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Ask any beauty expert what anti-aging ingredient you need in your arsenal and they will all give you the same answer: retinol. And it’s not a time machine just for your night cream—use it in an eye cream and you’ll get the same wrinkle-fighting, skin-evening results. Retinol stimulates a faster turnover of skin cells, so the older, outer layer of skin is sloughed off, revealing healthier, younger skin underneath, which explains retinol’s power to reverse the effects of aging.
So exactly what is a retinol? The umbrella term refers to any vitamin A derivative. Aside from increasing cell turnover, they also boost collagen production, which makes them a hero for smoothing existing fine lines and preventing new ones from forming.
When you’re applying retinol to the eye area, you should look for one specifically designed for the peepers, since otherwise they might be too potent and can lead to irritation and parched skin. Also, since retinol is so powerful, it should only be used at night, because it makes skin much more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to always use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 during the day if you’re a retinol user--and even if you're not.
These over-the-counter eye creams infused with retinol are among the best:
Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Talk about a twofer: There are caffeine and rice peptides to bring down puffiness and brighten, while Pro-Retinol does its duty to reduce fine lines. This miracle worker also boosts skin elasticity and hydrates.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
These capsules are ideal for on-the-go beauty and include two anti-aging favorites: retinol and ceramides. Retinol is notoriously fickle and hard to stabilize, but these single-use capsules preserve its power, making it incredibly potent. In case you’re worried about your carbon footprint, each capsule is biodegradable. Ceramides lock in moisture, and the capsules also contain vitamin E.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream
Retinol is combined with centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass, and in this cream they team up to fight wrinkles and firm skin without causing irritation. The duo also reduces dark circles, promising firmer and smoother skin in just four weeks.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
The ultimate trifecta, the Murad formula takes retinol seriously and actually contains three forms of it. There’s also a marine kelp complex that firms, lifts and brightens dark circles. Meanwhile, squalane soothes skin and glycerin moisturizes.
Kiehl's Youth Dose Eye Treatment
A killer cocktail of ingredients—pro-retinol, vitamin C, glycerin and red grape-seed extract—works in harmony to smooth and brighten the eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines over time. Dark circles and puffiness will also surrender to the powers of this treatment.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
This cream lives up to its name by fighting wrinkles with Retinol SA, a clinically proven ingredient to help your skin look younger by fighting lines and age spots. It's is designed to fight crow’s feet and dark circles, as well as even and brighten skin tone. Hyaluronic acid brings on the hydration to leave the eye area looking plump.
Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
In addition to retinol, this serum contains ash tree bark extract to keep your peepers moisturized and reduce dark circles, as well as anti-inflammatory niacinamide that helps de-puff skin. It promises brighter, smoother skin—and what else could you ask for?
