<p>“The periorbital skin is the thinnest skin on the face. Because of this, fine lines and wrinkles can become more apparent at an earlier age. Additionally, this is a dynamic area where the muscles around the eye are constantly contracting, which can deepen the fine lines and wrinkles over time. Incorporating retinol into the eye area will help to diminish the signs of aging due to the factors that are described above,” explains <a href=”https://somenekpittmanmd.com/nyc/” target=”_blank”>Dr. Michael Somenek</a>, an NYC- and Washington D.C.-based double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at <a href=”https://somenekpittmanmd.com/” target=”_blank”>Somenek and Pittman MD</a>. </p><p>While retinol can be irritating when you first begin using it, eye creams with the ingredient are generally quite gentle since they’re formulated for the eye area. Prepared for smoother, firmer under eyes? Scroll on to shop the 13 best retinol eye creams to fight back against fine lines and wrinkles.</p>”/>
1
Best For Makeup Prep
Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Eye Rescue Cream with Retinol
1
Best For Makeup Prep
Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Eye Rescue Cream with Retinol
Pros
- Helps prevent under-eye creasing
Cons
- Have to dip finger or tool to pick up product
Think of this eye cream as the energy drink of your skincare routine. Your eyes are energized and plumped with the help of time-released retinol, which adds a surge of radiance. In addition, this cream smooths fine lines and depuffs any swelling.
Key ingredients: Retinol, shea butter, botanical stem cell extract
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Nordstrom star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Nothing ruins my day more than realizing my under-eye makeup is creasing and extremely dry. As a former eye cream hater, I didn’t believe that proper eye prep could extend the longevity of my makeup—and Charlotte Tilbury’s eye cream is one that made me a believer. It’s super moisturizing and lightweight, which helps my concealer ( Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, of course!) melt into my skin better.” — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor
2
Best Plant Based Retinol Formula
ILIA Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
2
Best Plant Based Retinol Formula
ILIA Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
Pros
- Massager tool depuffs and evenly applies cream
Cons
- Pricey
Ilia’s motto has always been skin-first, so it comes as no surprise that its foray into skincare would arrive as an eye cream. What’s different about this one is that it’s formulated with sea fennel extract, a plant-based retinol that brightens and firms the skin. “If you have a darker skin tone, don’t let the pinkish tan color worry you; it absorbs into your skin without leaving any cast,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.com.
Key ingredients: Sea fennel extract, avocado oil
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Credo Beauty star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Not sure how long you should be massaging the cream under your eye, but the ceramic applicator feels too good under my eye to use for only a few seconds. On one side of the applicator, there’s a tiny hole dispensing the product so that you can flip the tube over and use the massager tool to really work the product in. I love how airy the cream feels under my eye and how rejuvenated I look when I wake up.”—Nerisha Penrose
3
Best For Beginners
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
3
Best For Beginners
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Now 39% Off
Pros
- Affordable
- Combats dryness
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
This product has two of the hottest skincare ingredients on the market: retinol—to reduce fine lines and refine texture—and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate. It’s also fragrance-free, making it that much safer for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “My goal was to reduce the puffiness beneath my eyes and soften the bags that were beginning to form. Been using it for approximately two weeks now, and I feel like it has worked well and smoothed my skin.”
4
Best All In One
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
4
Best All In One
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Firming
Cons
- May take time to see results
There’s a reason why Sarah Jessica Parker is a big fan of RoC—the brand boasts products that simply work. Whether you’re concerned about wrinkles or dark circles, this formula harnesses retinol and glycerin to address all sorts of problems that crop up in the eye area.
Key ingredients: Retinol
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been using this product for years and love it. It gives me the moisture I need under my eyes without causing my makeup to not stay on. It definitely helps with dark circles, but nothing will get rid of them completely, I’m convinced. It’s gentle enough to use every day while still being strong enough to do the job.”
5
Best For Deep Wrinkles
Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
5
Best For Deep Wrinkles
Olay Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Brightens skin over time
- On the affordable side
Cons
- Can feel sticky
Olay has been around for decades as an anti-aging favorite. An infusion of retinol and niacinamide helps this eye cream erase fine lines and reduce the appearance of deeper wrinkles.
Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon star rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I use this every night. It only takes a drop. My crow’s feet are gone!!”
6
Best For Puffy Eyes
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
6
Best For Puffy Eyes
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- De-puffing
- Reduces crow’s feet
Cons
- Pricey
Caffeine isn’t just for drinking—applying it to your eye area can make you appear more well-rested, too. This eye cream contains retinol and caffeine, creating a formula that’ll have co-workers commenting, “Wow, you look so awake!”
Key ingredients: Retinol, caffeine
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Got rid of the crepey skin around my eyes. This is also unscented, so it’s good for fragrance-sensitive people. This is definitely going into my list of staple skincare products!”
7
Best For Dry Skin
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
7
Best For Dry Skin
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
Pros
- Hydrating
- Firming
Cons
- May take time to see results
This balmy eye cream makes sure that even those with dry skin can benefit from retinol. It combats the dryness associated with the anti-aging ingredient using vitamin E and natural extracts while retinol does its job.
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E
Size: 0.42 fl. oz.
Target star rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: “This product is amazing. Tried it because it is affordable and a clean product. It reduces puffiness, smooths out lines, moisturizes. It does it all!! Love this line and can’t wait to try more of their products.”
8
Best For A Budget
The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream
8
Best For A Budget
The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- Can feel heavy
For great results on a budget, this eye cream does a lot for not much cash. While retinol treats fine lines and wrinkles, this product also helps brighten the under-eyes, so you can cut back on your concealer routine.
Key ingredients: Retinol, shea butter
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Sephora star rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “This retinol cream absorbs quickly and leaves my under eye area moisturized. After nightly use for three weeks, my crow’s feet aren’t as pronounced. I will definitely buy this product again!”
9
Best For Quick Results
No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
9
Best For Quick Results
No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Noticeable results right away
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
This cream really does it all: reduces fine lines, addresses dehydration, plumps the skin, and significantly brightens the under-eyes. The best part is that you’ll see results in just a few weeks.
Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “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!”
10
Best For Plumping
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
10
Best For Plumping
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
Pros
- Design makes it easy to smooth under the eye
Cons
- Not very hydrating
This eye stick is so fun and soothing to use. While it gives your under-eyes a dose of firming retinol, squalane and peptides help plump the skin for youth-boosting results. Plus, the texture of this balm feels like a primer that immediately makes your skin feel better.
Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, squalane
Size: 0.14 oz.
Amazon star rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “After using it for a while, I can notice a dramatic difference. The lines around my eye are less visible. I think this for sure will be my new go-to!”
11
Best For Sensitive Skin
bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream
11
Best For Sensitive Skin
bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream
Pros
- Gentle enough for everyday use
Cons
- Need to dip fingers or tool in jar to get product
For people with incredibly sensitive skin who want the benefits of retinol without the irritation, bareMinerals uses phyto-retinol—a faux retinol—to give similar effects without the drawbacks. It will still combat fine lines, but the retinol-averse can use it without risking a reaction.
Key ingredients: Phyto-retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “Very gentle for eye area. Soothing light scent. Noticed wrinkled areas decreased with morning and evening use.”
12
Best For Fine Lines
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
12
Best For Fine Lines
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Pros
- Slows signs of aging over time
Cons
- Pricey
This eye serum isn’t playing any games. If your goal is to get smoother under-eyes without any fine lines, this product uses retinol, bakuchiol—a common retinol dupe—and anti-aging rambutan to treat all those concerns.
Key ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Sephora star rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “There are very few products I would say I can easily see results, but this one is easily one. There is a noticeable reduction in my under-eye lines, looks way smoother. I will most definitely be restocking this!”
13
Best For Cell Turnover
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
13
Best For Cell Turnover
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Pricey
For near-instant results, this eye cream is committed to the anti-aging game. Retinol reduces fine lines, while other retinol-like ingredients help increase cell turnover for brighter, younger-looking eyes.
Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Ulta star rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This product was amazing. I got it during one of the ulta days sales. After a week of using the product I saw that my skin hydrated and supple which is obviously necessary for wrinkle prevention. I also use it on my forehead and around my mouth.”
Meet the experts
Dr. Michael Somenek is an NYC- and Washington D.C.-based double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Somenek and Pittman MD.
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer, lasers, and aesthetics
Dr. Karan Lal is an Arizona-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology
What is retinol?
A derivative of vitamin A, “Retinol is one of the most evidence-based and tried-and-true anti-aging molecules we have today,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “[Retinols] It helps produce collagen, thickens the skin and improves overall health. The skin around our eyes is the thinnest on our bodies, and over time collagen loss in this area tends to be most pronounced. ”
Be aware that retinol may have side effects. “The main caveat about retinol is that it can be too irritating or drying for people with sensitive skin or those who use it in excess.” It is essential to combine it with a good sunscreen to avoid damage.
Is retinol safe to use under the eyes?
“It’s absolutely safe to use retinol cream around the eyes,” says Dr. Lal. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. “If you have sensitive or very thin skin, you may experience some redness, stinging, or peeling during the initial use. [which] It’s common.The panacea is to apply just a little moisturizer on top [of the retinol eye cream]” Investing in a good moisturizer is a great way for people with sensitive skin to avoid irritation. “When it comes to anti-aging, it’s too good a molecule to ignore,” says Dr. Ibrahimi.
How should I use retinol eye cream?
“We recommend using 1/2 a pea-sized amount on both eyelids combined and a good moisturizer to reduce the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Lal. “Don’t expect miracles. It can take many months to see improvement. This is why we recommend starting retinol creams at age 25 for prevention and delay.” [the] Fine lines and flaky skin appear. ”
If you are concerned about side effects, start slowly. “Start by applying the product every other day or every third day. If you’re okay with it, you can try to apply it every night,” says Dr. Ibrahimi. “If you get too irritated, you can always take a few days off to calm down.”
Why can you trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com personally tests the latest and most innovative products, interviews countless experts, and scrutinizes the items our customers love. We are committed to introducing the best products in different categories. In this article, ELLE.com editors spoke to skin experts about the best retinol-based eye creams to slow the signs of aging. The author has personally tested these products and scoured reviews of the highest-rated products on the market.
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