We've Rounded Up The Best Retinol Eye Creams

Best retinol eye creams | Space NK

There’s no denying that for many of us retinol has become a staple ingredient in our skincare routines. From a variety of formulas and textures to even AM options and body creams, there’s something for everyone when it comes to reaping the benefits of this vitamin A star.

Retinol may be known mainly for boosting collagen production and therefore helping to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also help with acne, pore unclogging and hyperpigmentation – which is why this ingredient works wonders for so many skin types and concerns. But caution with retinol is a must – its exfoliating qualities make it a powerful ingredient that can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin types or retinol beginners.

However, retinol formulations have come a long way, now also catering to what is widely regarded as one of the most delicate areas of our complexions – the under eye area. If you’re struggling with fine lines and dark circles, a retinol eye cream could be the next best thing in your routine after beauty sleep…


How often should you apply a retinol eye cream?


Like any retinol or vitamin A formula, it’s best to start off slowly with a retinol eye cream or treatment. Even if you’re a seasoned retinol or vitamin A user, remember the eye area is more sensitive than other parts of the face (it doesn’t have as many oil glands and collagen), so it may initially react to retinol. Which is why we recommend using your eye cream of choice no more than a couple of times a week to begin with and sticking to it in the evening.

And steer clear of using your retinol complexion products around your eyes, as these formulas will likely be too strong for this area. If you’re unsure what to try, you’re in luck – we’ve rounded up some of the best retinol eye creams and treatments for you below. So, remember to gently pat your eyes when applying your product of choice – and let retinol work its magic!


The Best Retinol Eye Creams for 2024

01

Paula's Choice

Clinical Ceramide Eye Cream, £45.00

Best retinol eye cream for fine lines and wrinkles
Believe us when we say this Paula's Choice cream means business. It’s packed with skin-identical ceramides, which help with water retention capacity, four forms of vitamin C to brighten and provide skin-restoring benefits, and retinol to tackle signs of ageing. Designed to improve skin tone and texture and soften fine lines and wrinkles, it also has a beautifully rich consistency that glides on perfectly.

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02

Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks, £42.00

Best retinol eye mask for sensitive skin
We’ve taken a slightly different approach with this pick, but we love an eye mask that can make a world of difference in just 15 minutes. Featuring Murad’s signature Retinol Tri-Active Technology blended with blue agave and passion fruit extracts, these eye masks are part of a collaboration with certified board-certified Internal Medicine physician and social media personality Dr. Zion Ko.

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03

Kate Somerville

+Retinol Firming Eye Cream, £84.00

Best retinol eye treatment for depuffing
If you need help with puffy eyes and love an applicator tip, this one from Katie Somerville is for you. It’s been formulated with two key actives, clinic-stabilised retinol and hyaluronic acid, and targets fine lines, crow’s feet and puffiness – and can be used on the upper brow area too. It’s a hard worker for sure, but it’s gentle enough for your AM (as well as PM) routine – just don’t forget your SPF!

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04

Dr. Dennis Gross

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum, £72.00

Best retinol eye cream for applying makeup
You’ve likely heard about bakuchiol, which is generally viewed as a vegan alternative to retinol. Well, this mighty eye cream from Dr Dennis Gross features both retinol and bakuchiol to enhance results without any irritation. Use it around your entire eye area – including lids, crow’s feet and even elevens – to firm, boost hydration and reduce the look of fine lines and crepiness. Another plus? It doubles as a great primer for makeup.

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05

Medik8

Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3, £42.00

Best retinal eye cream for mature skin
We’re taking things up a notch by including this iconic Medik8 product, which is powered by retinal, a more powerful form of vitamin A. The main difference between retinol and retinal? The latter works about 11 times faster than retinol, which makes this eye cream a very efficacious choice for tackling crow's feet, puffiness and dark circles. Use it at night – and if you’re already a retinal devotee, you might be ready for the next strength, Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 6, £55.00

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06

Sunday Riley

5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum, £60.00

Best retinoid eye cream for prevention
We may be vitamin A fans, but there’s another vitamin we love to include in our routines – niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3). So, what happens when a collagen booster and a brightening, skin-calming vitamin join forces in a cocktail of botanical ingredients and ceramides? A gentle evening formulation from Sunday Riley that soothes, smooths, nurtures and rejuvenates the eye area overnight.

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07

Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, £89.00

Best retinol cream for dry and sensitive skin
Retinol can at times have a drying or irritating effect on skin – this eye cream from Murad, however, while powered by different forms of retinol and other retinoids, is also designed to hydrate for up to 24 hours thanks to its dose of cotton wool grass extract. Expect it to reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness, and a firmer, brighter, more youthful look around the eyes in just a few weeks.

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Read More

What Are Retinoids And How To Choose The Right One For Your Skin
How To Do The Retinol Sandwich Method
The Best Eye Creams For Every Skin Type
The Difference Between Retinol And Bakuchiol
A Simple Skincare Routine For Beginners
Can You Use Vitamin C With Retinol?
Posted: Monday, 15 April 2024

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