The 15 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2021
1. Best Anti-Aging: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream
The ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream claims to be effective on three signs of eye aging, including puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. It can be used in the morning and at night. This eye cream is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes. It claims to reduce crow’s feet in 4 weeks, smoothen under eye wrinkles in 8 weeks, and deep wrinkles in 12 weeks. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful. Pros
Contains pure RoC Retinol and exclusive mineral complex Clinically proven formula Non-greasy Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Reduces puffiness and dark circles Lightweight Gets absorbed quickly Winner of 2018 Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Awards
Cons
Might cause a burning sensation in super-sensitive eyes.
2. Best For Dry Skin: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin
This eye cream gives you visibly younger and smoother looking eyes. It has a unique blend of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help renew the look of skin around the eyes. This retinol eye cream helps reduce fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, dark circles, and crow’s feet. It gives you visible results in just one week. Note: You might experience a warm, tingling sensation, mild redness, or flaking. It is normal and means that the formula is working. Pros
Paraben-free Clinically proven Non-irritating Moisturizes the skin A little goes a long way Reduces puffiness
Cons
May feel a bit greasy.
3. Best For Crow’s Feet: Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Treatment – Best For Treating Crow’s Feet
The Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream claims to treat crow’s feet and smooth the skin to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. It has a potent formula that includes Pro-Retinol. This helps to increase the rate of cell turnover and makes the eye area smooth and firm. It also helps to improve the natural moisture barrier of your skin. Pros
Dermatologically tested Contains niacinamide and vitamin B5 Hydrating and moisturizing Non-greasy Doesn’t have a strong fragrance Works on puffiness
Cons
Expensive (compared to the quantity)
4. Best Eye Cream With SPF: Murad Essential-C Eye Cream – Best Eye Cream With SPF
This is a patented anti-aging eye cream. It provides UV protection to the under-eye area to brighten and renew the delicate skin. It protects the eye area from the aging effects of UV rays and keeps it hydrated, soft, and smooth. It contains shorea stenoptera butter and avocado oil that condition and hydrate the skin under your eyes. The caffeine extracts and retinol in this eye cream reduce puffiness, while the light diffusers reduce dark circles. Pros
SPF 15 Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Scientifically proven Developed by dermatologists Patent-pending technology Tested on humans and not on animals
Cons
Expensive Takes time to show results.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Avène RetrinAL EYES – Best For Sensitive Skin
This nourishing 3-in-1 eye cream minimizes the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. It has an innovative texture that prevents the formula from getting into your eye. It contains retinaldehyde, a very potent form of retinol that helps diminish the fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps the under-eye area hydrated. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product. Pros
Tested on sensitive skin Fragrance-free Paraben-free Hypoallergenic Soap-free Oil-free Soy-free Gluten-free No irritation
Cons
The pump packaging can be problematic.
6. Best For All Skin Types: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream
This is a nourishing eye cream that makes the under-eye area smooth over time. It makes the skin firmer and brighter to give you younger-looking eyes. It contains ferulic acid and retinol and is powered by a potent ECG Complex and anti-aging oils to keep the under-eye area nourished. Pros
Paraben-free Vegan Cruelty-free Reduces crow’s feet and fine lines Suitable for all skin types Reduces dark spots and puffiness
Cons
Might feel a bit drying
7. Best Weightless Formula: Kate Somerville + Retinol Eye Cream
This retinol eye cream has a silky and weightless formula. It visibly firms, brightens, and hydrates the under-eye area. It helps to repair and rejuvenate the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance. It contains BioRetinols and natural ingredients that mimic the effects that retinol has on your skin, but with less sensitivity. It has a unique gold applicator tip that makes the application and massaging easier. Pros
Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Hygienic application Clinically tested and proven (independent study) Lightweight
Cons
Expensive for the quantity provided.
8. Best For Puffiness: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream
This eye cream has a potent formula containing microencapsulated retinol complex at 1% that helps to give a youthful appearance to your delicate eye area. The brand promises “maximum results, minimal irritation.” This eye cream is infused with nourishing shea butter and vitamins C and E to provide the delicate eye area with some antioxidant benefits. It contains caffeine that helps reduce puffiness. Pros
Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Reduces puffiness effectively Non-irritating Softens and hydrates the skin Gets absorbed fast
Cons
May not go well with all face creams (tends to accumulate in one place).
9. Best Skin-Friendly: Dr. Brandt Skincare 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream – Best Skin-Friendly Eye Cream
This eye cream has an extremely gentle formula containing time-release retinol and ruby crystal complex. It smoothens the eye area, illuminates it, and reduces the appearance of lines. It also contains olive fruit pulp that reduces redness and protects your skin against all environmental stressors. Pros
Sulfate-free SLS and SLES-free Paraben-free Formaldehyde-free No formaldehyde-releasing agent Mineral oil-free Phthalate-free Less than 1% of synthetic fragrance Clinically tested Not greasy
Cons None
10. Best Clean Eye Cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream – Best Clean Eye Cream
This eye cream has a gentle and rejuvenating formula. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the eye area look smoother and firmer. It contains microencapsulated retinol that supports natural collagen production and increases cell turnover to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. It also contains hyaluronic acid that boosts the skin’s moisture levels and keeps it plump. Pros
Cruelty-free Contains colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, ceramides Clinically tested Sulfate-free Paraben-free Formaldehyde-free No formaldehyde-releasing agents Phthalate-free Mineral oil-free Less than 1% of synthetic fragrance
Cons
Might cause an allergic reaction. Check the ingredients before buying.
11. Best For Daily Use: YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream
4.1 BUY ON AMAZON | $21.99 YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream is gentle for your delicate under-eye area. It hydrates and tones the under-eye area with a hyaluronic acid tripeptide complex that restores the firmness and elasticity under the eyes. Retinol reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while improving your complexion. The three key ingredients of this formula – green tea, caffeine, and ginseng – contain antioxidants that encourage your skin to fight the signs of aging and prevent free radical damage. Pros
Reduces the signs of aging Hydrates the skin Boosts collagen production Safe for daily use Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Contains alcohol
12. Best For Instant Results: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
This anti-aging retinol eye cream contains pure retinol. It claims to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, the appearance of crow’s feet, and dark circles. It has an instant visible lifting effect and a gel-like texture. It is easy to apply and does not irritate the delicate eye area. It contains vitamin C that brightens the skin and hyaluronic acid that keeps it plump and moisturized. Note: This is a high-concentration retinol eye cream. Retinol usually irritates the skin a bit, but that’s normal. Pros
Moisturizes the skin Developed by dermatologists Works on dark circles Contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid Contains caffeine (works for puffy eyes)
Cons
The cap is tough to open without spilling a bit.
13. Best For Brightening: Eve Lom Time Retreat Eye Treatment
This product has a highly concentrated formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brightens and improves the skin tone. It contains liposome encapsulated retinol and is absorbed deeply into the skin to make the eye area firm and plump. This makes your eyes look fresh and smooth. It also contains oat kernel extract that helps improve elasticity, soy isoflavones that lift and tighten the skin, and vitamin C that brightens it. Pros
Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free
Cons
The packaging is cheap (the bottle might break).
14. Best Cruelty-Free: Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Retinol Eye Cream
This retinol eye cream claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes the skin look firmer. Its unique formula contains a highly effective concentration of retinol, along with resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, which makes the skin feel smoother and improves radiance. It also supports skin health by reducing the effects of environmental stressors and protects the natural moisture barrier. Note: Due to the presence of natural antioxidants, the product may change color over time. Pros
Paraben-free Not tested on animals Ophthalmologist-tested Dermatologist-tested
Cons
Less quantity Expensive
15. Best As Eye Makeup Base: Kiehl’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment
This eye cream has a unique formula. It is illuminating and acts as a primer for concealer. This is to help in makeup application. The formula is infused with pro-retinol, red grapeseed extract, and vitamin C that brightens the eye area, keeps it soft and smooth, and also reduces fine lines. It is like a true “youth-dose” for your eyes. It also helps puffiness and dark circles within two weeks. Pros
Natural ingredients Lightweight Paraben-free
Cons
Contains mica Contains PEG Peels under makeup Not a moisturizing formula Cakes up under the eye
How To Pick The Right Retinol Eye Cream For You
The concentration of retinol matters.
Usually, retinol is available in 1%, 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.25% concentrations. Usually, products specify if they have a high concentration of retinol. If they have not mentioned anything, it means the concentration is around 0.25%.
Not all can tolerate retinol.
If you are a first-timer, start with the lowest concentration. Also, your skin type matters. If you have oily skin, you may try a high concentration of retinol. For any other skin type, it is best to start with the lowest concentration. Remember that if you are applying the eye cream during the daytime, apply a sunscreen over it. Retinol makes the skin sensitive to sun damage and tends to irritate the skin a bit. You might see a bit of dryness and flaking initially. However, do not discontinue using the cream as these are the signs that the product is working. Do not misread the signs and continue with your product for at least two months to show results. Go ahead and grab your eye cream now and say goodbye to dark circles and fine lines.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who gives you the scoop on the most effective products to help you achieve beautiful skin. A perfect product, in her opinion, can easily hide the imperfections on the skin. After looking at every product review and user feedback available online, she compiled a comprehensive list of the top retinol eye creams. These effective formulas can help reduce visible signs of aging and leave your under eye skin looking supple and flawless. Is retinol eye cream safe? Retinol is a strong ingredient. It is definitely safe, but you have to be cautious while using it. Use a lower concentration of the product if you are using it for the first time. Does a retinol eye cream burn? No, generally retinol eye creams do not cause a burning sensation. However, it depends on the formulation and the number of times you are using the cream. If used too much, the area might start appearing irritated. How often should you use retinol eye creams? Use a retinol eye cream at least four times a week. You can increase or decrease your usage as per the effects after using the cream for a month. How long does it take for retinol eye creams to work? Retinol eye creams take up to two months to show visible results. How to use retinol eye cream? Gently apply the retinol eye cream around your eyes while paying attention to your delicate under-eye area. Massage your eyes while applying the cream to ensure that your skin absorbs the soothing formula.
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