Veronica’s Very Concerned… Are eye creams really necessary? I’ve been using them for years, and I’m starting to wonder if they are really specially formulated for skin around the eyes. Why do I say so? Because I compared ingredients comparison between a face moisturizer (Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream) and eye cream (Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum) and found that they’re very similar. What gives?
The Right Brain Tries To Assuage Her:
You’re right, eye and face cream formulas can be pretty similar. Of course, this varies from brand to brand, but it’s certainly possible for a company to formulate and test a product that works perfectly well on your face and under your eyes. So while in principle there’s nothing with using face cream around your eyes, there are few issues you should be aware of:
1. Face and eye skin are different
Face creams are designed for the skin on your face, not the very thin skin under your eyes. So, they might be too greasy. That doesn’t mean they won’t work it just means they might not feel as nice.
2. Eye creams should be more thoroughly tested
Eye creams (at least ones from reputable companies) should tested to see if they are harmful if you accidentally get some in your eye. Face creams may or may not be tested this way. Look at the Olay products and you’ll see that the eye cream is opthalmologist tested and the face cream is not.
3. Face creams may contain more irritants
Face creams may contain fragrance or other ingredients that can be irritating when used close to your eyes. The Olay Regenerist is a good example because the face cream has fragrance while the eye cream does not.
The Beauty Brains Bottom Line:
Depending on which brands you buy, you can use your facial moisturizer as an under eye cream. But you might be better off finding an inexpensive eye cream from a brand you trust.
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The last time I shopped for eye cream, I got sick of paying the outrageous prices on ($24.95 for one) these little tiny half ounce tubes. Rip off marketing hype! Instead, I bought a nice little fat jar of Pond’s dry skin cream for $5.99 and it’s working well for me–no irritation. I use it on my neck and chest as well. It’s good stuff!
Ooooh… A lot of people have been trying to convince not to use my facial moisturizer under my eye… and that I should buy eye cream instead.
I don’t want to maintain to many products… At least now I feel that I’m not really doing anything wrong.
I often wonder the same thing and usually just swipe whatever I am using on my face all over…good to know I am not necessarily making a huge beauty blunder!
PS I am hosting a Sally Hershberger giveaway to get perfect beachy waves….please come and check it out!
I have been using Emerging Ultra Anti Aging Serum on my face and under my eyes. They claim that it reduces dark circles and I think I am seeing a difference. I got a free sample from emergingskincare.com. I am thinking of seeing if I can get another free sample. Chris
I just don’t use anything there. I used an eye gel for awhile because creams made milla fill up on my eyelids and they interfered with my vision. But I can’t afford to shell out all that money. And anyway, now that I’m on iron pills, my dark circles are finally starting to fade.
I was given, however, this sample of Caudalie, which says it’s for eyes and lips. I only tried it once. Too thick.
Eye creams will not contain any SPF as you don’t want ingredients that can possibly irritate your eyes applied that closely. Eye creams (good ones) can contain optical brighteners which reduce dark circles, and other ingredients that reduce puffiness. They should also be lighter yet emollient so there’s no tugging on the delicate skin to apply.
One thing is for sure — apply any thing around your eyes with your ring finger. Apply by lightly patting product around the eye in an upward direction. Don’t pull or tug!
Great tips. People should be aware of these things, especially when they have sensitive skin and eyes.
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, towelettes, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and gels, deodorants, hand sanitizer, baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters and many other types of products. A subset of cosmetics is called “make-up,” which refers primarily to colored products intended to alter the user’s appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish between decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.
My eyes reacts bad if I use heavy facecream around the eyes. I woke up with swollen eyes, and when I started to use eyecream my problem was gone. Just say;)
On top of the great points in the article about testing and avoidance of harmful chemicals frequently in face creams, any eye cream worth the cost will have active ingredients to brighten or firm. The ultra-sensitive skin around the eyes really does need special formulations to do this safely.
Check out this great natural option from hydrOtion: http://hydrotion.com/skin-care/eyes/The-Ultimate-Eye-Creme
Thank for tip. ^ ^
All of the points the brains madde are valid for choosing a moisturizer for the eye area, but unfortunately, most eye creams don’t adhere to those guidelines. I’ve seen plenty that include heavy moisture like shea butter and irritants like fragrance, despite the fact that they’re opthamologist tested (and remember, a company having a product tested by a doctor does not mean the doctor actually APPROVED the cream- it’s just meant to imply it!)
When it comes down to it, if you’re using a well formulated moisturizer that’s suited to your skin type and concerns, it’s going to be just as beneficial as that 1/2 Oz jar of eye cream that costs the same amount of money!