨
