Retinol around the eyes: how to use it without irritation

The skin around the eyes is thin and contains fewer sebaceous glands. An amount of retinol that works well on the cheeks can still cause dryness or redness here.

Do not start directly under the eye

Start along the orbital bone and keep a distance from the lash line and corners of the eyes. Retinol can spread through the skin; applying it closer is therefore not automatically more effective.

Create a gentle build-up schedule

Weeks 1 and 2: one evening per week. Weeks 3 and 4: only increase to two evenings if the skin remains completely calm. On other evenings, use only moisturizing care.

The sandwich method

For sensitive skin, you can apply a thin layer of mild cream first, then a small amount of retinol, and then cream again. This reduces the intensity without layering multiple actives.

When to stop

Pause if you experience burning, flaking, swelling, or persistent redness. Do not use retinol around the eyes during pregnancy without medical advice, and do not combine it with exfoliating acids on the same evening. SPF during the day is essential.

View suitable products

Check out MAYEE Eye Contour, an option for targeted hydration and care of the delicate eye contour. Also check out IK Skin Perfection HYALURON+, a mild hydrating serum that can also be used around the eyes. Which choice is appropriate depends on your complete routine and the sensitivity of your skin.

Personal advice

Can't figure it out? Send a message via the chat on sQincare.shop about what your skin is doing and which products you use. Yvonne or one of her qualified staff members will personally think along with you.

About the author

This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical aesthetician and owner of Salon Rustique and sQincare.shop. In case of pain, swelling, eczema, or persistent skin complaints, we advise an assessment by a physician.