While retinol is known as the gold-standard ingredient for skin rejuvenation, its potential side effects—including temporary dryness and irritation—are also well-known. So when it comes to using the best retinol eye creams to protect the delicate skin around the orbital bone, it’s wise to take advice from pros like Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto.
“Retinol can be very effective around the eyes when it is properly formulated,” Dr. Yadav says. She explains that clinical studies on retinol have proven the vitamin A derivative can contribute to significant improvement in fine lines, under-eye darkness, puffiness, and dryness in eight to 12 weeks.
What’s more, it doesn’t take a super-active formula to achieve those results. Retinol can revive the skin around the eyes “even at low concentrations like 0.1 percent, which are generally well tolerated in this delicate area,” Dr. Yadav notes.
Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York, also sees the value of retinol eye creams. “Most eye creams are glorified moisturizers, but there is some agreement that those containing retinol can help limit the appearance and formation of fine lines and crepey skin,” he says. And for those worried about irritation, Dr. Yadav says that the best retinol eye creams use stabilized retinol paired with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients such as peptides, ceramides, and humectants. “These combinations help maximize results while minimizing irritation,” she says. “For safe use, start slowly by applying a few nights per week, only to dry skin at night, and use sunscreen during the day, since retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.”
Ready to look alive? See the retinol eye creams dermatologists recommend ahead, along with tips on how to apply the product and more.
In This Story:
- Is retinol good for the under-eyes?
- Do retinol eye creams really work?
- What are the benefits of retinol for the undereyes?
- What concentration of retinol is best for undereyes?
- How to apply retinol eye creams
- How We Tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
- Why We Love It: A more bioactive form of retinol, retinal is a faster-acting alternative. Though it has the potential to irritate more sensitive skin, the ingredient is gentler when mixed with hydrating ingredients. Luckily, “This Beauty of Joseon formulation has a great combination of active ingredients, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients,” says Rayva Khanna, MD, a dermatology resident physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Medical Center. She explains that the retinal in the formulation helps improve fine lines and wrinkles, while the glycerin provides simultaneous hydration. Niacinamide brightens the skin and improves the appearance of dark circles, while ginseng serves as an antioxidant. “This powerhouse roster of ingredients targets dark circles and fine lines simultaneously,” Dr. Khanna says.
- Retinol Concentration: 2% retinal liposome
- Size: 1 fl oz.
- Best For: Softening fine lines, improving texture, brightening, firming
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| Lightweight, quick-absorbing, layers well under makeup | May be too active for very sensitive eyes |
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: Made to depuff the eyes, brighten dark circles, and smooth out wrinkles, RoC’s drugstore gem has earned accolades from the pros. “It’s at an accessible price point with a formula of actives that are proven to work,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Alabama. “The formula comprises retinol, glycerin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 to reduce dark circles and deliver an immediate boost to the skin by adding moisture. With continuous use, you should see improvement in fine lines and dark circles around the eye.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This is the retinol eye cream I reach for most often. While it’s powered by retinol, an ingredient known to be irritating, this treats my undereye with care. That way, I can apply it at night without worry that I’ll have redness or itchiness by morning. It’s one of my best secrets for veiling dark circles over time.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 0.5 fl oz.
- Best For: Smoothing fine lines, improving texture
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| Widely accessible and affordable | Some users report mild dryness as skin adjusts |
| Creamy and hydrating texture, comfortable to wear | Not as antioxidant-rich as some competitors |
Best for Fine Lines: Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: At once brightening, firming, and hydrating, Kate Somerville’s featherweight eye cream comes recommended by Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. With a mix of retinol and bio-retinol (a plant-based gentler alternative to regular retinol), the cream tames the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. It’s also made with hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration. What’s more: It fits neatly into a self-care ritual. Its metal applicator bends to deliver a gentle eye massage each time the product is applied.
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 0.5 oz.
- Best For: Hydrating, refining texture, firming and lifting fine lines and crepiness
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| Contains hydrating ingredients and antioxidants | Results may take several weeks to become visible |
Best for Any Retinol Tolerance: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
- Why We Love It: Available in three concentrations of retinal (a fast-acting version of vitamin A), Medik8’s creamy salve caters to retinol rookies and regulars alike. Daniel Isaacs, the brand’s chief product officer and director of research, previously told Vogue that the cream was formulated with vitamin A sensitivity in mind. Promising more efficient beauty rest, the overnight cream plumps, smooths, and lifts, helping one wake up to firmer, brighter eyes. Its ultraslow retinal release helps stave off any irritation.
- Editor’s Experience: “The serum harnesses high-tech ingredients to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness, support the skin’s natural barrier, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes. I’d recommend starting use with twice per week, and working your way to more consistent use as your skin adjusts to the formula. Available in a ‘ladder’ system that offers retinal in various strengths—from 0.03 to 0.1 %— the serum offers a safe and supported route into retinol use, even for those just dabbling.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
- Retinol Concentration: 0.03, 0.06, and 0.1%
- Size: 315 ml
- Best For: Smoothing, firming, barrier support
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| Uses crystal retinal (a stable and effective form of retinal), less likely to create dryness than some other formulas | May require an initial adjustment period |
Best Serum: Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Why We Love It: Another of Dr. Westbay’s top picks, Dr. Dennis Gross’s clinically tested cream can be used morning and night to treat fine lines and wrinkles. The formulation has the feel of a cushiony, lightweight gel, and it instantly hydrates the skin around the eyes. Its retinol is balanced with antioxidant-rich ferulic acid, which helps counter any irritation. It also has the plant-based retinol alternatives rambutan and bakuchiol to amplify its firming properties.
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 1.0 fl oz.
- Best For: Brightening, firming, de-puffing
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| Targets three concerns at once | May not be hydrating enough for those with dry skin |
| Lightweight feel with a non-greasy finish |
Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream With Squalane + Ceramides
- Why We Love It: First Aid’s Retinol Eye Cream is another pick at the top of Dr. Westbay’s list. Fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, the cream was specifically designed for sensitive skin. It’s infused with moisturizing squalane and ceramides and powered by encapsulated retinol technology, which helps the ingredient release slowly over time. A gentle, smoothing solution for fine lines around the eyes, this cream can be used morning and night.
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 0.5 fl oz.
- Best For: Hydration, barrier support
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| Creamy, comfortable texture, smooths fine lines | Texture may be too rich for oily skin |
Best Balm: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair
- Why We Love It: Allergy-tested and fragrance-free, Clinique’s creamy balm harnesses retinol and hyaluronic acid to target lines all over the face, including crow’s-feet. “This product contains 1% advanced retinoid and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help visibly reduce wrinkles,” Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California says. “The convenient balm makes it an easy and quick application.” The balm can be used day and night and also targets smile lines, forehead lines, and vertical lines above the lip.
- Retinol Concentration: 1%
- Size: 0.33 oz.
- Best For: Refining fine lines and texture, sensitive eyes
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| Contains peptides and antioxidants | The gentle formula may work more gradually than some other formulas |
| Fragrance-free, lightweight texture |
Best Gel: La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol
- Why We Love It: The French-pharmacy classic harnesses pure retinol to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It also has caffeine to make undereye bags and dark circles less visible. What’s more: The brand’s signature ingredient—antioxidant-rich thermal spring water—adds a soothing touch to the formulation. Designed for nighttime use, the product can be swept onto the skin under the eyes; its light, creamy-gel texture makes it ideal for a soothing bedtime ritual.
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 0.5 fl oz.
- Best For: Improving fine lines and texture
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| Made with pure retinol | Best results come from consistent, long-term use |
Everything You Need to Know
Do retinol eye creams really work?
According to Dr. Westbay, retinol eye creams can work effectively when formulated and used correctly. (Some of her go-to formulations, including Kate Somerville’s +Retinol Firming Eye Cream and Dr. Dennis Gross’s Triple Correction Eye Serum, are described above; for application tips, see below.) “The best retinol eye creams target common concerns around the delicate eye area, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and uneven skin texture,” she explains.
What are the benefits of retinol for the undereyes?
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, Westbay explains. “Retinol also encourages cell turnover, which helps fade pigmentation, including dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation, and smooths out uneven texture,” she says. Westbay adds that the ingredient also has antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress that can accelerate signs of aging. Finally, using a retinol undereye cream can help strengthen the skin barrier over time. “This can make the thin, delicate skin around the eyes less prone to crepiness and visible veins,” Westbay says.
What concentration of retinol is best for undereyes?
“For retinol eye creams, the ideal concentration ranges from 0.01-0.1%,” Dr. Amin says. “The higher concentrations tend to be more effective at addressing fine lines and wrinkles.” Granted, some of the formulations listed above have significantly higher concentrations of retinol, including the Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick, which contains 3%. For those who have used retinol in the past—and seen that their skin tolerates it well—these higher concentrations are less likely to cause irritation. Sandwiching the retinol cream between layers of moisturizer may also help allay irritation.
How to apply retinol eye creams
Since retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, dermatologists generally recommend using retinol eye creams as part of an evening routine. That said, some of the creams listed above—including the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum—are specifically designed for daytime and nighttime use. If you do use a retinol eye cream in the morning, be sure to follow it with SPF. At night, the cream can be applied before or after moisturizer, Hartman says.
In terms of frequency, “you can use retinol eye cream daily if you’ve used retinol in the past,” says Hartman. “If you haven’t used retinol before, start by using the product one to two times per week and build up from there.” To apply the cream, Hartman recommends tapping a small amount under the eye area, then gently rubbing it in using the ring finger. “Using the ring finger is an easy way to ensure you apply your eye cream without pulling on the skin too hard,” he says.
Is retinol good for the under-eyes?
According to Dr. Khanna, retinol can be effective for targeting fine lines in the under-eye area—but only when applied correctly. “Only a rice-grain-sized amount of retinol should be applied above the orbital bone, approximately three times a week,” she says. She also says to avoid applying retinol too close to the lash line to avoid irritation. “Because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, I also recommend the ‘sandwich method’ for under-eye skin,” she says. The sandwich method entails applying a gentle moisturizer first, followed by a retinol, and sealed with another layer of moisturizer.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to retinol eye creams, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, retinol concentration, type of retinol, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Mina Amin is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles and Glendora, California.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and Long Island.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Rayva Khanna, MD, is a dermatology resident physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Medical Center.
- Dr. Rachel Westbay is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
- Dr. Geeta Yadav is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto.
