13 best retinol eye creams to add to your skincare arsenal
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Adding one of the best retinol eye creams to your skincare routine is a sure-fire way to keep your under-eye area looking smooth and hydrated. And no, despite what some people say, you definitely don't need to wait until you hit a certain age before you can start using the best retinol serum formulations. In fact, the earlier you start, the better.
According to Dr Dendy Engelman, top skincare specialist and Elizabeth Arden's consulting New York dermatologist, you're never too young for eye cream, since it's more often than not the first area to start showing the effects of ageing. “I would definitely recommend the extra step of an eye cream because a) you need something that’s specifically formulated to not be too irritating and b) you want something extra nourishing and hydrating because the area is naturally more dry," she says.
Now, if there's one ingredient that eclipses all others when it comes to smoothing your skin, it's retinol (even better if it's retinal). “As a board-certified dermatologist, retinol derivatives and vitamin A still holds the highest tier of benefits for helping with fine lines and wrinkles, for building collagen and elastin and for improving skin texture and reversing sun damage. There’s so many benefits to that ingredient,” Dr Dendy explains.
Best retinol eye creams at a glance – our top picks:
- Best retinol eye cream overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye, £42, Medik8
- Best plumping retinol eye cream: Kate Somerville + Retinol Firming Eye Cream, £82, Cult Beauty
- Best retinol eye cream for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Retinol Eye Cream, £30, LookFantastic
- Best overnight retinol eye cream: Olay Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream With Retinol & Vitamin B3, £38, Boots
What is retinol and how does it work?
As a vitamin A derivative, retinol is a type of retinoid that's used as an active ingredient in beauty to brighten dull skin, prevent wrinkles and reverse the appearance of blemishes and dark spots. It achieves this by penetrating your skin and stimulating your natural collagen production and promoting faster cell turnover.
Magic, right? Absolutely. However, remember that retinol can be a rather potent ingredient. In other words, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to start off with a product that contains a small dosage. You may notice that some products often pair it with ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and peptides to make the eye cream more gentle and hydrating.
Make sure to combine it with a quality SPF cream, since retinol can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. As for how best to apply your eye cream, Dr Dendy notes that as is the case with all products applied in the under-eye area, it's best to "use your ring finger to minimise the amount of pressure used.”
How often can I use retinol eye cream?
How often should use your retinol eye creams, you ask? We have an answer for that too. “If you’re more sensitive to retinol, increase your usage very slowly,” Dr Dendy adds. “I’d say once a week for a week. Twice a week for two weeks. Three times a week for three weeks and increase it as you can. If you can only get it on every other night, that’s OK, you’ll still get the benefits of the retinol, so you don’t need to rush.”
If any of this still sounds a tad confusing, don't worry. We've put together a comprehensive guide below, outlining all the best retinol eye creams available on the market, as well as what makes each option unique. Plus, we've also made sure to include a wide variety of products to choose from, including new releases, all-time classics and some affordable drugstore staples to match every possible need, budget, skin type and skin tone. Remember, it's your beauty and your rules so if you don't want to use a retinol, that's totally your call. If you do, keep reading to check out all the best options we've rounded up just for you – enjoy.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best sun creams and sunscreens, best moisturiser for dry skin, best moisturiser for combination skin and the best moisturiser for oily skin. We can also help you refill your makeup bags with guides on the best concealers and the best foundations.
For more shoppable makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scrolls down for our full edit of all the best retinol eye creams worth buying…
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye
Why we love it: Looking for a high-quality overnight eye cream? Say no more, because Medik8's new Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye is a top-tier product that should be on your radar. Thanks to the included stabilised retinaldehyde, this eye cream is expertly formulated for the gentle skin around our eyes, available in 3 strengths to achieve the most impressive results over time. The consistency is incredibly lightweight yet super effective. A must to elevate anyone's skincare routine.
Strength: 0.1% retinaldehyde.
Best for: sensitive skin.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinaldehyde, ceramides, hyaluronic acid.
Kate Somerville + Retinol Firming Eye Cream
Why we love it: Thanks to a blend of retinols and bioretinols, this advanced under-eye cream from Kate Somerville improves the texture and elasticity of your skin while ridding it from signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Seriously, 10/10 would recommend.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: firming
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
Olay Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream With Retinol & Vitamin B3
Why we love it: This fragrance-free overnight eye cream features a blend of niacinamide and retinoid complex to deliver 24 hours of hydration. It's light, silky and absorbs into your skin quickly, leaving your under-eye area looking much more radiant once you wake up.
Save more while shopping for the best retinol eye creams using these Boots discount codes.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: daily use.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin B3, niacinamide.
La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Retinol Eye Cream
Why we love it: Just because your skin is on the more sensitive side doesn't mean you have to miss out on the benefits of retinol. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, this hypoallergenic product is perfect for refreshing your delicate eye area. Also available for sale on Amazon.
Strength: 0.1% pure retinol.
Best for: sensitive skin.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, caffeine, thermal spring water.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best retinol eye creams using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Murad Resurgence Retinol Serum
Why we love it: A fast-acting retinol serum boosted by the hydrating powers of hyaluronic acid is definitely something we can get behind. Guaranteed to leave you with smoother-looking skin, this product is best used in tandem with a moisturiser. If you're a more seasoned veteran, however, be sure to check out the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum as well.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, ceramides, squalane.
Make sure to check out our Sephora discount codes.
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
Why we love it: Puffiness? Dark circles? Wrinkles? No thank you. This rejuvenating eye cream is powered by a unique mineral complex and is guaranteed to depuff your under-eye area while also reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: de-puffing and reducing dark circles.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin.
No Ulta or Nordstrom in the UK? No problem – make sure to check out our Sephora discount codes to save some money while shopping for the best retinol eye creams.
Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Why we love it: Designed with slow-release encapsulated retinol, this Swiss-made eye cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. What's even better is that thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, it practically works as a moisture magnet too, keeping your skin feeling more hydrated than ever before.
Best for: reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Strength: 1% slow-release retinol.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, ficucell vita, hyaluronic acid.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advance Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Why we love it: A 3-in-1 powerhouse eye cream that's made to firm your skin, boost hydration and reduce the look of wrinkles, all at the same time? Sign us up. This eye treatment product is proof that it's never too early to start applying advanced retinol-based creams. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: firming.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid.
Looking to save some cash? Remember to check out our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream
Why we love it: When it comes to high-quality skincare products, there are few brands that do it better than Elizabeth Arden. Thanks to ceramides and niacinamide, this eye cream is great for smoothing your under-eye area. Suitable for all skin types and skin tones.
Strength: Not specified.
Best for: smoothing and de-puffing.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, vitamin E.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best retinol eye creams using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Eye 2% Retinoid Serum
Why we love it: Tired eyes? Never heard of them. With a brightening combination of retinol and vitamin C, this supercharged retinol cream from Dr. Sam is designed to be applied at night to allow it to plump your skin without any irritation.
Strength: 2% retinol.
Best for: smoothing and reducing dark circles.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C.
Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
Why we love it: Powered by 0.01% retinol, 5 types of ceramides and vitamin C, this firming eye cream has a formulation that will leave your skin looking as youthful as ever. Suitable for all skin types.
Strength: 0.01% retinol.
Best for: reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: retinol, ceramides, vitamin C.
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream
Why we love it: Filled to the brim with antioxidants, this hydrating and nourishing night cream targets dryness while you sleep, giving you a much smoother under-eye area by morning. Suitable for even the most delicate skin, according to top dermatology experts.
Strength: not specified.
Best for: reducing dark circles.
Product size: 15ml
Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, avocado, coffeeberry.
Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum
Why we love it: An incredibly hard-working formula that uses ingredients such as retinoid, niacinamide, shea butter and ceramides to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while boosting your body's natural collagen production. Plus, the packaging is definitely the most stylish one of the bunch.
Strength: 6% retinoid.
Best for: reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Product size: 15ml.
Key ingredients: retinoid, niacinamide, ceramides.
