As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t put any eye cream (especially a retinol-based one) on your eyelids unless the directions specifically say that it’s okay to do so. This formula is one of those rare ones that can be applied around the entire eye, including on the lids, ensuring you get a 360-degree anti-aging effect. Because it’s a serum, the silky texture sinks into the skin beautifully. And as far as retinol goes, this formula touts a retinoid complex that combines a time-released version of the ingredient with a fast-acting one, plus a booster that ups the efficacy of both. Reviewers do note that this can cause irritation on very sensitive skin, so it’s probably not suitable if you have eczema or psoriasis-prone skin type. To ensure your skin doesn't get too irritated, look for retinol products that are formulated with moisturizing ingredients like niacinamideor B3, which help to calm inflammation. This is even more important when it comes to extra-sensitive parts of the skin. Fenton recommends choosing a product specifically made for the eye area if using retinol around your eyes. They’re specially formulated to be extra hydrating and minimize the likelihood of irritation.

When it comes to over-the-counter skincare products that actually yield noticeable results, Dr. Dennis Gross is one brand you can count on, and the Triple Correction Eye Serum is no exception. Right off the bat, we loved the airtight container, which houses the runny liquid securely. The serum boasts a cooling, depuffing effect that feels nice first thing in the morning.Yes, technically there’s no retinol in this formula but we think it deserves a place on the list because some people truly can’t tolerate retinol at all. Not to mention that it’s a no-no when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The next best thing? Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown in studies to have almost identical anti-aging effects to retinol but without any side effects. It’s the star of the show in this creamy balm, which also boasts caffeine and algae to tighten, firm, and de-puff. There is also a slew of hydrating ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides—that help to give this blend its pleasingly rich texture. This is one of the most expensive options on our list, but if retinol really doesn’t work for you, it’s well worth it for the results.

Louise S. Disappointing You can't use this during the day as it oxides and leaves you with orange panda eyes!Anyone looking to brighten their under eyes will benefit from this formula, but especially those with dark circles and signs of tiredness. To achieve optimal health as well as beautiful, healthy looking skin, Dr Murad believes in a multi prong approach that includes: cellular hydration, nutrition, exercise that brings joy, creative expression, reconnecting with your “inner toddler,” reducing stress, as well as the right skin care. One of the cornerstones of his philosophy is to get enough water at the cellular level. He believes that cellular hydration is the common thread linking aging, disease, obesity, and wrinkles. This translates into drinking more than the recommended eight glasses of water a day. People should also aim to eat their water from consuming raw fruits and vegetables. We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

It’s used in several Murad products, such as Vita-C Glycolic Serum, Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial, Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, and more.Dr Murad is a board-certified dermatologist, a trained pharmacist and an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. He is the founder of Murad Skincare and author of multiple books, including “The Water Secret,” the “Cellulite Solution,” and “Wrinkle Free Forever.” He’s also the president of the University for Inclusive Health, and continues to see patients at his practice in California. The only con is that it takes a few minutes to really sink into the skin. Learn from our mistakes and give the serum a few minutes to absorb before applying products like concealer on top of it.

The skin around the eyes is naturally thin and fragile, making it more susceptible to the aging process as collagen and elastin fibers break down with age,” Fenton explains. “We also have a lot of movement in the area as we smile, squint, and rub our eyes, which further induces the formation of wrinkles.” We didn’t mind it, but we occasionally experienced a slight tingling sensation immediately after application. It’s not a dealbreaker for us, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have super-sensitive skin. While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for. If you want to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area, there is no ingredient more scientifically proven than retinol. Yes, every dermatologist’s favorite ingredient is raved about for its ability to help stimulate collagen, retain water, and smooth the texture of the skin. But retinol is very powerful and can cause some irritation, so it needs to be used carefully and in the right potency, especially around the eyes. We asked New York City dermatologists Jeremy Fenton, MD, and Morgan Rabach, MD, for their advice. Murad products contain clinical–strength ingredients and the formulas are a mix of naturally derived extracts, such as green tea and pomegranate, as well as evidence-based ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These ingredients should all be part of your skincare routine. Here’s why:The idea behind Murad Essential-C is to give consumers a skin care option that delivers powerful antioxidants, as well as some effective UV protection. Gentle formulations: Doctor of a nursing practice Dr. Jodi LoGerfo previously told Byrdie that the skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face and is prone to damage. That said, an eye serum should both heal and maintain that sensitive skin. If for any reason a formula makes your skin sting or itch, skip it. The goal here is nourishment, not irritation. Murad has been a staple skincare brand for decades, and for very good reason. Dr. Murad and the formulated team behind the brand, are experts in their fields and have been at the forefront of innovative in the beauty industry. One of their most fascinating ranges is their Techceuticals range. The products within this range, like the Murad Techno Ceuticals Brightening Boost, are all booster like products which draw from the latest and greatest actives which target some of our most pressing skincare concerns. The range currently 3 concentrated formulas with varying ingredients and aspects. Looking specifically at the Brightening Boost Concentrate, this product utilizes two complexes that were created by the brand for this product. Starting with the Reactiv Cell Technology, this blend of ingredients includes peptides and antioxidants to re-energize the skin and increase skin vibrancy. Their patented brightening technology on the other hand contains niacinamide and hexylresorcinol, which work together to target all of the different types of hyperpigmentation to fade scarring and create a more even skin tone overall. Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel is an extra-strength 10% glycolic acid anti-aging treatment peel. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It has a small molecular weight, which means it can penetrate the skin very easily. It exerts anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects, and acts as both an exfoliator and a moisturizer. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more elastic skin. Glycolic acid is classified as a humectant moisturizer based on its ability to increase the supply of hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix. AHAs have also been found to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is needed to maintain strong, firm, youthful skin.