15 Best Retinol Eye Creams For Dullness & Dark Circles – 2024
Fight dark circles and all signs of aging around the eyes and look fresh & youthful.
Dr. Farhaad Riyaz is a US-based dermatologist and an authority on skin cancer, ethnic skin, general dermatology, laser medicine, and non-invasive cosmetics. He has been in private practice since July 2018 and is a member of the AAD and ASDS in addition to several other professional societies.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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If you have been looking for the best retinol eye creams, we have just what you need. Retinol can be said to be a best friend to your skin. This vitamin A derivate boosts collagen production and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. It can firm the delicate skin around your eyes and fight all signs of aging. If you are ready to bring youth to your skin, here are 15 retinol-infused creams you can invest in and put to test to see visible results.
In This Article
The 15 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2024
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. This dermatologist-tested retinol for crow’s feet 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.
- Contains pure RoC Retinol and exclusive mineral complex
- Clinically proven formula
- Opthamologist-tested
- Non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Non-comedogenic
- Clinically-tested
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Winner of 2018 Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Awards
- Ideal for daytime use
- Offers visible results in a few weeks of use
- Might cause a burning sensation in super-sensitive eyes.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,671 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
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 clinically-proven ingredients help renew the look of skin around the eyes. This dermatologist-recommended 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.
- Paraben-free
- Clinically proven
- Non-irritating
- Moisturizes the skin
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces puffiness
- Offers visible results in one week
- May feel a bit greasy.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 1,593 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
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. This dermatologist-tested retinol cream for puffiness 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 and offers visible results in just 4 weeks of use!
- Dermatologically tested
- Contains niacinamide and vitamin B5
- Hydrating and moisturizing
- Non-greasy
- Clinically-tested
- Doesn’t have a strong fragrance
- Works on puffiness
- Expensive (compared to the quantity)
Pro TipRoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream Best Anti-Aging | Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin Best For Dry Skin | Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Treatment – Best For Treating Crow’s Feet Best For Crow’s Feet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.21 x 1.51 x 4.17 inches | 5 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches | 2.44 x 2 x 5.13 inches |
| Weight | 0.64 Ounces | 0.5 Ounces | - |
| Color | - | - | Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment |
| Weight | - | - | 0.528 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,671 | 1,593 | 374 |
| Price | $21.23 | $11.98 | $26.99 |
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.
- SPF 15
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Scientifically proven
- Developed by dermatologists
- Patent-pending technology
- Tested on humans and not on animals
- 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. This dermatologist-recommended firming eye cream 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 and to know about the tester’s experience of using it.
.
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Clinically-tested
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Soap-free
- Oil-free
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- No irritation
- 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 is clinically-proven to make the skin firmer and brighter to give you younger-looking eyes. This retinol-infused eye cream is great for mature skin as 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. Also, this formula received praise from reviewers for its extraordinary performance and the ability to give visible results.
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Reduces crow’s feet and fine lines
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces dark spots and puffiness
- Might feel a bit drying
Pro Tip7. 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. This dermatologist-recommended retinol cream for sagging skin helps repair and rejuvenate the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance. It contains BioRetinols and natural ingredients that are clinically-proven to mimic the effects that retinol has on your skin, but with less sensitivity, while delivering visible results fast. It has a unique gold applicator tip that makes the application and massaging easier.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Scientifically-tested
- Hygienic application
- Clinically tested and proven (independent study)
- Lightweight
- 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 clinically backed skin care brand promises “maximum results, minimal irritation.” This eye cream has additional skincare benefits as it 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. The product received thousands of positive reviews for its ability to deliver visibly improved texture.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Reduces puffiness effectively
- Non-irritating
- Softens and hydrates the skin
- Gets absorbed fast
- Suitable for combination skin
- May not go well with all face creams (tends to accumulate in one place).
Pro Tip9. Best Skin-Friendly: Dr. Brandt Skincare 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream – Best Skin-Friendly Eye Cream
This clinically-tested eye cream has an extremely gentle formula containing time-release retinol and ruby crystal complex. This formula has proven efficacy to smoothen 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.
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- 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
- Free from animal testing
None
10. Best Clean Eye Cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream – Best Clean Eye Cream
This clinically-tested 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.
- Cruelty-free
- Contains colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, ceramides
- Clinically tested
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No formaldehyde-releasing agents
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Less than 1% of synthetic fragrance
- Might cause an allergic reaction. Check the ingredients before buying.
11. Best For Daily Use: YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream
YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream is gentle for your delicate under-eye area. This dermatologically-approved formula 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.
- Reduces the signs of aging
- Clinically-tested
- Hydrates the skin
- Boosts collagen production
- Safe for daily use
- Suitable for all skin types
- Contains alcohol
12. Best For Instant Results: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
This anti-aging retinol eye cream is perfect for nighttime use as it 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. This dermatologist-recommended eye-brightening agent 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.
- Moisturizes the skin
- Soothing ingredients
- Developed by dermatologists
- Works on dark circles
- Contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
- Contains caffeine (works for puffy eyes)
- Allergy-tested
- 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 formula is clinically proven to hydrate the skin and 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.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologically tested
- 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.
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- 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.
- Natural ingredients
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Contains mica
- Contains PEG
- Peels under makeup
- Not a moisturizing formula
- Cakes up under the eye
Infographic: Complementary Ingredients In Retinol Eye Creams
Retinol eye creams have gained a reputation for being highly potent in combating wrinkles and fine lines. Of course, the credit goes to the powerful key ingredient, retinol, but most of these creams also contain other potent ingredients in their formula, including certain emollients, humectants, and herbal extracts. Check out the infographic below to take a closer look at some of these ingredients and how they benefit your skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Wrinkles and fine lines are common concerns when your skin is aging, and the visibility of these signs around the eyes is more. So, the skin around the eyes needs special nurturing to eliminate the signs of aging. Thus, retinol-based eye creams with clinically proven results work as a wonder drug. Retinol boosts collagen production, keeping the visibility of aging signs at bay. The RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream works well for puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. If you have crow’s feet and fine lines, choose the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin, while the Murad Essential-C Eye Cream – Best Eye Cream With SPF is good as a 2-in-1 product for nourishment and UV protection. The retinol eye creams in our list are non-greasy, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating for your skin. However, remember to keep away from eye creams that are greasy and cause allergic reactions. It’s best to opt for dermatologist-tested or allergy-tested products if you have sensitive skin to prevent any potential skin irritation.
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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