Q+A

Q+A Vitamin C Eye Cream

Name: Q+A - Vitamin C Eye Cream
Brand: Q+A

Efficacy62/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 9 more

Good evidence

What the product description says

“A blend of Vitamin C, Cherry Extract and Glycogen work harmoniously to reinvigorate delicate skin, delivering an essential hit of moisture and antioxidants.”

Source: N/A

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, glycogen.

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, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1.7–2.1%

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~6.6–8%

GlycogenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

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%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.5–0.7%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~2.5–3%

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~1.5–1.8%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.2–0.4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: 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~0.6–0.85%

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%

Anti-aging

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hyaluronic acid + 3 more

Limited evidence

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.These ingredients - butyrospermum parkii butter, hyaluronic acid - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.7–2.1%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.5–0.7%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.7–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.7–1.05%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~6.6–8%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~2.5–3%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

O-cymen-5-olA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

C12-20 alkyl glucosideHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

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

1 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~1.7–2.1%est.

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

H. Hazel Eye Gels

Higher efficacy · 100/10066% match

$36.00

NATUREKIND Whitening Mega Vitamin Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$37.60

View all alternatives

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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~6.6–8%

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

Propanediol~4.2–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

C14-22 alcohols~3.2–3.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations

More about C14-22 alcohols

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2.5–3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Rhus verniciflua peel cera~1.9–2.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rhus verniciflua peel cera

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.7–2.1%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 butter

Glycerin~1.5–1.8%

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

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.2–1.4%

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

Volcanic soil~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Volcanic soil

Ascorbic acid~0.7–1.05%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid

Niacinamide~0.6–0.85%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-agingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

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

Glycogen~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glycogen

Hyaluronic acid~0.5–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Malpighia emarginata fruit extract~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Malpighia emarginata fruit extract

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

Amylopectin~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Amylopectin

O-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about O-cymen-5-ol

Polysorbate 60~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Sorbitan isostearate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

Glucose~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about C12-20 alkyl glucoside

1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propanediol, C14-22 alcohols, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Rhus verniciflua peel cera, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Volcanic soil, Ascorbic acid, Niacinamide, Glycogen, Hyaluronic acid, Malpighia emarginata fruit extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Amylopectin, O-cymen-5-ol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Glucose, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric acid

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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
	Q+AVitamin C Eye CreamYOUR PRODUCT	H. HazelEye Gels	NATUREKINDWhitening Mega Vitamin Cream	Shani Darden Skin CareIntensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides
Match	—	66%	65%	59%
Price	$11.32	$36.00+$24.68	$37.60+$26.28	$63.71+$52.39
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 9	4 of 9	4 of 9
Key difference	—	Arbutin	Adenosine	Ceramide Np
Irritancy	Low	Medium	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
8
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
9
Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium p-Chloro-m-Cresol, p-Chloro-m-Cresol, Chlorothymol, Mixed Cresols, m-Cresol, o-Cresol, p-Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o-Cymen-5-ol, and Carvacrolresearchgate.net
11
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by isopropyl methylphenol, a new haptenonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Topical Glucose Induces Claudin-1 and Filaggrin Expression in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis and in Keratinocyte Culture, Exerting Anti-inflammatory Effects by Repairing Skin Barrier Functionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
Contact dermatitis caused by alkyl glucosides in the modern cosmetic industry and contact dermatitis in the Canadian aircraft industrydigitool.library.mcgill.ca
14
Safety Assessment of Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu
15
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu

Q+AVitamin C Eye Cream

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