4 Collagen-Boosting Eye Creams & Serums That Experts And Customers Are Raving Over This Winter
1. Avéne RetinAL EYES ($49.50)
This 3-in-1 eye cream contains four key ingredients: retinaldehyde, which is shown to be more effective than retinol, according to the manufacturer, hydrating hyaluronic acid, dextran sulfate to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, and Avene thermal spring water to help smoothen and calm the skin. The texture is described as a yellow-tinted balm that softens your skin without making it greasy, and helps leave your under-eye area softer and brighter.
The best part? It's a great choice for sensitive skin – because, remember, the skin around your eyes can be more sensitive than most. According to one reviewer: "I have fair skin that's sensitive and in my 40s. My dermatologist specifically recommended this eye cream. I do one pump for both eyes at night. Half a pump each. I enjoy the consistency. Not too thick and not too thin. I can tell a difference immediately with the hydration and brightening around my eyes. I highly recommend giving it a try!"
2. Neostrata Comprehensive Retinol Eye & Night Serum ($62)
With retinol as one of its top key ingredients, this eye cream is described as "potent" and ideal for addressing both dark circles and wrinkles. The amount of retinol in this cream is on the lighter side–just 0.05%—but it's important not to overdo it with retinol in this sensitive area because it can make your eyes irritated.
The cream also contains NeoGlucosamine, a non-acid amino sugar that helps diminish fine lines, and a dual peptide blend to target dark circles. Neostrata has a reputable name in skincare and its reviewers vouch for this pick. One writes, "Eye cream does just what they say it will do. Keeps crow's feet at bay. Fine lines no longer visible."
3. Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream ($99)
This luxury eye cream contains retinol, hyaluronic acid, a blend of "Bidens Pilosa Extract," all of which help boost collagen, tighten the skin around your eyes, and impart major hydration.
According to one reviewer: "The BEST eye cream out there!!! Gently exfoliates tender sensitive skin around the eyes (upper and lower lids) while smoothing and eventually eliminating fine lines making a VERY NOTICEABLE difference resulting in a MUCH YOUNGER appearance! 100 STARS!!!" This cream is a bit more expensive than the others on the list, but reviewers say it's well worth it.
4. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème ($34.99)
Fine lines and sagging skin under the eyes calls for a cream that will provide elasticity and firmness to the area. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner tells us, "If you have crepey skin under the eyes, look for an eye cream that contains retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that stimulates collagen and elastin to firm and strengthen the skin."
According to Zeichner, the Roc Retinol Max Correxion Eye Cream will be your best bet as it "contains a stabilized form of retinol in a specialized formula designed for the under eye area."
The Bottom Line
Overall, while these are four go-to and often praised eye cream ingredients, our experts suggest visiting your dermatologist for more personalized and specific recommendations.
Skincare expert Madelyn Cusimano, esthetician for The A Method, concludes that eye creams work best when paired with another retinol product (your dermatologist can help you find one that suits your needs).
Retinol, she says, will help "feed the collagen and encourage cell turnover, while the peptide will help support all the progress the skin is making." Both, she stresses, "work on collagen stimulation and strengthening the skin."