Everything You Need to Know About Retinol Eye Creams
Last Updated on March 29, 2025 by Amy
Eye cream is a product that often sparks debate. While some people opt to use their regular facial moisturiser around the eye area. Others believe a dedicated eye cream is essential due to the delicate skin in this region. From my experience, using a retinol eye cream significantly improves the appearance of my under-eyes. Helping to reduce dark circles and giving a more youthful appearance. In this article, I will explore the benefits of retinol eye creams and share some of the best ones I have used over the years.
Why you should use a retinol eye cream
Retinol eye creams offer several key benefits:
- Reduces dark circles: Retinol can fade dark circles and discolouration by improving circulation and skin cell turnover.
- Anti-ageing: By boosting collagen production, retinol can smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to fight free radicals and environmental damage.
- Minimises puffiness: Swelling and puffiness can be reduced with the anti-inflammatory effects of retinol.
- Improves skin texture and tone: Retinol eye creams can reduce hyperpigmentation, and sun damage and smooth and soften the eye area.
- Boosts hydration: Many retinol eye creams also contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides. This will help to plump up the skin and lock in moisture.
- Long-term positive effects: Consistent use of retinol eye cream can lead to long-term improvements in the health and appearance of the skin around the eyes. Helping you maintain a youthful and radiant complexion as you age.
How to add a retinol eye cream to your routine
In the mornings, I prefer cooling, gel-like eye creams (check out my brightening eye cream post for some recommendations) to reduce puffiness and prep my eye area for makeup. My evening routine is when I use my retinol eye creams.
Here’s how to incorporate retinol eye cream into your skincare routine:
- Cleanse: Start by thoroughly cleansing your face.
- Apply: Use a small amount of eye cream on the orbital bone surrounding your eyes. Gently pat the product onto your skin with your ring finger, being careful not to tug or pull on the delicate skin around the under-eye area.
- Consistency: Use the retinol eye cream consistently in your nightly routine, gradually increasing usage as your skin builds tolerance.
- Avoid other active ingredients: When starting out with a retinol product, avoid using exfoliating actives like BHA, AHA, PHA, or Vitamin C on the same night to minimise the risk of irritation. Once your skin becomes accustomed to retinol eye creams, you may be able to incorporate these actives into your routine without experiencing side effects.
- Sunscreen: Always wear sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase sensitivity to sun exposure.
Who should avoid retinol eye creams?
- In pregnancy or breastfeeding: The advice around retinol products in pregnancy and while breastfeeding can be a little confusing. I discuss this in some more detail in my retinol skincare routine post. Many dermatologists and skincare brands recommend avoiding retinol products during this time.
- Sensitive or Irritated Eyes: If you have very sensitive or easily irritated eyes, opt for more gentle, hydrating products for the delicate eye area. Personally, I avoid retinol during eyelid eczema flare-ups due to potential irritation and risk of further damage to the skin barrier.
The best retinol eye creams
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 15mls £42
Key Benefits:
- Anti-ageing.
- Contains retinal to improve the appearance of wrinkles without any irritation.
- Brightens, smoothes and lifts skin.
- Helps to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid to smooth, hydrate and plump up fine lines.
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Available in three strengths: 3 is the mildest with a low concentration of retinal. You can also get 6 and 10 if you are a more seasoned retinoid user.
This Medik8 eye cream is the most expensive on this list. However, it is the one I am most likely to repurchase. I have developed a lot more fine lines and eyelid puffiness during my 30s. Having two kids in the past 4 years probably hasn’t helped with that! There has been a visible improvement in my eye area since starting this retinol eye cream. I use this cream 4 times per week and have not experienced any irritation.
Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream 15mls £15 for members
If you are on the lookout for a more budget-friendly retinol eye cream, this option from Beauty Pie is a safe bet!
Key Benefits:
- Reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and pigmentation with encapsulated slow-release retinol complex (1%).
- Moisturises and hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid.
- Antioxidants to improve the appearance of dark circles.
- Improves firmness and supports skin strength.
- Suitable for all but the most sensitive skin types.
- Vegan.
This eye cream is an excellent alternative to the Medik8 product for those seeking a more affordable option that still delivers impressive results. It effectively brightens and smooths the skin, giving it a youthful appearance. While it may take slightly longer to reduce fine lines compared to the Medik8 cream, it remains a highly effective and budget-friendly choice.
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream 15mls £13
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream is another great budget-friendly option. This would be a fantastic choice if you are new to retinoids or have sensitive skin.
Key Benefits:
- This eye cream contains 0.09% pure retinol, a gentle yet effective concentration. This will help to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and enhance cell turnover around the delicate eye area.
- It combines retinol with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and seed oils, which help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- This combination ensures that the retinol is delivered in a stable, slow-release form, making it well-tolerated by most skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
I really like the texture of this eye cream as it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. With long-term use, I noted a reduction in puffiness and increased brightness around my eyes without any irritation. Like the Beauty Pie product, it took a while to see a reduction in fine lines but this eye cream was a brilliant introduction to retinol eye creams before moving on to higher concentrations.
Adding a retinol eye cream to your evening skincare routine is a great way to target dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and to improve skin texture. Whether you choose a high-end option or a budget-friendly alternative, consistency is crucial to achieving noticeable results. Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these products or have any other recommendations.
