Eye lifts, injections, botox – wouldn’t it be nice if we could avoid all of that using something safer and non-invasive? Fortunately, with new advancements in skincare, and safer ingredients and formulations, there are more and more alternatives available that are proving to be just as effective at preventing and even reversing aging eye areas. But in the mix of all the eye creams and eye gels available, it can be difficult to decide which one’s are the most effective. Today, we’ll take a look at one of the higher-end eye products that claims to work in just 1-2 weeks – the PCA SKIN Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel.
About PCA SKIN
PCA SKIN offers a full range of skincare that caters to a variety of skin concerns, from acne to anti-aging. Their products are scientifically developed and carefully formulated with effective and safe ingredients to improve the health and appearance of your unique skin. They claim that results can often be seen within just the first week. You won’t find any potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances in their formulas, plus they are cruelty-free!
PCA SKIN Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel
PCA SKIN’s anti-aging eye products are available in two textures – a gel and a cream. The difference is that the gel provides a lighter, silkier texture and suits all skin types, while the cream has a richer texture (great for drier skin) in addition to some additional brightening benefits. (I personally prefer gels for a quick application, but lean towards creams for the drier Winter months.) Like the cream, the eye gel is the complete treatment for your eye area. It strengthens, firms and lifts the skin around the entire eye area, including the eyelid. As a result, it treats dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging eyelids. Results can typically be seen within one week.
Key Ingredients:
- Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 – a peptide that mimics retinoic acid (vitamin A) to increase cell turnover and collagen synthesis without causing negative side effects like irritation or stinging.
- Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract and Darutoside – reduces upper eyelid sagging, strengthens the skin and reduces crow’s feet wrinkles, while minimizing dark circles and puffiness.
- Niacinamide, Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract and Silanetriol – this combination of ingredients reduces eye puffiness, dark circles and under-eye bags while providing antioxidant protection.
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract (Orange Stem Cell Extract) – strengthens skin structure to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin; it organizes and firms the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Full Ingredient List:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Niacinamide, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Decyl Glucoside, Hexylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Citrate, Silanetriol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract, Myristoyl Hexapeptide-4, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Darutoside, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38.
(*Legend: Low Hazard, Moderate hazard, high hazard – according to EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database)
How to Use
After cleansing and applying any serums, pat a small amount of the gel around the eye area and directly to the eyelid, twice daily. Follow with the appropriate broad spectrum SPF product in the daytime, or moisturizer in the evening.
Packaging
The PCA SKIN Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel comes packaged in a conveniently-sized squeeze tube. The gel is dispensed through a small precision tip, which you can use to apply just the right amount of product directly around the eyes.
Formula
For a gel, the formula feels quite thick and rich. I personally like its consistency – I find it absorbs quickly, hydrates and smooths my whole eye area, and creates a nice base for my concealer.
PCA SKIN Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel Review & Results
PCA SKIN claims that results can be seen within one week of using the Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel. I’m always a bit skeptical when I hear this, and wonder exactly to what extent I’ll see results. Which is why I was so surprised that, after only two applications, I found myself saying ‘whoa’ when I took a closer look in the mirror.
Now, my main concern around my eyes are fine lines – I feel like ever since I turned 24, they’ve started creeping up on me, directly under my eyes and in the outside corners. Within 24 hours of using the Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel, I’d already begun to notice fewer fine lines – they appeared to have ‘lifted’, and my under-eye looked smoother and healthier overall. After two weeks, my entire eye area looked more youthful, smoother, and a bit brighter too. Here are my before and after photos (concentrating on my fine lines, where I noticed the biggest difference):
Before (left) & after (right)
Final Thoughts
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, luxurious eye gel, I absolutely recommend trying out the PCA SKIN Revitalizing Eye Gel. Though it’s on the pricier side of the eye product spectrum (coming in at $84), this gel delivers results. While it often takes 6-8 weeks for eye gels and creams work their magic, this one works in just 1-2 weeks, and continues to strengthen skin for an all-around brighter, healthier, and more youthful looking eye area. Combined with a safe ingredient profile and cruelty-free approach to testing, this makes it to the top of my list of favorite eye creams.
Available on Amazon & PCA Skin
Have you tried PCA Skin’s Revitalizing Eye Gel?
