Olay Eyes Pro Retinol Eye Cream Anti-Wrinkle Treatment for Crow's Feet, 0.5 fl oz

Why it's worth it

Olay's eye cream uses retinyl propionate, a milder relative of retinol, and the brand says crow's feet look reduced in four weeks. The texture stays light enough for oily and combination skin, which rules out most of the richer eye creams.

Retinyl propionate sits at the gentler end of the retinoid family. It converts to the active form more slowly than pure retinol, which usually means less stinging and less flaking through the first few weeks. You give up some speed in exchange. If you've tried retinol around your eyes before and quit because it hurt, that's a trade worth making rather than giving up on retinoids entirely.

It's aimed at crow's feet specifically, not at every under-eye complaint at once. Olay's claim is a visible reduction in crow's feet in four weeks, with the skin surface renewing over longer stretches. The lateral lines that fan out when you smile are exactly what retinoids handle best. Deep-set creases soften rather than disappear. Judge it around the two-month mark, not the two-week mark.

From our review of 5 eye creams, by Sarah Wright, Editorial Associate

What we like

• +Retinyl propionate sits at the gentler end of the retinoid family
• +It's aimed at crow's feet specifically, not at every under-eye complaint at once
• +The light texture suits oily and combination skin

What to know

• –It's milder than our top pick, and you'll feel that in the results
• –There's no sun protection, and retinoids need it