Yahoo News Best retinol eye creams to help with wrinkles and dark circles
Regarded by many as an anti-ageing miracle ingredient, retinol is a potent form of vitamin A which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting the production of collagen – a skin protein which starts to decline when we reach our 30s.
Retinol’s additional ability to minimise pores and reduce sun damage is the reason some people use retinol-based products earlier, although the high concentration of vitamin A means retinol should always be introduced into skincare regimes slowly.
Start by using small amounts once or twice a week before building up to daily use. If your skin is especially sensitive, look for retinol products cushioned with soothing ingredients, and remember to apply sunscreen - retinol can make skin more prone to sun damage.
Despite the above, retinol is a tried-and-tested wrinkle buster which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve overall skin tone. Trust us – take the time to introduce it to your regime and you won’t regret it.
Here are our five favourite retinol creams designed specifically for the eye area.
Strivectin Advanced Retinol Eye Cream
This cream is ideal for those prone to sensitivity, thanks to a generous dose of an ingredient referred to as NIA-114 - a patented form of Vitamin B3, added to reduce the risk of irritation, allowing this cream to be used in the mornings as well as before bedtime. An additional moisture hit comes courtesy of shea butter, which explains the thicker consistency. Don’t be put off though – it absorbs within seconds.
Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
There’s lots going on inside this bright purple bottle: five different ceramides (to boost hydration), vitamin C and retinol. The pale pink cream has a thicker consistency than many eye care treatments, but sinks in immediately. In summary? A brilliant, targeted product to smooth the toughest of wrinkles, with a hefty hydration hit to counteract retinol’s drying effects.
Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream
The price of this retinol eye cream might make your eyes water but on the plus side, the formula won’t. This cream doesn’t simply rely on retinols, but the plant-powered efficacy of bioretinols, which mimic retinol’s effects while reducing sensitivity. The formulation’s honey-like hue (picture Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream) sinks straight in, partly thanks to the ingenious applicator, which aids absorption without unnecessary pressure.
Priori DNA Eye Recovery Crème
The obvious downside of this retinol eye cream is the price - £76 gets you a rather measly 15ml of product. However, this formula is ahead of its game, packed with little-known ingredients such as butterfly bush, revered for its anti-inflammatory properties. Soothing vitamin E makes this ideal for sensitive skin, while a shot of hyaluronic acid plumps and smooths. Bonus points for the degradation-reducing opaque, pump-style bottle.
Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
It’s disappointing that Olay’s packaged their newest eye cream in a glass jar – ingredients (such as retinol) prone to light-related degradation are best stored in opaque containers. That said, this wallet-friendly, silky eye cream is a powerhouse of additional ingredients, including Vitamin B3, to help with moisture retention, and glycerin, a brilliant skin protectant.
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
The Inkey List’s eye cream might not have the silkiest consistency, but it’s easily-absorbed, fragrance-free (making it perfect for those prone to flare-ups) and costs under £10. Although the ingredient list refers to Vitalease, a slow-release form of retinol which Inkey says reduces the risk of adverse reactions, don’t put too much stock in this – you’ll still need to take the usual precautions.
La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Eyes
This fragrance-free formula comes in a metal tube – ideal for products prone to degradation. A shot of caffeine makes this a brilliant eye cream to tackle dark circles, but don’t get overexcited about the inclusion of Retinol Linoleate – simply another form of retinol. Lack of hydrating ingredients aside, this is a hard-working cream which will lighten dark circles while you’re waiting for the retinols to kick in.
Verdict:
Although wallet-friendly retinol products are hard to come by, at £43 Paula’s Choice’s eye cream is a fantastic option for anyone searching for an affordable, skin-friendly retinol product guaranteed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But it’s Strivectin’s Advanced Retinol Eye Cream which gets the gold star, thanks to its potent combination of skin-soothing vitamins and shea butter, used to minimise the risk of irritated skin. This easily-absorbed formula provides the ultimate proof that retinol creams packed with moisturising agents can still have air-light consistencies.
For more on retinol products, read our reviews of the best retinol creams and serums
