8 Best Retinol Eye Creams Approved by Dermatologists

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As far as anti-aging skincare is concerned, retinol is the Holy Grail ingredient that can work all sorts of magic, including fading dark spots, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone, improving skin texture, and more. While we love incorporating this powerhouse into our serum and moisturizer regimen, sometimes our eyes can use a little extra oomph—and that’s where retinol eye creams can really steal the show. 

Whether you want to target fine lines (hello, crow’s feet) and wrinkles around the eye or brighten the under-eye area, retinol is your skincare BFF, and we’ve got the information straight from dermatologists on the best retinol eye creams to try. 

Best Retinol Eye Creams at a Glance 

Best Overall: Peter Thomas Roth Super-Size Retinol Fusion Eye Cream, $54 (was $94) 
Best Retinol Eye Cream With Ferulic Acid: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum, $71
Best Retinol Eye Cream With Ceramides: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Serum, $53
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Dark Circles: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, $30
Best Drugstore Retinol Eye Cream: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream, $50
Best K-Beauty Retinol Eye Cream: Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Fine Line Eye Cream, $42
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Fine Lines: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream, $71
Best Gentle Retinol Eye Cream: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum, $46

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, it’s known as the “gold standard of anti-aging skincare ingredients for its ability to increase cell turnover, balance skin texture and tone, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of find line and wrinkles.” With these perks, retinol also has a lasting impact on the eye area, which Dr. Engelman says is the first area to show signs of aging due to its delicate, thin layer of skin. 

When shopping for retinol eye creams, Dr. Engelman says to consider the concerns you wish to target. Of course, you’re likely looking into the best retinol eye creams for common aging concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, but if you also want to target dull skin or other under-eye woes, knowing what you want your eye cream to do will help tremendously. “It’s important to understand the ingredients formulated within the product so you can choose one that best targets your specific skin concerns,” says Dr. Engelman. And, since the eye area is super sensitive, it’s worth avoiding the more potent formulas to minimize any risk of irritation. “Look for retinol concentration between 0.01% and 0.1%,” says Dr. Engelman. “If retinol tends to dry out your skin, opt for formulas that also include hydrating ingredients—such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, and vitamin E—to counteract those effects.” 

Since retinol eye creams can be so effective at targeting signs of aging, there are so many options out there. To make finding the best retinol eye creams easier, we tapped skincare experts for their top recommendations. From a retinol eye cream formulated with ferulic acid to a gentle retinol eye cream, here are the best retinol eye creams to try. 

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