An eye serum is a lightweight skincare product formulated to target specific concerns around the eye, like fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike eye creams, which are thicker and typically designed primarily for hydration, serums penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface, delivering potent ingredients for visible, long-lasting results.

Eye serums are often water-based, which enhances their absorption. They’re also free from heavy oils, making them suitable for all skin types.

The high concentration of ingredients in eye serums allows them to address several common issues:

• Hydration: Lightweight moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid deliver hydration, helping to prevent dryness and dehydration. They can also target skin concerns associated with dehydration, like uneven texture, reduced elasticity, and fine lines, to visibly plump and smooth the skin.
• Brightening: Ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C support skin renewal for smoother, more radiant skin. By enhancing radiance, these ingredients help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
• Anti-aging: Peptides have been well-studied for their impact on skin vitality and firmness. They help support key structural components of your skin and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Although both eye serums and eye creams aim to improve the appearance of skin around the eyes, their formulations and benefits differ:

Many people layer an eye serum under an eye cream or moisturizer for best results. Our Natural Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides can be used around the eye to seal in moisture.

Dark Circles and Puffiness

Dark circles are often caused by genetics, poor circulation, lack of sleep, or thinning skin around the eyes. Even with a good night's sleep, dark circles can make the skin look tired and aged. Eye serums for dark circles typically include ingredients like caffeine and niacinamide, which reduce the look of dark circles and enhance radiance.

Fatigue or lack of sleep can also create a puffy, tired appearance around the eyes. Ingredients like caffeine reduce the look of puffiness, while peptides can visibly smooth and firm the area.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

The thin skin around the eyes is prone to lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements, like smiling or squinting, and collagen loss. Ingredients like peptides support the skin’s natural collagen production, restoring firmness and elasticity while smoothing the look of fine lines.

• Caffeine: is a powerful ingredient that helps depuff and energize the under-eye area, which can help minimize the appearance of dark circles.


• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):Known for its versatility, niacinamide helps improve skin elasticity, brighten the look of skin, and strengthen the skin barrier. Regular use can also boost hydration and minimize the appearance of pores.


• Hyaluronic Acid: This hydrating molecule is naturally found within the skin where it acts to retain water. This helps ensure the delicate eye area remains plump, smooth, and moisturized. Hyaluronic acid also helps minimize the appearance of fine, dry lines by preventing dryness and dehydration.


• Peptides: Peptides are essential for maintaining firmness and elasticity while supporting the skin’s natural collagen production. In eye serums, peptides specifically target fine lines, crow’s feet, and sagging skin for a smoother appearance.


• Antioxidants: are vital for protecting the skin from environmental stressors. Vitamin C helps brighten the look of skin, while EGCG rejuvenates tired eyes to help reduce dark circles.

Selecting the right serum depends on your skin type and concerns:

• For Dark Circles: Opt for products with caffeine or niacinamide.
• For Wrinkles: Look for peptide-based formulations.
• For Puffiness: Caffeine agents are your best bet.
• For Dry Skin: Choose serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• For Sensitive Skin: You may want to avoid strong actives like retinol. Opt for gentle options that are suitable for sensitive skin.

Morning

1. Cleanse your face gently to remove surface impurities.
2. Apply a small amount of eye serum onto the eye contour using your ring finger for gentle application.
3. Follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

Evening

1. Remove makeup and cleanse thoroughly.
2. Dab your chosen eye serum around the eyes, once again using your ring finger for gentle application. Focus on the areas you’re most concerned with.
3. Apply an eye cream to seal in hydration and nourish the skin.

How you apply your eye serums matters. Since the skin around the eyes is extra delicate, you want to avoid irritating the area or exacerbating your skin concerns. Here are our recommendations for protecting your eyes during application:

• Use your ring finger to lightly dab or pat the serum into your skin. This helps minimize pressure while ensuring the product still sinks in.
• Avoid applying serum too close to the eyes to help prevent irritation or redness.
• Apply eye serums before thicker products like eye creams. This will allow proper absorption.

If you have specific skin concerns, eye serums can be incredibly effective at targeting them. Since they feature high concentrations of ingredients, eye serums are formulated to penetrate deep into the skin’s surface and zero in on concerns like crow’s feet or puffiness.

Of course, each person is different. Your skin concerns require a combination of ingredients and formulations that is unique to you. The effectiveness of an eye serum can sometimes depend on the maturity of your skin, how pronounced certain concerns of yours are, or your skin type. For example, those with dry skin might need to pair their eye serum with a moisturizing eye cream to see the best results.

By understanding what each ingredient targets and what you most want to achieve, you can select eye serums that will add visible, long-lasting value to your skincare regimen.

If you’re unsure which eye serum formulations are best for you, use our Regimen Builder for a customized recommendation, tailored to your skin type and concerns.