With so many skin care products available today, many designed to help combat fine lines and wrinkles, and boost brightness—including face sunscreens and vitamin C serums—you may wonder if eye cream is really necessary. One of the key reasons people may choose to add that to their skin care routine is because the skin around the eyes is so delicate; it may help to use a product formulated specifically for it.
Not all eye creams are the same, however. You’ve probably heard of retinol serums, but you can find retinols in eye creams, too. One key benefit of retinol is that it can help stimulate collagen production, which can help improve fine lines and wrinkles—perfect for the eye area. Curious to see how well these products actually worked, we asked our testing team to try some different options, both eye creams and eye serums, and here are our top recommendations.
Best Retinol Eye Cream of 2026
- Best Retinol Eye Cream Overall: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
- Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin: Murad Retinol Eye Serum
- Best Retinol Eye Cream for Brightening: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
- Best Retinol Eye Cream for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinol Ceramide Eye Cream
- Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream: CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Best Retinol Eye Cream Comparison Table
Best Retinol Eye Cream Overall: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester said she noticed a difference after just one use, and that she found the formula to be very hydrating.
- Who it’s for: Professionals looking for a quick way to refresh their eye area, and who don’t mind applying an eye serum twice per day.
- What makes it different: Intense hydration and noticeable results in a short amount of time
Pros
- Didn’t leave any residue
- Layers well with other products
- Noticeable results in a short period of time
Cons
- Needs to be used twice daily
Our Thoughts on Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
This product has a serum-like texture that’s designed to help address the appearance of wrinkles, under-eye bags, and dullness. Key ingredients include retinol liposomes and ginseng extract, which the company says “work together to address the loss of collagen and visible signs of aging like fine lines,” and the product is meant to be used twice a day to help “visibly enhance under-eye elasticity and clarity for youthful-looking eyes.”
Meredith, a member of our testing team, tried this eye serum and gave high marks in key categories. To start, she found the eye serum easy to apply, noting, “The cream is really nice feeling and spreads very easily with great coverage.” She rated it a 5 out of 5 for its straightforward application, which we think is ideal for busy professionals who want skin care that’s simple and seamless—not time-consuming to apply.
When Meredith analyzed the eye serum itself, she said, “The texture is thick and creamy, but also lightweight and easily absorbable. It doesn’t feel heavy around my eyes or leave behind any weird residues, and it layers easily with my other products.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5, noting, “It’s very comfortable to wear all day and all night.”
For overall effectiveness, Meredith gave this product a 4 out of 5. She explained, “After several uses I can tell a difference. Even after the first use, the eye area definitely feels hydrated and less puffy, but after several weeks I can actually start to see a difference in the appearance.”
Specs
- Key ingredients: Retinol liposomes, ginseng root extract
- Recommended frequency of use: Use a.m. and p.m. (twice daily)
- Cost per ounce: $17
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin: Murad Retinol Eye Serum
Murad Retinol Eye Serum
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Murad
- Our thoughts: We appreciated that this product is suitable for even sensitive skin, and its smooth, hydrating effect.
- Who it’s for: Professionals with sensitive skin who want a non-irritating eye serum that only needs to be used once daily.
- What makes it different: Designed to be both fast-acting and gentle
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Lightweight feel
- Noticeable skin tone improvement
Cons
- Contains added fragrance
- High cost per ounce
Our Thoughts on Murad Retinol Eye Serum
This eye serum is made with ingredients, including three retinols, designed to help prevent and reduce the look of wrinkles around the eyes, including the lids. Other purported benefits include brighter skin and a younger-looking eye area. The company says the product is hydrating, and ultimately helps bring about “fast yet gentle” results. This eye serum is also suitable for all ages and skin types—even sensitive skin—and the instructions say to use it once daily, in the evening.
A member of our testing team, Caroline, tried Murad Retinol Eye Serum and said it spreads easily, adding, “It’s lightweight and gel-like, and absorbs quickly.” She rated the application process a 5 out of 5, and the texture and feel a 4 out of 5.
Caroline also found it effective, rating it a 4.5 out of 5 for how well it seemed to work. She said her eye area felt hydrated and smooth, with a more even skin tone under the eye. Caroline also noted that this eye serum didn’t irritate her skin at all and layered well with other products, which may be useful for professionals who want to incorporate an eye serum into their routine without much disruption to their existing process.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Cotton wool grass extract, marine kelp complex
- Recommended frequency of use: Use p.m. (once daily)
- Cost per ounce: $188
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Brightening: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at RoC
- Our thoughts: Our tester was impressed with the quick results, including hydration and a smoother, brighter under-eye area.
- Who it’s for: Professionals accustomed to pulling late-nighters who may be looking for an eye cream to brighten their under-eye area.
- What makes it different: Can be used in the morning or evening
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Excellent hydration
- Eye area looked smoother and brighter after use
Cons
- Cooling effect was slightly uncomfortable for just a moment, but that went away
Our Thoughts on RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream was formulated to help improve fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. The instructions say to use it in either the morning or evening, and it’s also dermatologist tested.
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Jennifer, who’s on our testing team, tried this product and reported a positive experience. “The product went on smoothly and absorbed quickly, with no residue,” she said, rating it a 5 out of 5 for application. This may matter to professionals who want to apply it in the morning, before work, as they can be confident their eye cream won’t leave behind a noticeable stickiness or other residue.
She also liked how this eye cream felt, explaining, “The product is creamy and has a silky smooth feel, plus a cooling effect.” Jennifer rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.
This eye cream seemed to result in noticeable changes, too, with Jennifer saying, “My under-eye area looks smoother and brighter. This product hydrates quickly, too—I noticed results in just a few days.” She rated the product’s effectiveness a 4 out of 5.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Clinical retinol, hyaluronic acid
- Recommended frequency of use: Use a.m. or p.m. (once daily)
- Cost per ounce: $43.98
Best Retinol Eye Cream for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinol Ceramide Eye Cream
Medik8 Crystal Retinol Ceramide Eye Cream
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Medik8
- Our thoughts: Our tester appreciated the slight tint, which made it easy to see where she’d applied the product, and the overall ease of application.
- Who it’s for: Professionals new to retinol eye creams who want something user-friendly.
- What makes it different: Slight tint to the product, designed for beginners
Pros
- Feels nice on skin
- Pleasant texture
- Orange tint helped show where product had been applied
Cons
- Experienced slight dryness
- No immediately noticeable results
- Significantly higher cost per ounce than most other options in the lineup
Our Thoughts on Medik8 Crystal Retinol Ceramide Eye Cream
This eye cream claims to help promote a “brighter, smoother, and awakened eye area,” and it offers three different strengths of eye cream. The first, which we tested, is for beginners, and the highest-strength option is meant for “expert” users. Instructions say to use it every night, after an introductory period in which you use it at a lower frequency while building up to the recommended nightly cadence. It’s also dermatologist tested.
A member of our testing team, Kayla, said, “This product has a slightly silicone feel to it but sits nicely on my skin—it doesn’t absorb like a moisturizer. It also has an orange tint, so it’s visible when putting it on. I like how you can see where the product is being applied, and it’s meant to be used at night so the color isn’t an issue for me.” Because this is designed for beginners, we appreciate that this eye cream is designed to be as easy to apply as possible. Kayla rated the application process a 5 out of 5, and the texture and feel a 4 out of 5. The nighttime application is ideal for professionals who don’t want to add an extra step to their morning routine.
Kayla said she experienced some slight dryness, explaining, “I’m pretty sensitive to retinols, and with the eye area being so delicate I think maybe that’s why I was experiencing some slight issues with acclimation.” But she said she expected her skin to adjust. Aside from that, Kayla said, “I haven’t noticed any major effects with this cream yet. Typically I need about three months of consistent use to start to see results.” She rated the overall effectiveness a 3 out of 5.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, ceramides, hyaluronic acid filling spheres, chamomile extract
- Recommended frequency of use: Use p.m. (once daily)
- Cost per ounce: $180
Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream: CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at CeraVe
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how quickly this eye cream absorbed, and the slight improvements she noticed.
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want to refresh their eye area without using retinol.
- What makes it different: No retinol in the formula
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- No irritation experienced
- Subtle, but noticeable, improvements in hydration and puffiness
Cons
- Effects seen more gradually
- Requires twice daily application
Our Thoughts on CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream contains ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides meant to help promote hydration, stimulate collagen production, and ultimately help reduce the look of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. It’s suitable for all skin types, and instructions say to use it twice per day to achieve “eyes that look younger, healthy, and wide awake.”
A member of our testing team, Ruth, tried CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream and reported, “The cream spreads nicely and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.” She rated the product application a 5 out of 5.
“I love how lightweight it feels,” said Ruth, noting, “It has a whipped texture that never feels heavy or thick. It sinks into skin without any effort, and I love that it leaves zero residue behind—just a soft, hydrated finish.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5, explaining, “It felt soothing and gentle and it stayed comfortable all day and night without any tightness or sensitivity.” The instructions are to use it twice daily, so the soothing, non-irritating feel may be desirable to professionals who plan to apply it before heading to work.
Ruth rated this product’s effectiveness a 3.5 out of 5, saying, “My under-eye area feels more hydrated after using this, and makeup applies nicely over it without settling into lines. Puffiness also looks a little reduced, especially in the mornings, but the changes to my fine lines and dark circles were subtler and I think would take more time to show.”
Specs
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid
- Recommended frequency of use: Use a.m. and p.m. (twice daily)
- Cost per ounce: $33.78
Why the Right Retinol Eye Cream Matters to Professionals
When you’re staring at a screen all day, you may not realize the amount of squinting you’re doing, which can sometimes lead to fine lines around the eye area.
We’re not saying everyone should be using eye cream as a result, but for those who are interested in treating and/or preventing these kinds of fine lines, an eye cream with retinol—which is typically used to help boost collagen and reduce lines and wrinkles—might be of interest. We think the selections on our list will work well for professionals who value quality, ease of application, and effectiveness.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Retinol Eye Creams
Here’s what we considered when choosing our lineup.
Application
We wanted to find retinol eye creams that were easy to apply and absorbed well, without feeling heavy or oily.
Formula
When examining products we looked at key ingredients, ultimately choosing products with a variety of formulations.
Texture and Feel
Testers also paid attention to how the eye cream itself felt, whether gel-like, oily, or something else.
Effectiveness
Retinols generally take time before results are noticeable, but we still asked testers to note whether they saw any differences after using their retinol eye cream.
Value
Price matters to many people, so here’s a comparison of each product’s price, and its cost per ounce. We’ve also included a reminder of how many times per day the manufacturer says to use the product, as that factors into how many uses you’ll get from each product.
How to Find the Best Retinol Eye Cream for You
If you’re looking for a retinol eye cream, here are some things to consider.
Your Skin Type
Everyone has their own unique skin type, so what works for one person may not work for another. Be sure to consider what your skin needs, and look for a formula that addresses those needs.
Formula
Think about any ingredients you prefer—or may prefer to avoid, like added fragrance—and look for a product that seems well matched to those preferences.
Cost
Consider your budget for a retinol eye cream, keeping in mind that cost isn’t necessarily predictive of quality. We included a variety of price points, so most people should be able to find something within their preferred range.
Benefits of Retinol Eye Creams
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, here are some benefits of using a retinol eye cream:
- Stimulates collagen production, which can help improve fine lines and wrinkles
- Can help improve skin texture
How to Use Retinol Eye Cream
Jaliman said, “I recommend that my patients start by using it three times a week, and then increase it as tolerated. Only use a small amount and don’t put it too close to the lash line. It should be used in the evening.”
She also recommended using an SPF 30 to 50 with a high concentration of zinc because retinol can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
Of course, be sure to read the product instructions as well, and if you have any questions or concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
What to Avoid in Retinol Eye Creams
“The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin in the body, and it’s very delicate and reactive,” said Jaliman. Here’s what to look for.
- “Choose a low-concentration retinol or encapsulated retinol when choosing an eye cream,” said Jaliman.
- Additionally, she added, “Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to increase hydration.”
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum was our overall favorite, given its easy application and noticeable—and our tester’s experience, fast—results. Of course, it’s worth noting that results will vary from person to person.
We appreciated the intensely hydrating formula as well, and overall think this retinol eye cream could appeal to professionals who want a reliable, potentially fast-acting eye cream that absorbs quickly and layers well under makeup—and don’t mind applying it twice per day.
Frequently asked questions
Is using more retinol more effective?
Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer instructions, and if you have additional questions be sure to check with an appropriate healthcare provider. We don’t recommend using a retinol eye cream in larger amounts or more frequently than indicated in the instructions. Some product instructions recommend starting with less-frequent application at first, and building up to more frequent use, so be sure to carefully read the instructions before use.
Can retinol eye cream reduce dark circles?
According to Jaliman, “Retinol can improve dark circles, but it depends on the cause of the dark circles. If the darkness is caused by sun damage, then it should help. If the darkness is caused by blood vessels then it won’t help much. I also recommend adding another product for dark circles like a vitamin C serum.”
Should you apply retinol eye cream in the morning or at night?
Retinol should be used in the evening, said Jaliman, and people should make sure to use a sufficient sunscreen during the day as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.