Retinol 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. Retinol SA and a Glucose Complex (that serves as a booster) work together synergistically to dramatically fade stubborn lines and crow’s feet while improving skin tone and texture. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration to the delicate eye area. While most skincare experts suggest you apply a retinol-based eye cream at night (more on that in a bit), this formula contains an SPF to protect against the skin-damaging effects of harmful UVA/UVB rays. Along with providing protection, retinol reduces the signs of aging, caffeine banishes puffiness, and avocado oil and shorea stenoptera butter deeply hydrate. As you can see from our list of the best retinol eye creams, formulas contain other nourishing, hydrating ingredients to negate any potential irritation or dryness from retinol while providing additional anti-aging benefits. The best retinol eye cream is formulated with encapsulated retinol, which is time-released to further reduce irritation. The only exception would be if the retinol eye cream contained sun protection — or you’re layering an actual retinol cream with an SPF that’s safe for the eyes. But it’s still safer to use it at night. Protective antioxidants are favored for daytime use.

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. What is encapsulated retinol? As the name suggests, encapsulated retinol is delivered into the skin at a slow and steady time-released rate instead of all at once like other forms of retinol. Not only does it protect your skin, but it remains stable and potent for a more extended period, thus providing superior benefits minus irritation. 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 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. Retinol shouldn’t be reserved for face creams alone. It’s 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 even targets dark circles and eye bags, so it’s genuinely a gold star ingredient when it comes to fighting the signs of age and fatigue.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. 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: 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).

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. Many people make the mistake of hitting the ground running because they’re anxious to see results. For most, this application method is problematic since the skin is still adjusting to the product.

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.

up a tolerance. If you're not used to using retinol around your eyes, "go slowly," advises Anthony Rossi, M.D., the founder of Dr. Rossi DERM MD and a dermatologist in New York City. "Apply a pea-sized amount or less and start by using it one to two times per week, increasing the frequency over a month until it can be tolerated nightly." 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%. You only need around a couple of dots under each eye to reap the effects of retinol; a little goes a long way! Also, never apply it too close to your lash line to avoid eye irritation. Use your ring finger to apply the product because it has the lightest touch. For 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.Note that we often talk about the effectiveness of an ingredient based on where it falls on the ingredient list — the closer to the top, the more potent and effective it is. This is not the case for retinol eye cream. Only a tiny amount is needed to be effective, so it will be listed more towards the bottom. 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. apply at night. "Retinols are not meant for daytime use, as they break down when exposed to UV light," Dr. Yeh explains. Many eye creams aren’t meant to be applied on the lid, but this one’s an exception. This lightweight gel formula is perfect for the delicate skin around the entire eye and eyelid where we’re prone to crepiness. Retinol softens fine lines and wrinkles, ferulic acid brightens, and willow bark extract soothes and reduces puffiness. 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.)