Best Retinol Eye Cream For Skin Around Eyes
The periocular skin is thin and delicate, so it’s important to find a product that’s gentle around the eyes. Avoid using regular complexion retinol formulas, which may contain too high of a percentage for the area.
Look for hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, in addition to retinol to prevent dryness and irritation. Our editor loves this drugstore pick, which contains both retinol and a vitamin-C derivative called retinaldehyde to smooth fine lines.
1. Kiehl’s Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Kiehl’s is a skincare stalwart with a reputation for quality. This eye cream is no exception. Its formula features retinol, which is a superstar anti-aging ingredient that’s proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains peptides, which help boost collagen production and plump the skin around your eyes. The addition of shea butter and ginseng root extract make it particularly soothing, too.
It’s also free of common irritants like fragrance and drying alcohols. Those are especially important to avoid under the eyes because they can trigger puffiness and redness. La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Eye Cream is a good option for sensitive skin because it’s formulated with mineral-rich spring water and neurosensine (a combination of two amino acids that works as an antioxidant).
It’s also noncomedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores or triggering breakouts. Like pricier best eye serum options, it helps smooth out fine lines and tackle pesky crow’s feet and dark circles. It also has hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin around your eyes plump and bright.
2. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
A hard-working cream that’s clinically proven to visibly rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes. It combines pure RoC Retinol and an exclusive mineral complex to reduce lines, dark circles and puffiness while brightening the eye area. The formula starts working instantly to smooth skin’s surface and visibly diminish fine lines, while under-eye puffiness and crow’s feet are reduced with continued use. Apply in small dots around the eyes and gently smooth until thoroughly absorbed in the morning or evening. Dermatologist tested. Non-greasy. Oil-free. Fragrance-free. Paraben-free.
Eye wrinkles and dark circles are the first signs of aging, but this under-$20 retinol product stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover to soften the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark circles over time.
3. Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Eye Cream
Boost skin’s natural collagen production to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles while fading hyperpigmentation for a more even complexion. This powerful, anti-aging eye cream also helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Powered by a next-level blend of vitamin C, bakuchiol (a gentle botanical alternative to retinol you can wear during the day) and multi-peptides, this skin-strengthening eye cream soothes, depuffs and diminishes dark circles. Suitable for all skin types, it protects the delicate eye area from environmental stressors and blue light damage, preventing premature signs of aging.
Retinol is a hero skincare ingredient that accelerates cell turnover and promotes cellular repair and renewal, resulting in reduced fine lines, brighter and more even skin tone and improved texture. For best results, apply 2-7 times per week at night on clean skin. If you’re new to retinol or your skin is sensitive, we recommend starting with a lower concentration serum like our GlyPro Retinol Serum or Beta-Clarity BHA Drops before incorporating this into your routine. For added benefits, hydrate with a soothing hyaluronic acid-based serum like our Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator for added glow.
4. Glow Recipe Retinol Eye Cream
If you’re looking for a brightening eye cream to banish both warm- best eye cream for bags and cool-toned dark circles, depuff the delicate skin around the eyes (including the lid) and lift, Glow Recipe’s new Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream delivers. The day-to-night lightweight gel cream is infused with bakuchiol—an ingredient similar to retinol, but plant-based, less irritating and more effective for sensitive skin.
It also features encapsulated retinol that gently time-releases for hours to effectively smooth fine lines and firm the delicate eye area. This is paired with avocado extract, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and coffeeberry for a creamy yet lightweight formula that helps nourish, brighten, depuff and lift the appearance of the undereye and lid by morning.
The formula is free of mineral oil, sulfates, silicones and phthalates, and is formulated with the delicate skin around the eyes in mind. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. The jar is made from 100% recycled glass and the packaging is made from eco-friendly paper. The product costs $42 on the Glow Recipe website here. It’s also available at Sephora and Ulta.
5. Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
This bestselling eye cream is a cult-favorite among dermatologists and estheticians because it really works. The formula features a unique blend of soothing ingredients that help the delicate skin around the eyes look brighter and more revitalized. Plus, a glucose complex enhances the efficacy of the retinol to give you better results in less time.
Retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet, while also improving skin elasticity for a more toned and youthful-looking eye contour. Meanwhile, niacinamide minimizes dark hyperpigmentation and discoloration, while ash tree bark extract thickens the skin to minimize the appearance of dark circles. And, a special silicone gel improves the feel of the formula.
This retinol eye cream has an innovative gold applicator tip that “bends” to help massage the product into the delicate eye area. It’s gentle enough to use AM and PM.