The 15 Best Retinol Eye Creams For Those Pesky Fine Lines

Medik8 retinols are some of the best in the industry, combining major efficacy with prices that feel more than fair.

This lightweight retinol serum is traceless on the skin and designed to be patted beneath your favourite nourishing eye cream. Supercharged by slow-release climbazole (shown to boost the efficacy of the retinol), the watery texture tackles fine lines throughout the night.

Remember, any potent formula should be phased in gradually. Use this twice a week for the first two weeks, then every other night until a tolerance has been built.

Like so many of its Korean skincare counterparts, this fast-absorbing gel texture offers a seamless glow, plumped complexion and long-lasting hydration. Retinal liposomes work specifically to target texture, fine lines, dark circles and puffy under eyes, while ginseng extract works to lock in moisture for a glossy, bouncy appearance.

The best part? You can layer this lightweight serum under a reach night cream if necessary, or wear alone for a perfectly balanced skincare that won't stick to your pillows or sleep mask.

Looking for a potent formula that targets deep-set lines and wrinkles while also being gentle enough for nightly use? We know it sounds too good to be true, but there are few brands we trust more than Murad.

Not only does this lifting treatment plump visible crevices, it works to reshape skin crepey skin and sagging lids over time. For those over 35, this one is a gold-standard option.

With 0.1% retinol and 3% antioxidant-rich caffeine, this smoothing formula is a good choice for anyone concerned about puffiness and eye bags. Lightweight in texture and formulated in Drunk Elephant's signature simple and straight-talking fashion, this one will smooth, brighten and hydrate in one fell swoop.

In a choice of three strengths (3, 6 and 10), this high performance eye cream is our first choice for expert retinol users. An all-in-one evening eye treatment, this nourishing ceramide blend uses retinaldehyde to gently brighten, smooth and lift the delicate eye area. The best part? it's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin; just remember to increase your use gradually, rather than diving in the deep end.

If you're prone to fine lines and wrinkles (including crow's feet) this plumping formula will be a godsend in your evening routine. Targeting puffiness and dark circles also, it uses potent vitamin A derivatives to accelerate cell turnover and refine the skin's surface. The best part? It boasts a non-greasy texture that won't have you stuck in your pillowcase.

Boasting a hearty dose of antioxidant vitamin C to protect against pollution and free radicals, this high performance eye cream is perfect for anyone livin' la vida London.

Combining retinol and a blend of five plumping ceramides, it also works to reduce the look of wrinkles and minimise the pesky fine lines. Oh, and it also aids stubborn dark circles. What more could we ask for?

From Dr. Dennis Gross' acclaimed Retinol + Ferulic collection, this powerful serum marries retinol, rambutan, bakuchiol and ferulic acid for the ultimate crepey skin cure. It's light in texture, so ideal for anyone that doesn't like heavy creams, yet remains powerfully effective. Apply it to the entire eye area, including the 'elevens'. You can thank us later.

Encapsulated retinol is all the rage right now, and for good reason; the encapsulation process preserves the ingredient's stability and potency, while also allowing it to be released more slowly into the skin.

This dual-action formula is hard-working against creases and visible lines while also aiming to depuff tired, lacklustre complexions. Time to say goodbye to crow’s feet and frown lines.

As well as 6% retinol, Sunday Riley's vegan formula pedestals one of K-Beauty's best-loved extracts: soothing centella asiatica, which we love for tackling dryness around the delicate eye area. It's a fairly potent one, so not the best choice for sensitive souls, but those after something punchy for treating deepening lines are in the right place.

La Roche-Posay's French pharmacy approach to skincare has garnered it an unwavering worldwide fanbase - and this retinol eye cream is no exception.

This overnight remedy uses the brand's unique retinol booster complex to gently improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Fans have reported an improvement in dark circles and texture, as well as those pesky crow's feet.

As the name suggests, this nourishing formula is all about reversing the visible signs of ageing. It contains a whole menu of good-for-skin ingredients: think peptides and vitamin C for strengthening your precious skin barrier, oat proteins for plumping texture and niacinamide for stubborn dark circles. The ultimate option for fighting under-eye woes.

Another heavy-hitting option, Kate Somerville's forming formula is designed to feed and fortify more mature skin. As if the potent dose of retinol wasn't quite enough, it's boosted even further with supporting 'bioretinols', hyaluronic acid, and a resurfacing lime pearl extract, which helps remove and prevent the formation of milia.

Not just a cute jar, this K-beauty inspired melting eye mask is a truly effective skincare buy.

With vitamins C and E, avocado oil, niacinamide, caffeine and (of course) encapsulated retinol, this multi-tasking cream is the ultimate do-it-all investment. Luxuriously smooth in texture, rich in antioxidants and promising brighter skin over time? Yes, please.

Totally affordable and ideal for frequent travellers, this flight-friendly sized eye cream is easy to slip into any evening skincare routine. Like a cheat code for well-rested skincare, it promises smoother, firmer under-eye skin, without any of the irritation associated with punchier retinoids.