PCA SKIN Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
MoisturizingDipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, Myristoyl nonapeptide-3 + 21 moreStrong evidence
“Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, butylene glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl tetrapeptide-5, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, myristoyl pentapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-38
Anti-agingPalmitoyl tripeptide-38, Myristoyl nonapeptide-3 + 6 moreModerate evidence
“Available in two textures, this cutting-edge eye cream strengthens, firms and lifts the skin around the entire eye area, including the eyelid.”
This product contains acetyl tetrapeptide-5, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, myristoyl pentapeptide-8, palmitoyl tripeptide-38. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis callus culture extract, Citrus grandis peel oilMedium risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.3–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinCetearyl ethylhexanoate~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoateEthylhexyl palmitate~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Ethylhexyl palmitatePentylene glycol~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolBoron nitride~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to absord oil and evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in product formulation
More about Boron nitrideCetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholButylene glycol~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolButyrospermum parkii butter~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterDimethicone~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeMyristyl myristate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Is not recommended for acne-prone skin as it can be comedogenic
More about Myristyl myristateSqualane~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneVitis vinifera seed oil~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties
More about Vitis vinifera seed oilGlyceryl stearate citrate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateGlyceryl stearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-12 dimethicone~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Peg-12 dimethiconeAcacia senegal gum~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture
More about Acacia senegal gumNiacinamide~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideAlbizia julibrissin bark extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Is claimed to help reduce hyperpigmentation but evidence is missing
More about Albizia julibrissin bark extractTitanium dioxide~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCitrus aurantium dulcis callus culture extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Fraxinus excelsior bark extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitrus grandis peel oil~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus grandis peel oilSodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Hexylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetatePotassium citrate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Silanetriol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinXanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAlumina~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaMyristoyl nonapeptide-3~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Myristoyl nonapeptide-3Crocus chrysanthus bulb extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Myristoyl hexapeptide-4~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Myristoyl pentapeptide-8~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Myristoyl pentapeptide-8Silica~0.25–0.5%
Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetateAcetyl tetrapeptide-5~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl tetrapeptide-5Darutoside~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyquaternium-7~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-7Palmitoyl tripeptide-38~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-38Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Pentylene glycol, Boron nitride, Cetearyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Dimethicone, Myristyl myristate, Squalane, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-12 dimethicone, Acacia senegal gum, Niacinamide, Albizia julibrissin bark extract, Titanium dioxide, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Citrus aurantium dulcis callus culture extract, Fraxinus excelsior bark extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus grandis peel oil, Sodium hydroxide, Hexylene glycol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Tocopheryl acetate, Potassium citrate, Silanetriol, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Xanthan gum, Alumina, Myristoyl nonapeptide-3, Crocus chrysanthus bulb extract, Myristoyl hexapeptide-4, Myristoyl pentapeptide-8, Silica, Dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, Acetyl tetrapeptide-5, Darutoside, Polyquaternium-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-38
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| PCA SKINIdeal Complex Restorative Eye CreamYOUR PRODUCT | hellobubbleMorning Rays Brightening Eye Cream | SWANICOCOPeptine Biome Eye Cream | La Roche-PosayPigmentclar Anti Dark Circles Eye Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 75% | 70% | 70% |
| Price | $104.83 | — | $18.00−$86.83 | $38.04−$66.79 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 13 | 4 of 13 | 4 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester | Ascorbyl Glucoside |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "PCA SKIN - Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (acetyl tetrapeptide-5, glycerin, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Vitis vinifera seed oil, butyrospermum parkii butter, dimethicone, squalane and cetearyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- This moisturizer also contains Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-38 0.05% - 0.15%, acetyl tetrapeptide-5 0.15% - 0.25%, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate 0.15% - 0.25%, myristoyl pentapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.30% and myristoyl nonapeptide-3 0.20% - 0.35%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that they are helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails from 94.00$ up to 105.00$ in the United States and for 84.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Boron Nitride as Used in Cosmetics cir-safety.org
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6
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