3% Vit C, 3% Peptide & 3% Caffeine Under Eye Cream

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil contains psoralens that cause photosensitisation and can produce severe burning, blistering, and long-lasting dark marks when skin is subsequently exposed to UV. The periorbital skin is roughly 40% thinner than the rest of the face, meaning ingredients absorb faster and more completely in this area. Applying a phototoxic botanical to skin that absorbs at a higher rate and is closer to the eyes represents a heightened safety concern for a leave-on morning or all-day product. Mandarin Peel Extract carries the same class of furanocoumarin phototoxicity risk. Benzyl Alcohol acts as both a preservative and a fragrance allergen. The active trio of Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and vitamin C are all safe. Alkane emollient base is a clean choice.

Undecane and Tridecane are thoughtfully chosen for the eye area. These lightweight alkanes spread easily without the heaviness of fatty acid-based emollients, which can contribute to milia under the eye over time. Caffeine at 3% has strong clinical backing for reducing under-eye puffiness and dark circles by improving blood flow and reducing fluid pooling. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (the active known commercially as Argireline) at 3% works by reducing the muscle contractions behind expression lines, with clinical evidence in the 3-10% range. The 3% vitamin C derivative provides antioxidant protection for the UV-vulnerable eye area. The phototoxic botanicals undermine what is otherwise a well-assembled formula.

The 3% concentrations for vitamin C, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, and Caffeine are all disclosed. The full ingredient list is published. The phototoxic risk from Carrot Seed Oil and Mandarin Peel near the periorbital skin is not communicated anywhere. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is not identified by its widely known trade name Argireline, which may cause consumer confusion. No clinical study for this formula has been published.

No independent study, efficacy test, or safety assessment is publicly accessible. Three active concentrations are disclosed, which is a positive transparency step. The phototoxic risk from periorbital application of Carrot Seed Oil and Mandarin Peel is not addressed in any published documentation.

The three active concentrations are clearly communicated. The phototoxic risk from Carrot Seed Oil and Mandarin Peel near the eye area is not disclosed. The fact that periorbital skin absorbs at a higher rate than facial skin, amplifying exposure, is not communicated. Strictly evening use is advisable and not stated.