This is hands down one of the most impressive eye creams I've tested. The formula has never once irritated the skin around my eyes (a rarity especially when it comes to retinol eye creams) and it has a silky gel-cream texture that glides on skin and sinks in quickly sans residue. As for the results, expect fewer fine lines and less noticeable puffiness and dark circles after about a month of regular use.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "The change in my under eyes has been remarkable from using this," writes a tester. "I use it every night and I noticed a huge difference in about a week. I have tried tons of other under eye creams. This doesn’t leave your skin in that awkward dry stage before the skin peels off. You just slowly notice it gently exfoliating."
2
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Nighttime
Olay Eyes Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream
2
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Nighttime
Olay Eyes Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream
Now 41% Off
Credit: Olay
Pros
- Made without synthetic fragrances or dyes
- Testers say it's a good value compared to other retinol eye creams
Cons
- Not suitable for daytime use
Remember that thing about certain retinol eye creams being suitable for nighttime only? This is one of them. The silky cream contains a retinol complex along with two potent antioxidants to firm and brighten your skin while you snooze. I tested it out for a month and noticed that the tiny creases under my eyes were softer and smoother.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin B3, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "When I received this eye cream I thought it was really small, but after using it for a month or so I realized that it goes a long way," writes a tester. "I only need a small amount for each eye and at my current rate I guess it would last around four or five months which makes it very good value for money."
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Best Retinol Eye Cream for Daytime
Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream
3
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Daytime
Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream
Credit: Kate Somerville
Pros
- Can be used as a part of your morning skincare routine
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on the list
Many retinols can be deactivated my sunlight, making them only suitable for your P.M. skincare routine. But not this retinol eye cream from Kate Somerville. It's made with a stable form of retinol that stays potent throughout the day—plus, in my testing experience, the non-greasy, non-pilling formula wears perfectly under foundation and concealer too.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I love this product. It seems to make a difference in my fine lines and does so in the gentlest way possible. I've been using this eye cream for months now and I love the ease of application and its effectiveness. That said, it's expensive (so don't squeeze to hard because a little goes a long way!) but a must have my for my eyes," reads one tester's review.
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Best Inexpensive Retinol Eye Cream
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
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Best Inexpensive Retinol Eye Cream
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
Credit: The Inkey List
Pros
- Most affordable option on the list
- Contains moisturizing ingredients to minimize the chance of dryness or flaking
Cons
- Some reviewers say the texture can be too watery
Finding a good eye cream that's less than $12? Hard. Finding a good retinol eye cream under $13? Basically impossible. So when I found this top-rated retinol eye cream from The Inkey List, I was pretty damn excited—and I was even more excited by the results after testing. It significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and the rough texture around my cheekbones, without giving me redness or flaking.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, shea butter
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I love this eye cream. It's super affordable and it's lightened my dark circles significantly."
5
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
5
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
Credit: Paula's Choice
Pros
- One of the best options on the list for reducing the look of dark circles
Cons
- Some reviewers say the formula can pill under makeup
This rich and creamy retinol eye cream is ideal for anyone dealing dark circles (hi, me). It combines vitamin C and retinol to fade hyperpigmentation and thicken your skin to make dark circles less visible. It's even got a dose of ceramides to help keep your delicate eye skin strong and moisturized throughout the day.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, peptides
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I'm in love with this eye cream," reads one review. "The consistency is perfect, not too light and not too thick."
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Best Cult-Favorite Retinol Eye Cream
Strivectin Advanced Retinol Multi Correct Eye Cream
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Best Cult-Favorite Retinol Eye Cream
Strivectin Advanced Retinol Multi Correct Eye Cream
Credit: Strivectin
Pros
- Derm-developed formula has won multiple awards
- Many testers love the metal tip applicator
Cons
- Expensive as far as retinol eye creams go
This award-winning retinol eye cream is a cult-favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and beauty editors. It genuinely works (expect smoother, firmer skin around your eyes with continued use) and it's gentle too. The magic? A patented technology called NIA-114 that helps make retinol less irritating, making it a suitable retinol option for those with sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, hibiscus extract
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "After about a month of using this eye cream I noticed a difference in my under eye area," writes a reviewer, adding that their skin was "brighter and fine lines were less visible." "It doesn't irritate but is strong enough to make a difference," writes another reviewer.
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7
Best Lightweight Retinol Eye Cream
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinol + Niacinamide Eye Serum
7
Best Lightweight Retinol Eye Cream
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinol + Niacinamide Eye Serum
Credit: Sunday Riley
Pros
- Has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well with makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers say it can cause skin peeling
If you're hesitant to use an eye cream because you're afraid of putting anything on your skin that has a thick, sticky texture, then you'll love this option from Sunday Riley. The texture is similar to that of a face serum, and the formula is packed with retinol to smooth fine lines and niacinamide to brighten up dark shadows.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, ceramides
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I love this! It makes my eye area looks younger, and it's not sticky at all," reads one review.
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Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream
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Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream
Credit: Elizabeth Arden
Pros
- Suitable for dry, dehydrated skin types
Cons
- Some reviewers say the pump packaging is prone to clogging
This rich eye cream combines plumping and smoothing retinol with brightening niacinamide, firming peptides, and moisture-boosting ceramides (they're a must for a healthy skin barrier) to make your eye are look younger and more wide-awake without feeling flaky or dried out in the process.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "This product has been wonderful. It lightweight, goes on smooth, and is definitely worth trying. I would recommend this to anyone with fine line concerns!"
9
Best Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream
9
Best Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream
Credit: Glow Recipe
Pros
- Nourishes and plumps the eye area overnight
- Helps improve the appearance of dark circles
Cons
- Some reviewers say the balm-like texture can feel waxy
Think of this as an overnight face mask, but specifically for your eye area. The rich creamy formula cocoons your delicate eye skin in a layer of moisture (TY, avocado extract) and infuses it with a time- released retinol that's both effective *and* gentle.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, avocado oil, coffeeberry extract
- Fragrance-free? No
THE REVIEW: "If I could give it more stars I would. It feels cooling, calming, creamy, ughhhh it's fabulous and I love it! It's not too heavy but still feels so rich and nourishing."
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10
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid
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Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid
Credit: First Aid Beauty
Pros
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin types
- Contains soothing oat extract to counteract sensitivity
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's not effective on super-deep lines
If the thought of using retinol around your dry, delicate eye area freaks you out, try starting with this ultra-gentle and hydrating retinol eye cream. The formula is infused with soothing oat extract and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration and an instant plumping effect, and the retinol it uses is actually encapsulated, making it extra gentle on skin.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, oat extract, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I’ve been wanting to try an eye cream with retinol but have been hesitant since the rest of my skin doesn’t seem to get along with retinol," says a reviewer, adding that "I'm happy to report this did not irritate the skin around my eyes at all!"
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Best Fast-Acting Retinol Eye Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
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Best Fast-Acting Retinol Eye Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
Now 39% Off
Credit: Neutrogena
Pros
- Can be used in the morning or at night
- Many testers say it's non-irritating
Cons
- Some testers say the texture feels a bit oily
Retinol eye creams area a long game (most formulas requires months of regular use to yield a result) but this formula from Neutrogena is proven to improve your skin's texture around your eyes in as little as a week, thanks to a glucose complex that boosts the retinol's efficacy for faster results.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I felt like I noticed visible results after the first use and have continued to see results throughout my first week of use," writes one tester, adding "I even use it on some fine lines on my forehead area."
12
Best Drugstore Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
12
Best Drugstore Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Now 27% Off
Credit: RoC
Pros
- Formula is loved by dermatologists
- Affordable and widely available at drugstores
There's a reason basically everyone and their mother raves about this retinol eye cream: It's gentle and it works. The hypoallergenic formula truly reduces crow's feet, dark circles, and under-eye bags without causing any redness or dryness to your eye area.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, panthenol
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I've been using this eye cream for almost ten years and I still love it," says a reviewer. I get many compliments on my skin and comments about the lack of wrinkles around my eyes for my age."
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Best Multitasking Retinol Eye Cream
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
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Best Multitasking Retinol Eye Cream
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
Credit: Dermalogica
Pros
- Improves skin texture and the appearance of dark circles
Cons
- Can cause irritation if overused
- Testers say it's pricey for the amount of product
Fine lines? Puffiness? Dark circles? This multitasking eye cream helps treat them all. It contains retinol to plump lines and wrinkles, niacinamide to reduce inflammation, and ash tree bark extract to brighten the look of dark circles and boost hydration levels too.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, ash tree bark extract
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "The most amazing eye treatment on the market for smoothing visible fine lines and wrinkles," says a tester. "My eyes look brighter, smoother, and transformed! My husband uses it as well and we are both hooked! Invest in this product!!!!"
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Best All-Natural Retinol Eye Cream
Follain Eye Cream Firm + Brighten
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Best All-Natural Retinol Eye Cream
Follain Eye Cream Firm + Brighten
Credit: Follain
Pros
- Contains bakuchiol instead of traditional retinol
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers said it creates a tingling sensation around the eye area
Just because this retinol eye cream is natural doesn't mean it's any less powerful than other options on the list. The hero ingredient is actually bakuchiol—a natural, plant-based ingredient that treats skin to the the same smoothing and glow-boosting benefits as retinol.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, peptides, caffeine, rosehip oil
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I've only used this a few times and can already see a difference," says one tester. "It has a serum-like texture and the scent is nice without being too strong."
15
Best Max-Strength Retinol Eye Cream
Skinbetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
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Best Max-Strength Retinol Eye Cream
Skinbetter Science EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Credit: Skinbetter Science
Pros
- Combines retinol with AHAs for max resurfacing benefits
Cons
- Not widely available at traditional beauty retailers
Dermatologists love this potent retinol eye cream from Skinbetter Science. It uses something called AlphaRet technology, which combines a retinoid and an alpha hydroxy acid to visibly reduce crow's feet, wrinkles, and crepey texture under and around eyes after four weeks of nightly use.
- Key ingredients: Retinoid, AHA, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free? Yes
THE REVIEW: "Works like a dream. Even though it’s a bit pricey, I’ve found that a little goes a very long way! So glad I was recommended to try this!”
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Is retinol eye cream or vitamin C eye cream better?
Neither retinol eye cream or vitamin C eye cream is better—the best formula depends on what you want your eye cream to do. In general, vitamin C eye creams are great for minimizing dark hyperpigmentation and discoloration around the eyes, while retinol eye creams are excellent at smoothing crow's feet and softening the look of lines and crepiness. That said, retinol eye creams are able to minimize dark circles as well by thickening the skin under your eyes, so retinol eye creams are better multitaskers IMO.
What's the best retinol eye cream?
The best retinol eye creams contain more than just retinol. Brightening ingredients (like vitamin C and niacinamide) and hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic, ceramides, and squalane are all things to look out for in your eye cream as well. Added moisturizing ingredients are especially important if your skin is on the dry or sensitive side, says Dr. Akhavan.
How to choose a retinol eye cream:
Make sure your retinol is designed specifically for your eye area
When using retinol around your eyes, it's best to use a formula that's specifically designed for the eye area, says Dr. Yeh. The delicate skin around our eyes tends to be more sensitive and prone to irritation, and retinol eye creams (unlike, say, the retinol you may use for treating acne) are formula with those concerns in mind, says Dr. Yeh.
Regular face retinols may also contain too high of a percentage for the eye area, but specific eye creams containing retinol will have the appropriate amount, says Dr. Akhavan.
Start off low and slow
When shopping for a new retinol eye cream, it is best to start with the lowest percentage you can find and then work your way up to a higher concentration, says Dr. Akhavan. "This will help you avoid any irritation or reaction." You always want to use your retinol eye cream sparingly at first—one or twice a week at first, increasing your frequency as tolerated.
Opt for a fragrance-free formula if possible
Fragrance, whether it's synthetic or naturally-derived, can be potentially irritating when used in skincare products. This is especially true for eye creams since the skin around the eyes tends to be more prone to irritation and inflammation. Many derms will say to play it safe and choose a fragrance-free formula if possible.
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Meet the experts:
- Arash Akhavan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York, NY, and a faculty member at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. He specializes in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures as well as skin cancer prevention and treatment.
- Lindsey Yeh, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Yeh is the co-founder and medical director at B.TOX.BAR, an aesthetic dermatology boutique in Los Gatos, CA.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the laser skin tightening to the best wrinkle creams. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to retinol and eye creams. She regularly tests and analyzes retinol eye creams for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas and brands.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
What is the best retinol eye cream?
Best Retinol Eye Creams 2023:.
Best Overall: RoC Retinol Correxion Line-Smoothing Eye Cream, $28..
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Under Eye Cream, $34..
Best Luxury: SkinBetter EyeMax AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $120..
Best for Dry Skin: Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol, $42..
Does retinol under eye cream work?
Does retinol help reduce bags under the eyes and puffiness? Absolutely. The retinol in Olay's Night Eye Cream not only makes the skin's texture appear more even, but it also makes the skin feel firmer.
Which retinol is the best for eyes?
Our Top Picks:.
Best Overall: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, $28..
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes, $52..
Most Luxurious: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream, $64..
TSA-Approved: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, $92..
Does retinol tighten skin under eyes?
Retinoids, such as prescription tretinoin or over-the-counter retinols, are a key ingredient in anti-aging skin care. Researchers have found that topical retinoid use around the eyes can enhance skin firmness and elasticity.