Over the past couple of years, I've noticed my eyes have received a sudden influx of fine lines and dark circles. It came as a shock and had me scrambling to edit my skincare product lineup. While I could attribute this to age, lifestyle, and stressors, as a beauty editor, I know some blame lies in not using products with formulas that address my skin concerns. We've all heard about retinol's ability to promote more youthful-looking skin, but I don't think many people give it the appreciation it deserves.
Not sure what retinoids do? No problem. Retinoids function by allowing oil to exit the follicle; resulting in keeping inflammatory factors at bay and the acceleration and stimulation of cell turnover. They can also help your skin stay firm, decrease hyperpigmentation, and prevent laxity. So, just imagine what a retinol cream could do for the skin around your eyes! To get an idea of what to expect from these must-have products, we reached out to NYC-based dermatologist and Kiehl's consulting dermatologist Meghan O’Brien.
The Benefits of Retinol Eye Creams
If you've been hesitant to incorporate retinol eye creams into your skincare product lineup, rest easy in the knowledge that they combat several common signs of aging. "Several changes occur around the eyes as a result of aging of the skin and age-related changes of the face," says O’Brien. "Retinol can help prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production." Retinol can be extremely effective for the skin around the eyes; lists collagen loss and loss of elasticity resulting in fine lines and crepey texture, crow's-feet from muscle movement, and under-eye circles or a shadow effect accentuated by volume loss of the tear troughs.
Your fine lines, crow's-feet, and puffiness are no match against this super-powered product; similar to the effects of Botox (but without the hefty price tag that comes with the treatment). "Botox works to prevent dynamic wrinkles, which result from muscle contraction. So while retinol can help prevent fine lines, it will not prevent the crow's-feet that develop around the eyes due to repeated contraction of the muscle around the eye (orbicularis oculi) that occurs with smiling," she explains. While using a retinol eye cream can help you achieve a similar effect by improving the smoothness of the skin, they won't be able to inhibit lines and wrinkles on a mechanical level.
Getting the Most out of Retinol Creams
Since we've already confirmed that retinol creams are safe for use around the eyes, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how you can start using them as part of your daily routine. "Eyelid skin is thinner than it is elsewhere on the face and, therefore, more susceptible to potential irritation and dryness that can result from retinol use," O'Brien says. The skin difference is the reason why many retinol skin products that are meant for use elsewhere, warn against application around the eyes. Generally, retinol in proper formulations and doses should be safe for the skin, but if you're in doubt, run it past your dermatologist.
O'Brien recommends using retinol eye cream sparingly every other night to give the skin time to adjust. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater, as your skin will be more susceptible to UV ray damage. Retinol also pairs well with other actives like vitamin C. O'Brien says that the key to avoiding irritation while using retinol eye creams is moisture. "A moisturizing product with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane will help combat any irritation or dryness that the retinol may cause, " she explains.
By sticking to a routine and using retinol cream as directed, you'll have smoother, youthful-looking eyes in no time. Ahead, find our dermatologist and beauty-editor approved edit of the best retinol eye creams (plus serums) on the market backed by glowing customer reviews.
Best Overall: Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment Cream
This clean cream combines niacinamide and collagen to correct all four eye zones (the brow bone, eyelid, undereye areas, and on crow's-feet) to halt the effects of aging. It's fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-greasy––perfect for wearing under makeup.
Customer Review: "I adopted a mix of 6 products two weeks ago to do daily/nightly as a skincare routine, and so far everyone I work with has said how much younger, healthier, and glowy my skin looks. Love this! Love finally having a beneficial results-driven skincare routine!"
Use this eye cream at night to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing extra support for your skin. Ideal for all skin types, its slow-release vitamin A derivatives support natural collagen production without irritating.
Customer Review: "I love this product. Most retinol eye creams feel very intense but this one is very light and I love using it at night. Inkey list never fails me. I would definitely recommend the product because it works and the price can’t be beat."
RoC's cult-classic eye cream is a must for addressing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. Clinically proven to refresh the eyes and reduce eye wrinkles by 50%, the Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Customer Review: "I've been using this cream for about a month, twice a day. It is nonirritating, absorbs easily and quickly, and allows makeup to apply smoothly. I've noticed fine lines have smoothed out and will continue using this product without a doubt!"
Formulated with Pure Retinol and a retinol optimizer encapsulation system, the No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream helps accelerate surface skin renewal. When used as part of your night skincare routine, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet and puffiness after two weeks.
Customer Review: "I've tried many products to hydrate the very dry skin on the outside section of my under eye area. Nothing worked until I tried this eye cream. It leaves the skin less wrinkly looking and feeling more hydrated!"
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this retinol eye cream uses a combination of squalane and ceramides hydrate, calm, soothe, and support the moisture barrier. Its formula also contains Encapsulated Retinol Technology which gently releases overtime to smooth the skin.
Customer Review: "I have sensitive skin and even more sensitive eyes. I’ve been using this eye cream for a little bit now and I’m really liking it. I am starting to see subtle changes. I can’t wait to see the improvement after a couple months!"
This is my go-to cream after long, cross-country flights that leave my eyes looking ghoulish. The Bright Start Activated Eye Cream is powered by a potent plant-based retinol alternative to help reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. It also has a cooling ceramic tip that works as a massage tool and feels heavenly on the skin.
Customer Review: "I noticed an improvement as soon as I applied it for the first time. After 2 weeks, my under eyes look brighter and fine lines appear smoother. I have VERY sensitive eyes and this product does not irritate or cause eye tearing. This is now part of my daily routine!"
Here's a line-filling eye cream that's powered by bakuchiol and plant peptides that work to quickly tighten and smooth the eye for a lifted, bright appearance. It's a 100% plant-based retinol-alternative eye cream that's ultra-hydrating and addresses fine lines, puffiness, loss of elasticity, and more.
Customer Review: "This eye cream has a very nice consistency that quickly absorbs into the skin under the eye, leaving the under eyes hydrated and brighter. The effects are tighter skin and more youthful looking eyes!"
The dark circles under my eyes are the bane of my existence, but La Roche-Posay's retinol eye cream works wonders. It has an intensive, anti-aging formula that blends adenosine, retinol, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce wrinkles and increase firmness for a more toned eye contour.
Customer Review: "I usually have issues with products around the eye area, due to being extremely sensitive under my eyes. This product was amazing! No burning or redness at all, zero! That is really hard to find in products. So happy with the result as well. I definitely see a brightness that was not there with my other products I've used in the past."
I can't praise the 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream enough. Its made with time-release retinol and ruby crystal complex to smooth the look of lines and instantly brighten the eye area while being extremely gentle on delicate skin. I love how it uses amino-acid derived from sugar beets to deliver and seal in moisture.
Customer Review: "I like that this daily retinol is light like a serum and not a heavy cream. It’s easy to pat on the corners and under my eyes and brow bone. It absorbs quickly on clean ski and leaves a moist not greasy feel. I can easily apply makeup in 1-2 minutes."
The Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream by Elizabeth Arden using retinol, peptides, niacinamide and moisture-boosting ceramides to smooth, brighten, and de-puff the eyes. After adding it to my routine, I noticed the fine lines and dark circles under my eyes I had gotten so used to seeing virtually disappear in days.
Customer Review: "I can see a big difference after using this eye cream the first time! I immediately noticed that the large 'puff' under one eye was nearly gone after just one use! Imagine what differences I'll see in a few weeks! Love it!"
There's a number of products by Fresh I used to create a radiant complexion, but this retinal-alternative eye cream takes the cake. The new and improved version of the best-selling products corrects signs of aging with a formula that includes BT Matrix (a retinol alternative), vitamin c, wild ginger, and more to revitalize and restore the eyes.
Customer Review: This is my first experience with the Fresh Black Tea line, and I must say, it's absolutely amazing. As someone who battles with dark circles and puffiness, I was delighted to see a noticeable reduction in the appearance of my dark circles. The texture is incredibly silky smooth, giving my under-eye area a luxurious spa-like feel.
Skin prep is the secret to flawless makeup application, and no product is better to get the skin around the eyes ready than Charlotte's Magic Eye rescue. It uses ingredients like time-release retinol, Botanical Eye-Contour Complex, and Winter Daphne Stems Cells Extract to brighten, tighten, and firm the eyes.
Customer Review: "After using this product for the last month I have added as must in skin care. It does exactly what it says it will do. The results are visible almost immediately after starting to use. And with consistency this product will give you better and better results."
If you know me, then you're aware of how much I love a rich cream to deliver major moisture to the skin. This eye cream, by Shiseido, combats signs of fatigue and aging using the brand's exclusive Matsu-ProSculpt Complex to reduce the appearance of eye puffiness while Kurenai-TruLift Complex and ReNeura Technology work to strengthen the skin barrier.
Customer Review: "The BEST eye cream I have ever used! It smoothed out my fine lines, and even brightened my dark circles! I'm amazed at how smooth my under-eye is. I could see a change after just one use, and I see more improvement every day!"
Murad's next-gen eye cream addresses fine lines and deep-set wrinkles as well as loss of firmness and elasticity for all skin types using encapsulated retinol, Gentian root extract, and oat-firming film to tackles signs of eye-area aging. The eye cream is also gentle enough for nightly use.
Customer Review: "It's been 3 weeks and I already see results! The skin under my eyes is tighter and my crow's feet are less noticeable. My eyes appear brighter, less tired and droopy. Definitely happy with this purchase!"
This silky, weightless eye cream improves the appearance of skin firmness, texture and elasticity while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eye area. Not only does it firm the skin with retinol and bioretinols, (natural ingredients that mimic the effects of retinol) but it uses hyaluronic acid for increased hydration.
Customer Review: "This is the only treatment you will need for under your eyes. I tried so many products to de-puff, wrinkle reduction and strengthen under eye delicate skin and this is the only one that delivers 100%. It’s worth every penny! Just try it and you will be very impressed."
The Brightening Retinol Eye Crème powered by dual-sourced micro-encapsulated retinol and backed by bakuchi seed and antioxidant saffron to refresh the eyes, increase luminosity, and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It's safe to use nightly without any irritation.
Customer Review: "This eye creme dispenses much better than my once all-time favorite. One can easily determine how much of the product remains after use. It softens the eye area and helps with wrinkles and dark circles. Not saying the wrinkles and dark circles are completely gone, but my eyes look and feel better. I'm hooked!"
Shop Retinol Eye Serums
Customer Review: "As a 65+ woman who looks for a good product at a reasonable price, this surely fits the bill. I've been using Olay Eye Lifting Serum for years and it definitely has helped to keep my eye area wrinkle free and younger looking. I love it."
Customer Review: "I’m obsessed with this eye serum. After about a month of consistent use, I can confidently say that I’ve noticed a difference in the fine lines and plumpness of the skin around my eyes. I have VERY sensitive skin and was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness without any adverse reactions. The ceramic applicator feels so nice under my eyes after a long day too!"
Customer Review: "I use a small amount of this eye serum at night. You only need one pump for both eyes. I apply under my eye and on my eyelids. I definitely see a difference. My skin looks firmer and tighter. Absorbs quickly into my skin."
Customer Review: "I have been using this product for a few weeks and I am amazed at the results. My eyes look brighter and firmer already. The product is light and you only need a tiny bit to do the job. For reference, I am in my late 30's with combination skin. I love this product!"
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