We Tested 42 Eye Creams — These Were Our Favorites With Retinol

We Tested 42 Eye Creams — These Were Our Favorites With Retinol

As you age, the skin around your eyes is usually the first to show the signs. The delicate area of paper-thin skin is often subject to fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, pigmentation, and texture changes, as well as loss of fat and elasticity. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, can address many of these issues.

“I have been in practice for over 25 years, and I recommend retinol to everybody,” says Sandra Marchese Johnson, MD, dermatologist at Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and clinical professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She says she’s been using retinol nearly every day since being introduced to it in dermatology.

However, Dr. Johnson notes she did not use retinol during pregnancy, since it’s not suitable for those who are pregnant. Additionally, some people with very sensitive skin may find it irritating, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure (and the sun can render retinol inactive), so apply sunscreen or use it at night.

To help you find the best retinol eye creams, we tested more than 40 formulas for two weeks, assessing each one on how it made our skin feel and whether it was effective. We also consulted multiple experts on what to look for in over-the-counter retinol products and how to use retinol safely. We chose nine that had the best results.

retinol eye cream

Best for Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides

Pros

  • Fragrance-free formula made especially for sensitive skin
  • Encapsulated retinol may be gentler and less irritating
  • Squalane and ceramides add hydration while calming and soothing the skin
  • Noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Leaves behind a slightly greasy residue
  • Better for nighttime use than under makeup during the day

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Squalane, ceramides
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz
If you’ve got sensitive skin or are new to retinol, this is a great product to start with. It’s designed especially for sensitive skin, with encapsulated retinol. When retinol is encapsulated, each molecule of retinol is contained within a microscopic casing (usually a lipid), slowing its absorption, which may make it less likely to irritate the skin.

The eye cream also features squalane and ceramides, which work to hydrate, calm, and soothe the skin as well as strengthen the moisture barrier.

“I love this packaging,” says women’s health writer Grace Gallagher. “It dispenses such a tiny amount, perfect for around the eyes, so I don’t feel like I’m wasting any.” She says she may have noticed some softening of her fine lines as she tested the product, but mentions it is slightly greasy. “This wouldn’t be my top choice for layering under makeup — better for night,” she adds. 

retinol eye cream

Best Brightening

Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

Pros

  • Contains vitamin C to firm and brighten skin around the eyes
  • Rich, hydrating formula
  • Peptides to help lessen signs of aging
  • Low-strength retinol concentration can be used twice a day

Cons

  • Anti-aging results may be minimal given the low dose of retinol

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional Ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin C, peptides
  • Size: 0.5 fluid ounces
Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream covers several bases, so you can kill a few birds with one stone using this product. The ingredients include vitamin C, which studies have found useful for anti-aging, brightening, and minimizing age spots and undereye bags.

The cream also packs ceramides for extra hydration, and peptides, which can lessen signs of aging, preventing loss of firmness and elasticity.

“I'd call it rich and silky,” said writer Sarah Stankorb. “It goes on very thick, but within about a minute, it soaks in completely, leaving no product behind — though the area around the eyes feels lighter.” Stankorb said that she did notice her eyes looked brighter when using this cream, though she wished she saw even more improvement. With a low dose of retinol (0.01 percent), the product should be less irritating than stronger retinol products, but results could be limited.

retinol eye cream

Best for Fine Lines

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Pros

  • Addresses fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles
  • Affordable and easy to find at local stores
  • Lightweight formula works well under makeup
  • Paraben- and sulfate-free

Cons

  • Not as rich as some other eye creams; some may want something more nourishing for night wear

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Glycerin
  • Size: 0.5 oz

Lightweight but still hydrating with ingredients like glycerin, RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream was Sarah Stankorb’s favorite during testing. “While other creams may cost more or come in fancier packaging, this is the best I’ve ever used,” says Stankorb, a health writer. “It works quickly on circles and fine lines, leaving an overall more youthful eye.”

It’s also dermatologist-recommended. “This hydrating eye cream delivers stabilized retinol in a nonirritating formula made for sensitive eye skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “It can moisturize the skin, and with continued use, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

We like that it addresses several signs of aging: fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.

The packaging recommends using this product in the morning and at night, but users should be diligent about wearing sunscreen if using retinol during the day. Some may wish for a richer product for their night eye cream; however, Stankorb sang this product’s praises for both daytime and nighttime wear.

retinol eye cream

Best for Dry Skin

No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream

Pros

  • Super hydrating, rich cream meant for nighttime use
  • Shea butter and hyaluronic acid deliver moisture to the skin
  • High 0.5 percent retinol

Cons

  • Anti-aging effects may be minimal
  • Leaves a greasy residue for some

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Shea butter, hyaluronic acid
  • Size: 0.5 oz

Retinol can dry out your skin, especially when you first start using it. If you already have dry skin, that’s a real downer. But No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream is super hydrating thanks to the inclusion of shea butter and hyaluronic acid. This cream is meant to be used at night. It’s a little more rich than those meant to double as a daytime eye cream.

“I do feel my under-eye skin was more hydrated after continuous use,” says editor Katie Tuttle. She adds that she didn’t experience any irritation from this product, but she also didn’t see any major anti-aging results. Tuttle notes the cream leaves a slight greasy residue, but that it absorbed after a few minutes. 

eye serum roller

Best for Puffiness

Grace & Stella De-Puffing Eye Elixir

Pros

  • Caffeine and a cooling roller ball applicator soothe puffy eyes
  • Peptides and niacinamide reduce signs of aging
  • Hydrating and moisturizing serum 

Cons

  • Application method makes it difficult to tell when product has run out

Key Specs

  • Type: Serum roller
  • Additional ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, niacinamide
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz
This retinol serum not only address wrinkles but also puffy eyes, thanks to caffeine and the cooling roller ball applicator.

 “This product is great for reducing puffiness,” says beauty and skin care writer Jill Di Donato. “I noticed within two weeks of consistent use, morning and night, the skin beneath my eyes is less puffy. My under-eye area also feels more hydrated with regular use.”

Di Donato says it’s perfect for tired eyes first thing in the morning. She notes the cooling roller ball felt great when applied, though it does make it difficult to know when the product has run out.

Ingredients also include anti-aging peptides and niacinamide, which may preserve and promote collagen production as well as promote elastin production.


retinol eye cream

Best Drugstore Find

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream

Pros

  • Readily available and affordable at drugstores
  • Hyaluronic acid delivers hydration to the eye area
  • Targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free

Cons

  • May be tingly and irritating, especially to those new to retinol

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
  • Size: 0.5 fl oz
With hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid, this retinol eye cream targets fine lines, crow’s feet, and dark spots.

It’s likely available at your local pharmacy or grocery store. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, which may be important if you’ve got sensitive skin.

“It was very easy to apply; the applicator was great,” says writer Julia Childs Heyl. “I just squeezed a bit of product onto my finger and applied it. The cream absorbed quickly.”

Heyl was new to retinol when she started testing this product. She did notice a tingling, irritated sensation when using it. This one might be best for those who have already been using retinol. If you’re a new user, go slowly. Use a small amount every other day, or even every two days.

eye cream

Best for Full Face

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Pros

  • Can be used for the full face
  • Delivers noticeable results
  • Hyaluronic acid helps counteract any drying from the retinol
  • Swertia flower extract included for more anti-aging benefits

Cons

  • Pump bottle may lead to some product waste

Key Specs

  • Type: Serum for full face
  • Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Swertia flower extract
  • Size: 1 fl oz
While this serum is meant for the whole face, editor Ashley Ziegler reported great results to the skin around her eyes during testing of this product. The hyaluronic acid helps counteract any drying the retinol may otherwise cause. The ingredients also include Swertia flower extract, which has been used for anti-aging and skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

“I think it helped tighten up the skin around my eyes a bit,” says Ziegler. She says this product delivered noticeable results and that she’d recommend it to a friend. “I love Murad products, and I think this one lives up to my high expectations.”

Ziegler notes the pump bottle may lead to some product waste. It’s also worth noting that this is the most expensive product on our list, so be sure to consult your budget before purchasing. 

retinol eye cream

Best Lightweight Formula

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eyes Cream

Pros

  • More lightweight than many nighttime eye creams
  • Absorbs upon application
  • Fragrance-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free
  • Niacinamide helps with anti-aging; glycerin adds hydration

Cons

  • May be too lightweight for those with very dry skin
  • Product may be hard to find; only available at some retailers
  • Application may be messy

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
  • Size: 0.5 oz

This night cream claims to moisturize the skin for 24 hours while addressing fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and uneven skin tone. It’s free of fragrance, dyes, and phthalates. Niacinamide aids in anti-aging, while glycerin adds hydration to the skin.

“It’s lightweight but not runny (still has some weight to it),” says Ziegler. “It goes on smoothly and feels nice on the skin.” Ziegler describes the product as “silky” and says it absorbed immediately into the skin. However, she found the application to be a bit messy, since it’s packaged in a pot, though she says this does cut down on product waste.

Those with very dry skin may need a richer product than this super lightweight formula. We also found this product a bit hard to find at typical retailers. 

eye cream

Best Retinol Alternative

Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

Pros

  • Includes bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol
  • Can be used in the morning and evening
  • Addresses wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness
  • Includes vitamin E and glycerin to help keep skin moisturized
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Pump-style bottle may waste some product

Key Specs

  • Type: Cream
  • Additional ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin
  • Size: 0.5 oz
Pregnant or nursing? It’s often advised not to use retinol if you’ve got a bun in the oven, and some prefer to extend that hiatus throughout their breastfeeding journey (though the research on retinol’s risk to nurslings is contradictory).

Others may choose to avoid retinol if their skin is sensitive to it. But if you’re still looking for a robust anti-aging product sans retinol, bakuchiol has entered the chat. It’s a retinol alternative derived from the purple babchi flower. It’s often used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine and may have anti-aging properties.

“I absolutely noticed a difference under my eyes. I have dark circles, which run in my family,” says editor Lili Ladaga, who tested this product. “After two weeks, there was a notable lightening of my dark circles. I’ve tried many eye creams that promised to diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles, but this is the only one that has worked for me.”

It’s quite the review from Ladaga, who describes the product as “smooth and creamy” with a lightweight consistency. Her only complaint is that it’s easy to pump out too much when using the pump-style bottle, and the top doesn’t come off, so it may lead to some wasted product.

Comparison Table

Superlative
Product Type
Additional Ingredients
Size
Buy Now
Best for sensitive skin
Cream
Squalane, ceramides
0.5 fl oz
Best brightening
Cream
Vitamin C, ceramides, peptides
0.5 fl oz
Best for fine lines
Cream
Glycerin
0.5 fl oz
Best for dry skin
Cream
Shea butter, hyaluronic acid
0.5 fl oz
Best for puffiness
Serum with roller ball applicator
Caffeine, peptides, niacinamide
0.5 fl oz
Best drugstore find
Cream
Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
0.5 fl oz
Best for full face
Serum
Hyaluronic acid, Swertia flower extract
1 fl oz
Best lightweight formula
Cream
Niacinamide, glycerin
0.5 oz
Best retinol alternative
Cream
Vitamin E, glycerin
0.5 oz

Other Notable Retinol Eye Creams We Tried

Park Perfection 2-in-1 Instant Eye Lift promises to address crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles thanks to ingredients like purified algae extract, vitamin C and B12, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and more. While Ladaga says it’s lightweight and nongreasy, and she noticed her skin tightening during testing, she also experienced itchiness and dryness. She recommends using a very small amount, as it may not wear well underneath makeup.

Writer Raki Swanson found Ilia Bright Start Alternative Retinol Eye Cream easy to apply (the tube itself is the applicator). “This little head of the tube sort of works like a massager, so I used it to massage my skin,” she says, calling the product lightweight. “Immediately, my skin feels woken up,” she adds. “It doesn’t have a tingle to it, but when this is absorbed, you feel awake — like your skin was sleeping and then this was added, and now, it’s awake. It is not greasy, but instantly hydrated and smooth.” We considered this for our retinol alternative category due to its inclusion of anti-aging sea fennel extract, but ultimately, Burt’s Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream garnered better results.

How We Tested Retinol Eye Creams

Our team of writers, editors, and product testers tested 42 eye creams for two weeks, all with different benefits to the skin. All testers filled out an insights sheet about their experience with their product. We then narrowed our selection to those that included retinol, weighing how each performed: whether we noticed a difference after use, how they made our skin feel, how they wore under makeup, how easy they were to apply, and whether they delivered on their promises. We chose nine that had the best results, showing improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and more.

We also interviewed Sandra Marchese Johnson, MD, at Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, as well as  Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, about skin care and retinol use, including how to begin a retinol regimen, how to lessen irritation, and what to look for in a retinol eye cream. 

I have been using retinol on and off for several years (taking breaks for pregnancy and the first 1.5 years of breastfeeding), so I know the ins and outs of starting a retinol regimen (and restarting one). I have worked as a journalist for nearly 15 years, often covering health and beauty content. 

What to Look for When Buying Retinol Eye Creams

Johnson says she prefers when retinol products list retinol as the first ingredient. Not all retinol eye creams list the concentration of retinol included, but if you can determine the percentage, it’s best to start with a lower dose if you’ve never used retinol before.

“One needs to be careful with retinol around the eyes,” says Johnson. “The eyelid skin and the neck skin are the most sensitive on the body. It is important to build collagen around the eyes, but there are other ingredients that are also very important.”

Retinol products that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can accelerate the anti-aging properties and ease any drying or irritation that retinol may cause.

What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages of Retinol?

“Some of the benefits of retinol include passive exfoliation of your skin, removal of surface irregularities, building of collagen and dermis,” says Johnson. She adds that most retinols also have anti-inflammatory properties. Retinol helps accelerate skin cell turnover, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, sun damage, and more, leading to clearer, younger-looking skin.

“When used improperly, retinol can dehydrate your skin,” says Johnson. “You should also not use it when you’re pregnant.”

Studies have shown that side effects from retinoids usually depend on dose. These side effects are referred to as retinoid dermatitis, or skin irritation at the site of application. Applying retinol around the eyes can also cause ocular discomfort and dry eye syndrome.

Can You Use Eye Cream With Retinol Every Day?

If your skin tolerates retinol well, you can use retinol eye cream every day. Dermatologists generally recommend people start using retinol every other day or every two days, gradually increasing to every day as the skin builds a tolerance to it.

Users can follow the instructions on their retinol eye cream product once their skin has acclimated to using it a few times a week. “I usually recommend starting retinol as a pea-sized drop to cover the entire face,” says Johnson. “Oftentimes, we will recommend starting every other day and then building up every day as tolerated.”

Some of the retinol products on this list recommend using twice a day, and the products contain varying amounts of retinol. Be sure to use sunscreen if your retinol eye cream is meant to be used during the daytime, as it can increase sun sensitivity, and exposure to sunlight can degrade the retinol so it’s not as effective.

Are There Any Products or Ingredients That Should Be Avoided During Retinol Use?

Johnson says when using retinol, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid other exfoliators, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, as they could increase the risk of irritation. Topical vitamin C may also increase the risk of irritation during retinol use.

It may also help to alternate the use of chemical exfoliators or vitamin C and retinol, using retinol at night and other potentially irritating products in the morning.

Dr. Zeichner recommends retinol at night. “The morning is a time of protection and prevention,” he says. “I recommend a vitamin C serum under your sunscreen. The evening is a time of hydration and repair. I tell my patients to apply a moisturizer along with a collagen-stimulating ingredient like retinol, bakuchiol, peptides, or hydroxy acids.” It’s best not to overload your skin with too many active ingredients at once.

“Also, you want to be careful if you ever wax your face,” says Johnson. “You should not wax your face while using retinol.” Studies have found those who wax their face during retinol use may experience inflammation.

FAQ

Is retinol good for under the eyes?

Retinol may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes. However, the skin under the eyes can be very sensitive. It’s important to take notice of how your skin is responding to retinol eye cream; retinol isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of anti-aging products available without retinol.

“I recommended retinol to my children when they were in their early teens,” says Johnson. “I think retinol also helps to prevent acne, in addition to all of the wonderful anti-aging that it does.”

Anyone who wants to see more skin cell turnover, anti-aging benefits, and acne reduction can try a retinol, except if they are pregnant or using a product or medication that warns against retinol usage.

It’s best to start with a product with a low percentage of retinol and use it every other day or less. There’s often an adjustment period, where users may see dry skin, irritation, and even acne. As your skin develops a tolerance to retinol, you can use it more often and look for products with a higher percentage of retinol.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.
Nicole Bonaccorso

Nicole Bonaccorso

Author

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

Orlando de Guzman

Fact-Checker

Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.

De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.

De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.

Olivia Campbell

Editor

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History. She is a freelance editor at Dotdash Meredith and a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, New York Magazine, Health, Parents, History, and The Guardian, among other outlets.

Campbell received a journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's in science writing from Johns Hopkins University, where she now acts as a thesis advisor. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.

Campbell lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and two cats.

Grace Gallagher

Tester

Grace Gallagher is a writer with nearly a decade of experience writing about health and wellness, focusing on hair, sexual wellness, pregnancy, and parenting. She also works full-time as the lead hair health writer for the Hims blog.

Grace received a bachelor's degree from Hobart William Smith College and an MFA in creative writing from Hunter College, and her work has appeared in Health, Shape, Verywell Mind and Verywell Health, Parents, Romper, Healthline, Greatist, and more.

Sarah Stankorb

Tester

Sarah Stankorb is a freelance health writer who specializes in writing about women's health, rare diseases, and healthcare.

For years she reported for Cincinnati Children's Research Methods, making cutting-edge medical research accessible to families and scientists across disciplines. She's covered rare diseases for patient-facing publications and covered health topics for a range of publications including O Magazine, The Atlantic, and Proto.

Sarah has earned a Society of Professional Journalists’ Excellence in Journalism, Best Community Issues Story award, and her first book, Disobedient Women, was a national bestseller.

She lives in Ohio with her family.

Katie Tuttle

Tester

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.

Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.

When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

Jill Di Donato

Tester

Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.

Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.

She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.

Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Tester

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

Lili Ladaga

Lili Ladaga

Tester
Lili Ladaga is a freelance editor on the Marketplace Team at Everyday Health.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Armitage H. Does retinol deserve the hype? A Stanford dermatologist weighs in. Stanford Medicine News Center. August 6, 2020.
  2. Fang Y et al. Mitigation of retinol‐induced skin irritation by physiologic lipids: Evidence from patch testing. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. August 2024.
  3. What Is Squalane? Cleveland Clinic. December 23, 2022.
  4. Yong TL et al. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights. Experimental Dermatology. February 2025.
  5. Fisher J. Skin care for aging skin: Minimizing age spots, wrinkles, and undereye bags. Harvard Health Publishing. December 12, 2024.
  6. Pintea A et al. Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules. January 9, 2025.
  7. Harwood A et al. Moisturizers. StatPearls. February 12, 2024.
  8. Thanaporn Amnuaikit et al. Evaluation of Caffeine Gels on Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vivo Efficacy in Reducing Puffy Eyes. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2011.
  9. Marques C et al. Mechanistic Insights into the Multiple Functions of Niacinamide: Therapeutic Implications and Cosmeceutical Applications in Functional Skincare Products. Antioxidants. March 2024.
  10. Bravo B et al. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. December 2022.
  11. Kumar V et al. A Review of Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae) as a Traditional Medicinal Plant. Frontiers in Pharmacology. January 2016.
  12. Panchaud A et al. Pregnancy Outcome Following Exposure to Topical Retinoids: A Multicenter Prospective Study. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. December 2012.
  13. Motamedi M et al. A Clinician’s Guide to Topical Retinoids. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. January 2022.
  14. Chaudhuri RK et al. Bakuchiol: a retinol‐like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti‐aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. June 2014.
  15. Huang H et al. Full-component extract of Crithmum maritimum and its effect on epidermal regeneration. RSC Advances. January 2025.
  16. Thierry O et al. A Placebo-Controlled Study Demonstrates the Long-Lasting Anti-Aging Benefits of a Cream Containing Retinol, DihydroxyMethylChromone (DMC) and Hyaluronic Acid. Journal of Cosmetics Dermatological Sciences and Applications. January 2012.
  17. Milosheska D et al. Use of Retinoids in Topical Antiaging Treatments: A Focused Review of Clinical Evidence for Conventional and Nanoformulations. Advances in Therapy. October 2022.
  18. Tolleson WH et al. Photodecomposition and Phototoxicity of Natural Retinoids. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. April 2005.
  19. Retinol. Cleveland Clinic. June 17, 2022.
  20. McDaniel DH et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a double‐conjugated retinoid cream vs 1.0% retinol cream or 0.025% tretinoin cream in subjects with mild to severe photoaging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. December 2017.