10 Best Retinol Eye Creams We Tested, Reviewed by Dermatologists

“The clear gel format of this eye serum was unexpected, but it was a nice change from the creamy formulas I’m used to. The serum is pretty cushiony on my skin, absorbs quickly, and, surprisingly for a gel, it isn’t sticky. I did notice an almost immediate tightening feeling, but not in an uncomfortable way. There was no stinging, and even after a few days, I didn’t have the flakiness or dryness I’ve experienced with other retinol eye creams,” says Spradley.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Hyperpigmentation: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

• Pros: It comes in a larger package than the average eye cream on this list.
• Cons: It’s not hydrating enough for those with dryness around the eyes.

Whether you have dark spots or dark circles, this powerful formula, one of the best Paula’s Choice products, can help even them out, since it includes vitamin C, a beloved brightening agent. Plus, “the addition of bakuchiol and peptides supports retinol for increased collagen production to treat fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Jalalat. And for good measure, you’ll find hyaluronic acid and allantoin to keep skin calm and comfortable.

“My skin isn’t particularly sensitive, but I always prefer a retinol that has a creamy, lotion-like consistency as opposed to one that’s more serum-like. My dry skin really appreciates that extra bit of hydration, especially in the face of stronger actives like retinol. I will say, this one feels particularly strong and stings a bit upon application (something that’s not typical for me when using a product like this). I don’t necessarily mind it, because I can tolerate it and really like the idea that I’m using something really effective, but it’s worth considering if your skin is particularly sensitive,” says Earley.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

• Pros: Comes in three strengths; very moisturizing; no stinging
• Cons: None

Sensitive skin types are particularly tricky to treat with retinol, but Medik8 formulated a super gentle version. The cushiony cream comes taps retinal, a retinol derivative, that works faster, but releases slowly within the skin, so it’s gentler. The cream comes in three strengths, so you can dial the potency up or down based on what your skin can tolerate.

“For a retinol-infused cream, this one feels so soothing. I was prepared for the usual sting that many of the retinol eye creams I’ve tried leave behind, but that wasn’t the case at all here. It feels very hydrating, not sticky, and even after a few days of use, my under-eyes weren’t dry and flaky. Instead, I could see smoothness pretty quickly, “ says Spradley.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Nighttime: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Eye Cream

• Pros: Inexpensive; non-irritating
• Cons: No applicator

Instead of simply adding hyaluronic acid to the treatment to replenish what’s lost naturally, there’s an ingredient here called riboxyl that stimulates your own hyaluronic acid and collagen production. A dose of carrot extract, also in the formula, lowers its potential for irritation. Dab it on with a finger before bed, and the retinol will boost circulation and collagen production to diminish dark circles and fill in fine lines.

“I always brace myself for a little sting when I apply retinols, but this one had none. This one isn’t as creamy as others I’ve tried; it’s more fluid than others, but that actually helps it blend and absorb quickly, with less rubbing. It didn’t take long for the skin around my eyes to feel tighter, I’d say after about the third use,” says Spradley.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Beginners: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

• Pros: Inexpensive; can also be used on laugh lines
• Cons: Not the best for dark circles; may be too strong for sensitive skin

The INKEY proves that potent ingredients don’t have to be super expensive. For less than 20 bucks, a stabilized retinol slowly releases into skin to gently smooth fine lines and brighten under-eye discoloration. To help replenish healthy-looking skin while preventing irritation from the potent star ingredient, there’s a soothing and moisturizing blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides

• Pros: Slow-release retinol minimizes irritation
• Cons: More expensive than other options

Without the right moisturizers added in, some retinol creams can be very drying on the eyes. First Aid Beauty’s version prioritizes moisture with a potent combo of squalane and ceramides. You can see from the addition of calming allantoin and oat kernel extract that the formula is ideal for sensitive skin, but it’ll just as effectively diminish dark spots and smooth wrinkles on any skin type.