12 Eye Creams With Retinol That Seriously Work

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There are many ways to harness the power of vitamin A, including regular use of one of the best retinol eye creams available. The dermatologist-loved ingredient plays a key role in stimulating collagen production, making fine lines and wrinkles a distant memory. And when it comes to treating your under-eyes specifically, formulations for the best retinol eye creams are a little less intense than your standard face products to keep delicate skin protected.

"The under-eye area is quite sensitive as it is some of the thinnest skin on the body," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi tells Bazaar.com. "Therefore retinol in this area may be too irritating and can actually cause inflammation if not used correctly." To avoid potential irritation, we recommend testing the skincare essential exclusively during your evening routine. "Retinols historically are used at night because vitamin A derivatives can be inactivated by exposure to UV," he says. Rossi also notes that retinols can often make the skin more UV sensitive, which is yet another reason to wear a minimum of broad-spectrum SPF 30.

With so many eye cream formulations available to shop from top brands like RoC, The Inkey List, La Roche-Posay, and more, you don’t have to take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we narrowed down some of the best retinol eye creams worth adding to your skincare line up. Each leaves any skin type looking and feeling more smooth and hydrated—and in some cases, wrinkle-free.

Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

Your under-eyes will stay nice and moisturized for up to 24-hours, thanks to this beloved and fast-absorbing retinol cream from the experts at Olay. Its silky retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin B3 formula works as you snooze, and won't leave a greasy film under your eyes the next morning.

One satisfied customer writes:

"My eyes instantly got plumped on the first use. Purchased the whole night line. My skin feels so moisturized and its not greasy and leaves the face feeling real nice and soft. Purchased a second bottle already." —Shavon212

RetrinAL Eyes

French pharmacy fans should consider adding this top-rated eye cream to their routine. Avène's Retrinal Eyes helps reduce fine lines, de-puff, and brighten dark circles with just a few dabs of product.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I've been using the Avène Retrinal for face for many years, and at 68, am so pleased with the results that I'm not yet ready to give in to age! I'm sorry I didn't discover the counterpart product for eyes years ago. This cream is very good for the sensitive eye area and perfect with the face product." —DianneT

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Murad's entire Retinol Youth line is magic, and this eye serum is no exception. The ophthalmologist-tested formula can be used 360 degrees around the eye to plump up fine lines, and is even safe for sensitive skin.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Best eye serum ever! I noticed a difference and brightness in my eye bags after the first few uses!! My under-eyes feel so smooth and are practically non-existent! I love how it applies and highly recommend." —jasminegabx

Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Retinol and bio-retinol (an ingredient derived from babchi seeds) work in tandem to soften fine lines and brighten the eye area, while this eye cream's hyaluronic acid boosts its hydration. And since the cream is nicely designed with a metal applicator tip, we're betting you'll relish putting it on before bed.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this product. I’ve been using it every day and my fine lines are less noticeable. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin too. Wonderful!" —Kathy

Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

RoC is one of the best skincare finds you can pick up at the drugstore, so it's hard to go wrong with the brand's line-smoothing eye cream. It works to correct not only wrinkles, but also puffiness and dark circles. Did we mention it has the seal of approval from over 2,000 beauty enthusiasts?

One satisfied customer writes:

"I noticed a difference in my crows feet wrinkles after a week. A substantial difference. Love the product and will keep using it." —LizOutWest

Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Eye Rescue Cream is an artist favorite to prep skin ahead of makeup. In addition to its time-released retinol, this cult-favorite (and refillable!) eye cream also uses a botanical complex to brighten dark circles, along with winter daphne stem cells extract to firm skin.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have been using this for about a month and I love it. It’s perfect for my combination skin. Sometimes eye cream can be greasy on me, but this sinks in and doesn’t crease my makeup. I love the bouncy texture and barely have to use any. It immediately plumps my hollows and it is noticeably diminishing fine lines. I love the beautiful jar, it’s pretty enough to display and I plan on refilling it whem I run out, though that may be a while! It really doesn’t take much!" —citizenkym

Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

Part of the iconic brand's culty Retinol Ceramide collection, this potent eye cream from Elizabeth Arden uses a blend of encapsulated retinol (which releases over eight hours), niacinamide, and peptides to brighten and de-puff. The cream even features an airless pump to protect its formula's potency.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have very sensitive skin, and have a hard time finding products that aren't too greasy, or don't just dry me out, or even burn. I am SO happy that this does none of that! I've even started getting compliments that I look well-rested and what's my secret!" —NV Mom

Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

Just like the rest of Glow Recipe's cult-favorite products, beauty lovers are swooning over this K-Beauty-inspired eye mask from the brand. In addition to featuring encapsulated retinol, ingredients like avocado and coffeeberry help smooth fine lines. Apply the mask like a regular eye cream at night, and simply rinse it off in the morning.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I just got this three days ago and have already started seeing results. My skin is noticeably tighter and my dark circles are much lighter. I've even used this on my husband who has deep crows feet due to being in construction and from surfing and he's seen a difference under his eyes. I highly recommend getting this!" —araeofsunshinee

Retinol Eye Cream

At under $15, you'll be hard pressed to find a cream better at brightening your under-eyes while being easy on your credit card statement. The Inkey List's vegan Retinol Eye Cream uses a slow-release retinoid to combat wrinkles without causing irritation.

One satisfied customer writes:

"In the first week of using this product, I saw a significant change in the texture of my under-eyes—I literally had road maps. In two weeks of use, thus delicate area has smoothed out and is beautifully hydrated. I'll stop using it when I'm dead!" —Deonna M.

Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

This opthamologist-tested, non-greasy eye cream from L'Oréal aims to improve the appearance of dark circles fine lines in up to four weeks while boosting hydration. And since it also contains soothing centella asiatica, the cream also helps repair the skin barrier as an added bonus.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have never ever found an eye cream that actually delivers until now! It really does all that it claims to. I noticed results quite quickly, and it's only getting better from there! I use this with the matching day and night creams. Best routine I have ever used!! Thanks again, L'Oreal!!" —GGBird

Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

Formulated with the brand's signature thermal spring water along with pure retinol, this gel-cream from La Roche-Posay is paraben- and fragrance-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. The popular cream also features de-puffing caffeine to minimize the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I'm on my second tube of this eye cream. It's just perfect, and exactly what I have been looking for all these years. I accept that I'm in my mid 40s and I have some crows feet. I would expect it at my age. I was more interested in finding a product that moisturized the under-eye area so that concealer could be easily and smoothly applied. And I have never had any stinging feeling with this one—it definitely fits the bill. I'm really glad I found it, and will continue to use it. It is well worth the price." —M. Pick

Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

This Japanese pearl extract and golden silk essence balm from Clé de Peau leaves skin feeling moist and dewy for hours after application, making even the driest under-eyes supremely soft and supple. Use it as the last step in your evening skin care routine.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is an wonderfully non-irritating product and has helped me tremendously. Fine lines under my eyes are almost gone. Love it!" —SabinaC

Meet the Experts

• Anthony Rossi M.D., F.A.A.D, F.A.C.M.S is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Why is retinol beneficial in eye cream?

Eye creams with retinol do more than just moisturize—they help minimize fine lines and wrinkles that are some of the first signs of aging. Even though the skin under your eyes is delicate, retinol can be safely used there every single night, as long as you're using a formula designed for your eye area.

Does help tighten the eye area?

Yes! Retinol helps boost collagen production, which can help reverse some of the signs of aging, like fine lines, discoloration, and loose skin. To see the best results, you'll need to use it every night for a few weeks, and then continue that for months.

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