15 Best Retinol Eye Creams For Dullness & Dark Circles – 2024

Fight dark circles and all signs of aging around the eyes and look fresh & youthful.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

If you have been looking for the best retinol eye creams, we have just what you need. Retinol can be said to be a best friend to your skin. This vitamin A derivate boosts collagen production and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. It can firm the delicate skin around your eyes and fight all signs of aging. If you are ready to bring youth to your skin, here are 15 retinol-infused creams you can invest in and put to test to see visible results.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Anti-Aging: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Price on Amazon
Best For Dry Skin: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin
Price on Amazon
Best For Crow’s Feet: Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Treatment
Price on Amazon
Best Eye Cream With SPF: Murad Essential-C Eye Cream – Best Eye Cream With SPF
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin: Avène RetrinAL EYES – Best For Sensitive Skin
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Weightless Formula: Kate Somerville + Retinol Eye Cream
Price on Amazon
Best For Puffiness: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Skin-Friendly: Dr. Brandt Skincare 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Clean Eye Cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
Price on Amazon

The 15 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2024

1. Best Anti-Aging: RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream 

4.2
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness Image: Roc

The ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream claims to be effective on three signs of eye aging, including puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. This dermatologist-tested retinol for crow’s feet can be used in the morning and at night. This eye cream is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes. It claims to reduce crow’s feet in 4 weeks, smoothen under eye wrinkles in 8 weeks, and deep wrinkles in 12 weeks. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.

Product Dimensions: 1.21 x 1.51 x 4.17 inches | Weight: 0.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains pure RoC Retinol and exclusive mineral complex
  • Clinically proven formula
  • Opthamologist-tested
  • Non-greasy
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Clinically-tested
  • Reduces puffiness and dark circles
  • Lightweight
  • Gets absorbed quickly
  • Winner of 2018 Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Awards
  • Ideal for daytime use
  • Offers visible results in a few weeks of use

Cons

  • Might cause a burning sensation in super-sensitive eyes.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,671 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

2. Best For Dry Skin: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin

4.3
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream Image: Neutrogena

This eye cream gives you visibly younger and smoother looking eyes. It has a unique blend of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and hyaluronic acid. These clinically-proven ingredients help renew the look of skin around the eyes. This dermatologist-recommended retinol eye cream helps reduce fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, dark circles, and crow’s feet. It gives you visible results in just one week.

Note: You might experience a warm, tingling sensation, mild redness, or flaking. It is normal and means that the formula is working.

Product Dimensions: 5 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches | Weight: 0.5 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Clinically proven
  • Non-irritating
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • A little goes a long way
  • Reduces puffiness
  • Offers visible results in one week

Cons

  • May feel a bit greasy.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 1,593 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

3. Best For Crow’s Feet: Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Treatment – Best For Treating Crow’s Feet 

4.1
Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Treatment For Crow’s Feet Image: Olay

The Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream claims to treat crow’s feet and smooth the skin to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. This dermatologist-tested retinol cream for puffiness has a potent formula that includes Pro-Retinol. This helps to increase the rate of cell turnover and makes the eye area smooth and firm. It also helps to improve the natural moisture barrier of your skin and offers visible results in just 4 weeks of use!

Color: ‎Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment | Product Dimensions: ‎2.44 x 2 x 5.13 inches | Item Weight: ‎0.528 ounces

Pros

  • Dermatologically tested
  • Contains niacinamide and vitamin B5
  • Hydrating and moisturizing
  • Non-greasy
  • Clinically-tested
  • Doesn’t have a strong fragrance
  • Works on puffiness

Cons

  • Expensive (compared to the quantity)

protip_icon Pro Tip
As a beginner, start applying retinol eye cream once a week and gradually increase the frequency to three to five times per week for the best results.

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Best Anti-Aging
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin
Best For Dry Skin
Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Treatment – Best For Treating Crow’s Feet
Best For Crow’s Feet
Dimensions 1.21 x 1.51 x 4.17 inches 5 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches ‎2.44 x 2 x 5.13 inches
Weight 0.64 Ounces 0.5 Ounces-
Color-- ‎Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
Weight-- ‎0.528 ounces
Rating
Reviews2,6711,593374
Price$21.23$11.98$26.99

4. Best Eye Cream With SPF: Murad Essential-C Eye Cream – Best Eye Cream With SPF 

4.3

This is a patented anti-aging eye cream. It provides UV protection to the under-eye area to brighten and renew the delicate skin. It protects the eye area from the aging effects of UV rays and keeps it hydrated, soft, and smooth. It contains shorea stenoptera butter and avocado oil that condition and hydrate the skin under your eyes. The caffeine extracts and retinol in this eye cream reduce puffiness, while the light diffusers reduce dark circles.

Color: ‎Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment | Product Dimensions: ‎2.44 x 2 x 5.13 inches | Item Weight: ‎0.528 ounces

Pros

  • SPF 15
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Scientifically proven
  • Developed by dermatologists
  • Patent-pending technology
  • Tested on humans and not on animals

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Takes time to show results.

5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Avène RetrinAL EYES – Best For Sensitive Skin

4.3

This nourishing 3-in-1 eye cream minimizes the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. This dermatologist-recommended firming eye cream has an innovative texture that prevents the formula from getting into your eye. It contains retinaldehyde, a very potent form of retinol that helps diminish the fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps the under-eye area hydrated. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product and to know about the tester’s experience of using it.

Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.48 Ounces

.

Pros

  • Tested on sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Clinically-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soap-free
  • Oil-free
  • Soy-free
  • Gluten-free
  • No irritation

Cons

  • The pump packaging can be problematic.

6. Best For All Skin Types: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream

This is a nourishing eye cream that makes the under-eye area smooth over time. It is clinically-proven to make the skin firmer and brighter to give you younger-looking eyes. This retinol-infused eye cream is great for mature skin as it contains ferulic acid and retinol and is powered by a potent ECG Complex and anti-aging oils to keep the under-eye area nourished. Also, this formula received praise from reviewers for its extraordinary performance and the ability to give visible results.

Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 2.08 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Reduces crow’s feet and fine lines
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Reduces dark spots and puffiness

Cons

  • Might feel a bit drying

protip_icon Pro Tip
Incorporate a retinol eye cream into your daily nighttime routine because retinoids make your skin super sensitive to the sun and must be avoided during the day.

7. Best Weightless Formula: Kate Somerville + Retinol Eye Cream

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Kate Somerville Image: Kate Somerville +retinol Firming Eye Cream
Now 30% Off

This retinol eye cream has a silky and weightless formula. It visibly firms, brightens, and hydrates the under-eye area. This dermatologist-recommended retinol cream for sagging skin helps repair and rejuvenate the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance. It contains BioRetinols and natural ingredients that are clinically-proven to mimic the effects that retinol has on your skin, but with less sensitivity, while delivering visible results fast. It has a unique gold applicator tip that makes the application and massaging easier.

Number of Items: 1 | Package Dimensions: ‎ 5.28 x 1.14 x 0.94 inches | Weight:0.5 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Scientifically-tested
  • Hygienic application
  • Clinically tested and proven (independent study)
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Expensive for the quantity provided.

8. Best For Puffiness: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream

This eye cream has a potent formula containing microencapsulated retinol complex at 1% that helps to give a youthful appearance to your delicate eye area. The clinically backed skin care brand promises “maximum results, minimal irritation.” This eye cream has additional skincare benefits as it is infused with nourishing shea butter and vitamins C and E to provide the delicate eye area with some antioxidant benefits. It contains caffeine that helps reduce puffiness. The product received thousands of positive reviews for its ability to deliver visibly improved texture.

Product Dimensions: 1 x 5 x 1 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Reduces puffiness effectively
  • Non-irritating
  • Softens and hydrates the skin
  • Gets absorbed fast
  • Suitable for combination skin

Cons

  • May not go well with all face creams (tends to accumulate in one place).

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow the Peter Thomas Roth Eye Cream with the Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum to refresh the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

9. Best Skin-Friendly: Dr. Brandt Skincare 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream – Best Skin-Friendly Eye Cream

4.3
Dr. Brandt Retinol Eye Cream Image: Dr. Brandt Skincare

This clinically-tested eye cream has an extremely gentle formula containing time-release retinol and ruby crystal complex. This formula has proven efficacy to smoothen the eye area, illuminates it, and reduces the appearance of lines. It also contains olive fruit pulp that reduces redness and protects your skin against all environmental stressors.

Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.18 x 5.71 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Sulfate-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • SLS and SLES-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • No formaldehyde-releasing agent
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Less than 1% of synthetic fragrance
  • Clinically tested
  • Not greasy
  • Free from animal testing

Cons

None

10. Best Clean Eye Cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream – Best Clean Eye Cream

4.3
 First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream – Best Clean Eye Cream Image: First Aid Beauty
Now 15% Off

This clinically-tested eye cream has a gentle and rejuvenating formula. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes the eye area look smoother and firmer. It contains microencapsulated retinol that supports natural collagen production and increases cell turnover to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. It also contains hyaluronic acid that boosts the skin’s moisture levels and keeps it plump.

Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.3 x 4.6 inches | Weight: 0.03 Ounces.

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Contains colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, ceramides
  • Clinically tested
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • No formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Less than 1% of synthetic fragrance

Cons

  • Might cause an allergic reaction. Check the ingredients before buying.

11. Best For Daily Use: YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream 

4.2
YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream Image: Yeouth

YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream is gentle for your delicate under-eye area. This dermatologically-approved formula hydrates and tones the under-eye area with a hyaluronic acid tripeptide complex that restores the firmness and elasticity under the eyes. Retinol reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while improving your complexion. The three key ingredients of this formula – green tea, caffeine, and ginseng – contain antioxidants that encourage your skin to fight the signs of aging and prevent free radical damage.

Product Dimensions: 2.45 x 2.45 x 2.45 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Reduces the signs of aging
  • Clinically-tested
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Boosts collagen production
  • Safe for daily use
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Contains alcohol

12. Best For Instant Results: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

4.3
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream Image: La Roche-posay

This anti-aging retinol eye cream is perfect for nighttime use as it contains pure retinol. It claims to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, the appearance of crow’s feet, and dark circles. It has an instant visible lifting effect and a gel-like texture. This dermatologist-recommended eye-brightening agent is easy to apply and does not irritate the delicate eye area. It contains vitamin C that brightens the skin and hyaluronic acid that keeps it plump and moisturized.

Note: This is a high-concentration retinol eye cream. Retinol usually irritates the skin a bit, but that’s normal.

Number of Items: 1

Pros

  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Soothing ingredients
  • Developed by dermatologists
  • Works on dark circles
  • Contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
  • Contains caffeine (works for puffy eyes)
  • Allergy-tested

Cons

  • The cap is tough to open without spilling a bit.

13. Best For Brightening: Eve Lom Time Retreat Eye Treatment

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Eve Lom Time Retreat Eye Treatment Image: Eve Lom

This product has a highly concentrated formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brightens and improves the skin tone. It contains liposome encapsulated retinol and is absorbed deeply into the skin to make the eye area firm and plump. This formula is clinically proven to hydrate the skin and makes your eyes look fresh and smooth. It also contains oat kernel extract that helps improve elasticity, soy isoflavones that lift and tighten the skin, and vitamin C that brightens it.

Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Dermatologically tested

Cons

  • The packaging is cheap (the bottle might break).

14. Best Cruelty-Free: Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Retinol Eye Cream

4.1
 Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Retinol Eye Cream Image: Trish Mcevoy

This retinol eye cream claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes the skin look firmer. Its unique formula contains a highly effective concentration of retinol, along with resveratrol and hyaluronic acid, which makes the skin feel smoother and improves radiance. It also supports skin health by reducing the effects of environmental stressors and protects the natural moisture barrier.

Note: Due to the presence of natural antioxidants, the product may change color over time.

Number of Items: 1

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Not tested on animals
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Less quantity
  • Expensive

15. Best As Eye Makeup Base: Kiehl’s Youth Dose Eye Treatment 

This eye cream has a unique formula. It is illuminating and acts as a primer for concealer. This is to help in makeup application. The formula is infused with pro-retinol, red grapeseed extract, and vitamin C that brightens the eye area, keeps it soft and smooth, and also reduces fine lines. It is like a true “youth-dose” for your eyes. It also helps puffiness and dark circles within two weeks.

Number of Items: 1

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Contains mica
  • Contains PEG
  • Peels under makeup
  • Not a moisturizing formula
  • Cakes up under the eye

Infographic: Complementary Ingredients In Retinol Eye Creams

Retinol eye creams have gained a reputation for being highly potent in combating wrinkles and fine lines. Of course, the credit goes to the powerful key ingredient, retinol, but most of these creams also contain other potent ingredients in their formula, including certain emollients, humectants, and herbal extracts. Check out the infographic below to take a closer look at some of these ingredients and how they benefit your skin.

Complementary Ingredients In Retinol Eye Creams (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Wrinkles and fine lines are common concerns when your skin is aging, and the visibility of these signs around the eyes is more. So, the skin around the eyes needs special nurturing to eliminate the signs of aging. Thus, retinol-based eye creams with clinically proven results work as a wonder drug. Retinol boosts collagen production, keeping the visibility of aging signs at bay. The RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream – Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Eye Cream works well for puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. If you have crow’s feet and fine lines, choose the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair – Best For Dry Skin, while the Murad Essential-C Eye Cream – Best Eye Cream With SPF is good as a 2-in-1 product for nourishment and UV protection. The retinol eye creams in our list are non-greasy, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating for your skin. However, remember to keep away from eye creams that are greasy and cause allergic reactions. It’s best to opt for dermatologist-tested or allergy-tested products if you have sensitive skin to prevent any potential skin irritation.

How To Pick The Right Retinol Eye Cream For You

  • The concentration of retinol matters.

Usually, retinol is available in 1%, 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.25% concentrations. Usually, products specify if they have a high concentration of retinol. If they have not mentioned anything, it means the concentration is around 0.25%.

  • Not all can tolerate retinol.

If you are a first-timer, start with the lowest concentration. Also, your skin type matters. If you have oily skin, you may try a high concentration of retinol. For any other skin type, it is best to start with the lowest concentration.

Remember that if you are applying the eye cream during the daytime, apply sunscreen over it. Retinol makes the skin sensitive to sun damage and tends to irritate the skin a bit. You might see a bit of dryness and flaking initially. However, do not discontinue using the cream as these are the signs that the product is working. Do not misread the signs and continue with your product for at least two months to show results.

Go ahead and grab your eye cream now and say goodbye to dark circles and fine lines.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who gives you the scoop on the most effective products to help you achieve beautiful skin. A perfect product, in her opinion, can easily hide the imperfections on the skin. After looking at every product review and user feedback available online, she compiled a comprehensive list of the top retinol eye creams. These effective formulas can help reduce visible signs of aging and leave your under eye skin looking supple and flawless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is retinol eye cream safe?

Retinol is a strong ingredient. It is definitely safe, but you have to be cautious while using it. Use a lower concentration of the product if you are using it for the first time.

Does a retinol eye cream burn?

No, generally retinol eye creams do not cause a burning sensation. However, it depends on the formulation and the number of times you are using the cream. If used too much, the area might start appearing irritated.

How often should you use retinol eye creams?

Use a retinol eye cream at least four times a week. You can increase or decrease your usage as per the effects after using the cream for a month.

How long does it take for retinol eye creams to work?

Retinol eye creams take up to two months to show visible results.

How to use retinol eye cream?

Gently apply the retinol eye cream around your eyes while paying attention to your delicate under-eye area. Massage your eyes while applying the cream to ensure that your skin absorbs the soothing formula.


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