The 14 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2023

Our Top Picks

This is a favorite for both buuk.top Associate General Manager Lindsey Metrus and Dr. Rabach. Along with the boosting properties of retinol, you also get a healthy dose of ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant known for its ability to protect against pollution. It targets fine lines and wrinkles in three key ways: Phyto-Retinol Blend™ helps 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. No surprise, this also made our list of the best retinol serums.

Active Ingredients:Ferulic acid, vitamin E and amino acids, retinol |Benefits: Plumping, moisturizing, anti-aging | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Okay | Style: Pump bottle | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

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. Reviewers do note that this can cause irritation on very sensitive skin, so it’s probably not suitable if you have eczema or psoriasis-prone skin type.

Active Ingredients:Retinol Tri-Active Technology, cotton wool grass extract, marine kelp complex |Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing, lifting | Dosage:Apply a thin layer nightly |Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Okay (on the pricier side) | Style: Pump |Sheerness: Goes on sheer and easily sinks in

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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 Hadley King, MD, who lauds the very 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.

Active Ingredients: Pro-Retinol, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 | Benefits: Anti-aging, moisturizing | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

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 skin,” says Fenton. (Namely, reducing dark circles and puffiness. Yes, please.) Both he and Rabach also laud it for being gentle. Just be careful where you apply it, though, as it isn’t suitable for the eyelids.

Active Ingredients:Pure ROC Retinol |Benefits: Anti-aging, reduced puffiness, fades dark circles | Dosage:Apply small dots around the area |Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

buuk.top / Leigh Weingus

“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 Fenton of another one of his picks. King is a fan, too, noting that the formula also contains glycerin, another humectant ingredient that can help hydrate. 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. Other reviewers, however, said it took them a little longer to see great results.

Active Ingredients: Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, moisturizing | Dosage: Dab a small amount around the eye area | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

buuk.top / Jenna Igneri

If you’re looking for both fewer wrinkles and firmer skin around your eyes (and really, who wouldn’t want that), 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, a gold tip that feels cooling and makes it easy to gently massage in the product.

Active Ingredients:Retinol, bio retinol, hyaluronic acid, natural blend of bidens pilosa extract, lime pearl |Benefits:Firming, smoothing, radiance-boosting, anti-aging, moisturizing |Dosage: Pat a small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size:0.5 fluid ounces |Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Okay (its pricey but the applicator adds value) | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

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. Some reviewers say that it left their skin a little dry, so you may want to follow it with a touch of barrier cream to retain moisture.

Active Ingredients:Pure retinol, caffeine, glycerin, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water |Benefits:Anti-aging, lifting, fades dark circles |Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

Microencapsulated 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 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 any retinoid during the day—doubly important in the summer. You also can’t apply it to the eyelids, so just be careful when applying it.

Active Ingredients:Skin Saver Complex, microencapsulated retinol, triple weight hyaluronic acid, micro-pearls |Benefits:Anti-aging, reduces puffiness, fades dark circles, firming |Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Value: Good | Style: Tube | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

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 imparts plenty of hydration to counteract those potential drying side effects. Our only complaint is the container–we’d prefer a hygienic pump bottle rather than a jar.

Active Ingredients: Avocado, encapsulate retinol, niacinamide, coffeeberry | Benefits:Anti-aging, radiance-boosting, moisturizing |Dosage:Apply a pea-sized amount around eye area morning and night; morning use SPF |Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Good | Style: Mask | Sheerness: Goes on thicker than most

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 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.1It’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.

Active Ingredients:Vitamin C, licorice root, bearberry leaf, bakuchiol, caffeine, algae |Benefits:Anti-aging, moisturizing, fades dark circles, firming, plumping |Dosage: Massage a small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size:0.5 fluid ounces |Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Okay | Style: Balm | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

Those looking to clean up their beauty routine and really splurge will appreciate this formula thats free of a litany of different chemicals. 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 cream’s rich texture and eco-friendly packaging.

Active Ingredients: Lipopeptides, triple natural retinoic acid, java fruit | Benefits:Firming, anti-aging, moisturizing |Dosage: Small amount around the eye area morning and night | Size:0.5 fluid ounces |Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Not great (the price is very expensive, but its packed with important ingredients, such as peptides) |Style: Balm | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

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. Its 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.

Active Ingredients:Encapsulated retinol, power peptide complex, vegan squalene, vegan astaxanthin |Benefits: Anti-aging, fades dark circles, improves texture, moisturizing | Size:0.14 ounces |Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Excellent | Style: Stick | Sheerness: Goes on sheer and slightly glossy

Developed by a Hollywood esthetician, 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, but some reviewers do complain that it stings a little on application.

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, aloe | Benefits:Anti-aging, improves texture, moisturizing, de-puffs |Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Okay (the product is a bit pricey, but it will last a while) |Style: Pump | Sheerness: Goes on sheer

This unique blend of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus works to brighten and lift the tired undereye 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.Active Ingredients: Matrixyl 3000+, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Benefits:Anti-aging, brightens the eyes, lifts |Size: 0.5 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Value: Excellent | Style: Tube |Sheerness: Goes on sheer

Meet the Expert

Updated by Jill Di Donato

buuk.top takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, Notay M, Trivedi M, Burney W, Vaughn AR, Nguyen M, Reiter P, Bosanac S, Yan H, Foolad N, Sivamani RK. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918

Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-48. doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327