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It’s no secret that navigating the world of retinoids can be tricky. The vitamin A derivative is like your problematic fave—it doesn’t always play well with others, it’s notoriously unstable, but when it’s good, it’s a total game-changer. The benefits are amazing (read: boosting cell turnover, fighting acne and most popularly, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles), so when you find a brand that does retinol right, you stick with it. And Dermalogicais that brand.
Experts in This Article
director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
The professional-grade skin-care brand wowed shoppers (and a W+G editor) with its Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum ($92), and according to reviews, the Age Reversal Eye Complex ($79) is equally amazing if you’re looking to target lines around your eyes. The highly-lauded eye cream uses retinol to effectively smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while diminishing the look of dark circles and puffiness, tackling the visual signs of aging around the eyes, where your skin is especially sensitive. Here’s why the internet is singing its praises, and why you’ll want to *add to cart* ASAP.
Dermalogica, Age Reversal Eye Complex — $79.00
The retinol-powered eye cream claims to address nearly all of the visible signs of skin aging around the eyes—fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and dryness. And according to shoppers, it delivers.
It helps diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles
While there are several forms of the ingredient available, Dermalogica uses the non-prescription standard, retinol, in its Age Reversal Eye Complex, which dermatologists say is particularly great for sensitive skin. “It’s a gentler form that takes longer to see results than some other forms, but effective,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist previously told W+G.
What’s more, Dermalogica’s retinol is “microencapsulated,” which essentially means the molecules are coated in a thin membrane that helps boost absorption into the skin and preserve the ingredient for maximum benefits. Most importantly, though, shoppers say it actually works. “I use this eye cream daily,” wrote one 60+ customer in a 5-star review. “It helps reduce puffiness and wrinkles around the eye and doesn’t irritate my eyes.”
Another reviewer says she loves it so much, she’s on her fourth tube. “This is the only eye cream that doesn’t cause those little, annoying bumps [AKA “milia”],” she writes. “I use this around my entire eye area twice a day and it is soothing, smoothing, and keeps fine lines/crow’s feet in check. I love this product.” Now I don’t know about you, but I can’t name an eye cream I’ve repurchased four times…So that’s a big deal.
It combats dryness, puffiness AND dark circles
Beyond its age-defying benefits, the Age Reversal Eye Complex works wonders on dark circles, dryness, and puffiness too, according to shoppers. “I notice a dramatic difference with the dark circles underneath my eyes when I consistently use this eye cream,” says one shopper in a 5-star review.
“Love this cream,” gushes another Dermalogica fan. “It absorbs quickly—not at all greasy. Eyes appear less puffy in the morning.” The secret is Dermalogica’s Age Reversal Complex—a blend of skin-strengthening peptides and antioxidant vitamin C—that touts smoothing, plumping and brightening benefits. The eye cream also contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that dermatologists love for its gentle brightening effects. “It helps brighten the complexion and lighten dark spots. It also helps calm inflammation and supports healthy collagen production,” Joshua Zeichner, board-certified dermatologist in New York City previously told W+G.
It has a moisturizing finish that lays well under makeup
And if you’ve ever fallen in love with an eye cream only to have it turn into a pilly mess under makeup, you’ll be pleased to know that the Age Reversal Eye Complex is beloved for its creamy, nourishing (but not greasy) finish that creates a flawless base for makeup. “This is the best eye cream I’ve ever used,” gushes a Dermalogica shopper in a 5-star review. “It hydrates and plumps the under eye skin and [my] concealer doesn’t crease.”
Another shopper says she’s been using the eye cream for 10+ years, she loves it so much. “This is my go-to eye cream,” she writes in a 5-star review. “It’s moisturizing without being oily and it sets the stage for under-eye makeup perfectly.”
What’s most impressive about this Age Reversal Eye Complex, though, is the fact that it’s able to do all of the above, while still being safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin. “My skin around my eyes is very sensitive but this cream never irritates it,” says one shopper in a 5-star review. “Love the texture and does not irritate my sensitive, dry eyes and skin…Very soothing,” echoes another Dermalogica customer.
As you should with any retinol product, though, Dermalogica recommends using the eye cream every other night as you’re just starting out, and upping the frequency with time. And a drop is all you need, so this small but mighty eye cream is sure to last you a while.
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