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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Overall:<\/strong> Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal<\/h2>\n\n
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Beauty of Joseon<\/p>\n
Revive Eye Serum<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal is making the rounds on TikTok\u2014and we get it. Not only is this an Allure Korea<\/em> 2023 Best of Beauty editor’s pick, but it also has an accessible price point, especially considering that it’s formulated with stabilized retinal to minimize irritation while smoothing fine lines and texture. Ginseng is at the heart of this formula, which boosts circulation, collagen production, and brightness\u2014so all in all, this duo is a winning one. And no, that\u2019s not a typo\u2014we really do mean retinal<\/em>. Retinal is one step closer to active retinoic acid than retinol, meaning it can deliver collagen-boosting, line-smoothing benefits more efficiently. In fact, \u201cretinal is 10 times more potent than retinol,\u201d Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, previously told Allure<\/em>. Still, this gentle formula minimizes the risk of peeling or irritation.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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“By the time I get around to eye cream at night, I’m ready to dive into bed\u2014so this serum-like texture is perfect because it absorbs so quickly, and more importantly, my undereyes look a tad brighter the next morning. At 32, my skin is still pretty taut, so I haven\u2019t seen fine lines pop up yet, but I like to think that this eye cream is helping my skin stay firm and hydrated. Prevention is key, folks!\u201d \u2014Sarah Han, commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> ginseng root extract (10%), retinal liposome (2%)<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people looking to address dullness and fine lines<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> gel-like serum<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Beginners:<\/strong> Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eyes 3<\/h2>\n\n
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Medik8<\/p>\n
Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eyes 3<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eyes is the eye-brightening complement to the editor-beloved Crystal Retinal face serum, and it\u2019s similarly offered in progressive strengths: level 3 for beginners, level 6 for regular vitamin A users, and level 10 for those well-versed in retinal. Unlike retinol, which requires two conversion steps to become active in the skin, retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde) needs only one, making it faster and more effective at targeting fine lines and crepiness. \u201cIn addition, the retinal in this formula is dual encapsulated, so it allows for ultra-slow release to decrease the risk of irritation,\u201d says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and strengthen the delicate eye-area barrier, while chamomile extract adds antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cI wondered: Could my sensitive eyes actually handle this formula? I started with the beginner-friendly strength 3, which uses 0.03% retinal, and\u2014much to my relief\u2014my eyes didn\u2019t experience any of the irritation I was bracing for. What did<\/em> happen was that after a few weeks, my dark circles looked noticeably lighter and the whole undereye area felt smoother and less creepy.\u201d \u2014Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> 0.03% retinaldehyde, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, chamomile extra<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with mature skin dealing with fine lines, discoloration, or uneven texture<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> cream<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Advanced Users:<\/strong> Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum<\/h2>\n\n
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Perricone MD<\/p>\n
High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> If this isn\u2019t your first rodeo with retinol and you\u2019re looking to switch things up, Perricone MD High Potency Triple Retinol Renewal Eye Serum features\u2014you guessed it\u2014three forms of retinol (encapsulated retinol, retinol ester, phyto-retinol) to deliver serious smoothing powers. The serum pairs its actives with barrier-friendly support from squalane, niacinamide, allantoin, ceramide NP, and multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to offset the intensity that seasoned users might expect. \u201cThis formula is particularly helpful for the delicate upper eyelid and surrounding area to firm and lift while improving overall texture,\u201d says Dr. Spearman, noting that the upper lid often shows thinning and laxity earlier than the undereye. Antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, licorice root, and carrot extract round out the formula, delivering brightening benefits while helping shield the delicate eye area from free-radical damage.<\/p>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> encapsulated retinol, retinol ester, phyto-retinol (amounts undisclosed), coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people who have experience with retinol<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> serum<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Dry Skin:<\/strong> Fig. 1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream<\/h2>\n\n
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Fig. 1 Beauty<\/p>\n
Pro-Retinol Eye Cream<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> If traditional retinol has ever made your eye area rough, flaky, or otherwise dry, Fig.1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream stands out for its inclusion of pro-retinol (retinyl palmitate), a gentler vitamin A derivative that delivers smoothing, line-refining benefits without harsh side effects. The formula pairs this slow-and-steady active with barrier-supporting hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while emollients such as squalane and ceramides \u201clock in moisture and temper the potentially irritating effects of retinol,\u201d says Dr. Lin.<\/p>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> pro-retinol (a.k.a. retinyl palmitate; amount undisclosed), glycerin, evening primrose oil, meadowfoam seed oil, ceramides<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with sensitive, dry skin and fine lines<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> cream<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Dark Circles:<\/strong> Ranavat Brightening Retinol Eye Creme<\/h2>\n\n
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Ranavat<\/p>\n
Brightening Retinol Eye Creme<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Ranavat tested five different forms of retinol before choosing micro-encapsulated retinol as the hero active for its Brightening Retinol Eye Cr\u00e8me. \u201cMicro-encapsulated retinol delivers vitamin A in a controlled way, helping improve pigmentation and fine lines with a lower risk of irritation. Bakuchi seed adds extra brightening support by working similarly to retinol\u2014but as a gentler, plant-based alternative,\u201d says Dr. Rambhia. Its creamy, cushiony texture comes from a blend of shea butter, glycerin, and nourishing oils like sunflower, sesame, and cottonseed. Inspired by Ayurvedic practices, the formula also features saffron (which lends its naturally tinted color), manjistha, lotus, turmeric, licorice root, and other traditional botanicals to boost radiance and visibly even tone.<\/p>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> micro-encapsulated retinol (percentage undisclosed), saffron, bakuchi seed, glycerin<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> cream<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Drugstore:<\/strong> RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream<\/h2>\n\n
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RoC<\/p>\n
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> The RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream is a three-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, and, no surprise, it has the derm appreciation to back it. Both Dr. Marchbein and Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Canton, Michigan, recommend it for anyone targeting fine lines. It also happens to be one of the most budget-friendly picks on this list. The texture is lightweight and silky, layers nicely under makeup, and helps improve skin firmness over time.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cI experience a lot of undereye puffiness, thanks to insomnia and an inconsistent sleep schedule, but I’ve seen an overall reduction in puffiness since I started using this cream. Despite how little sleep I might’ve gotten the night before, I wake up with refreshed-looking eyes.\u201d \u2014Han, commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> retinol (amount undisclosed), vitamin E, mineral complex of zinc, copper, magnesium (which aids in the formation of collagen)<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> everyone, including retinol beginners<\/li>\nConsistency:<\/strong> cream<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Prescription-Strength:<\/strong> Musely The Eye Serum<\/h2>\n\n
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Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> If you weren’t aware, Musely makes it simple to order prescription-level formulas (including those with tretinoin) through a board-certified dermatologist without ever leaving your home. \u201cTretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, doesn’t need to go through any conversions, so it is readily available and faster-acting” than other retinoids, Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson, Arizona and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, has previously told Allure<\/em>. Basically, this stuff is potent<\/em>. However, while the actual retinoid is strong, this particular formula contains a very mild 0.001% concentration of tretinoin and is cushioned by skin-soothing ingredients, such as inflammation-reducing niacinamide and bisabolol (also known as chamomile) and tacrolimus, an ingredient commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis that also increases the production of collagen to smooth out the look of wrinkles.<\/p>\n