These 12 Retinol Creams Could Reduce Under-Eye Wrinkles

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Retinol is a hero skincare ingredient, thanks to its ability to reduce lines and wrinkles as well as tighten skin—so why wouldn't you want retinol eye cream? "Retinol is a well-studied powerhouse ingredient for the skin," says Morgan Rabach, Board Certified Dermatologist and Co-Founder of LM Medical in NYC. "It helps remove dead layers of skin, increases collagen and elastin production (thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), and helps even out skin's tone—all problems a lot of people want to address around the eyes."

And even though retinol eye cream is perfectly safe to use, there are some rules to follow when getting started to ensure you don't cause too much irritation. "Retinol creams should be applied nightly, using a tiny amount under and around the sides of the eyes—just don’t apply too close to the lash line," says Marnie Nussbaum, MD a New York City dermatologist. "Start out using a retinol eye cream twice a week to make sure it agrees with your skin and then increase the frequency as your skin adjusts and becomes more comfortable with it." The only time you shouldn't be using retinol at all is if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, notes Dr. Nussbaum.

Here are some of the best dermatologist-approved eye creams with retinol—for everything from dry skin to puffiness.

Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

With over 25 skincare patents, Roc is a go-to brand by dermatologists. In fact, WH beauty editor Danielle Jackson swears by the brand's Retinol Corexxion patches. "They're a great option for beauty beginners," she says.

This retinol is creamy, but not super thick, according to Dr. Jenny Liu. "I like this eye cream because it’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and gentle for sensitive skin," she says. And, other dermatologists love it, too. "This eye cream contains retinol as well as a mineral complex to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area," says Dr. Nussbaum.

Read more: Best Eye Creams For Dark Circles

Revitalift Triple Power

Looking for a retinol eye cream that will actually work and not break the bank? Try L’Oréal. The dermatologists we spoke to say that this drugstore brand uses a gentle retinol called retinyl palmitate that's safe for sensitive skin, and features hero ingredients like centella asiatica, which helps improve wound healing and improve connective tissues.

"When combined with moisturizing agents such as glycerin and dimethicone, centella asiatica hydrates the skin even more effectively." says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entiere Dermatology. Plus, it also has caffeine in its ingredients, which improves discoloration and swelling, according to dermatologists.

Read more: Best Drugstore Retinol

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream

This retinol eye cream protects and hydrates with every use, according to dermatologists. "This is a double whammy because it contains both retinol and hyaluronic acid, which helps pull moisture into the eye and can help reduce the appearance of under eye bags by plumping," says Dr. Rabach. Reviewers also say how well it works for its price. "I'm a nursing student and I get zero sleep," writes one reviewer. "After using this, my eyes don't look tired anymore."

Retrinal Eyes

This Avène retinol has an average 4.3 rating on Dermstore. Lots of customers say it's gentle on skin and deeply hydrating. Plus, it's dermatologist-approved. "I recommend this one for people with very sensitive and dry skin," says Dr. Levin. "It combines retinaldehyde—a stabilized version of retinol—with hyaluronic acid for collagen production and moisture, as well as dextran sulfate to help with de-puffing."

No7 Early Defence Eye Cream

"This is the best eye cream ever," writes one happy customer of this No7 pick. Along with retinol, its formula uses lipopeptides—a hybrid of lipids (fats/moisturizers) and peptides (proteins that create collagen and elastin)—that allows the peptides to go deeper into your skin to repair, plump, and prevent future damage. Even though there's not a ton of product in each container, trust that a little goes a very long way, according to reviews.

Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream

Retinol, vitamin B3, and vitamin E come together to act as a triple threat against fine lines, dryness, and free radical damage that can happen around your eyes. Dr. Liu recommends this cream for people with highly sensitive skin. With over 1000 five-star reviews, you can trust you're getting a great product. One 65-year-old reviewer loves the way it makes her skin feel. "I will purchase this again, just because of how nice it feels on my skin," she says.

Time Retreat Eye Treatment

This Eve Lom treatment works on all kinds of skin types—one reviewer even said she and her husband use it together. It works with just a pea-sized amount, and the results are visible. "I love that this cream combines retinol with vitamin E and niacinamides to calm inflammation and brighten the skin," says Dr. Zeichner. Sure, the price is a little steep, but it's so, so worth it.

Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Do you hate having to measure out exactly how much skincare to use every day? Or worse, have a tendency to over squeeze? These Elizabeth Arden capsules will solve all your problems—plus, they're biodegradable. "These capsules help boost collagen thanks to retinol, but they do so gently while also providing hydration and improving tolerability thanks to ceramides—your skin's natural moisturizer," explains Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine in NYC.

Skin Renewing Retinol Cream Serum

Editorial assistant Olivia Evans swears by CeraVe products, and their retinol cream is no exception. "It feels light on my skin, and I love how gentle it is—it never irritates," she says. Some retinols can be too strong and disrupt your skin's protective barrier, but this retinol serum helps to negate that with its ratio of three ceramides (deeply moisturizing agents) to one part retinol. On top of that, it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

Read more: Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

"This product immediately hydrates and gives a nice finish," writes one happy customer. "It also works well under makeup." Ferulic acid—an antioxidant found in plants—pairs with retinol in this cream to help protect against sun and environmental damage that can cause fine lines. Dr. Dennis Gross' eye serum also uses a blend of acids and collagen to help brighten and lighten dark spots. Lots of reviews love that you can use it during the day or before you go to bed.

Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

Dr. Liu loves that this Some By Mi retinol is creamy, but not too heavy. This formula hydrates the skin while also building up the barrier, so you really can't ask for anything more from a retinol cream. If a dermatologist's approval still doesn't sell you, the reviews don't lie, either. "I have noticed changes in my dark under eye circles," says one customer. "I also started to add it to my forehead wrinkle line and it's slowly getting rid of it."

1% Retinol Treatment

Skincare gurus everywhere know Paula's Choice is typically a great brand to stand by (in fact, WH just honored the Paula's Choice retinol body treatment for aging, crepey skin). This retinol not only provides a safe barrier for the skin, but reviews also say it evens out their skin texture, without irritating their mugs. "I notice my skin is more firm, I also see a noticeable change in my skin tone, like it is more balanced," writes on reviewer. "Less pores, making my skin look flawless."

Meet The Experts

• Danielle Jackson, Women's Health beauty editor.

• Dr. Jenny Liu, MD, a board certified dermatologist, professor, and founder of Derm Talk blog.

• Dr. Morgan Rabach, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Co-Founder of LM Medical in NYC.

• Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD a New York City dermatologist

• Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entiere Dermatology

• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, an associate professor of dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

• Dr. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine in NYC.

How our team chose the best retinol eye creams

For the last several years, Women's Health editors have been vetting skincare products that actually do what they say they do (just check out the 2023 skincare awards). To find the best retinol eye creams, editorial assistant Olivia Evans and other editors consulted dermatologists and skincare experts for the best products and what ingredients to look for. We also combed through hundreds of retinol eye cream reviews from verified buyers on e-commerce sites we trust.

What are the benefits of retinol eye creams?

You know how retinols have a reputation for somewhat irritating your skin, and your under eye is, probably, the most sensitive area of your face? Well, retinol eye creams are specifically formulated to be as gentle as possible, according to Dr. Jenny Liu, so—no irritation! "Retinol eye cream can help get the benefits of retinol like improve wrinkles, fine lines, and stimulate collagen, minus the irritation," she says.

How should you use a retinol eye cream?

Always follow the instructions on whatever eye cream you end up going with, but typically you should apply to the under eye area—where wrinkles are most common. "It can be used after serum and before facial moisturizer," says Dr. Liu.

What should you look for in a retinol eye cream?

It really depends on what you're looking to get out of your eye cream—from reducing lines to hydrating. "I personally like eye creams that are more nourishing and hydrating to support eyelid skin," says Dr. Liu. "Other ingredients that work well with retinol to target under eye concerns are peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamides—these also help with improving skin texture and brightening dark circles."

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