12 Best Retinol Eye Creams of 2024

April 2024 · 9 minute read

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

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Best Overnight Eye Cream

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

Best Overnight Eye Cream

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

Credit: Olay
Pros

Your under-eyes will stay nice and moisturized for up to 24-hours, thanks to this beloved and fast-absorbing retinol cream from the experts at Olay. Its silky retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin B3 formula works as you snooze, and won't leave a greasy film under your eyes the next morning.

One satisfied customer writes:

"My eyes instantly got plumped on the first use. Purchased the whole night line. My skin feels so moisturized and its not greasy and leaves the face feeling real nice and soft. Purchased a second bottle already." —Shavon212

Best De-Puffing Eye Cream

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes

RetrinAL Eyes

Best De-Puffing Eye Cream

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Eyes

Credit: Ulta
Pros

French pharmacy fans should consider adding this top-rated eye cream to their routine. Avène's Retrinal Eyes helps reduce fine lines, de-puff, and brighten dark circles with just a few dabs of product.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I've been using the Avène Retrinal for face for many years, and at 68, am so pleased with the results that I'm not yet ready to give in to age! I'm sorry I didn't discover the counterpart product for eyes years ago. This cream is very good for the sensitive eye area and perfect with the face product." —DianneT

Best Opthalmologist-Tested Eye Cream

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Best Opthalmologist-Tested Eye Cream

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Credit: Murad
Pros

Murad's entire Retinol Youth line is magic, and this eye serum is no exception. The ophthalmologist-tested formula can be used 360 degrees around the eye to plump up fine lines, and is even safe for sensitive skin.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Best eye serum ever! I noticed a difference and brightness in my eye bags after the first few uses!! My under-eyes feel so smooth and are practically non-existent! I love how it applies and highly recommend." —jasminegabx

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Best Firming Eye Cream

Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Best Firming Eye Cream

Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Credit: Amazon
Pros

Retinol and bio-retinol (an ingredient derived from babchi seeds) work in tandem to soften fine lines and brighten the eye area, while this eye cream's hyaluronic acid boosts its hydration. And since the cream is nicely designed with a metal applicator tip, we're betting you'll relish putting it on before bed.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this product. I’ve been using it every day and my fine lines are less noticeable. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin too. Wonderful!" —Kathy

Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines

RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream

Credit: RoC
Pros

RoC is one of the best skincare finds you can pick up at the drugstore, so it's hard to go wrong with the brand's line-smoothing eye cream. It works to correct not only wrinkles, but also puffiness and dark circles. Did we mention it has the seal of approval from over 2,000 beauty enthusiasts?

One satisfied customer writes:

"I noticed a difference in my crows feet wrinkles after a week. A substantial difference. Love the product and will keep using it." —LizOutWest

Best Eco-Friendly Eye Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Best Eco-Friendly Eye Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream

Credit: Charlotte Tilbury
Pros

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Eye Rescue Cream is an artist favorite to prep skin ahead of makeup. In addition to its time-released retinol, this cult-favorite (and refillable!) eye cream also uses a botanical complex to brighten dark circles, along with winter daphne stem cells extract to firm skin.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have been using this for about a month and I love it. It’s perfect for my combination skin. Sometimes eye cream can be greasy on me, but this sinks in and doesn’t crease my makeup. I love the bouncy texture and barely have to use any. It immediately plumps my hollows and it is noticeably diminishing fine lines. I love the beautiful jar, it’s pretty enough to display and I plan on refilling it whem I run out, though that may be a while! It really doesn’t take much!" —citizenkym

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Best Brightening Eye Cream

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

Best Brightening Eye Cream

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

Credit: Elizabeth Arden

Part of the iconic brand's culty Retinol Ceramide collection, this potent eye cream from Elizabeth Arden uses a blend of encapsulated retinol (which releases over eight hours), niacinamide, and peptides to brighten and de-puff. The cream even features an airless pump to protect its formula's potency.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have very sensitive skin, and have a hard time finding products that aren't too greasy, or don't just dry me out, or even burn. I am SO happy that this does none of that! I've even started getting compliments that I look well-rested and what's my secret!" —NV Mom

Best Overnight Eye Mask

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

Best Overnight Eye Mask

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask

Credit: Glow Recipe
Pros

Just like the rest of Glow Recipe's cult-favorite products, beauty lovers are swooning over this K-Beauty-inspired eye mask from the brand. In addition to featuring encapsulated retinol, ingredients like avocado and coffeeberry help smooth fine lines. Apply the mask like a regular eye cream at night, and simply rinse it off in the morning.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I just got this three days ago and have already started seeing results. My skin is noticeably tighter and my dark circles are much lighter. I've even used this on my husband who has deep crows feet due to being in construction and from surfing and he's seen a difference under his eyes. I highly recommend getting this!" —araeofsunshinee

Best Retinol Eye Cream

The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

Retinol Eye Cream

Best Retinol Eye Cream

The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

Pros

At under $15, you'll be hard pressed to find a cream better at brightening your under-eyes while being easy on your credit card statement. The Inkey List's vegan Retinol Eye Cream uses a slow-release retinoid to combat wrinkles without causing irritation.

One satisfied customer writes:

"In the first week of using this product, I saw a significant change in the texture of my under-eyes—I literally had road maps. In two weeks of use, thus delicate area has smoothed out and is beautifully hydrated. I'll stop using it when I'm dead!" —Deonna M.

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Best Drugstore Eye Cream

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

Best Drugstore Eye Cream

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream

Credit: Ulta
Pros

This opthamologist-tested, non-greasy eye cream from L'Oréal aims to improve the appearance of dark circles fine lines in up to four weeks while boosting hydration. And since it also contains soothing centella asiatica, the cream also helps repair the skin barrier as an added bonus.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have never ever found an eye cream that actually delivers until now! It really does all that it claims to. I noticed results quite quickly, and it's only getting better from there! I use this with the matching day and night creams. Best routine I have ever used!! Thanks again, L'Oreal!!" —GGBird

Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

Best Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

Pros

Formulated with the brand's signature thermal spring water along with pure retinol, this gel-cream from La Roche-Posay is paraben- and fragrance-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. The popular cream also features de-puffing caffeine to minimize the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I'm on my second tube of this eye cream. It's just perfect, and exactly what I have been looking for all these years. I accept that I'm in my mid 40s and I have some crows feet. I would expect it at my age. I was more interested in finding a product that moisturized the under-eye area so that concealer could be easily and smoothly applied. And I have never had any stinging feeling with this one—it definitely fits the bill. I'm really glad I found it, and will continue to use it. It is well worth the price." —M. Pick

Best Retinol Eye Balm

Clé de Peau Beaute Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

Best Retinol Eye Balm

Clé de Peau Beaute Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

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Pros

This Japanese pearl extract and golden silk essence balm from Clé de Peau leaves skin feeling moist and dewy for hours after application, making even the driest under-eyes supremely soft and supple. Use it as the last step in your evening skin care routine.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is an wonderfully non-irritating product and has helped me tremendously. Fine lines under my eyes are almost gone. Love it!" —SabinaC

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Meet the Experts

best retinol eye creams 2022

Why is retinol beneficial in eye cream?

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Eye creams with retinol do more than just moisturize—they help minimize fine lines and wrinkles that are some of the first signs of aging. Even though the skin under your eyes is delicate, retinol can be safely used there every single night, as long as you're using a formula designed for your eye area.

Does help tighten the eye area?

best retinol eye creams 2023

Yes! Retinol helps boost collagen production, which can help reverse some of the signs of aging, like fine lines, discoloration, and loose skin. To see the best results, you'll need to use it every night for a few weeks, and then continue that for months.

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Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

best retinol eye creams 2023

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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