Don't Want Botox? Only Buy Eye Creams With *This* Ingredient

Over the past couple of years, I've noticed my eyes have received a sudden influx of fine lines and dark circles. It came as a shock and had me scrambling to edit my skincare product lineup. While I could attribute this to age, lifestyle, and stressors, as a beauty editor, I know some blame lies in not using products with formulas that address my skin concerns. We've all heard about retinol's ability to promote more youthful-looking skin, but I don't think many people give it the appreciation it deserves.

Not sure what retinoids do? No problem. Retinoids function by allowing oil to exit the follicle; resulting in keeping inflammatory factors at bay and the acceleration and stimulation of cell turnover. They can also help your skin stay firm, decrease hyperpigmentation, and prevent laxity. So, just imagine what a retinol cream could do for the skin around your eyes! To get an idea of what to expect from these must-have products, we reached out to NYC-based dermatologist and Kiehl's consulting dermatologist Meghan O’Brien.

Model Jasmine Tookes with Dewy, Sun-Kissed Skin

(Image credit: @jastookes)

The Benefits of Retinol Eye Creams

If you've been hesitant to incorporate retinol eye creams into your skincare product lineup, rest easy in the knowledge that they combat several common signs of aging. "Several changes occur around the eyes as a result of aging of the skin and age-related changes of the face," says O’Brien. "Retinol can help prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production." Retinol can be extremely effective for the skin around the eyes; lists collagen loss and loss of elasticity resulting in fine lines and crepey texture, crow's-feet from muscle movement, and under-eye circles or a shadow effect accentuated by volume loss of the tear troughs.

Your fine lines, crow's-feet, and puffiness are no match against this super-powered product; similar to the effects of Botox (but without the hefty price tag that comes with the treatment). "Botox works to prevent dynamic wrinkles, which result from muscle contraction. So while retinol can help prevent fine lines, it will not prevent the crow's-feet that develop around the eyes due to repeated contraction of the muscle around the eye (orbicularis oculi) that occurs with smiling," she explains. While using a retinol eye cream can help you achieve a similar effect by improving the smoothness of the skin, they won't be able to inhibit lines and wrinkles on a mechanical level.

Getting the Most out of Retinol Creams

Since we've already confirmed that retinol creams are safe for use around the eyes, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how you can start using them as part of your daily routine. "Eyelid skin is thinner than it is elsewhere on the face and, therefore, more susceptible to potential irritation and dryness that can result from retinol use," O'Brien says. The skin difference is the reason why many retinol skin products that are meant for use elsewhere, warn against application around the eyes. Generally, retinol in proper formulations and doses should be safe for the skin, but if you're in doubt, run it past your dermatologist.

O'Brien recommends using retinol eye cream sparingly every other night to give the skin time to adjust. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater, as your skin will be more susceptible to UV ray damage. Retinol also pairs well with other actives like vitamin C. O'Brien says that the key to avoiding irritation while using retinol eye creams is moisture. "A moisturizing product with ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane will help combat any irritation or dryness that the retinol may cause, " she explains.

By sticking to a routine and using retinol cream as directed, you'll have smoother, youthful-looking eyes in no time. Ahead, find our dermatologist and beauty-editor approved edit of the best retinol eye creams (plus serums) on the market backed by glowing customer reviews.

Content Creator Sasha Mei with a Healthy-Looking Complexion

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

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Content Creator Sabina Socol with Glowy Skin

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Content Creator Mexican but Japanese with Smooth Skin

(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

Content Creator Emmanuelle Koffi with Smooth Skin

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Shop Retinol Eye Serums

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor
Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's assistant beauty editor based just outside of Seattle, Washington. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.