Eye creams are a hard sell, with only a few delivering on their bold claims. If you’re in the market, you’re probably looking for a formula that will plump out fine lines and smooth crow’s feet, right? Well, our advice is to head straight to the one ingredient group we know really works: retinoids.

Retinoids are gold-standard ingredients that dermatologists praise for their ability to stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen production. As our skin matures, its collagen levels diminish and ability to rejuvenate slows, but introducing a retinoid will support these processes to encourage a smoother, plumper and brighter complexion.

However, with genuine results comes genuine side effects. We know that retinoids can be strong, and a formula that’s too powerful can cause redness, dryness and irritation. So, finding one that works on the delicate eye area isn't an easy task.

If there’s one brand that gets it right, it’s Medik8. The best-selling Crystal Retinal face serum has long been a Red beauty team favourite for fading pigmentation, but we’ve now got a new go-to for under our eyes: the Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream.

It’s been two months since this tube landed on our desks, and while other formulas have been and gone, the Ceramide Eye Cream remains a hot topic in the office.

We’ve been loyally applying the formula every day so that we could discover its true, long-term effects. Here are our honest thoughts...

A Red review of the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream

Whether you're crying, smiling or squinting, your eyes do a lot more work than you realise, which means the skin around them is more prone to early ageing. On top of this, the skin is much thinner compared to other areas of your body, so sensitivity is a common bugbear. Introducing an eye cream can make a huge difference, but it’s important to find a formula that’s as gentle as it is hard-working.

What impresses us most about this clever serum is that it’s been sensitively formulated so you reap the benefits without the downsides. As an extension to the Crystal Retinal range, it promises to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, wrinkles, crepiness and puffiness – and after two months of testing, we'd have to agree on all counts.

So, how does it work? There’s no denying that the science is what keeps us coming back. The star ingredient is encapsulated retinaldehyde: it’s a slowly released, stabilised retinoid that delivers hydration and effective results without irritation.

The formula is boosted with ceramides to ensure hydration on the surface, curbing dryness and sensitivity. Then, to seal the deal, there are hyaluronic acid filling spheres which work to plump out fine lines with moisture.

Since introducing the cream into our beauty regimen, we’ve noticed fine lines plump out for a more youthful appearance, whilst the depth and volume of crow’s feet has become less noticeable.

In fact, praise abounds from our senior beauty editor, Alexandra Friend: “I thought this product was unusual for a retinoid in that you don’t have to wait long to see results. The skin around my eyes looked glossier and less fragile after a couple of weeks. It’s the only eye cream I’ve ever stuck with for longer than that, too. Probably because I get the feeling those results will get better and better – and I’d rarely say that about an eye product."

Another plus is the way the lightweight cream sinks in immediately – a welcome factor if you don’t like the feeling of rich formulas around your eye. As with any retinoid, we started slowly by only applying a small amount of product, but quickly discovered that a dollop equivalent to a grain of rice is all you need – and it makes the price point a little more palatable.

Like the brand’s facial retinoid products, this extension comes in progressive strengths; if you’re super sensitive, start with 3 and then work your way up the ladder to 10. So, no matter your retinoid relationship, this is a risk-free way to introduce the ingredient into your skincare routine.

We know that many eye creams can disappoint, but this is one we truly believe in.

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