The Only 3 Retinol Eye Creams I’ve Tried That Actually Work
Alisha Bhojwani is a Sydney-based digital strategist and content specialist. When she's not reminding her friends to wear SPF, you can find her drenching her face in Vitamin C and consuming copious amounts of peanut butter. You can find her on Instagram here @alishabhojwani_.
Ahh, eye creams, the most contentious topic in the beauty world.
You either cannot live without one or cannot stand the sight of it, and if you think eye creams are a waste of money, I get where you are coming from.
Whether anyone needs an eye cream really comes down to your specific skin concerns around the eyes, your skincare budget, and whether an extra step fits into your routine.
As I always say, eye creams are nice to have, not essential.
However, if you are going to spend north of $50 on an eye product to address signs of ageing around the eyes, you want it to be one that actually gives you results, because let us be honest, the bags under my eyes are not Chanel.
Enter retinol eye creams.
So what is a retinol eye cream, is retinol safe to use around the eyes, and which is the best retinol eye cream?
Here is my recap, including three retinol eye creams at different price points that I have used and loved.
What Is Retinol?
Quick refresher, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that encourages cellular turnover and enhances collagen production.
It's considered the gold standard of skincare ingredients for a bunch of skin concerns like acne and signs of ageing.
So, if signs of ageing around the eyes are a concern of yours, it makes sense to find an eye cream formulated with retinol.
Is Retinol Right For Me?
Let’s recap the benefits and considerations you need to take on board when integrating retinol into your regime.
Retinol pros:
- Vitamin A skin care is the only category (apart from sunscreen) that can be considered 'anti-aging' products.
- Retinol benefits include fading the look of stubborn pigmentation, and fine lines around the eye if you're using a retinol eye cream.
- In addition to the above, it can help with acne prone skin allowing it to regulate collagen production.
Retinol cons:
Nothing good comes easy, and retinoids are a true example of that.
As dermal therapist and Beauty IQ writer Yads Cauchi explains, it's very easy to impair your skin barrier when using vitamin A skincare products - including retinol eye creams.
"When you start using a vitamin A, go slow by applying once a week. Stronger doesn’t always equal better, especially if your skin type is sensitive or not used to active ingredients."
I done a whole topic on this before, looking at the ‘buffering’ technique that involves applying a hydration layer (moisturiser/serum) before and after your retinoid step to lessen any irritation on the skin.
For more vitamin A tips, watch our explainer YouTube video below.
Are Retinol Eye Creams Safe?
According to Optometrist Laura Carson from Canterbury Eyecare using active ingredients near the eyes can be risky, but there's a way to do it safely.
She says, "It’s all about application as the skin is thinner around our eyes, we need to be conscious of our nerves and glands."
Hear more eyecare advice from an optometrist in this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast below.
How to Use A Retinol Eye Cream.
To make it easier for you, I’ve put together a little demo on how far up you should be applying your retinol eye cream.
You only need a small amount of product - between a grain of rice and a pea.
Lightly tap the product into the eye socket area, leaving half and inch of space between the end of your eye and where you apply the product.
And remember, light to moderate pressure is preferred, and sunscreen the next day (and every day) is crucial.
Can I Use My Retinol Serum Around My Eyes?
If you’re thinking, 'Great, I’ll just use a bit of my retinol serum under my eyes next time I do my skin care!'...
Proceed with caution.
Retinol eye creams are formulated differently to the vitamin A serums you use on the rest of your face.
This is because the skin around our eyes is around four times thinner and more susceptible to damage.
Most retinoid eye creams have a lower percentage of vitamin A, at around 0.01%. Standard retinol serums you can buy over the counter can contain anywhere from .1-1% retinol.
Often, retinol eye creams will also feature a encapsulated or time-release technology, and contain hydrating ingredients to offset any potential irritation.
Best Retinol Eye Creams.
Fact: I've tried a lot of eye creams.
Only a few really blew me away, including the three retinol eye creams listed below.
Side note - the best retinol eye cream for you will depend on your budget and skin concerns.
For example, milia is a concern (the little white bumps of keratin that form when you use rich skin care around the eyes), an eye cream might not be for you.
Rather, you might want to look for an eye serum lighter humectant ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Here are my top three favourites:
1. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum.
What:
A time-released retinol eye cream that gradually delivers both the active ingredient and soothing ingredients to work on your concerns.
Why it’s one of the best retinol eye creams:
- $138 for 30ml and rated 4.5 stars by Adore beauty customers.
- Fairly 'clean' formula is cruelty-free, sulphate-free, paraben-free and vegan.
- Advanced formula uses not one, not two, but THREE types of retinols to target the look of fine lines.
- Strengthens the skin barrier at the same time with ceramides and shea butter.
- Rich creamy texture melts into skin with no tacky residue.
- Luxe packaging with pump delivery, which is both user friendly and aesthetically-pleasing.
Best for:
Normal to combo skin types who have had some experience with retinoids.
As this is a moderate retinol, I’d recommend using this every second night.
Shop Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum here:
2. Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Eye Serum.
What:
Another time-released eye product (sensing a theme, here?) with a serum texture created with sensitive skin in mind.
Why it’s one of the best retinol eye creams:
- $49 for 7ml, but you'll only need a tiny amount.
- An eye serum, rather than a cream – this one has 0.1% retinol which is a fairly beginner dose.
- Fairly minimalist formulation, it’s fragrance-free and lightweight in texture.
- Comes in a dark bottle with a spatula dispenser, another user-friendly option.
Best for:
All skin types! This is a great beginner eye product and can be used daily.
Shop Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Eye here:
3. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream.
What:
An eye cream that packs a punch. From retinol to caffeine, this product will leave you looking plump and awake.
Why it’s one of the best retinol eye cream:
- $44.95 for 15ml and rated 4 stars by Adore Beauty customers.
- A gentle serum designed to be used nightly.
- Comes in a tube, which isn’t the best delivery system – a small amount goes a long way.
- Users have noted improved hydration with use.
Best for:
All skin types – particularly sensitised skin.
However, as the retinol percentage isn’t specified, I would use this every second night.
Shop La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eye Retinol Cream here:
If there’s one last piece of retinol eye cream I can leave you with, it’s this:
Patch test EVERY skincare product, particularly products with active ingredients.
Because the last thing you want is tired and angry under eyes.
You can learn more about different types of eye creams, including retinol eye creams, in this YouTube video below.
Want to read more eye care product reviews and recommendations? Check out these articles...
