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Top 10 Best Retinol Eye Creams


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When it comes to skincare and anti-ageing, some of the best retinol eye creams can make a real difference. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the signs of ageing skin.

As the skin around our eyes is thinner and more fragile, it is first to show the signs of ageing. It needs to be treated differently from the rest of our body, taking extra care to prevent further damage. Sun exposure, dehydration, free radicals and several other factors lead to puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines.

The best retinol eye creams on the market not only blur the appearance of fine lines but also help maintain your skins hydration levels to improve texture, tone and overall firming.

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10 Best Retinol Eye Creams

After considerable research of each manufacturers website and customer reviews, I’ve selected 10 of the best retinol eye creams and serums on the market known for their skin rejuvenating properties.

1. Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream – Peter Thomas Roth

Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream - Peter Thomas Roth
Credit: Peter Thomas Roth

Review

Peter Thomas Roth’s highly concentrated Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream is an excellent choice for fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with 1% Micro-encapsulated Retinol Complex, Shea butter plus vitamins C and E cream, it soothes and comforts the skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and pigmentation, inproving the condition of the epidermis.

The Micro-encapsulated formula ensures a gradual release of retinol, reducing irritation and dehydration. For eight hours, retinol is distributed to the deep layers of the skin, increasing its density and visibly reducing the depth of crow’s feet.

The overnight cream repairs skin from day-to-day damage, boosting it with energy, giving a youthful appearance to the delicate eye area.

Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream is paraben-free and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin. Its advanced, powerful treatment ensures the deep skin layers are well hydrated, gently calming and relaxing the skin whilst it is resting during the night.

Infused with antioxidants, it gives firm protection from free-radicals and added caffeine helps to reduce the signs of puffiness, giving skin a nice healthy glow.

How To Apply

Apply in the evening to cleansed skin. Use a small amount of cream at night to cleansed skin, dabbing under and around the eyes.

Benefits

  • Anti-wrinkle
  • Minimises the appearance of pores
  • Smoothes/comforts skin
  • Deeply moisturising
  • Balancing
  • Nourishing
  • Firming
  • Reduces dark under-eye circles
  • Toning
  • Helps skin renewal/restoration
  • Antioxidant

Main Active Ingredients

Microencapsulated Retinol, Shea Butter, Vitamins C and E, Caffeine

Summary

Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream has a gentle formula that makes it an excellent day-to-day cream, protecting and visibly enhancing the condition of your skin. Targeting problematic areas it will restore the natural health of the skin, making it look younger and refreshed.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:

2. Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream – Dr Dennis Gross

Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream - Dr Dennis Gross
Credit: Dr Dennis Gross

Review

The Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream from Dr Dennis Gross is a revolutionary treatment enriched with ferulic acid, retinol and ECG Complex™. Formulated to treat the problematic area around the eyes, it nourishes the delicate layers of the skin, firming and deeply moisturising it.

Created using quality, cruelty-free products, this eye retinol cream helps to reduce fine lines and crow’s feet, gently firming and tightening the skin.

One of the main ingredients is the plant-based ferulic acid, which works as an antioxidant, protecting the fragile eye area from further damage. It also increases the effectiveness of other antioxidants and helps to restore skin health.

The firming agent retinol, on the other hand, improves the elasticity of the skin, visibly reducing the signs of ageing. Within only a few weeks, wrinkles are visibly reduced, and lines become smoother, giving your eyes a brighter and less tired appearance.

The evening primrose oil within the blend helps to repair the deep barriers of the epidermis, locking in the moisture and protecting the skin from inflammation and dehydration.

The rich ECG Complex™ along with nourishing, anti-ageing oils, helps to tackle dark circles, lifting, soothing and brightening the complexion. The skin around the eyes looks refreshed with a healthy, youthful glow.

How To Apply

Apply morning and evening to the clean, toned skin. Using your fingertips, tap the cream gently around the eye area.

Benefits

  • Anti-ageing
  • Firming
  • Lifting
  • Hydrating
  • Replenishing
  • Antioxidant
  • Nourishing
  • Smoothing
  • Reduces dark circles
  • Antioxidant
  • Paragon free
  • Fragrance-free

Main Active Ingredients

Ferulic Acid, Retinol, Evening Primrose Oil

Summary

Velvety soft Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream will help to keep the appearance of ageing at bay. This product begins working from day one, visibly reducing dark circles and making your skin glow. The creamy texture melts into your skin almost instantly, leaving it soft and comforting moisturised.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Net-A-Porter:

3. + Retinol Firming Eye Cream – Kate Somerville

+ Retinol Firming Eye Cream - Kate Somerville
Credit: Kate Somerville

Review

The + Retinol Firming Eye Cream by Kate Somerville is a unique blend of traditional retinol and bio retinol, a product extracted from Babchi seeds (Psoralea corylifolia). This powerful plant, valued for its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, is well known across India and China and is widely used in their traditional natural medicine.

Designed to tackle wrinkles and fine lines around the fragile eye area, the cream noticeably changes the appearance of the skin. It balances your natural complexion, treats discolouration and reduces pigmentation.

The hyaluronic acid locks in the moisture, creating a barrier to protect the deeper layers of the epidermis, where else the essential oils help to improve skin’s density, gently smoothing and nourishing it.

After just one use, your skin does feel more hydrated. And within one month, wrinkles and fine lines around the eye are visibly reduced, looking firmer and more youthful.

How To Apply

Using the applicator gently tap under eyes until blended. Apply to cleansed skin morning and/or evening. Can also be used on the upper brow area.
Always follow with the sunscreen if using in the morning to protect your skin from the sunlight.

Benefits

  • Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
  • Moisturises
  • Improves sin’s texture and elasticity
  • Firming
  • Lifting
  • Brightening
  • Nourishing
  • Calming
  • Reduces skin imperfections

Main Active Ingredients

Retinol, Bio Retinol, Bidens Pilosa Extract (aka Spanish Needles), Palm Oil, Cotton Oil, Linseed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Lime Pearl

Summary

Kate Somerville’ + Retinol Firming Eye Cream is lovely to apply using a flexible, cooling applicator tip. Only a small amount is required each time, so it goes a long way.

Gentle enough to be used day and night. The unique formula is suitable to all skin types, including mature skin. It supports the natural anatomy of the skin, making it look younger and healthier.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Net-A-Porter:

4. Fab Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream – First Aid Beauty

Fab Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream - First Aid
Credit: First Aid Beauty

Review

Deeply hydrating, Retinol Skin Lab eye cream from First Aid is a combination of natural, nourishing ingredients, that are highly effective in fighting the first signs of ageing.

Packed with tri-molecular weight hyaluronic acid that ensures gradual hydration throughout the multiple skin layers. This helps to reduce the imperfections, smoothing and magnifying skin’s natural radiance.

This is the brand’s signature beauty complex, containing antioxidant vitamins C and E, ceramides and micro pearl minerals, along with hyaluronic acid.

Microencapsulated retinol is another powerful anti-ageing component, targeting fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates the natural production of collagen, with its formula allowing a gentle release of retinol without much irritation to the skin.

Within a couple of weeks of use, the skin around the eyes becomes noticeably brighter and firmer with visibly reduced crow’s feet and lines.

The Fab Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream is non-allergic and fragrance-free that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

How To Apply

Apply over the cleansed eye area morning and evening. Gently tap in the small amount of cream until it’s absorbed.

Benefits

  • Reduces visibility of dark circles
  • Minimises the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Anti-allergic
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Tightening
  • Helps to stimulate the production of natural collagen
  • Hydrating
  • Anti-ageing
  • Rejuvenating
  • Smoothing
  • Nourishing
  • Calming
  • Enhances skin’s natural radiance
  • Features gold-standard dermatological ingredients for maximum performance
  • Fragrance-free
  • All skin types

Main Active Ingredients

Microencapsulated retinol, Triple weight hyaluronic acid, Micro-Pearls, Skin save complex, including: Ceramides, Caffeine, Squalane Oil, Mica, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Peptides, Vitamin E, Vitamin C

Summary

This creamy formulation is non-greasy and absorbent. It feels absolutely luxurious on the skin, leaving it feeling well moisturised and soft to touch. You may also find you gain back some of your skin’s elasticity, reduce puffiness and erase that tired look around your eyes.

Add a touch of magic to your everyday beauty routine and bring youth and confidence back to your eyes with this incredible formula from First Aid.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Selfridges:

5. AGE Smart™ Age Reversal Eye Complex – Dermatologica

AGE Smart™ Age Reversal Eye Complex - Dermatologica
Credit: Dermatologica

Review

The AGE Smart™ Age Reversal Eye Complex by Dermatologica is a new, advanced formula that uses microencapsulation technology. This powerful blend intensively tackles the signs of ageing skin.

Microencapsulated Retinol targets fine lines and wrinkles, improving the density of the skin and gradually reducing the ageing signs around the gentle eye area. It also enhances absorption of the retinol, delivering this potent agent into the deep layers of the epidermis.

Vitamin C, together with the power of peptides and botanical extracts, help to restore the layers of the skin, healing and strengthening it from the inside. Ash Tree Bark Extract along with niacinamide, maintain the moisture by boosting the hydration and reducing the hyper-pigmentation, puffiness and dark circles.

Niacinamide, also known as a form of vitamin B3, is a powerful agent widely known for its soothing and healing properties. This versatile ingredient not only protects the skin from environmental damage but also stimulates the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

How To Apply

Apply a small amount of cream to the cleansed skin around the eye area. Using the tips of your fingers apply in a circular motion, working the cream in from the outside corner inward. Start with using the cream every other night, to get your skin used to it and then gradually work into a nightly routine.

Benefits

  • Anti-ageing
  • Reduces wrinkles
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Targets dark circles
  • Moisturising
  • Energising
  • Calming
  • Soothing
  • Antioxidant
  • Firming
  • Free from fragrance, colour and paraben

Main Active Ingredients

Retinol, Niacinamide, Ash Tree Bark Extract, Vitamin C, Botanical Extracts, Peptides

Summary

The Age Reversal Eye Complex can have a significant effect on the skin before the ageing is even apparent. Soft and comfortable, this absorbent eye cream is gentle to the skin. Its advanced formula will hydrate and nourish the skin without causing irritation, leaving it feeling much smoother, firmer and healthier.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at John Lewis & Partners:

6. Posay Redermic R Eyes – La Roche

Posay Redermic R Eyes - La Roche
Credit: La Roche

Review

Specifically designed for sensitive skin, the Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream targets visible signs of ageing. Its advanced formula containing pure retinol and retinol booster complex helps to significantly reduce wrinkles, blur the fine lines and restore skin’s firmness and elasticity.

After several applications, the delicate skin around the eye area feels smoother and lifter, looking more radiant and refreshed.

Caffeine and hyaluronic acid within the blend gently relaxes the skin, boosting it with moisture. Hyaluronic acid ensures moisture is delivered to the deeper layers of the skin, whereas caffeine helps to minimise puffiness and diminish dark circles under the eyes.

With its potent antioxidant and healing qualities, the cream shields the skin from environmental damage. Gentle to the skin, it will not cause any irritation, which makes it perfect for everyday use.

Its clinically proven (manufacturer statement) hypoallergenic formula is free from preservatives and parabens as well as colour and perfume. Perfectly tailored for any specific needs, this highly concentrated treatment works for all skin types including problematic, acne-prone and mature skin.

How To Apply

Apply in the evening dabbing a small amount of the cream starting from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Use it alone or in combination with your preferred eye moisturiser.

Benefits

  • Anti-ageing
  • Firming
  • Reduces dark circles
  • Hydrating
  • Restoring
  • Smoothing
  • Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Does not block pores
  • Non-allergic
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Free from preservatives, parabens, colours and fragrance
  • Nourishing
  • Non-comedogenic

Main Active Ingredients

Pure Retinol, Retinol Linoleate, Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A

Summary

La Roche-Posay is a brand well known for the quality of its skincare products. The thermal spring water rich in antioxidants and now for its healing qualities since 1905 is the core ingredient in La Roche-Posay products.

Formulated using the highest quality ingredients and clinically tested to prove their safe everyday use. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream will help to achieve the best result possible, bringing the brightens and youth back to your eyes.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Laroche-Posay:

7. Youth Dose Eye Treatment – Kiehl’s

Youth Dose Eye Treatment - Kiehl’s
Credit: Kiehl’s

Review

Kiehl’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment is a potent retinol eye cream designed to combat the signs of ageing. Its unique formula targets problematic areas upon first application.

Pro-retinol, vitamin C and grape seed extract target wrinkles and fine lines immediately reducing their appearance, gently lifting and firming the skin. In no time the dark circles are visibly reduced, and the bags under the eyes are smoothed, giving the skin a fresh, youthful look.

Vitamin C and grape seed extract are both effective antioxidants, protecting the fragile under-eye area from free radicals and boosting hydrating. It gives your eyes that very needed sparkle, the dose of youth, sipping of the tired look and adding extra confidence.

This intense, multi-benefit eye treatment is a perfect solution for ageing skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula ensures quick absorption, leaving your skin feeling soft and well hydrated. Suitable for all skin types, Youth Dose Eye Treatment is effective both morning and evening.

How To Apply

Apply 3 dots of the cream under the eye area and gently tap it in. Use morning and evening, either on its own or under the makeup.

Benefits

  • Anti-wrinkle
  • Targets dark circles
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Hydrating
  • Smoothing
  • Brightening
  • Firming
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight
  • Antioxidant
  • Suitable for all skin types

Main Active Ingredients

Pro-Retinol, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract

Summary

This effective eye treatment will help to improve the condition of your skin, changing it from dull to glowing and healthy-looking. Its creamy texture is pleasant to work with, sinking into the skin almost instantly.

Only a small amount is required for each application, so the cream goes a long way. Give this a try to let your eyes shine again with the youth they deserve!

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Kiehl’s:

8. Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum – Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum - Murad
Credit: Murad

Review

The Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum from Murad is a corrective anti-ageing complex delivering 24/7 hydration. Suitable for all ages and all skin types, this preventative cream is clinically proven to be well tolerated even by the sensitive skin.

The advanced Retinol Tri-Active Technology is an intense skin renewal formula delivering incredible results in a short space of time. Its soft consistency is very gentle to the skin, ensuring 24-hour hydration, thanks to the cotton wool grass extract.

This cream targets fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing and diminishing their appearance. The gradual release of the retinol is kind to your skin’s sensitivity and irritation levels. Marine kelp adds strengthening, lifting and protecting properties.

In only 4 weeks, the skin around the eyes is visibly improved. Brighter and glowing with youth, it looks firmer, plumper with the signs of ageing reduced to a minimum. The eyes look more open and radiant.

How To Apply

Morning and evening apply a small amount of serum to the lids and under the eyes gently tapping it in. Follow with sunscreen and moisturiser after the morning application.

Benefits

  • Reduces lines and wrinkles
  • Smoothing
  • Softening
  • Firming
  • Revitalising
  • Moisturising
  • Helps to reduce dark circles
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Paraben, Sulfates and Gluten-free

Main Active Ingredients

Retinol Tri-Active Technology, Cotton Wool Grass Extract, Marine Kelp Complex

Summary

Retinol is known for its youth-boosting qualities, however, sometimes it may cause redness or make your skin feel irritated. The Retinol Tri-Active Technology formula was designed to work in the same way as regular retinol creams, without less irritation.

The light, non-greasy eye serum is easily absorbed, delicate and comforting to your skin. It will restore the health condition of your skin, leaving it comfortable and well balanced.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Cultbeauty:

9. Phyosiolift Eyes – Avene

Phyosiolift Eyes - Avene
Credit: Avene

Review

PhysioLift Eyes from Avene targets the signs of ageing around the delicate eye area. Designed for sensitive skin, the lightweight formula instantly melts into the skin, ensuring a good absorption of the active ingredients.

Blended with soothing thermal spring water that is rich in dextran sulphate that helps to fight skin fatigue. PhysioLift also visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles, while plumping up and restoring skin firmness.

This blend of retinol, hyaluronic acids, and ascofilline agent ensures deep hydration of the multiple layers of the epidermis, improving microcirculation and cell turnover.

The gradual release throughout the night ensures PhysioLift works tirelessly, firming and minimising the depth and appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet. It also protects the skin from irritation and reduces sensitivity. As a result, the eyes look noticeably brighter and fresher the next morning.

The innovative texture eye cream is fragrance-free and contains antioxidants that help to enhance skin’s natural radiance, stimulating the renewal of cells and protecting it from UV generated free radicals.

How To Apply

Apply in the evening to the cleansed skin. Use a small amount of eye cream and gently dab around the eye area using your fingertips. Mainly focusing on any wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Benefits

  • Correcting
  • Repairing
  • Reducing dark circles and puffiness
  • Anti-wrinkle
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Hydrating
  • Enhances microcirculation
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Tightening
  • Smoothing
  • Non-Comedogenic
  • Nourishing
  • Protects from free radical damage

Main Active Ingredients

Retinol, Vitamin A, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Pre-Tocopheryl (precursor of fit E powerful antioxidant), Ascofilline™

Summary

The creamy consistency is easily absorbed into your skin. Fresher, brighter looking eyes are further boosted with youthful glow and energy. One week is enough to see and feel the difference. Relaxing, soothing and rebalancing, the Avene PhysioLift Eyes cream will leave your skin feeling soft and happy all day long.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Avene:

10. Retinol24 Night Eye Cream With Retinol & Vitamin B3 – Olay

Retinol24 Night Eye Cream With Retinol & Vitamin B3 - Olay
Credit: Olay

Review

The Retinol24 Night Eye Cream from Olay is an advanced anti-ageing formula providing intense 24-hour hydration, helping to visibly improve and restore the natural skin balance.

Blended with vitamin B3 and retinoid complex, this night eye cream melts deeply into the skin firming and smoothing its surface. Fast absorbent, fragrance-free formula targets fine lines and wrinkles, increasing density and visibly reducing their appearance. It soothes, plumpens and firms the surface of the skin.

Retinol24 Night Eye Cream is beneficial in many aspects, including the reduction of dark spots and pores. Suitable for dry, normal and oily skin, the anti-ageing cream contains no artificial colouring, fragrance or oils.

Formulated for everyday use, within 28 days of regular applications, it will transform the delicate skin surface around the eyes unleashing its natural glow and more even texture.

Specifically created for when the skin is at rest and is more receptive, the active ingredients can work their magic.

How To Apply

Apply every evening gently tapping the small amount of cream onto the cleansed skin. It is essential to remove makeup, dirt or oil to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Use the moisturiser in the morning containing SPF to prevent any irritation or sensitivity from the sunlight.

Benefits

  • Anti-wrinkle
  • Smoothing
  • Firming
  • Hydrating
  • Reduces dark spots and pores
  • Antioxidant
  • Restoring
  • Free from fragrance, artificial colours and oils.

Main Active Ingredients

Retinoid complex, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B3

Summary

This soft-textured, non-greasy eye cream sinks into the skin like a sponge, extensively hydrating and comforting the area around your eyes whilst asleep. The retinoid complex and vitamin B3 leave your skin silky smooth and soft to touch.

Your rested, sparkly eyes and a youthful appearance in the morning won’t go unnoticed. It will put a smile to your face, ensuring you are ready for the day.

Price & Reviews

You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online at Amazon:

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Retinol Q&A

Benefit Of Retinol Based Skin Creams

Retinol based creams plump the skin and reduce the depth of wrinkles, crow’s feet and the appearance of fine lines. Dark circles, puffiness and other imperfections are also reduced. Retinol can also boost the skin’s levels of elastin, collagen, and help to neutralise free radicals.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that belongs to the retinoid family of active ingredients. Retinoids increase collagen production and boost overall skin cell turnover.

What Are The Main Types Of Retinol?

There are five main retinoids commonly used in the skincare:

  1. Retinyl Palmitate: Mildest of retinoids, mainly used in products for sensitive skin. 
  2. Retinaldehyde: Slightly stronger than retinyl palmitate, and helps to reduce fine lines.
  3. Retinol: The strongest retinoid that is available over-the-counter.
  4. Tretinoin: A strong type of retinoid – prescription only.
  5. Tazarotene: The most potent retinoid – prescription only.

Are Retinol Creams Dangerous?

Many retinol eye creams are relatively safe to use without causing too much irritation. However, you should always proceed with caution.

The most important advice is to always read the label and consult your doctor or dermatologist should any irritation occur. Here are some additional steps worth knowing to ensure minimum skin irritation. 

  1. Begin with applying retinol cream in the evening only, once or twice a week, dabbing a tiny amount of the product around the eye area.
  2. Avoid applying too close to the lash line. If the skin feels comfortable, gradually increase the frequency of the applications moving to every other night (and/or day) to eventually change it to a daily routine as soon as the skin gets used to the product.
  3. If the surface of the skin gets dry or flaky, apply moisturiser at night followed with sunscreen the next morning. 
  4. If symptoms of skin irritation persist, stop using the product immediately and consult with your doctor or dermatologist should any irritation occur.

Conclusion

Retinol is becoming widely used in the skin-care industry, thanks to its many skin-enhancing properties. Also, use a quality eyeshadow primer when applying makeup.

The best retinol eye creams can be incredibly effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles. When used regularly, results can usually be noticed after 28 days of use.

Also read: 12 Makeup Secrets To Make Your Eyes Pop Like Crazy

Before you go, I have put together a small number of beauty products that I use myself in a collection that you may find useful.

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Further Reading

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