Crow’s Feet, Fine Lines, Wrinkles—Oh My! These Are the Best Retinol Eye Creams, According to Derms (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin E, amino acids, retinol | Benefits: Plumping, moisturizing, anti-aging | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is a favorite for both Byrdie associate general manager Lindsey Metrus and Jennifer Adell, senior aesthetician at New Beauty and Wellness in Westport, CT. She loves that it contains ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant known for its ability to protect against pollution. She also loves that this lightweight serum helps with pigmentation under the eyes.

As for fine lines and wrinkles, it targets them with a Phyto-Retinol Blend™ to firm the look of the skin while boosting hydration and improving the appearance of wrinkles on the upper and lower eyelid. We love how fast it absorbs into the skin, too. And to no surprise, this also made our list of the best retinol serums.

Key Ingredients: Retinol Tri-Active Technology, cotton wool grass extract, marine kelp complex | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing, lifting |Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t put any eye cream (especially a retinol-based one) on your eyelids unless the directions specifically say that it’s okay to do so. This formula is one of those rare ones that can be applied around the entire eye, including on the lids, ensuring you get a 360-degree anti-aging effect. Because it’s a serum, the silky texture sinks into the skin beautifully. And as far as retinol goes, this formula touts a retinoid complex that combines a time-released version of the ingredient with a fast-acting one, plus a booster that ups the efficacy of both. However it can cause irritation on very sensitive skin, so it’s probably not suitable if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.

Key Ingredients: Pro-Retinol, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing | Size: 0.5oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The drugstore is a treasure trove of great retinol eye creams, and this is one of the best. It’s a favorite of New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., who lauds the moisturizing formula. It also works fast, decreasing the look of even super deep fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks. Some reviewers say, however, that while it does make a noticeable difference it doesn’t reap quite the same results of higher-potency retinol treatments.

Key Ingredients: Pure ROC Retinol | Benefits: Anti-aging, reduced puffiness, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Reach for this to knock out all of your eye area concerns, including helping to fade age spots and diminish wrinkles. “RoC is a well-known producer of a variety of retinol creams, and this one also contains a mineral complex that has other benefits to improve the appearance of the skin,” says Dr. Fenton. (Namely, reducing dark circles and puffiness. Yes, please.) Both he and Adell also laud it for being gentle—as does our tester, Leigh, who saw some pretty immediate results as far as reduced dark circles and puffiness go. Just be careful where you apply it, though, as it isn’t suitable for the eyelids.

Key Ingredients: Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

“This lightweight formulation also has hyaluronic acid that pulls in moisture to help to rehydrate the skin, further reducing the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Fenton of another one of his picks. Dr. King is a fan, too, noting that the formula also contains glycerin, another humectant ingredient that can help hydrate. We give it bonus points for the featherweight feel and fast-acting effects—thanks to a unique retinol booster in the formula, you may start to see some results in as little as just one week. Even our tester, Jenna, saw a noticeable difference by the next morning, although she noted some initial irritation upon application.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bio retinol, hyaluronic acid, natural blend of bidens pilosa extract, lime pearl | Benefits: Firming, smoothing, radiance-boosting, anti-aging, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for both fewer wrinkles and firmer skin around your eyes (and really, who isn’t), reach for this cream, a staple among beauty editors. It relies on both retinol and a plant-based compound from babchi seeds that has similar firming and smoothing effects. There’s also a blend of natural oils that help increase skin’s elasticity, and you can use it both under and around your eyes, as well as on the upper brow area. The best part might be the applicator, though, it has a gold tip that feels cooling and makes it easy to gently massage in the product. Our tester, Kelli, reaches for Kate’s +Retinol Firming Eye Cream regularly, saying it feels “irritation-proof” even for sensitive eyes like hers, and one tube will last you forever.

Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, caffeine, glycerin, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water | Benefits: Anti-aging, lifting, fades dark circles | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Yes, you can still use a retinol eye cream even if you have sensitive skin–you just have to be slightly more judicious. Dr. King says this one is a great choice, given that it’s both fragrance- and paraben-free, as well as allergy-tested. It combines retinol and retinyl linoleate, another vitamin A-derivative, in a concentration that’s enough to be effective but without making your skin totally freak out. These ingredients, combined with caffeine, can also help combat dark circles. It might leave your skin a little dry however, so you may want to follow it with a touch of barrier cream to retain moisture.

Key Ingredients: Micro-encapsulated retinol, triple weight hyaluronic acid, micro-pearls | Benefits: Anti-aging, reduces puffiness, fades dark circles, firming | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Micro-encapsulated retinol in this formula helps to fight fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s the other ingredients that make it an A.M. go-to. Namely, three kinds of hyaluronic acid that hydrate and plump fine lines (and also make this blend extra soothing, notes Dr. King), plus finely milled pearl extract that delivers a subtle luminosity. The two combined help create the ideal base over which to apply foundation and concealer, helping you appear bright-eyed and wide-awake. Like we said, just make sure you’re wearing an SPF 30+ sunscreen anytime you use a retinoid during the day—and it’s doubly important in the summer. You also should avoid the eyelids, so be careful when applying it.

Key Ingredients: Avocado, encapsulate retinol, niacinamide, coffeeberry | Benefits: Anti-aging, radiance-boosting, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sunlight can render retinol inactive and make the skin more photosensitive, so make sure you load up on SPF during the daytime. Or, to be safe, you can also reserve it for the evening and use this evening-ready pick from Glow Recipe. Just a tiny dab under your eyes (a pea-size dollop is enough for both) before you hit the sack, and let the encapsulated retinol do its thing while you snooze, helping to strengthen skin and smooth out the look of fine lines. Meanwhile, the namesake ingredient, avocado oil, imparts plenty of hydration to counteract those potential drying side effects. When testing it out at home, Byrdie editorial director Holly Rhue said she was able to use it every night without experiencing even the slightest bit of irritation, which is saying a lot since most products with active ingredients leave her under eyes feeling raw and red.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, licorice root, bearberry leaf, bakuchiol, caffeine, algae | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing, fades dark circles, firming, plumping | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, technically there’s no retinol in this formula, but we think it deserves a place on the list because some people truly can’t tolerate retinol at all. Not to mention that it’s a no-no when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The next best thing? Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown in studies to have almost identical anti-aging effects to retinol but without any side effects. It’s the star of the show in this creamy balm, which also boasts caffeine and algae to tighten, firm, and de-puff. There is also a slew of hydrating ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides—that help to give this blend its pleasingly rich texture. This is one of the most expensive options on our list, but if retinol really doesn’t work for you, it’s well worth it for the results.

Key Ingredients: Lipopeptides, triple natural retinoic acid, java fruit | Benefits: Firming, anti-aging, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Those looking to clean up their beauty routine and really splurge will appreciate this formula that's free of a litany of common irritants. In fact, rather than containing synthetically derived retinol, it instead relies on plant-based ingredients that are natural sources of vitamin A, including rose seed oil. The benefits don’t stop there—peptides in the formula help to firm the skin, and a unique fruit extract assists in tamping down puffiness fast. We also love the balm’s rich texture and eco-friendly packaging.

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, power peptide complex, vegan squalene, vegan astaxanthin | Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, improves texture, moisturizing | Size: 0.14 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This solid formula is unlike any we’ve ever seen, a serum-balm hybrid that comes in a twist-up stick that looks more like concealer than eye cream. But don’t be fooled; it contains encapsulated retinol in the formula to smooth wrinkles, anti-aging peptides, super hydrating squalane, and astaxanthin, a super powerful antioxidant for extra protection. It glides seamlessly along the skin, with no pulling or tugging, and there's no rubbing or patting required. It's also one of the most budget-friendly products on our list, making it a great option if you’re trying out a retinol eye cream for the first time.

Our tester, Kelli, also loved that it cleared up some pesky post-gym breakouts under her eyes by the next morning. Since retinol is known for its acne-fighting benefits by preventing clogged pores, it's a great pick for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, aloe | Benefits: Anti-aging, improves texture, moisturizing, de-puffs | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Developed by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden, this formula is featherlight and contains a time-release formula to deliver a steady stream of encapsulated retinol throughout the night to avoid irritation. Lactic acid also helps to brighten tired eyes, and a blend of antioxidants adds lightweight hydration. Together these ingredients help to smooth fine lines and de-puff the eye area in just two weeks. "I love how gentle this time-release retinol formula is,” raves Byrdie associate editorial director Jill Di Donato, who uses it every night. With a light tapping motion under the eye area, she says it absorbs within seconds and works overnight to tamp puffiness.

Key Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits: Anti-aging, brightens the eyes, lifts | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This unique blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus works to brighten and lift the tired under-eye area, targeting wrinkles and fine lines in the process. Suitable for even sensitive skin, continued use leads to a lessened appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness. Some reviewers find that it stings a little, so you may want to do a patch test before fully committing.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, ruby crystal complex, glycerin | Benefits: Anti-aging, smoothes fine lines, brightens, moisturizes | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“I love the ruby crystal complex in Dr. Brandt 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream that brightens and softens the eye area,” explains Adell, adding that the blend of ingredients in this mighty tube helps prevent moisture loss. In addition to time-released retinol which provides cell turnover, Dr. Brandt’s formula also employs a hydra-balance combo of lemon tree honey, phospholipids, and amino acids for ample hydration, with olive-fruit pulp to reduce redness via antioxidants.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin C | Benefits: Anti-aging, improves lines and laxity, needle-free fix | Size: 1, 3 sets | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Now for the most high-tech eye treatment on this list. 111SKIN’s retinol, vitamin C, and peptide-infused patches deliver the good stuff via tiny needle-like—yet needle-free—structures that dissolve once they make contact with your skin’s moisture. Use them to target expression lines around your eyes and mouth, or minimize frown lines on the forehead either for a few hours or ideally overnight.

Byrdie tester, Kelli, found them to be less messy than traditional retinol eye creams and serums and loved that they stayed perfectly in place, thanks to the stamp-like design that adheres immediately to your skin. Just like any other retinol product though, you should be extra mindful to apply SPF during the daytime when using these clear patches and only apply them on clean, dry skin.

FAQ

• What benefits do retinol eye creams have?

  They’re great for combatting signs of aging, specifically wrinkles, given their proven ability to stimulate collagen production, says Dr. King. They can also help decrease discoloration, she says, so while they’re not addressing the root cause of dark circles necessarily, they can leave the skin around your eyes overall luminous and more even.

• How do you apply retinol eye creams?

  Dab a pea-size amount with your ring finger around both eyes, patting rather than rubbing, moving from the outside corner in. Don’t use it on the eyelid unless the directions specifically state that it’s okay to do so.

• How often should you use retinol eye creams?

  “When first adding any retinoid to your routine, I recommend starting with two to three nights per week,” suggests Dr. King.“Increase to nightly use as tolerated.”