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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
There are few ingredients more scientifically proven to reduce signs of aging than retinol. It both helps the skin retain water and stimulates collagen production, resulting in diminished fine lines and wrinkles. While it’s a choice ingredient to use all over your face, retinol can be particularly useful around the eyes, says New York City dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, MD.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Overall, our top choice is Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream which absorbs quickly and uses an antioxidant that can help protect your skin from pollution. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly product, consider Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid to plump thin, delicate skin around the eyes.
"The skin around the eyes is naturally thin and fragile, making it more susceptible to the aging process as collagen and elastin fibers break down with age,” Fenton explains. “We also have a lot of movement in the area as we smile, squint, and rub our eyes, which further induces the formation of wrinkles.” By increasing collagen production, retinol can help thicken this thin skin and improve fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, adds New York City dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD.
How to Choose a Retinol Eye Cream
Retinol can often have irritating side effects including redness and peeling, so it's best to start slow and work your way up. Most experts recommend using a retinol product just two times per week, and slowly increasing the usage as your skin adjusts.
What's more, you should look for benefits beyond just anti-aging when it comes to retinol products. To ensure your skin doesn't get too irritated, reach for retinol products that moisturize and look for ingredients like niacinamide or B3, which help to calm inflammation. This is even more important when it comes to extra-sensitive parts of the skin. Fenton recommends choosing a product specifically made for the eye area if using retinol around your eyes. They’re specially formulated to be extra hydrating and minimize the likelihood of irritation.
We went to work and tried a handful of top-rated eye creams with retinol spanning a range of budgets, skin types, and concerns. After using them for weeks at a time, our testers rated each formula's texture, skin-feel, and how well it diminished the signs of aging around the eyes. We then combined these results with the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists as well as our own research to compile a list of the best in show.
Ahead, the best retinol eye creams clinically proven to smooth away lines.
Best Overall
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream
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Courtesy of Sephora
Protects against pollution
Non-drying
Absorbs quickly
Expensive
This is a favorite for both Byrdie Senior Editor Lindsey Metrus and Dr. Rabach. Along with the boosting properties of retinol, you also get a healthy dose of ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant known for its ability to protect against pollution. There’s also caffeine in the formula to help depuff as well as a proprietary blend of collagen, ellagic acid, and gallic acid to hydrate and moisturize.
Price at time of publish: $92
Active Ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin E and amino acids, retinol | Benefits: Plumping, moisturizing, anti-aging | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Okay | Style: Jar | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
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Courtesy of Sephora
Can be used on eyelids
Absorbs quickly
Lightweight
Expensive
As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t put any eye cream (especially a retinol-based one) on your actual eyelids, unless the directions specifically say that it’s okay to do so. This formula is one of those rare ones that can be applied around the entire eye, including on the lids, ensuring you get a 360-degree anti-aging effect. Because it’s a serum, the silky texture sinks into the skin beautifully. And as far as retinol goes, this formula touts a retinoid complex that combines a time-released version of the ingredient with a fast-acting one, plus a booster that ups the efficacy of both.
Price at time of publish: $92
Active Ingredients: Retinol Tri-Active Technology, cotton wool grass extract, marine kelp complex | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing, lifting | Dosage: Apply a thin layer nightly | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Okay (on the pricier side) | Style: Pump | Sheerness: Goes on sheer and easily sinks in
Best Drugstore
Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Treatment
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Target
Affordable
Quick results
Reviewers note results aren't drastic
The drugstore is a treasure trove of great retinol eye creams, and this is one of the best. It’s a favorite of New York City board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, who lauds the very moisturizing formula. It also works fast, decreasing the look of even super deep fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks.
Price at time of publish: $30
Active Ingredients: Pro-Retinol, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best Multi-Tasker
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
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Amazon
Non-greasy
Non-comedogenic
Affordable
Cannot be used on eyelids
Reach for this to knock out all of your eye area concerns, including helping to fade age spots and diminish wrinkles. “RoC is a well-known producer of a variety of retinol creams, and this one also contains a mineral complex that has other benefits to improve the appearance of skin,” says Fenton. (Namely, reducing dark circles and puffiness. Yes, please.) Both he and Rabach also laud it for being gentle.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Pure ROC Retinol | Benefits: Anti-aging, reduced puffiness, fades dark circles | Dosage: Apply small dots around the area | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
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Byrdie / Leigh Weingus
What Our Testers Say
"Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye Cream. I didn’t experience any irritation with it and saw some pretty immediate results as far as reduced dark circles and puffiness." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Best Budget
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
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Ulta
Affordable
Lightweight
Absorbs quickly
Doesn't work as fast as promised
“This lightweight formulation also has hyaluronic acid that pulls in moisture to help to rehydrate the skin, further reducing the appearance of fine lines,” says Fenton of another one of his picks. King is a fan, too, noting that the formula also contains glycerin, another humectant ingredient that can help hydrate. Bonus points for the featherweight feel and fast-acting effects; thanks to a unique retinol booster in the formula, you may start to see some results in as little as just one week.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, moisturizing | Dosage: Dab a small amount around the eye area | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
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Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
What Our Testers Say
"Despite some initial redness and stinging, my eyes felt super soft the next morning." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester
Best Firming
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
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Ulta
Cooling applicator
Quick results
Expensive
If you’re looking for both fewer wrinkles and firmer skin around your eyes (and really, who wouldn’t want that), reach for this cream, a staple among beauty editors. It relies on both retinol and a plant-based compound from babchi seeds that has similar firming and smoothing effects. There’s also a blend of natural oils that help increase skin’s elasticity, and you can use it both under and around your eyes, as well as on the upper brow area. The best part might be the applicator, though, a gold tip that feels cooling and makes it easy to gently massage in the product.
Price at time of publish: $98
Active Ingredients: Retinol, bio retinol, hyaluronic acid, natural blend of bidens pilosa extract, lime pearl | Benefits: Firming, smoothing, radiance-boosting, anti-aging, moisturizing | Dosage: Pat a small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Value: Okay (it's pricey but the applicator adds value) | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream
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Courtesy of Dermstore
Gentle
Allergy-tested
Non-comedogenic
Reviewers note it can be drying
Yes, you can still use a retinol eye cream even if you have sensitive skin–you just have to be slightly more judicious. Dr. King says this one is a great choice, given that it’s both fragrance- and paraben-free, as well as allergy-tested. It combines retinol and retinyl linoleate, another vitamin A-derivative, in a concentration that’s enough to be effective but without making your skin totally freak out. It can also help combat dark circles, too.
Price at time of publish: $48
Active Ingredients: Pure retinol, caffeine, glycerin, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water | Benefits: Anti-aging, lifting, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best for A.M.
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream With Triple Hyaluronic Acid
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Courtesy of Ulta
Works well under makeup
Great for sensitive skin
Cannot be used on eyelids
Microencapsulated retinol in this formula helps to fight fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s the other ingredients that make it an A.M. go-to. Namely, three kinds of hyaluronic acid that both hydrate and plump fine lines (and also make this blend extra soothing, notes King), plus finely milled pearl extract that delivers a subtle luminosity. The two combined help create the ideal base over which to apply foundation and concealer, helping you appear bright-eyed and wide awake. Like we said, just make sure you’re wearing sunscreen anytime you use any kind of retinoid during the day.
Price at time of publish: $44
Active Ingredients: Skin Saver Complex, microencapsulated retinol, triple weight hyaluronic acid, micro-pearls | Benefits: Anti-aging, reduces puffiness, fades dark circles, firming | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best for P.M.
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
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Amazon
Gentle
Rich, thick texture
Non-greasy
Unhygienic container
Sunlight can render retinol inactive, so make sure you load up on SPF if you’re using it during the daytime. Or, to be safe, you can also reserve it for the evening and use this choice p.m. pick from Glow Recipe. Just a tiny dab under your eyes (a pea-size dollop is enough for both) before you hit the sack, and let the encapsulated retinol do its thing while you snooze, helping to strengthen skin and smooth out the look of fine lines. Meanwhile, the namesake ingredient imparts plenty of hydration to counteract those potential drying side effects.
Price at time of publish: $44
Active Ingredients: Avocado, encapsulate retinol, niacinamide, coffeeberry | Benefits: Anti-aging, radiance-boosting, moisturizing | Dosage: Apply a pea-sized amount around eye area morning and night; morning use SPF | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Good | Style: Mask | Sheerness: Goes on thicker than most
What Our Editors Say
"While most of my face can tolerate potent, prescription-strength retinoids, my under-eyes are a different story. Most products with active ingredients leave my under-eyes feeling raw and red, but the Glow Recipe's encapsulated retinol eye cream is a completely different story. I can use it every night without experiencing even the slightest bit of irritation." —Holly Rhue, Byrdie Editor
Best Retinol Alternative
Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm
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Courtesy of Alpyn Beauty
Great for sensitive skin
Alternative for those who can't use retinol
Absorbs quickly
Expensive
Yes, technically there’s no retinol in this formula but we think it deserves a place on the list because some people truly can’t tolerate retinol at all. Not to mention that it’s a no-no when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The next best thing? Bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown in studies to have almost identical anti-aging effects to retinol but without any side effects. It’s the star of the show in this creamy balm, which also boasts caffeine and algae to tighten, firm, and de-puff. There is also a slew of hydrating ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides—that help to give this blend its pleasingly rich texture.
Price at time of publish: $62
Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice root, bearberry leaf, bakuchiol, caffeine, algae | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing, fades dark circles, firming, plumping | Dosage: Massage a small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Okay | Style: Balm | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best Natural
Tata Harper Boosted Contouring Eye Balm
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Courtesy of Sephora
Quick results
Rich, thick texture
Eco-friendly packaging
Expensive
Those looking to clean up their beauty routine will appreciate this formula that's free of a litany of different chemicals. In fact, rather than containing synthetically derived retinol, it instead relies on plant-based ingredients that are natural sources of vitamin A, including rose seed oil. The benefits don’t stop there; peptides in the formula help to firm the skin and a unique fruit extract assists in tamping down puffiness, fast.
Price at time of publish: $260
Active Ingredients: Lipopeptides, triple natural retinoic acid, java fruit | Benefits: Firming, anti-aging, moisturizing | Dosage: Small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Not great (the price is very expensive, but it's packed with important ingredients, such as peptides) | Style: Balm | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Best for Easy Application
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
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Courtesy of Sephora
Easy to apply
Affordable
Reviewers note results aren't dramatic
This solid formula is unlike any we’ve ever seen, a serum-balm hybrid that comes in a twist-up stick that looks more like concealer than eye cream. But don’t be fooled; it contains encapsulated retinol in the formula to smooth wrinkles, anti-aging peptides, super hydrating squalane, and astaxanthin, a super powerful antioxidant for extra protection. It glides seamlessly along the skin, no pulling or tugging, and there’s no rubbing or patting required.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, power peptide complex, vegan squalene, vegan astaxanthin | Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, improves texture, moisturizing | Size: 0.14 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Excellent | Style: Stick | Sheerness: Goes on sheer and slightly glossy
Best Luxury
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
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Lightweight texture absorbs easily
Gentle, time-release formula
Smoothes lines in 2 weeks
De-puffs
Some reviewers note formula stings
Developed by a Hollywood esthetician, this formula is featherlight and contains a time-release formula to deliver a steady stream of encapsulated retinol throughout the night to avoid irritation. Lactic acid also helps to brighten tired eyes, and a blend of antioxidants add lightweight hydration.
Price at time of publish: $88
Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, aloe | Benefits: Anti-aging, improves texture, moisturizing, de-puffs | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Okay (the product is a bit pricey, but it will last a while) | Style: Pump | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
What Our Editors Say
"I love how gentle this time-release retinol formula is; I use it every night tapping it into the under eye area. It absorbs within seconds and works overnight to tamp puffiness." —Jill Di Donato, Senior Editor
Best Lifting
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Eye Cream
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Ulta
Absorbs easily
Gentle
Brightens the under-eye area
Lifts
Some reviewers note formula stings
This unique blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus works to brighten and lift the tired undereye area, targeting wrinkles and fine lines in the process. Suitable for even sensitive skin, continued use leans to a lessened appearance of dark circles and under eye puffiness.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Anti-aging, brightens the eyes, lifts | Size: 0.5 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer
Final Verdict
Overall, our top choice is Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream which absorbs quickly and uses an antioxidant that can help protect your skin from pollution. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly product, consider Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid to plump thin, delicate skin around the eyes.
Meet the Expert
- Jeremy Fenton, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. He practices both cosmetic and general dermatology and is also a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Morgan Rabach, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, the co-founder of LM Medical in New York City, and a media expert on all things skin. She’s also an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
What to Look For in Retinol Eye Creams
Type of Retinoid
Not all retinoids are considered equal. While retinol is the most popular over-the-counter option, there are also other options—retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde—which have similar effects but are slightly less potent. If you have sensitive skin and/or this is your first time using a retinoid, it can be a good idea to look for these.
Fragrance-Free
Given that retinoids can be irritating in and of themselves, it’s a good idea to steer clear of any other potentially irritating ingredients like fragrance.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She considered dozens of eye creams with retinol for this roundup. Our testers also evaluated top-rated formulas on texture, skin-feel, and how well they diminished the signs of aging around the eyes.
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