PCA SKIN

PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Eye Brightening Cream

Name: PCA SKIN - Vitamin B3 Eye Brightening Cream
Brand: PCA SKIN

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Say goodbye to dark circles. Experience instant brightening and long term improvement of under eye dark circles, uneven skin tone and fine lines around the eyes and eyelids.”

Source: Bluemercury

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~4.5–5.5%

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Tocopherol + 2 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“An illuminating blend of 5% Niacinamide, Daisy Flower and Hawkweed extract and antioxidants work over time to deliver refreshed, bright, healthy looking eyes.Key Benefits Visibly reduces under-eye dark circles and uneven skin tone Instantly brightens tired-looking eyes Reduces visible puffiness around the eyes Helps protect the delicate under-eye skin from the visible effects of stress and damage caused by UV and blue light”

Source: Bluemercury

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.2%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Phytosterols + 15 more

Strong evidence

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, saccharide isomerate.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.2–0.4%

Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.3–0.55%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.5–3%

Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.2–3.9%

Phytosteryl macadamiateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.45–0.7%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~7–8.6%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~4.5–5.5%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2–2.5%

Diisostearyl malateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.7–1.05%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.55–0.8%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.55–0.85%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~1.7–2.1%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.55%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Squalene, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate + 2 more

Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.3–0.55%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.2%

Lycium barbarum fruit extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Bellis perennis flower extract

Medium risk

We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Bellis perennis flower extractA plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.4–1.7%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~7–8.6%est.

Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~3.2–3.9%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 estersHelp oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

Diisostearyl malateHelps to soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.6–0.85%est.

Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~0.3–0.55%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Lycium barbarum fruit extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2–2.5%est.

SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~0.3–0.55%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~7–8.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Niacinamide~4.5–5.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

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 Niacinamide

Persea gratissima oil~3.2–3.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil

Glycerin~2.5–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Cetearyl alcohol~2–2.5%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Pentylene glycol~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Bellis perennis flower extract~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Bellis perennis flower extract

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Help oil and water mix together

More about Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters

Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters

Diisostearyl malate~0.7–1.05%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisostearyl malate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Glyceryl stearate~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Behenyl alcohol~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Moringa oil/hydrogenated moringa oil esters~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Moringa oil/hydrogenated moringa oil esters

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Hieracium pilosella extract~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hieracium pilosella extract

Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate

Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Mica~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Lycium barbarum fruit extract~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Lycium barbarum fruit extract

Squalene~0.3–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene

1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Titanium dioxide~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

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 dioxide

Citric acid~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Sodium phytate~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Phytosteryl macadamiate~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Phytosteryl macadamiate

Saccharide isomerate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate

Iron oxides~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides

Phytosterols~0.2–0.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function

More about Phytosterols

Coelastrella vacuolata oil~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Coelastrella vacuolata oil

Watanabea reniformis oil~0.1–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Watanabea reniformis oil

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Tin oxide~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Niacinamide, Persea gratissima oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, Pentylene glycol, Bellis perennis flower extract, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Jojoba oil/macadamia seed oil esters, Diisostearyl malate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Glyceryl stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Moringa oil/hydrogenated moringa oil esters, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Hieracium pilosella extract, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Mica, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Lycium barbarum fruit extract, Squalene, 1,2-hexanediol, Titanium dioxide, Citric acid, Sodium phytate, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Saccharide isomerate, Iron oxides, Phytosterols, Coelastrella vacuolata oil, Watanabea reniformis oil, Tocopherol, Tin oxide

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Bluemercury

$84.00

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/30/2026 06:44 GMT

$94.00

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	PCA SKINVitamin B3 Eye Brightening CreamYOUR PRODUCT	LOOKS by Wolfgang JoopMY LOOKS - Intensive Eye Cream	so.koWonder Eyes Cream	BlissEx-Glow-Sion Eye Cream
Match	—	91%	89%	88%
Price	$84.00	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 11	3 of 11	6 of 11
Key difference	—	Caffeine	Adenosine	Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredients included, "PCA SKIN - Vitamin B3 Eye Brightening Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Glycerin, saccharide isomerate and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (persea gratissima oil, phytosterols, phytosteryl macadamiate, caprylic/capric triglyceride and helianthus annuus seed oil) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (4.50% - 5.50%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e, titanium dioxide and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

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.