9 Best Retinol Eye Creams to Target Crow’s Feet and Sagging

Fine lines, loss of elasticity, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging are inevitable (thanks, collagen production decline), but the best retinol eye cream can slow down the process—should you want to, of course. Adding retinoids (a.k.a. the umbrella term used to describe any vitamin A derivative, including retinol) to your skin-care routine is one measure that almost every dermatologist highly recommends. “Retinoids work by increasing collagen production as well as speeding up the rate of skin cell turnover, which makes them very effective at minimizing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And they can be especially helpful in an eye cream.

Our Top Retinol Eye Creams

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on eye creams for wrinkles and dark circles, either. Sure, there are a few prestige options that dermatologists swear by, but there are also several affordable options that you can easily access at your local drugstore. Ahead, find the best retinol eye creams at every price point, straight from the pros.

Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal is making the rounds on TikTok—and we get it. Not only is this an Allure Korea 2023 Best of Beauty editor’s pick, but it also has an accessible price point, especially considering that it’s formulated with stabilized retinal to minimize irritation while smoothing fine lines and texture. Ginseng is at the heart of this formula, which boosts circulation, collagen production, and brightness—so all in all, this duo is a winning one. And no, that’s not a typo—we really do mean retinal. Retinal is one step closer to active retinoic acid than retinol, meaning it can deliver collagen-boosting, line-smoothing benefits more efficiently. In fact, “retinal is 10 times more potent than retinol,” Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, previously told Allure. Still, this gentle formula minimizes the risk of peeling or irritation.

Best for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eyes 3

Why it’s worth it: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eyes is the eye-brightening complement to the editor-beloved Crystal Retinal face serum, and it’s similarly offered in progressive strengths: level 3 for beginners, level 6 for regular vitamin A users, and level 10 for those well-versed in retinal. Unlike retinol, which requires two conversion steps to become active in the skin, retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde) needs only one, making it faster and more effective at targeting fine lines and crepiness. “In addition, the retinal in this formula is dual encapsulated, so it allows for ultra-slow release to decrease the risk of irritation,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and strengthen the delicate eye-area barrier, while chamomile extract adds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Best for Advanced Users: Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum

Why it’s worth it: If this isn’t your first rodeo with retinol and you’re looking to switch things up, Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum features—you guessed it—three forms of retinol (encapsulated retinol, retinol ester, phyto-retinol) to deliver serious smoothing powers. The serum pairs its actives with barrier-friendly support from squalane, niacinamide, allantoin, ceramide NP, and multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to offset the intensity that seasoned users might expect. “This formula is particularly helpful for the delicate upper eyelid and surrounding area to firm and lift while improving overall texture,” says Dr. Spearman, noting that the upper lid often shows thinning and laxity earlier than the undereye. Antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, licorice root, and carrot extract round out the formula, delivering brightening benefits while helping shield the delicate eye area from free-radical damage.

Best for Dry Skin: Fig. 1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: If traditional retinol has ever made your eye area rough, flaky, or otherwise dry, Fig.1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream stands out for its inclusion of pro-retinol (retinyl palmitate), a gentler vitamin A derivative that delivers smoothing, line-refining benefits without harsh side effects. The formula pairs this slow-and-steady active with barrier-supporting hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while emollients such as squalane and ceramides “lock in moisture and temper the potentially irritating effects of retinol,” says Dr. Lin.

Best for Dark Circles: Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Creme

Why it’s worth it: Ranavat tested five different forms of retinol before choosing micro-encapsulated retinol as the hero active for its Brightening Retinol Eye Crème. “Micro-encapsulated retinol delivers vitamin A in a controlled way, helping improve pigmentation and fine lines with a lower risk of irritation. Bakuchi seed adds extra brightening support by working similarly to retinol—but as a gentler, plant-based alternative,” says Dr. Rambhia. Its creamy, cushiony texture comes from a blend of shea butter, glycerin, and nourishing oils like sunflower, sesame, and cottonseed. Inspired by Ayurvedic practices, the formula also features saffron (which lends its naturally tinted color), manjistha, lotus, turmeric, licorice root, and other traditional botanicals to boost radiance and visibly even tone.

Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: The RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a three-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, and, no surprise, it has the derm appreciation to back it. Both Dr. Marchbein and Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan, recommend it for anyone targeting fine lines. It also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly picks on this list. The texture is lightweight and silky, layers nicely under makeup, and helps improve skin firmness over time.

Best Prescription-Strength: Musely The Eye Serum

Why it’s worth it: If you weren’t aware, Musely makes it simple to order prescription-level formulas (including those with tretinoin) through a board-certified dermatologist without ever leaving your home. “Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, doesn’t need to go through any conversions, so it is readily available and faster-acting” than other retinoids, Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson, Arizona and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, has previously told Allure. Basically, this stuff is potent. However, while the actual retinoid is strong, this particular formula contains a very mild 0.001% concentration of tretinoin and is cushioned by skin-soothing ingredients, such as inflammation-reducing niacinamide and bisabolol (also known as chamomile) and tacrolimus, an ingredient commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis that also increases the production of collagen to smooth out the look of wrinkles.

Best Budget: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: You don’t need to wander the drugstore aisles to find an accessible yet elevated retinol option. The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream offers an affordable option for beginner and intermediate retinol users who want to gently level up their eye-area routine, says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. It features Vitalease, which is a stabilized, slow-release retinol complex that gradually delivers vitamin A to boost collagen and smooth fine lines with less irritation. In terms of texture, “the silky, medium-weight base feels very comforting,” adds Dr. Hovenic—thanks to a supportive blend of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower oil that cushions dryness.

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Why it’s worth it: La Roche-Posay has always had a knack for making dermatologist-level skin care that sensitive skin can handle. Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream contains pure retinol designed for easily irritated skin. “Pure retinol requires two enzymatic conversions to become active retinoic acid, but La Roche-Posay’s formulation includes stabilizing ingredients that help maintain retinol’s potency, while the classic thermal spring water helps buffer potential irritation,” she says. This gentle yet effective formula smooths crow’s feet, illuminates the entire eye area, and reduces puffiness, making it a win for even the most retinol-shy eyes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is retinol good for undereyes?

Using an eye cream spiked with retinol is an excellent idea for anyone hoping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, as well as to help prevent them from forming in the future, according to Dr. Marchbein.

Why not just regular retinol under your eyes? Typically, they tend to be more intense in terms of strength, which could lead to irritation and dryness around the delicate skin that surrounds your eyes. What’s more, retinol can also induce symptoms of dry eye when placed too close to the eye itself, which Tanya Gill, OD, an optometrist at Oakland Vision Center Optometry in Oakland, California, previously noted. (Another important tip: Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 the morning after.)

Is vitamin C or retinol better for undereyes?

Why not both? Consider using vitamin C during the day and retinol in the evening. Dr. Fahs is a fan of vitamin C, since it’s an antioxidant powerhouse that helps fade dark circles and brighten the eye area. It protects against environmental damage and premature aging, while retinol comes in to address existing issues such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Should you put retinol under your eyes every night?

As with a typical retinol cream, you might want to start with a retinol eye cream once or twice a week and slowly increase the frequency. Once your skin adjusts to it, you can use it every night.

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermy Doctor based in Canton, Michigan
• Tanya Gill, OD, an optometrist at Oakland Vision Center Optometry and CEO of We Love Eyes based in Oakland, California
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, Connecticut
• Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best retinol eye creams, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists, optometrists, and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

---

More retinol skin-care options to consider: