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Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

• Pros: It comes in a larger package than most of the eye creams on this list.
• Cons: It’s not hydrating enough for those with dryness around the eyes.

Whether you have dark spots or dark circles, this powerful formula, one of the best Paula’s Choice products, can help even them out, since it includes vitamin C, a beloved brightening agent. Plus, “the addition of bakuchiol and peptides supports retinol for increased collagen production to treat fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Jalalat. And for good measure, you’ll find hyaluronic acid and allantoin to keep skin calm and comfortable.

“My skin isn’t particularly sensitive, but I always prefer a retinol that has a creamy, lotion-like consistency as opposed to one that’s more serum-like,” says Earley. My dry skin really appreciates that extra bit of hydration, especially in the face of stronger actives like retinol. I will say, this one feels particularly strong and stings a bit upon application (something that’s not typical for me when using a product like this). I don’t necessarily mind it, because I can tolerate it and really like the idea that I’m using something really effective, but it’s worth considering if your skin is particularly sensitive.”

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

• Pros: Comes in three strengths; very moisturising; no stinging
• Cons: None

Sensitive skin types are particularly tricky to treat with retinol, but Medik8 formulated a super-gentle version. The cushiony cream comes in tap retinal, which works faster as it requires fewer conversion steps for our skin to make use of it, but releases slowly within the skin, meaning less potential for irritation. The cream comes in three strengths, so you can dial the potency up or down based on what your skin can tolerate.

“For a [retinal]-infused cream, this one feels so soothing. I was prepared for the usual sting that many of the retinol eye creams I’ve tried leave behind, but that wasn’t the case at all here,” says Spradley. “It feels very hydrating, not sticky, and even after a few days of use, my under-eyes weren’t dry and flaky. Instead, I could see smoothness pretty quickly.”

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Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Eye Cream

• Pros: Inexpensive; non-irritating
• Cons: No applicator

Instead of simply adding hyaluronic acid to the treatment to replenish what’s lost naturally, there’s an ingredient here called riboxyl that stimulates your own hyaluronic acid and collagen production. A dose of carrot extract, also in the formula, lowers its potential for irritation. Dab it on with a finger before bed, and the retinol will boost circulation and collagen production to diminish dark circles and fill in fine lines.

“I always brace myself for a little sting when I apply retinols, but this one had none,” says Spradley. “This one isn’t as creamy as others I’ve tried; it’s more fluid than others. But that actually helps it blend and absorb quickly, with less rubbing. It didn’t take long for the skin around my eyes to feel tighter, I’d say after about the third use.”

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The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

• Pros: Inexpensive; can also be used on laugh lines
• Cons: Not the best for dark circles; may be too strong for sensitive skin

The INKEY List proves that potent ingredients don’t have to be super expensive. For less than £15, a stabilised retinol slowly releases into the skin to gently smooth fine lines and brighten under-eye discolouration. To help replenish healthy-looking skin while preventing irritation from the potent star ingredient, there’s a soothing and moisturising blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

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First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream

• Pros: Slow-release retinol minimises irritation
• Cons: More expensive than other options

Without the right moisturisers added in, some retinol serums and creams can be very drying on the eyes. First Aid Beauty’s version prioritises moisture with a potent combo of squalane and ceramides. You can see from the addition of calming allantoin and oat kernel extract that the formula is ideal for sensitive skin, but it’ll just as effectively diminish dark spots and smooth wrinkles on any skin type.

“While fine lines aren’t yet on my radar in my under-eye area, I’m plagued with dark circles, so addressing discolouration is a must. Retinol can help even out skin tone, so I was excited to give this eye cream a go,” says Glamour’s commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “After using it for about two weeks, I have noticed that the area is a lot less prone to red and purple hues and is slowly but surely getting brighter and more radiant. I like that this one also contains squalane and ceramides to help prevent the area from drying out, as well.”