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 two leading dermatologists for the full rundown.
The Best Retinol Eye Creams, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment Cream
- Best for Fine Lines: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
- Best for Dark Circles: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Best for Wrinkles: No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides
The Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2025
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.
Pros: Treats puffiness, large pores, and dull skin
Cons: Not ideal for sensitive eyes
Key ingredients: niacinamide and collagen peptide
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!"
Best for Fine Lines: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
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.
Pros: Very potent, fast acting
Cons: Not very moisturizing, can irritate skin
Key ingredients: 3% Vitalease
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."
Best for Dark Circles: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
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 nongreasy, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Pros: Targets puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles
Cons: May feel greasy for some
Key ingredients: Glycerin
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!"
Best for Wrinkles: No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream
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, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, crow's-feet, and puffiness after two weeks.
Pros: Fast-acting and fragrance-free
Cons: May be too strong for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Glycerin and shea butter
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!"
Best for Sensitive Eyes: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides
This retinol eye cream was designed with sensitive skin in mind and uses a combination of squalane and ceramides to hydrate, calm, soothe, and support the moisture barrier. Its formula also contains Encapsulated Retinol Technology, which gently releases over time to smooth the skin.
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, soothing, lightweight
Cons: May take a while to see results
Key ingredients: Squalane and ceramides
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!"
Best Plant-Based Retinol Eye Cream: Ilia Beauty Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
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.
Pros: Smoothes and hydrates skin
Cons: Doesn't help as much with puffiness
Key ingredients: Sea fennel extract, upcycled avocado extract, caffeine, and peptides
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!"
Best Skin Tightening: Herbivore Moon Dew 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
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.
Pros: Smooths skin and evens out texture
Cons: Can be drying for some
Key ingredients: Honey locust seed polysaccharides, quinoa plant peptides, bakuchiol 1%
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!"
Best Firming: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
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.
Pros: Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Cons: May take a while to see results
Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and caffeine
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."
Best Moisturizing: Dr. Brandt Skincare Bright This Way 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream
I can't praise the 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream enough. It's 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.
Pros: Lightweight, moisturizing, reduces fine lines
Cons: Takes a while to see results
Key ingredients: Ruby Crystal Complex
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."
Best Brightening: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream
The Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream by Elizabeth Arden uses 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 that I had gotten so used to seeing virtually disappear in days.
Pros: Lightweight, absorbs quickly, moisturizing
Cons: Can cause redness for sensitive skin types
Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, and ceramides
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!"
Best Anti-Aging: Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Eye Cream
There are a number of products by Fresh I use 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.
Pros: Can be worn under makeup and treats puffiness
Cons: Some say the results are minor
Key ingredients: Black tea, vitamin C, wild ginger extract, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid
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."
Best Under Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Eye Rescue
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 Stem Cells Extract to brighten, tighten, and firm the eyes.
Pros: Can be worn under makeup, gives skin a glow, a little goes a long way
Cons: May not be ideal for mature skin
Key ingredients: Botanical eye-contour complex and winter daphne stem cells extract
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."
Best for Puffiness: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream
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.
Pros: Great for mature skin
Cons: Strong scent may not be ideal for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Kurenai-TruLift Complex and ReNeura Technology++
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!"
Best for Fast Results: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment
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 tackle signs of eye-area aging. The eye cream is also gentle enough for nightly use.
Pros: Soothing, brightens eyes, absorbs quickly
Cons: Pricey
Key ingredients: Oat-firming film and gentian root extract
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!"
Best for Textured Skin: Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
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 also uses hyaluronic acid for increased hydration.
Pros: Boosts firmness and elasticity
Cons: Expensive and not very moisturizing
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
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."
Best Splurge: Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Crème
The Brightening Retinol Eye Crème is 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.
Pros: Good for mature skin, firming, brightening
Cons: Expensive, the pump can get stuck
Key ingredients: Micro-encapsulated Retinol, bakuchi seed, saffron
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!"
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 NYC-based dermatologist and Kiehl's consulting dermatologist Meghan 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; it 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, it won't be able to inhibit lines and wrinkles on a mechanical level.
How to Use Retinol Eye Cream
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.
What to Look for in a Retinol Eye Cream
There are a lot of different retinol eye creams on the market, so it's good to get a sense of what makes a product worth your while. For starters, if you plan on using a formula around your eyes, make sure it's specifically listed as an eye cream to avoid irritation. The additional ingredients in an eye cream can also have some extra benefits. "You want to look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide, which will nourish and moisturize the area," says board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. "Vitamin E is also a great ingredient to look out for, as it will soothe the skin, brighten dark circles, even skin tone, and smooth out fine lines while helping hydrate the area as well."
Another standout ingredient: vitamin C. "Vitamin C helps to work in conjunction with a retinoid protocol and is a go-to for ingredients to look for in retinol under-eye creams," says Chacon. "It's great for protecting your skin from any environmental damage, helps with pigmentations and skin texture, and even addresses dark spots." That said, if your focus is more on skin elasticity and plumpness, peptides are going to be your best friend. It's perfect for treating fine lines and wrinkles that often pop up around the eye area.
What Are the Downsides of a Retinol Eye Cream?
In general, retinol can be tough on skin, especially if you're just starting to use it for the first time. That said, the eye area is naturally more delicate since the skin is thinner, making retinol more irritating. "If you have sensitive skin, you could experience irritations such as increased redness, sensitivity, irritation, and dryness," says Chacon.
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best retinol eye creams, we leaned heavily on our expertise as beauty editors and considered several factors, including price, key ingredients, and the overall formula. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
Why Trust Who What Wear?
Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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