Burt's Bees TU_4743134 Check price on Amazon

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream With Natural Retinol Alternative, Reduces Appearance of Lines, Wrinkles, Under-Eye Circles and Crow's Feet, 99 Percent Natural Origin Skin Care, 0.5 oz. Bottle Review

4.3 (3,000) Amazon rating$21.9999+ bought last month

Our verdict

Burt's Bees pairs vitamin E with lactic acid in a formula it markets as a natural retinol alternative, aimed at firming and reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and under-eye circles.

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Best for

Shoppers who want retinol-like exfoliation from a gentler, naturally derived formula, and who prefer unscented, cruelty-free products.

Skip if

You specifically want synthetic retinol for its stronger, more established track record rather than a retinol-alternative formula.

  • Priced 14% below the category median ($25.51 across 54 tracked models)

Our scorecard

4.3/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.3/5

    4.3 average across 3,000 owner ratings

  • Popularity4.6/5

    3,000 owner reviews, more than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

["Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream is a 0.5 oz bottle priced around $22, described as using a natural retinol alternative alongside vitamin E and lactic acid. The brand lists it as 99 percent natural origin skin care, and it is marketed to help reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, under-eye circles and crow's feet.", 'The formula is unscented, paraben and phthalate free, and cruelty free, which fits with buyers who want gentler ingredients without giving up exfoliating benefits entirely.', 'With over 3,000 ratings and a 4.3 star average, plus a reported 99 units purchased in the past month, this is one of the better selling and consistently reviewed eye creams in this set.']

Pros

  • Lactic acid offers gentle exfoliation
  • Vitamin E adds antioxidant hydration
  • Unscented, paraben free, phthalate free and cruelty free
  • Strong recent sales momentum
  • Solid 4.3 star rating across more than 3,000 reviews

Cons

  • "Natural retinol alternative" is a marketing description, not a guaranteed equivalent to retinol
  • Small 0.5 oz size
  • Lactic acid can still cause mild sensitivity for some skin types
  • No SPF included

Performance notes

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin's surface, which may help support smoother texture and a brighter look over time. It's often marketed as a milder option for those who find synthetic retinol too harsh on the delicate under-eye area. Vitamin E adds an antioxidant, moisturizing layer on top of that exfoliation.

What buyers say

With over 3,000 ratings at 4.3 stars and a reported 99 units purchased in the past month, this is one of the better selling and consistently reviewed eye creams in this set, pointing to a sizable and satisfied repeat customer base.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a natural retinol alternative as effective as real retinol?

Lactic acid, the exfoliating ingredient used here, works differently than retinol and is generally considered gentler, though results and how quickly you notice the appearance of smoother skin will vary by person. It's a reasonable middle ground for those who find retinol too irritating.

Will the lactic acid in this cream irritate sensitive skin?

Lactic acid is one of the gentler alpha hydroxy acids, but any exfoliating ingredient can cause mild sensitivity for some people, especially around the thin skin near the eyes. Patch testing before regular use is a sensible first step.

Is this eye cream fragrance free?

Yes, the listing specifies an unscented formula, which can be helpful for those who find fragranced eye creams irritating.

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