Debating whether you need a retinol eye cream in your skin-care routine? I’ll cut to the chase: If you want to reduce signs of aging by promoting new collagen production, then yes, you do. However, it’s not as simple as purchasing the first tube of retinol cream you see at the drugstore, slathering it on and calling it a day—especially when it comes to the delicate skin around the eyes. Allow me to explain with the help of our trio of skincare experts.
The 15 Best Retinol Eye Creams, From Drugstore MVPs to Luxury Splurges
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Published Apr 22, 2024
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McKenzie Cordell for PureWow
The Best Retinol Eye Creams At a Glance:
1
Best Overall
Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
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2
Best for Nighttime Use
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
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3
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid
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4
Easiest Application
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
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5
The Derm Pick
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Eye Cream
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Meet the Experts:
- Dr. Gretchen Frieling is a board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. Known as “Dr. G,” Frieling has over 13 years of experience as a leader in the aesthetic, dermatology and pathology fields. Dr. Frieling completed medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine and training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is a practicing dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, which has locations throughout New York. Dr. Camp graduated from Cornell University, earning a degree in biochemistry. As a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, he participated in a one-year epidemiology fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia and completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago and later completed additional residency training in dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in dermatopathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
- Dr. Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD, focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts and Science. She earned her medical degree from the MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, and completed her dermatology training at the Cooper University Hospital of UMDNJ, where she also served as Chief Resident of Dermatology.
How I Chose the Best Retinol Eye Creams
After speaking to all three derms, I took their tips into consideration when searching for the best retinol eye creams on the market. This includes looking at:
- Ingredients. As Ilyas shares, "When shopping for an eye cream, you want to focus on the ingredients over the product claims. You also want to make sure that any active ingredients are balanced with other, soothing ones. For example, a product that has retinol in addition to other alpha hydroxy acids in it may trigger so much chemical exfoliation that it can be too irritating to see benefits. Sometimes excess dryness around the eyes can actually enhance the appearance of wrinkles, which is counterproductive. Instead, you want to look for additional ingredients that are moisturizing and hydrating, such as squalane and hyaluronic acid."
- Price. I wanted to make sure we found retinol eye creams in a wide range of prices, since everyone has different budgets they're working with.
- Specific skin types and concerns. I also looked for retinol eye creams that addressed specific skin types and concerns, including those with sensitive skin and expecting mothers.
OK, ready to shop? Ahead, 15 of our favorite retinol eye creams proven to fight fine lines and wrinkles, including a few cherry-picked options from our experts.
Best Overall
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
What We Like:
- has a fast-absorbing consistency
- includes bakuchiol (aka nature's retinol)
What We Don't Like:
- a bit pricey for the size of the bottle
Dr. Dennis Gross
Brighter-looking eyes, coming right up. Ferulic acid—an antioxidant found in plants—pairs with retinol in this cream to help protect against sun and environmental damage that can cause fine lines. It also uses a blend of acids and collagen to help brighten and lighten dark spots and shadows. As one Sephora reviewer explains, "This serum is great. I've been using it now for a year, maybe more [and] my under-eye circles are WAY lighter than they used to be."
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
Best for Nighttime Use
2. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
What We Like:
- lightweight texture
- hydrating formula
What We Don't Like:
- may not be suitable for daytime use
Olay
Olay’s Regenerist Retinol24 formula uses a proprietary blend of Retinoid Complex paired with vitamin B3 to create an OTC retinoid product that’s not only effective, but also provides 24-hour moisture. The formula penetrates deeply into the skin’s surface to visibly smooth fine lines, but is also lightweight and free of fragrance and synthetic dyes. Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the morning.
Fast Facts
- Best For: the retinol newbie
Best for Sensitive Skin
3. First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid
What We Like:
- includes calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, aloe and ceramides
What We Don't Like:
- can be drying for some
First Aid Beauty
This formula ensures that you’ll look like you had a full eight hours of sleep (even if it was only five). Aside from the retinol, it contains three kinds of hyaluronic acid that both hydrate and plump fine lines, plus finely milled pearl extract that delivers a subtle luminosity. Each of those ingredients work together to create the perfect base over which to apply foundation and concealer. Again, just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen anytime you use a retinoid during the day.
Fast Facts
- Best For: sensitive skin
Easiest Application
4. Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
What We Like:
- easy to pack in any bag
- mess-free application
- has an angled tip
What We Don't Like:
- might not be hydrating enough for very dry/mature skin types
Peace Out
This travel-friendly eye balm comes in a handy stick and is loaded with encapsulated retinol, peptides and bakuchiol to help target fine lines and dark circles around the eyes. To use it, simply twist the product up (like you would your favorite lipstick) and swipe it on underneath your eyes and onto your eyelids. As our commerce editor, Olivia Dubyak raves in her review: "You won’t need to wash off any excess product in the a.m. because your skin will drink this stuff up."
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
The Derm Pick
5. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Eye Cream
What We Like:
- has a refreshing gel texture
- non-comedogenic
- ophthalmologist-tested
What We Don't Like
- pricey for the size
La Roche-Posay
Dr. Camp is a fan of La Roche-Posay's retinol eye cream because, "In addition to retinol, it contains caffeine to reduce puffiness and thermal spring water with antioxidant properties, which can be soothing for those with easily irritated skin." We appreciate its cooling gel texture and the fact that the formula is non comedogenic, dermatologist-, ophthalmologist- and allergy tested (aka friendly to contact lens wearers and the breakout prone).
Fast Facts
- Best For: those with puffy eyes and/or dark circles
Budget Buy
6. The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
What We Like:
- stabilized, slow-release retinoid formula designed to prevent irritation
What We Don't Like:
- not as hydrating as some formulas
The Inkey List
Generally speaking, any type of retinol product can skew a bit on the pricier side—even many of the drugstore options may be more than you’d expect. Happily, this rings in at less than lunch. It uses a slow-release retinol compound to help minimize irritation, and we also appreciate the pointed applicator, which makes it easy to dispense a tiny amount. (Less is always more when it comes to retinol.)
Fast Facts
- Best For: combination skin
For the Retinol Regular
7. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
What We Like:
- ophthalmologist tested
- contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin and minimize dryness
What We Don't Like:
- on the pricier side
Murad
This Murad formula takes retinol seriously and actually contains three forms of it: a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released retinol and a retinol booster to help fight lines and deep wrinkles. There’s also a marine kelp complex that firms, lifts and brightens dark circles. Meanwhile, squalane soothes skin and glycerin moisturizes.
Fast Facts
- Best For: mature skin
For Special Occasions
8. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkleresist24 Pure Retinol Eye Mask
What We Like:
- great for travel
What We Don't Like:
- on the pricier side
Shiseido
A slippery slope because of the price tag, but these stretchable, super-concentrated under-eye patches deliver a targeted, potent dose of retinol right where you stick them. After just a few uses you should notice a difference in your fine lines and undereye circles, and with consistent use, the area will continue to look smoother and brighter.
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
Creamiest Texture
9. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
What We Like:
- features encapsulated retinol, avocado and coffeeberry
- ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested
What We Don't Like:
- can be difficult to get out of the container when the jar is nearly empty
Glow Recipe
Rather than straight-up retinol, this product uses an encapsulation process that allows the retinol to release in smaller amounts at a time, making it less likely to cause irritation. Still, you reap similar line-fighting benefits, and there’s also nutrient-dense avocado to add a lot of hydration and nourishment. Sensitive skin types will appreciate that it’s free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, alcohol, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrance and is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
Fast Facts
- Best For: dry skin
The Pregnancy-Safe Option
10. Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème
What We Like:
- uses bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol (which shouldn't be used during pregnancy)
What We Don't Like:
- might be too gentle for experienced retinol users
Olehenriksen
This gentle formula gradually improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin around your eyes, thanks to a blend of bakuchiol, peptides and orchid stem cells. According to multiple reviewers, it has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly with a few pats and it doesn't settle into fine lines—even when you apply makeup over it. In fact, some even compare the eye cream to a primer in terms of its consistency and say it's a solid prep step before your concealer.
Fast Facts
- Best For: expecting and nursing mothers
PureWow Favorite
11. ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream
What We Like:
- gentle formula
- has a cooling ceramic tip applicator
What We Don't Like:
- might be too light for those with very dry or mature skin
ILIA
It's no secret that we love ILIA's eye cream. The cushiony formula delivers the myriad benefits of retinol without actually using retinol or its derivatives (like retinoic acid, tretinoin, retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate and retinyl acetate). Instead, the lightweight cream uses plant-based, vegan ingredients that refresh the under-eyes, reducing dark circles and puffiness with continued use. The squeeze tube design also features a cooling ceramic tip that you can use to massage the product into the skin. As our assistant sales and deals editor, Destinee Scott, tells us: "I used it for a couple of days while I was on bed rest, and it made my under-eyes look and feel less tired from the inside out, so I could FaceTime without scaring people."
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
Best for Puffiness
12. StriVectin Advanced Retinol Multi-Correct Eye Cream
What We Like:
- refreshing gel texture
- has a cooling metal tip applicator
What We Don't Like:
- product sometimes gets stuck in the cap
StriVectin
Engineered with what the brand calls their "Optimized Surface Release Retinol," this eye cream works to improve the appearance of volume, texture and depth of wrinkles around the eyes over time. Squeeze a little product out and use the cooling metal tip to gently glide the cream underneath your eyes. This feels especially nice during allergy season or on those mornings when you wake up with extra puffy eyes.
Fast Facts
- Best For: puffy eyes
Best for Brightening
13. Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinol + Niacinamide Eye Serum
What We Like:
- non-sticky gel texture
- features a cooling ceramic tip applicator
What We Don't Like:
- might be too strong for retinol newbies
Sunday Riley
This potent eye serum is packed with a 6 percent retinoid complex and centella asiatica to support natural collagen production, which helps to plump up fine lines over time. It also features ceramides, olive oil and shea butter to hydrate the undereye skin while you sleep. That said, it is a stronger formula than some others on this list, so you may want to ease into using it. As one Sephora reviewer shares, "I don’t have sensitive skin but if you do, you should only use it every other night to avoid flakiness and redness."
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
Best for Dry Skin
14. Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide Firming Eye Cream
What We Like:
- very emollient
- features five kinds of ceramides and vitamin C
What We Don't Like:
- might be too heavy for those with oily skin
Paula's Choice
If you have parched skin, this emollient pick might be just the thing for you. Rich and impossibly creamy, this velvety formula is intensely hydrating, thanks to its blend of not one or two, but five (!) concentrated ceramides, along with retinol to tackle fine lines, vitamin C for dark circles and two skin-firming peptides to round things out.
Fast Facts
- Best For: dry or mature skin
The Multitasker
15. RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream
What We Like:
- hypoallergenic
- non-comedogenic
- well-priced for what you get
What We Don't Like:
- sometimes too much product comes out when you squeeze the tube
RoC
Checks all the boxes in one fell swoop. It’s packed with enough retinol to zap fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and even puffiness without an astronomical price tag. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won’t disrupt the skin’s barrier or cause irritation. Dermatologists tested it and saw noticeable fading of crow’s feet in 12 weeks.
Fast Facts
- Best For: all skin types
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Retinol Eye Cream Do?
The skin around the eyes is extremely delicate, so many eye creams contain unique ingredients—or ingredients at lower concentrations—to effectively treat the area without causing irritation. As Dr. Gretchen Frieling further explains: “Retinols are a great choice for the under-eye area because they boost collagen production, which makes them ideal for smoothing existing fine lines and preventing new ones from forming,” says Frieling. "The area underneath the eyes is thinner and therefore more sensitive than the rest of the skin on your face, [so] you want to choose a retinol product designed specifically for the eyes, otherwise it could be too potent and lead to irritation and dryness."
How Often Should You Use Retinol Eye Cream?
"Retinol eye creams work best when used consistently. These products should be used on a regular basis for at least 12 weeks before deciding if they are effective or not," says Camp.
"Ideally, it's best to carefully introduce retinol into your routine by starting with a twice weekly or every other night application for the first few weeks," adds Ilyas. "If it's well tolerated, you can gradually increase the frequency of use to every night."
If you experience irritation, Camp says it may imply that either the product you're using is too strong or you're using too much of it and too often. He recommends halting the use of the retinol eye cream in question until your skin is fully healed, and then reintroduce it into your regimen, using less of it this time and at a reduced frequency.
How Effective Is Retinol Eye Cream?
Dr. Camp points us to an article in the New York Times, which suggested that eye creams containing retinol or vitamin C are the most effective ingredients at addressing signs of aging. Again though, retinol is a long game, so don't expect overnight results; the effects are slow and cumulative.
