When it comes to fighting the signs of aging, retinol stands out as a true champion. This powerhouse ingredient works wonders on fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and uneven skin tone. If you're wondering how the ingredient can achieve all this, we asked the experts.
It does all this by boosting cell turnover and encouraging collagen production, says celebrity esthetician Kristin Gunn, BS, CLT, LMA. Now, to help you find the best retinol eye cream, we’ve gathered insights from dermatologists, aestheticians and even an ophthalmologist. They’ve shared tips on what to look for in a retinol eye cream, how to carefully use it with other skin care products and the best ways to apply it.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of Shop TODAY’s top picks, featuring expert-recommended and editor-tested options that will brighten and tighten your under eyes. We also rounded out the list with a tried-and-true Shop TODAY Mature Beauty Award-winning pick as well.
Best eye cream with retinal$15.00$16.99
What is retinol eye cream?
Unlike conventional eye creams that mainly provide hydration and antioxidant benefits, retinol eye creams utilize vitamin A as the star ingredient to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and under-eye skin texture.
Tatiyana Canady, a licensed esthetician, explains that “the cellular turnover process we get from retinol helps to improve skin tone and texture, smooth lines and wrinkles, create collagen and clear acne flare ups.” She continues, “It also helps brighten and even pigmentation with continued use.”
Because of its remarkable properties, retinol has become a popular addition to moisturizers, serums and eye creams. But here’s the catch: this ingredient can be pretty strong, especially for the delicate skin around your eyes. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a retinol eye cream carefully (or any eye cream with a retinoid component, that is).
What is a retinoid?
Before we dive into retinol eye creams, we can’t forget that retinol is a retinoid — and “retinoid” is “an umbrella term that covers all ingredients that are derived from vitamin A, including retinol,” board-dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav previously told us.
Dr. Gary Linkov, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, also tells us that retinoids “serve as pre-cursors to retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A that our skin can effectively utilize.”
While shopping for under-eye products, you’ll notice that there are retinol eye creams and retinal eye creams available. Retinal (yes, with an “a” instead of an “o”) is short for retinaldehyde, which is also a retinoid (albeit, a stronger one than retinol).
Why? Because retinal is further along in the process to becoming retinoic acid, per the National Library of Medicine.
Best retinol eye creams, according to experts
This affordable retinal eye cream is a must-have for K-beauty fans, offering both value and efficacy, according to Linkov.
“This is [an] interesting option for a budget product (less than $20) that shows that inexpensive doesn’t have to mean basic,” he says. “It contains ginseng root extract (anti-inflammatory), niacinamide, peptides, ceramides...” However, this product contains retinal, which, again, is stronger than retinol, according to the brand.
However, some users report a slight yellow tint upon application, so thorough blending is recommended for best results.
For those in search of an eye cream that delivers clinical-level results without breaking the bank, Gunn recommends this non-comedogenic eye cream.
She explains, “RoC has been a trusted name in retinol products for years, known for their ability to deliver results while minimizing skin irritation.” The addition of glycerin is yet another perk, as it provides extra hydration to prevent dryness often associated with retinol use.
If you need a retinol eye cream that’s easy on sensitive skin, Linkov points to Paula’s Choice eye cream as a top contender.
“This is a low dose, moisturizing retinol for those who do well with multiple activities,” he explains. “It ticks a lot of boxes at a great price point” and “has a lower dose of retinol (0.01%).” Linkov continues that it includes three “gentler derivatives” of vitamin C, along with two peptides.
While recommending this eye cream, Linkov tells us, “It is fragrance- and dye-free, and includes caffeine, which can help target puffiness, inflammation and dark circles.” He also says that it “uses glycerin as the main moisturizing agent.”
Despite its high price point, medical aesthetician Andrea Bailey, OAS, CLT, CME, considers this eye cream to be among the top-tier retinol eye creams available on the market.
She praises its effectiveness, stating, “This renowned product effectively addresses fine lines, wrinkles and skin crepiness, while also diminishing puffiness around the eyes. Remarkably, every patient I’ve recommended this sophisticated eye cream to has experienced significant improvement in dark circles.”
Beyond retinol, Bailey suggests that the inclusion of proprietary antioxidants, biomimetic proteins, sericin, kojic acid, carnitine, coenzyme A, caffeine and botanical anti-inflammatory agents also makes this eye cream a winner.
However, proper application is crucial for optimal results. She recommends, “Apply this product once daily around the entire eye area. It’s also essential to use a medical-grade, chemical-free sunscreen on this area daily, regardless of whether you plan to be outdoors or not.”
Best retinol eye cream, according to editors
This Shop TODAY Mature Beauty Award-winning eye cream is infused with retinol and niacinamide to help reverse the look of dark circles and brighten eyes. This hypoallergenic eye cream is not only beloved by our editors, but also received a 4.5/5 overall rating during testing as well.
Camryn Privette, a production coordinator at Shop TODAY, recommends this retinal eye cream from Murad. She says, “This new launch from Murad is the real deal! During the summer, I definitely get less sleep than usual and this treatment helps with dark circles, wrinkles, you name it, since it’s formulated with good ‘ole retinal. It’s great for all skin types too, which is always a plus!”
Other retinol eye creams to shop
If you’re looking for a retinol eye cream for under $20, this option from No7 is a great choice. It’s formulated with shea butter to help with moisture, and it’s even dermatologist-approved (per the brand).
This fan-favorite Neutrogena under-eye cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid, and it has over 14,000 (!) five-star ratings.
This under-eye cream, which is formulated with retinal, comes in an easy-to-pump bottle. Along with hyaluronic acid, this product is also designed with dextran sulfate to help lessen dark circles.
What to consider while choosing a retinol eye cream
When selecting a retinol eye cream, it’s essential to consider several key factors regarding added ingredients, formulation and ophthalmologist testing.
Added ingredients
Linkov emphasizes that an effective eye cream should contain more than just retinol. He advises choosing products that combine retinol with other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, lipids and ceramides.
However, he also cautions against certain ingredients: “It’s best to avoid fragrances, certain dyes and parabens in your skin care products.”
Formulation and concentration
“Formulation of retinol eye products plays a crucial role in determining how effectively ingredients are absorbed and utilized by the delicate skin around the eyes,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marilyn Zabielinski, MD, FAAD. “Products designed for the eye area require special consideration due to the thinness and sensitivity of the skin in this region.”
Zabielinski adds, “When incorporating retinol into eye products, formulators must carefully balance its concentration with soothing and hydrating ingredients to ensure efficacy without causing undue irritation. This is why many retinol eye products also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to support the skin barrier.”
Furthermore, to avoid irritation, Linkov says “choosing an eye cream with a lower retinol concentration and more humectants can be helpful.” He continues, “You also should opt for a product containing 0.01% retinol, and then gradually build your way up.”
Ophthalmologist testing
Ophthalmologist testing can also be valuable when selecting a retinol eye cream, as it verifies a product’s safety and efficacy for use around the eyes.
However, Linkov cautions that individual responses to products can vary, even if it is expert-approved. “Even if a formula is deemed safe for use around the eyes, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll respond well to it,” he explains.
How to apply retinol eye cream
Retinol eye creams don’t require reapplication, but should always be applied to clean skin. Canady recommends, “Use your ring finger (also known as the fourth finger) for application, as it exerts less pressure and causes minimal tugging on the delicate under-eye area.”
As with all products, retinol eye products usually require time to show results. However, if you experience irritation from a retinol product, particularly around the eyes, Linkov says it’s important to discontinue use immediately and wait for the irritation to subside before reintroducing the product at a lower concentration (or with less frequent application).
“Both your lower and upper eyelids play vital roles in eye function,” he cautions. “Irritating this delicate tissue can impair functionality and potentially lead to more serious issues.”
Retinol eye cream with other skin care products
Incorporating retinol eye creams into your skin care routine is generally straightforward, but it’s important to be careful when you first start using them. While these creams work well with many other products, they may interact with certain active ingredients, especially exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs.
To reduce the chance of skin irritation, it’s best to use your retinol eye cream on different days than your exfoliating products. Canady recommends, “Begin by applying the retinol eye cream every other night or just twice a week. As your skin gets used to it, you can slowly increase how often you use it.”
It’s also important to note that retinol may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Canady emphasizes the importance of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning when using retinol-based eye creams. “This protective measure is essential because retinol can heighten your skin’s susceptibility to sun-induced damage,” she says.
Frequently asked questions
According to Dr. Zabielinski, retinol is usually less irritating compared to stronger prescription retinoids, which require careful application—especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
She emphasizes that the skin surrounding the eyes is thinner and more vulnerable; thus, if moisturizers are not used, these potent retinoids can cause irritation when applied beneath the eyes. As a precaution, she recommends steering clear of their use in that area.
If you find that retinol eye creams are too irritating for your skin, Zabielinski suggests exploring various serums, creams, and gels that contain alternative ingredients to retinol.
These alternatives, like bakuchiol, can also help improve the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Retinol creams can be effective in minimizing dark circles, but Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist, advises starting with products containing a lower concentration.
He explains that while stronger formulations might yield better results, they can also cause more irritation. “Therefore, it’s wise to begin with a lower strength and gradually increase it as your skin adjusts,” he says.
Additionally, when selecting retinol eye creams, look for those designed specifically for the sensitive eye area and enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Wachler also suggests choosing fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Before investing in a retinol eye cream, Linkov says that it is important for people to reflect on whether their skin care routine truly requires a separate product for the delicate eye region.
“While experienced retinol users with a gentle, fragrance-free formulation might find their current product suitable for the eye area, overloading the skin with too many products can increase the risk of irritation,” he explains.
Retinol eye creams are best introduced in your late 20s, according to Zabielinski. "This is when early signs of aging and sun damage often become noticeable," she explains. "For optimal results and to avoid skin irritation, apply these products only at night, as exposure to sunlight can cause skin sensitivity."
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How we chose
To choose the best retinol eye cream, Shop TODAY interviewed a handful of skin care experts and an ophthalmologist who gave us insight on ingredients, usage and more. They also recommended their go-to retinol eye creams that are effective, yet gentle.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on retinol eye creams. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Kristin Gunn, BS, CLT, LMA, is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
- Tatiyana Canady, LE, CHN, is a licensed esthetician and owner of Aurum Aesthetic Atelier, a skin clinic located in Columbia, Maryland.
- Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and medical reviewer at All About Vision.
- Dr. Marilyn Zabielinski, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida.
- Andrea Bailey, OAS, CLT, CME, is a medical esthetician at Elase Med Spa.
- Dr. Gary Linkov, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in New York City.
