In this blog post I’ll share some of the best Korean eye cream for fine lines, because if there’s two things I love to try on a regular basis it’s Korean skincare and eye creams.
The best way to prevent and reduce fine lines is by using a retinoid, but sometimes a facial retinoid can be too much for the sensitive skin around the eye.
For that reason, most of these recommendations will contain a retinoid, meaning they can’t be used in your skincare routine during pregnancy.
Some links
1. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Ginseng + Retinal
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is one of my favorite products and is a reliable eye cream that I use regularly on my night time rotation. The key ingredients are 0.02% retinaldehdyde and 10% ginseng extract.
Retinaldehyde is a vitamin A derivative that I personally really like. It’s quite uncommon but lots of brands are catching on and including it in their formulas over retinol.
It is ‘stronger’ than retinol but ‘weaker’ than prescription strength. I use inverted commas because you can’t directly compare retinoids in this way, but you get the idea.
Especially in this 0.02% formula that also prioritises skin hydration, I think a retinoid newbie shouldn’t fear the strength of this.
This eye cream has a lightweight texture and is one of the best sellers amongst the popular group of Korean eye creams.
In my opinion it is one of the best eye creams for tackling brightness and anti ageing in one.
There is no fragrance in this product.
2. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream contains bakuchiol which is often called a ‘retinoid alternative’ but it is not really the same as a retinoid at all.
That doesn’t make it a bad ingredient, it’s just a false comparison.
Bakuchiol is made from natural ingredients that have been shown to have similar results as retinoids, but the findings are still very early compared to the decades of research on retinoids like Tretinoin.
If you’re pregnant, switching from a retinoid eye cream to a bakuchiol eye cream could be a great stop gap.
However, this is no conclusive evidence to suggest it is either harmful or not harmful during pregnancy.
For this reason I recommend speaking to your dermatologist or GP before using it during pregnancy.
Bakuchiol is also kinder to the skin barrier, meaning there is much less risk of irritation vs. a retinoid eye cream.
Overall, this is a gentle eye cream that is promising for anti aging benefits, but does not have as much research surrounding it. There is no fragrance in this product.
3. Torriden – Cellmazing Firming Eye Cream
Torriden Cellmazing Eye Cream is a super popular K beauty eye cream that has great reviews, though I haven’t personally used it.
A quick look at the ingredients reveals it contains a mix of four vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde and granactive retinoid. Unfortunately I couldn’t seem to find the concentrations of these retinoids, but I will keep looking and update this post if I can.
Regardless, there will likely not be a huge difference in the performance of this and the Beauty of Joseon eye cream.
What makes a big difference with anti ageing products is consistent use over time – use it daily for a few months before making a real assessment.
This one also contains centella asiatica which is known to be soothing, as well as hyaluronic acid which can provide a temporary plumping effect. There is no fragrance in this product.
4. Fraijour – Retin-Collagen 3D Core Eye Cream
The Fraijour Collagen 3D Core Eye Cream is another eye cream that sits nicely before you apply moisturiser in your skin care routine is this one by Fairjour.
It combines retinaldehyde (again) with shea butter for moisturising properties.
This product does contain a lot of plant extracts, so if you have sensitive skin type it may be wiser to try a more minimalist product.
To use any of this selection of Korean eye creams, simply take half a pea sized amount and gently pat it around your orbital bone using your ring finger.
Ring finger is the typical advice but realistically you can use any finger, so long as the pressure is very gentle.
There is no fragrance in this product.
5. SOME BY MI – Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
The Some By Mi Retinol Intense Eye Cream is the first fragranced Korean eye cream on this list. Personally I prefer to avoid fragrance in my eyes, as it is an allergen and I have quite sensitive eyes.
However, many people don’t mind it. Either way, it’s always important to remember that you can suddenly become sensitive to any allergen at any time.
Repeated exposure to an allergen also increases your risk of developing an issue with it.
This eye cream contains 0.1% retinol and an undisclosed percentage of retinaldehyde to give it its anti ageing properties.
It also contains niacinamide to even skin tone, which is one of the best active ingredients to aid healthy skin in general.
6. SKIN 1004 – Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Skin 1004 is one of the most popular K beauty brands generally speaking, and to create korean eye cream options for fine lines and dark circles.
The Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol eye cream is another bakuchiol option with a very moisturising base cream, ideal for mature skin.
This eye cream contains shea butter and squalane for hydration, as well as niacinamide for brightening.
7. Mary&May – Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream
The Mary & May Tranexamic eye cream is an interesting take on a Korean eye cream for fine lines, not using the traditional ingredients of either retinoids or bakuchiol.
Instead, it utilities ascorbic acid (vitamin C) alongside tranexamic acid and glutathione.
Vitamin C has been shown to improve collagen synthesis, reducing the appearance of fine lines over time.
Tranexamic acid is an interesting ingredient because it can be taken orally as a melasma treatment, reducing hyperpigmentation.
However, this is very little evidence to show that it works well topically.
I’ve also recently learned, via LabMuffin’s post, that tranexamic acid can come up against some unwanted changes in product formulas that cause it not to work at all.
Anecdotally, many people do feel that tranexamic acid works well for them, so perhaps it’s worth a trial if you’re curious.
8. Goodal – Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Circle Eye Cream
The Goodal Green Tangerine eye cream is another non-retinoid Korean eye cream that may help with fine lines is this Goodal vita C cream.
I’ve been using this for a couple months now and I have to say I really enjoy it, it is my current preferred eye cream.
I use it first thing in the morning, before applying my serums and facial moisturizer.
It also comes in a foam cleanser version and gel eye patches which I haven’t tried.
The way this would work to reduce fine lines is to enhance collagen synthesis, similar to the Mary & May TA eye cream.
It uses a mix of vitamin C derivatives which not only enhance collagen production, but also protect against environmental factors like pollution, since they act as antioxidants.
9. heimish – Marine Care Eye Cream with Retinol
The heimish Marine Retinol eye cream is a fragranced Korean eye cream for fine lines. It is formulated with 0.1% retinol and 5% niacinamide.
Much like some of the others, it also contains shea butter and glycerin to really hydrate and condition the skin.
This is made by the same brand that create the very popular heimish bulgarian rose hydrogel eye patch tub, which was gifted to me by my sister in law.
Although they feel very luxurious, they don’t contain anything that will work to combat premature ageing, unfortunately.
10. ROUND LAB – 1025 Dokdo Eye Cream
If your skin is sensitive to vitamin C, as some are, you may wish to try a different morning eye cream (as retinoid eye creams should be used at night time).
The Round Lab 1-25 Dokdo Eye Cream is formulated with a mix of different hyaluronic acids.
Hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump out the skin, giving the appearance that fine lines are diminished.
So it really depends if you’re looking for a permanent change, or whether you’re happy with a superficial one.
You can also use this one on your lips to plump out any fine lines on them, giving the appearance of fuller lips! Be sure to seal it in with an occlusive lip balm or moisturiser.
11. Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter
The Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter is another non-retinoid Korean eye cream for fine lines that uses peptides to target the signs of ageing from multiple angles.
This can be used in both the morning and evening, and also contains caffeine to give an instantaneous ‘awakening’ effect (though temporary).
For skin suppleness it has sunflower seed oil and for antioxidant assistance it contains both green tea and turmeric root extract.
12. TIA’M – Vita A Bakuchiol Firming Eye Cream
TIA’M are popular for their niacinamide serum that so many people swear by for evening out their skin tone.
This TIA’M Vita A Bakuchiol Firming eye cream is another formula that contains both bakuchiol and retinyl palmitate. It is fragrance free but does contain a small amount of essential oil.
I find this eye cream to absorb quite quickly into the skin. It feels hydrating but not as hydrating as I personally enjoy my eye creams to be.
13. Goodal – Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Eye Cream
Another one from Goodal, this Black Carrot Vita-A retinol firming eye cream combines retinol and granactive retinoid with ectoin in a very interesting anti ageing formula.
Ectoin is starting to become more popular in skincare. It is soothing and beneficial to the skin barrier – you’ll find it in lots of creams for sensitive skin conditions like dermatitis.
It also contains madecassoside which is one of the main components of centella extract.
Lastly a small amount of arginine is present, which is one of the more popular amino acids that is both hydrating and acts as an antioxidant.
14. SKINFOOD – Black Cherry Retinol 0.1 Eye Cream
This is amongst the list of best Korean eye cream for fine lines because it’s a simple, to-the-point formula with 0.1% retinol and bakuchiol.
Like most Korena formulas, it contains niacinamide for brightening.
The SKINFOOD Black Cherry 0.1 Retinol eye cream does contain one essential oil, so that will depend on your taste. Personally I choose to avoid them altogether!
15. Simply use your facial retinoid underneath your eyes
Lots of people aren’t aware that it’s possible to use your facial retinoid underneath your eyes – even if it’s a prescription strength.
Of course, not everyone is going to tolerate it well, but many people get along just fine.
However, if your have particularly dry skin, it is probably a better idea to use a dedicated eye cream such as any of the Korean eye creams on this list.
How to apply a Korean eye cream for fine lines
Most people say to use the ring finger, but really the goal is to apply it with very little pressure (using any finger!)
Take a tiny dot of product and see how far it can spread.
A common mistake is to apply far too much. This can cause the product to dry strangely, pill or spread further than the desired area.
Spread the product around your under eye area, crows feet area and up onto the orbital bone.
Do not apply to the eyelid.
What order to apply eye cream
You always want to apply your eye cream to clean skin, not sitting on top of other products.
I see many people apply eye cream as the last step on top of moisturiser.
While the eye cream will eventually get down to the skin, it’s much more optimal to apply it first thing after cleansing.
What causes fine lines around the eyes?
The delicate eye area has incredibly delicate skin that, when we are very expressive over time, can cause fine lines to set in and become a permanent feature.
I will also say that aside from eye care products, you will need to be using an SPF daily to prevent premature signs of ageing.
Using retinoids is nearly useless without sun protection!
What is the best Korean eye cream for fine lines?
Ultimately there is no single one best Korean eye cream for fine lines.
Out of this list, if you want to near guarantee results, I’d suggest picking a retinaldehyde based product.
This was the 15 Best Korean Eye Cream Products for Fine Lines in 2024. You may also like:
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