Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter
Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter
Product Description
A lightweight, butter-like eye cream from Dear, Klairs powered by a Quad Peptide Blend (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-29 & -32), caffeine, and an Oriental Tea Complex. It melts into delicate eye-area skin to soften fine lines, de-puff, and deeply hydrate without fragrance, essential oils, or a greasy finish.
โจ Texture & Feel
Quad Peptide Blend
Four targeted peptides work together to support firmness and visibly soften fine lines around the eyes.
Caffeine De-Puff
Caffeine helps brighten tired-looking eyes and reduce the look of morning puffiness.
Sunflower + Vitamin E
Sunflower seed oil rich in vitamin E protects and nourishes thin, delicate periorbital skin.
Gentle & Clean
No fragrance, essential oils, silicones, or alcohol. Passed sensitive-skin irritation testing.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Peptides and topical caffeine are generally considered low-risk, but always confirm with your doctor.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains fatty acids and plant oils (stearic, oleic, palmitic, arachidic acids, sunflower oil) that can feed Malassezia.
Fragrance-free, essential-oil-free formula that completed Primary Skin Irritation Testing for sensitive skin.
Layers well with most routines. Apply before stronger eye actives (like retinol) on alternating nights to minimize sensitivity.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Quad Peptide Blend ~0.1โ0.5% each Promising
A combination of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline), Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), Oligopeptide-29 and Oligopeptide-32. Together they target the appearance of fine lines and support skin firmness in the delicate eye area.
- Argireline: May relax micro-movements that contribute to expression lines and support collagen.
- Copper Tripeptide-1: A 1998 exploratory study reported increased procollagen in 7 of 10 users after one month.
- Concentration: Independent analysis estimates each peptide at roughly 0.10%โ0.50%.
โ Caffeine Listed high (7th) Promising
An antioxidant that helps calm inflammation and is widely used to address the look of puffiness and dark circles by temporarily constricting and stimulating blood vessels.
- Function: Antioxidant and soothing agent; may help reduce visible puffiness.
- Note: Benefits for dark circles are promising but still need stronger clinical proof.
๐ป Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil 5th on INCI Proven
A non-fragrant emollient rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E. It softens skin and supports the barrier by encouraging ceramide production, helping the eye area look smoother and rejuvenated.
- Fatty acids: Linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and arachidic acids support barrier repair.
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection for thin periorbital skin.
๐ง Sodium Hyaluronate Mid INCI Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and a powerful humectant. It binds water to the skin, helping the under-eye area look plump, smooth, and hydrated.
- Humectant: Draws and holds moisture to reduce the look of dryness-related fine lines.
- Supporting cast: Works alongside glycerin, betaine, panthenol, and pantolactone for layered hydration.
๐ Oriental Tea Complex (Green Tea & Botanicals) Blend Promising
A blend of Camellia Sinensis (green tea), turmeric root, persimmon leaf, neem, holy basil, and red bean extracts delivering antioxidants and soothing polyphenols to the eye area.
- Green tea: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals and help calm visible irritation.
- Turmeric & persimmon: Anti-inflammatory antioxidants that support a brighter, more even look.
37 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Betaine, Caffeine, Phaseolus Angularis Seed Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Arachidic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply at the eye-cream step, after toner/serum and before your face moisturizer. Suitable for both morning and evening routines.
๐ How to Use
Dispense a small amount
Squeeze a rice-grain-sized amount onto your ring finger โ a little goes a long way.
Split between fingers
Gently tap half onto the opposite ring finger so the product is evenly divided for both eyes.
Pat, don't rub
Lightly pat around the orbital bone and under-eye area. The ring finger applies the gentlest pressure.
Follow with moisturizer
Let it absorb for a few seconds, then continue with your face moisturizer and (in the morning) sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle, fragrance-free anti-aging eye treatment
- You have sensitive skin or reactive eyes
- You're targeting early fine lines, puffiness, or dryness
- You're prone to milia and need a non-clogging eye cream
- You prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture under makeup
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are managing fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You have very dry under-eyes needing a rich, occlusive cream
- You want to treat deep, established wrinkles
- You specifically want retinol-strength results
- You dislike any oil-based emollients in eye products
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, butter-like texture absorbs without leaving a greasy under-eye finish.
Hydrates well for normal-to-dry eyes, but very dry skin may want a richer cream layered on top.
Balances hydration without heaviness, making it easy to wear day or night.
Fragrance-free and sensitive-skin tested; reviewers report no stinging or burning near the eyes.
Milia-friendly and low comedogenic risk, but not suitable for those with fungal acne concerns.
๐ Results Timeline
Hydrated, smoother under-eyes
The butter texture melts in and leaves the eye area feeling soft and comfortable, helping concealer sit better.
82% noticedLess puffiness, calmer look
Caffeine and soothing tea extracts help tired, puffy eyes appear more awake and refreshed in the mornings.
68% noticedSofter fine lines
With consistent use, the peptide blend helps dryness-related fine lines look visibly less pronounced.
57% noticedMaintained barrier & bounce
Ongoing nourishment supports a healthier-looking, more resilient eye area over time.
49% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Completely fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive eyes
- Lightweight, buttery texture absorbs fast without stinging
- Doesn't cause milia and sits well under concealer
- Thoughtful four-peptide + caffeine + antioxidant formula
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and reasonably priced for K-beauty
โ Criticized
- Not rich enough for very dry under-eye areas
- Results are subtle and require consistent, long-term use
- Texture is more lightweight than the "butter" name implies
- Not suitable for those managing fungal acne
- 20g size can run out fast for daily face-and-eye users
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Pairs caffeine with peptides and hyaluronic acid for puffiness and hydration. Lighter on botanicals and fully fungal-acne friendly compared to Klairs.
A potent caffeine + green-tea serum that's fungal-acne safe and very affordable. Lacks the peptide blend and nourishing oils, so less moisturizing.
Caffeine-rich gel with peptides aimed at de-puffing tired eyes. Gel texture is lighter and less nourishing than Klairs' butter-cream.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter (Featured)
$23.50COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
$27.00Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
$17.00The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
$8.90๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close tightly after each use.
Compact tube with a narrow applicator tip for controlled, hygienic dispensing.
Yes โ 20g size is well under 100ml and carry-on compliant.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Its peptides, caffeine, and botanical extracts are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with any product, we recommend confirming with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No. It contains fatty acids and plant oils โ including stearic, oleic, palmitic, and arachidic acids plus sunflower seed oil, glyceryl stearate, and sorbitan isostearate โ that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you're actively managing fungal acne, choose a fatty-acid-free alternative.
Yes. Peptides, caffeine, and antioxidants layer well with most actives. If you use a separate retinol or acid eye product, apply this butter on alternating nights or as a buffering moisturizer afterward to reduce the chance of irritation in the delicate eye area.
It suits all skin types and performs especially well for sensitive, combination, and oily skin thanks to its lightweight, fragrance-free formula. Very dry under-eyes may want a richer cream layered on top, and it's also a good option for those prone to milia.
Hydration and a smoother surface are usually noticeable right away. De-puffing benefits tend to show within 1โ2 weeks, while softer-looking fine lines from the peptide blend typically appear after about 4โ8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Use it at the eye-cream step โ after cleansing, toner, and any serums, and before your face moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. It can be used both morning and night.
Its comedogenic risk is low (around 2/5). Klairs specifically formulated it to be suitable for those prone to milia, and reviewers consistently report it doesn't cause clogged bumps around the eyes. It does, however, contain oils, so very breakout-prone users should patch test.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep the tip clean. With typical use, the 20g size lasts roughly 3โ4 months.
Verdict: The Dear, Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter is one of the gentlest peptide eye creams in K-beauty. Its Quad Peptide Blend, caffeine, and antioxidant tea complex deliver meaningful hydration and de-puffing in a completely fragrance-free, milia-friendly formula that sensitive eyes love. Results are subtle and reward consistency rather than offering dramatic overnight change, and the fatty-acid content rules it out for fungal-acne sufferers. But for anyone seeking a clean, well-priced, anti-aging eye treatment that won't sting or clog, it's an easy, reliable recommendation.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|

