First let’s talk about the ingredient Retinol
- Also called: Acetic Acid, Retinyl Ester, Retinol Acetate, Retinol, Acetate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Acetate (vitamin A Acetate), Retinyl Acetate (vitmin A Acetate), Retinyl Ester Acetic Acid, And Vitamin A Acetate
- Found in some sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and topical acne treatments
- Praised for it’s abilities to plump and firm skin, even dark spots and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
- Concerns:
- Enhanced skin absorption
- Biochemical or cellular level changes: can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations (tumor/cancer concern), lead to cell death, and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease
- Developmental/reproductive toxicity
- Highest risks when using retinol products:
- Women who are pregnant (birth defect risks)
- Sun exposure
Although I personally think retinol should be ditched because there are safer alternatives that give you the same results, it is ultimately your choice. If you do continue to use it, at the very least only use it at night and if you are not pregnant.
Moving onto the specific product reviews for eye creams and my personal recommendation.
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream:
EWG rating: 6/10 (moderate hazard)
Concerns: Developmental & reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity, use restrictions (Ingredients restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics, according to industry safety guidelines, government requirements or guidance from the U.S., EU, Japan or Canada.)
Ingredients of highest concern:
-Retinol (Vitamin A) and Propylparaben
La Mer- ‘the eye concentrate’:
EWG rating: 4/10 (moderate hazard)
Concerns: Immunotoxicity due to Fragrance and the possible allergy-inducing preservative Phenoxyethanol, among other low to moderate concerns.
This eye cream is A LOT more expensive than the other two ($225 for 15 ml)
Beautycounter- Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream:
“Getting better with age”
The Countertime collection debuted in July 2019 and since then has been compared to high end skin care lines like La Mer (which is why I added La Mer to the comparison).
EWG Verified-meets the EWG’s strictest standards for transparency and health
- Avoids ingredients of concern, like retinol and instead uses plant-derived Retinatural Complex combines bakuchiol and Swiss Alpine rose
- Fights the appearance of wrinkles, firms skin, and boosts hydration without the side effects of retinol
PS: Want to get the Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream and see for yourself? Check out my link below and let me know if you have questions!
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