Can You Use Tretinoin Under Your Eyes? What You Should Know

The answer is: sometimes. When formulated and applied correctly.

If you're familiar with this prescription topical you know that it's powerful and boasts many benefits for your skin. The eye area is one of the first to show signs of aging like fine lines, crow's feet, and bags. However, using tretinoin in this delicate area requires special consideration.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about using tretinoin as an under-eye treatment and what formulas are best.

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Benefits of Using Tretinoin in the Under-Eye Area

However, you should consider using very low concentrations of tretinoin vs. the common concentrations used on the face. (More details on this below.) 

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that may help with the look of fine lines and wrinkles that can make you look tired or older than your age.

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When using tretinoin under your eyes here are some benefits you may enjoy:

• Smoother, firmer-looking skin under and around your eyes
• Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet
• More even skin tone in areas where dark circles tend to appear
• Improved texture and less crepey-looking skin
• Better results from your other skincare products since skin renewal is enhanced
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When tretinoin is expertly paired with ingredients like vitamin C, caffeine, and chamomile extract, you may also notice additional benefits like:  

• Soothing and calming effect on the skin from chamomile
• Brightening and lightening from Vitamin C

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The long-term benefits typically show up after many months of consistent use. 

Remember though – everyone's skin is different, and being patient with the process is key. The eye area is delicate, so results come gradually (which is actually a good thing).

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Why Standard Tretinoin Can Be Harsh Around the Eyes

When the concentration of tretinoin is low enough, and the formula is created with soothing ingredients, it may be beneficial to use tretinoin under your eyes.  

So yes, you can use tretinoin under the eyes; however, we would not advise using the moderate to strong concentrations that are commonly used on facial skin. This is likely to be too strong for this very thin skin. 

It’s important to note that the skin under your eyes is 60% thinner than the rest of your face, and doesn’t create skin oils in the same way either. Making it quite vulnerable to strong treatments. 

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Low-dose Combination Formulas for the Eye Area 

Now that you know tretinoin strength matters, and that it's best to avoid full-strength tretinoin near the eye, what’s next? You want a tretinoin cream specifically formulated for the eye area. 

Our compounded eye cream contains 0.001% tretinoin. Use near the eye area only as directed by the prescribing provider. 

Compounded tretinoin 0.001% eye cream may be considered by a medical provider based on individual needs and risks.* 

Tretinoin can be irritating to the skin, especially at first. Strut Health's compounded eye cream adds prescription tacrolimus, an anti-inflammatory, and botanical chamomile extract to help calm the skin during tretinoin treatment.

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Here's a look into why these two soothing ingredients are crucial when using tretinoin near your eyes:

• Tacrolimus (0.025%) is a topical immunomodulator that helps regulate your skin's inflammatory response. It works to calm sensitivity and strengthen the skin barrier function. This targeted action allows tretinoin to effectively stimulate cell turnover while minimizing potential irritation in the delicate eye area.
• Chamomile extract (2%) isn't just your average soothing ingredient. It contains powerful compounds like azulene and bisabolol that provide anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce any potential redness. These natural compounds also support skin healing and provide antioxidant protection, making it an ideal partner for tretinoin-based eye formulas.

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Safety Considerations & Who Should Avoid It

There are potential risks, as with all skincare products, to using tretinoin under your eyes especially if you are sensitive or have skin conditions.

When you begin an anti-aging or prescription cream of any kind, you might experience some of the following temporarily:

• Redness, irritation, sensitivity
• Dryness, or slight peeling

There are some people who should avoid tretinoin in any form. If you fall into any of these categories below, you may want to skip using tretinoin:

• Those with eczema or rosacea
• Those nursing or pregnant (Tretinoin is not safe for a growing baby)
• Those who have recently undergone eye or facial surgery

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Individual tolerability varies, and side effects are possible. Use compounded tretinoin only as directed by your prescribing provider. 

Let's get into how to safely use tretinoin under your eyes. 

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How to Use Compounded Tretinoin Eye Cream

This compounded eye cream contains a low concentration of tretinoin and additional ingredients. Individual tolerability varies, and irritation or other adverse effects may occur. Still, it's good practice to follow these tretinoin guidelines:

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Before You Start:

• Wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face to let your skin dry completely. 
• Use about half a small pea-sized amount for both eyes.
• Start with 2-3 times per week application and work your way up to daily use. 

Application Tips:

1. With clean, dry hands, place a tiny amount on your ring finger (this finger naturally uses the perfect amount of pressure).
2. Using light patting motions, apply the cream starting from the outer corner of your eye, working inward.
3. Be sure to get to the side of the eye by the temples, not just below. 
4. Stay well below the lash line.
5. Avoid upper eyelids.

Best Practices:

• Pat gently away from your eyes, never toward them – go for a side sweep. 
• Feel free to apply your regular eye moisturizer afterward if needed.
• Use sunscreen and moisturizing skincare during the day.

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Compounded tretinoin eye cream may cause sensitivity or other adverse effects. Follow your prescriber's instructions and contact your provider if irritation occurs. Or soothe the area with a moisturizing cream.

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Summary: Can You Use Tretinoin Under Your Eyes?

Yes, you can use tretinoin under your eyes - but it’s really only advisable when it's properly formulated for this delicate area. Standard tretinoin products aren't suitable for the eye area since this skin is 60% thinner than the rest of your face. 

The compounded eye cream contains a low concentration of tretinoin and other ingredients, but irritation and other adverse effects may still occur. 

When used correctly, tretinoin eye creams may help:

• Reduce fine lines and crow's feet
• Improve skin texture and firmness
• Even out skin tone

Remember to apply the product carefully, avoiding the upper eyelids, and always use sunscreen during the day. Compounded tretinoin eye cream may be considered by a licensed medical provider based on individual needs and risks.*

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 Get Your Prescription Eye Cream Online Today 

Getting started on compounded tretinoin eye cream is simple. Simply complete an online medical questionnaire - it takes less than 15 minutes. One of our U.S.-licensed medical providers will review your information, and if appropriate, prescribe your custom eye cream. 

Once prescribed, your formula is filled by a U.S. licensed pharmacy and shipped directly to your door.

Take the first step toward brighter, lifted-looking eyes. Start your free consultation now to see if our tretinoin eye cream could be right for you.

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*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.