There are few skincare ingredients that get as much buzz as retinol. The famous derivative of vitamin A is perhaps best known for its anti-aging powers. Vitamin A promotes cell turnover, which can help firm and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It's also a proven antioxidant, which means it protects against free radical damage, brightens skin tone, and boosts collagen production. Retinol can certainly be applied all over the face and décolletage, but it is especially powerful when used on the under-eye area, which is often the first place to show signs of aging.
Just because retinol's benefits are referred to as anti-aging, there’s no reason to wait until you see fine lines and wrinkles to start incorporating the powerhouse ingredient into your skincare routine. In fact, some dermatologists recommend starting a retinol routine in your mid-twenties as a preventative measure. To get you started in your search for the best retinol eye creams, here are seven of our favorites–two of which are based on Ipster reviews from items they've received in past Glam Bags!
1. HEY HONEY Look Into My Eyes Retinol Eye Mask
The retinol in this eye treatment boosts collagen production and firms up skin while complementary ingredients like squalane and coconut oil hydrate the thin under-eye skin. This cream also includes propolis, a compound made from bees that's a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
"I use this regularly under my eyes and it makes them look fresh," one Ipster writes. "I use this instead of makeup sometimes. That way I just have a nice refreshed natural look."
2. MURAD Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
MURAD's eye serum comes formulated with powerful retinoids and peptides. Together they repair damaged cells, boost collagen, and provide a powerful shield against signs of aging. The consistency of this MURAD eye serum is quite thin, which allows the formula to absorb quickly.
Sensitive skin types, take note: Retinoids are stronger than retinol. If this is your first time trying a retinol product it might be best to start with something gentler.
Ipster FIVEFOOTPIXIE writes, "This was an amazing eye cream and I was totally bummed when it ran out. I have super dark circles that are hereditary and it seemed to help with them as well as with crow's feet."
3. DR. BRANDT SKINCARE 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream
Here's a super smart skincare product that will keep working all day long. This eye cream features time-released retinol, which is designed to release retinol into the skin slowly throughout the day (or night). It’s paired with a unique ruby crystal complex, which illuminates the skin, diffuses light, and provides an immediate brightening effect.
4. FIRST AID BEAUTY FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream with Triple Hyaluronic Acid
This sensitive-skin option hit all the marks. It uses time-release retinol to gently but effectively stimulate collagen production while also minimizing the appearance of crow's feet and fine lines. It also incorporates hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and caffeine to reduce puffiness. Additionally, micro-pearls help to illuminate the eye area. The beauty of this formula is that it treats the under-eye area in the long term while also providing immediate results.
5. PALMETTO DERMA Retinol & Peptide Infused Lifting Eye Cream
Here is another anti-aging eye cream that uses a retinol and peptide combo. This formula uses advanced peptides Matrixyl 3000 and Tripeptide-5, both of which provide long-term collagen boosting benefits. In addition to retinol, another key ingredient is glycolic acid, which promotes cell turnover and can help minimize the appearance of dark circles. Together these ingredients will leave the delicate eye area soft, hydrated, and firm.
6. PIXI BY PETRA Retinol Eye Cream
If hydration is priority number one, this affordable retinol cream is a top-notch choice. In this formula, you'll find a list of hydrating ingredients, like avocado oil, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, all of which work together to kick dry skin to the curb. Additionally, retinol, peptides, and caffeine work to depuff, promote the production of new skin cells and strengthen the skin's barrier.
7. CLARK’S BOTANICALS Retinol Rescue Eye Serum
The secret to this anti-wrinkle eye cream is a unique trio of time-released retinol, high potency retinol, and colloidal oatmeal. These three ingredients work together to provide the firming, anti-aging benefits of retinol slowly throughout the day to avoid irritation. To further minimize that risk, colloidal oatmeal soothes skin and acts as a protective anti-inflammatory agent.
Additionally, there are two other interesting ingredients used in this formula: Bird of Paradise plant extract and Swiss apple stem cells. The former is known to fight dark circles while the latter can reduce the appearance of fine lines. As a bonus perk, this serum's ceramic applicator creates a cool, refreshing application which can also help to depuff the eye area.
Do you have a retinol eye cream that you swear by? Share with us on Instagram or Twitter–discover us @IPSY. Want in on all the Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started.