While it’s not always 100 percent possible, try to avoid retinol eye cream formulated with harmful ingredients like parabens, drying alcohols, and fragrance (all part of the “suspicious six,”), and that don’t test on animals. The formula is free of parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, coal tar, sulfates SLS and SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance.

Antioxidants: While retinol eye cream is best for nighttime use, research also shows that lower percentages of retinol combined with other antioxidants help your skin fight against environmental pollution when worn during the day with broad-spectrum sun protection. (Always use SPF 30 or higher during the day). Though primarily for anti-aging purposes, you can start using a retinol eye cream as early as your 20s and 30s. Follow these application guidelines from GH Beauty Lab and dermatologist experts: the instructions. "For best results, follow the manufacturer directions of the individual product you are using," Wnek recommends. "It's also imperative to read any warnings on the label. " Are you ready to try an eye cream with retinol, but you’re not sure what to look for? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, 12 best retinol eye cream favorites to help you fight the signs of age that plague the thin, delicate skin around the orbital area. Eye Cream With Retinol: The ListFor those noticing some fine lines around and under their eyes, integrating retinol into your skincare routine through an eye cream can help better target the area. Retinol eye creams are different from using targeted retinoids under your eye. As with any skincare product, you have to use it regularly to see results, though some products take longer to get there than others. This popular drugstore retinol eye cream has shown visible results in just one week — even more so over time.

Eye creams often do not specify the percentage of retinol, but the higher the percentage, the greater the potency and the greater potential for irritation," Dr. Yeh explains. "Beginning with lower potency and working your way up is a good way to start." (A lower potency of retinol is generally 0.01% to 0.03%; 2% is on the higher end.) Retinol eye cream is typically formulated with a lower dose of retinol than a face cream because under-eye skin is thinner and more delicate. Most formulas contain between .01 and 0.3%. While that may sound minuscule, even a small percentage of retinol can improve multiple signs of aging under and around the eye area. On the other hand, a retinol face cream can have a potency of 0.3 to 1 or even 2%. While eye creams formulated with retinol consider that the eye area is sensitive, this one takes things a bit further by catering to those who have sensitive skin in general. Why retinol under-eye cream? Retinol is one of the best ingredients for softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, encouraging collagen production, lessening the appearance of brown spots, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture. It’s also composed of smaller molecules, so it’s able to penetrate the skin deeply and more effectively than other anti-aging ingredients. This French pharmacy favorite (that you can find here in the States) is formulated with retinaldehyde (a stabilized form of retinol) to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. Hyaluronic acid fragments plump the skin and encourage microcirculation, and dextran sulfate corrects signs of fatigue caused by aging skin. It’s an excellent choice for those with extremely sensitive or dry skin. Eye Creams With Retinol: The Bottom LineRetinol makes the skin more sun-sensitive, so it’s better to apply it at night and use an eye cream with a minimum SPF of 30 during the day. It’s dermatologist-recommended because it softens fine lines and wrinkles and reduces dark circles’ appearance sans any irritation. Even though it’s ophthalmologist-tested, If your skin is ultra-delicate, always do a patch test regardless of how a product is marketed just to be on the safe side.

I’m personally a huge fan of balm formulas during the colder months, so you can bet I, alongside its existing fan base, will be scooping one up this winter. Speaking of fans, let’s divert to reviewers for the hard-hitting facts. This incredibly impressive eye cream brightens, protects against environmental stressors, and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to time-released retinol and proprietary Ruby Crystal Complex. A Hydra-Balance Complex (lemon tree honey, phospholipids, and an amino acid deeply hydrate and prevent moisture loss. That's why we set out to get a dermatologist's input on retinol eye creams. But what exactly is retinol eye cream? Even if your skin has never had a problem tolerating a new product, it’s never a bad idea to conduct a patch test with retinol eye cream due to the sensitive nature of the delicate eye area and retinol’s strength. Instead, look for clean formulas with a mix of synthetic and natural, safe results-driven ingredients that negate retinol’s potentially drying side effects while providing additional anti-aging benefits. For example:This potent overnight eye cream harnesses the power of microencapsulated retinol, high-tech goji biotechnology, plant-based ceramides, vegan hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. Soothing oatmeal and aloe also help keep the eyes free from irritation. Along with being dermatologist tested, this eye cream is also cruelty-free and formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or mineral oil. Unlike typical eye creams for wrinkles or eye creams for puffines , retinol formulations are the most effective in targeting multiple signs of aging. Often, our eyelids and area around the eye are the first places we notice changes to the skin as we get older, because the skin around the eye is so thin. Using a retinol eye cream can help prevent and treat signs of aging. But retinol isn’t for the faint of heart: Without proper application and integration into your skin routine, it can be drying and irritating, as well as cause peeling. While there are many effective anti-aging treatment options for under-eyes, such as lasers, chemical peels, and light technology, a topical eye cream is typically the first defense measure. If you want to rejuvenate the eye area (who doesn’t?), look for eye cream with retinol.