Transformative retinol eye creams for all skin types

Consult our edit of retinol eye creams to find the best match for your skin concerns

Verso’s retinol Super Eye Serum in white bottle with black font next to Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift Serum from Barcelona-based brand Natura Bissé
(Image credit: harrods)

As we previously examined in our comprehensive guide on how to use retinol, the Vitamin A derivative has an unparalleled ability to smooth away wrinkles, reduce acne, and improve collagen. For many, there is no other area where they would rather see the benefits of retinol than the potentially crease-filled, shadow-heavy area around the eyes; which is why we’ve pulled together this guide to retinol eye creams.

The creams here are suited to a variety of skin types, from sensitive to oily, dry and all easily be incorporated into your skincare regime

Natura Bissé Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift

Natura Bissé Retinol Eye Lift Serum in pen-like applicator

(Image credit: harrods)

The Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift Serum from Barcelona-based brand Natura Bissé is formulated with retinol and four types of hyaluronic acid to promote ultra-smooth skin.

It’s easy-to-use pen applicator can be slid under the eyes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles, and applied over the lid to tighten and lift the upper part of the eye. 

harrods.com

Shani Darden’s Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

Shani Darden's Intensive Eye Renewal Cream in grey bottle

(Image credit: net-a-porter)

LA-based facialist Shani Darden is a veritable retinol guru, so much so that we asked her to help compile our definitive guide to retinol earlier this year. 

Darden’s eye cream translates her special high-impact, low-irritation retinol formula into a silky cream that decreases the appearance of lines and shadows from around the eyes within only a few uses. 

net-a-porter.com

Tata Harper’s Boosted Contouring Eye Balm 

Tata Harper’s Boosted Contouring Eye Balm in cream coloured glass container with gold lid

(Image credit: net-a-porter)

We recommend Tata Harper’s Boosted Contouring Eye Balm to those with ultra-sensitive skin, who want retinol’s powerful results without any chance of irritation. Transparency is a fundamental principle of the sustainable skincare brand – its products use ingredients at the highest levels of concentration to deliver maximum results without a single drop of artificial chemicals.

The Eye Balm formulation features nine ingredients to lift and firm the look of skin, 11 ingredients to depuff, 14 ingredients to minimise the look of wrinkles, and 13 vitamins and minerals – all working together to deliver a powerful, and natural, transformation of the eyes. Skin will be looking brighter, firmer, and less puffy after only a few uses.

net-a-porter.com

Verso’s Super Eye Serum

Verso’s retinol Super Eye Serum in white bottle with black font

(Image credit: cultbeauty)

Verso’s Super Eye Serum is formulated with the brand’s signature Retinol 8 formulation. The complex has a unique ability to reinforce the communicative properties of the skin cells, producing a retinol that is eight times more effective than traditional formulations and has a reduced risk of irritating skin. 

It is a cream that manages to be light without being too oily, and one we particularly recommend for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. 

cultbeauty.com

Omorovicza’s Gold Eye Lift

Omorovicza’s retinol Gold Eye Lift in black bottle with gold cap

(Image credit: cultbeauty)

Omorovicza’s Gold Eye Lift uses traces of colloidal gold to dramatically brighten and strengthen the delicate skin around the eyes. The Budapest-based brand derives its transformative formulations from Hungary’s famed thermal waters, which have been used for centuries to cure ailments and improve general health. 

This particular formulation combines Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin C to reduce the depth of fine lines and increase collagen production. The colloidal gold repairs damage to the delicate skin surface. 

cultbeauty.com

Writer and Wallpaper* Contributing Editor

Mary Cleary is a writer based in London and New York. Previously beauty & grooming editor at Wallpaper*, she is now a contributing editor, alongside writing for various publications on all aspects of culture.