Hi there. I’ve used Retin-a for years, but of course my eyes cannot handle it. In general I have reactive skin and fragrances are often a problem for me. Does anyone have suggestions for eye creams and eye serums that contain retinoids or bakuchiol that are less likely to cause irritation? Thanks!
Have you tried applying some Vaseline on the eye area and then layering a bit of Retin-A on top? I've seen a lot of derms recommend and use the technique (as long as you're not prone to milia), since that lets you use the most proven retinoid for the eye area as well and it's an inexpensive hack.
But if you've already tried that or really want a different product, then I've heard a lot of good things about the Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream and the Paula's Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream (it's only got 0.01% retinol so it's extremely gentle, but also includes some nice peptides and THD ascorbate to boost effectiveness). If you're really sensitive, Versed has an eye balm which some people love with 1% granactive retinoid that shouldn't be as irritating as retinol. What I'm currently using is the Super Eye Serum from Verso, which contains retinyl retinoate - it's not at all irritating but after having used it for a couple of months, I'm still not sure if it's doing much.
If your eye area can handle retinal, then the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum and Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye (comes in 3 different strengths) are some popular and apparently really gentle and well tolerated products.
Inkey List has a really affordable retinol eye cream as well, but I didn't find it to do anything during the few months that I used it and I've seen some mixed reviews, so unless you're really looking for a budget option, I probably wouldn't go for it.
I am very sensitive and am trying the medik 8 retinol eye cream. So far so good!