Beauty

Turn Back the Clock with a Retinol Eye Cream

L'OFFICIEL rounds up the best retinol eye creams for youthful undereyes. 

retinol eye creams: gwyneth paltrow applying skincare
Gwyneth Paltrow. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@gwynethpaltrow.

There comes a time when we all start to worry about our under-eyes. For the lucky 1 percent, you might never worry about them at all, most especially if you won the genetic lottery. But for the rest of us, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, dark circles, and even heavy eye bags begin to appear in our mid-20s. Now, if these concerns don't faze you, that's perfectly fine. Aging is totally normal. After all, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, and it's your perception of yourself that matters most. Still, some of us might seek to address these concerns as soon as they start showing up. You know what they say: prevention is always the best "cure." 

You might have tried twenty different eye creams, and yet, none of them seem to reverse the clock. This could be because they lack the potent age-reversing ingredients necessary to combat eye bags and fine lines effectively. Enter retinol—the powerhouse ingredient renowned for its ability to address these concerns. Of course, like any other skincare product, there is no miracle quick fix. But retinol eye creams reign supreme because of their capacity to boost collagen production, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more even skin tone. 

So, where should you start? Don't fret, L'OFFICIEL's beauty editors have you covered with the best retinol eye creams to help you achieve more youthful-looking under-eyes.

L'OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.

The INKEY List

Who says that quality, sustainable, cruelty-free skincare has to be expensive? The INKEY List proves otherwise. Not only is this retinol eye cream one of the most affordable options on the market, but it's also one of the best overall. Though it tends to be best for normal skin types, it's great at making skin appear firmer and more even. And for $14, it's a steal! 

The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream, $14, Sephora 

retinol eye creams: The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream
Dr. Dennis Gross

But you might be looking for something more lightweight. Enter the Dr. Dennis Gross retinol eye serum. It's loved for its ability to address wrinkles and the loss of firmness, but it's real selling point is how quickly it absorbs into the skin. So, you don't have to feel weighed down by heavy creams. And, it works well for normal, combination, and oily skin types. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to do a patch test before fully incorporating this into your skin. Otherwise, splurge away! 

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum, $71, Sephora

retinol eye creams: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Peace Out

Then there's the most travel-friendly option. This retinol eye cream, courtesy of Peace Out, effectively addresses dark circles. It's a holy grail for all those who enjoy a quick and easy routine. With one quick swipe, you'll find your under-eyes looking brighter with consistent use. And the best part? Its balm formula glides on smoothly, so you don't have to worry about that heavy feeling when applying your nighttime skincare. 

Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick, $28, Sephora

retinol eye creams:
Drunk Elephant

Contrary to popular belief, Drunk Elephant does not actually design its products strictly for tweens. Yes, they may be the ones suddenly obsessed with the brand, but that's likely because of their colorful packaging. Don't let that deter you from considering Drunk Elephant as you scour your options for the best retinol eye creams. Although this is technically an eye serum, this Drunk Elephant goodie does everything you need: it addresses fine lines and wrinkles and depuffs the under eyes, thanks to its caffeine infusion. Plus, it doesn't contain any Parabens and Sulfates SLS & SLES, so you can feel safe knowing that you're treating your skin with gentle ingredients. 

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides, $64, Sephora 

retinol eye creams: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides
Charlotte Tilbury

Yes, we do realize that Charlotte Tilbury is more popular for their luxurious makeup products. You probably obsessed over one of their contour, blush, or highlighter wands, or maybe even all of the above. But did you know that their skincare products are also praiseworthy? Well, if you didn't, this is your sign to start investing in one of their skincare products, specifically from their Magic line. Though the Magic Cream and Magic Serum are all the rage, we think you should start with the Magic Eye Rescue Cream. Before you ask, yes, they are as dreamy as they sound. This eye cream reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and thanks to its Vitamin C infusion, it also helps brighten your under-eyes. 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream with Retinol, $65, Sephora 

retinol eye creams: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream with Retinol
Glow Recipe

Last but not least is the fruit-infused option distinctive to Glow Recipe, the Korean-founded skincare brand that's been taking social media by storm and flying off the Sephora shelves. Of course, they infused the fruit that's known to help brighten your skin: avocado. That said, this retinol eye cream, which is suitable for all skin types, is best for addressing dark circles and uneven texture. Plus, avocado infusion also helps keep your skin hydrated. Like the rest of the Glow Recipe product line, this retinol eye cream is sustainable, ethically sourced, clean, and cruelty-free. 

Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol, $42, Sephora

retinol eye creams: Glow Recipe Avocado Fine Line Eye Cream with Retinol

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