Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
Product Description
A rich, peptide-infused eye cream formulated with hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, and jojoba esters to deeply hydrate the delicate under-eye area while helping minimize the appearance of dark circles. Non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and ideal as a base under concealer.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Deep Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin attract and lock in moisture for plumper, smoother under-eye skin throughout the day.
Peptide Complex
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 work together to support skin firmness and reduce the look of fatigue.
Vegan Collagen
Soluble collagen (vegan) acts as a humectant to bind water at the skin surface, improving hydration and smoothness.
Antioxidant Protection
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and sunflower seed oil shield the delicate eye area from environmental free radical damage.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C10-18 Triglycerides, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Cetearyl Alcohol β all potential triggers for fungal acne.
Most ingredients are non-comedogenic. Jojoba esters and sunflower oil are low on the comedogenic scale. Unlikely to clog pores for most people.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free from common allergens. Contains no harsh actives. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply eye cream after serums and before heavier moisturizers.
Free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Smaller molecular size than regular HA allows better skin penetration for deep hydration.
- Function: Attracts and binds water molecules to plump skin and reduce fine lines
- Research: Well-established humectant in dermatological literature for improving skin hydration and elasticity
- Note: Listed in the lower half of the INCI, suggesting a lower concentration typical for eye creams
𧬠Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Promising
A signal peptide that helps stimulate collagen synthesis and works synergistically with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex.
- Function: Signals the skin to produce more collagen, improving firmness and reducing fine lines
- Synergy: Works alongside Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 to provide both collagen-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits
𧬠Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Promising
An anti-inflammatory peptide that helps reduce puffiness and skin damage caused by UV exposure and daily stress. Complements Tripeptide-1 for comprehensive anti-aging action.
- Function: Reduces inflammatory markers (IL-6) to calm and soothe the delicate eye area
- Benefit: Helps minimize puffiness and supports a more refreshed appearance
π± Soluble Collagen (Vegan) Proven
A water-soluble form of collagen that works primarily as a humectant on the skin surface. While it does not penetrate deep enough to replace lost collagen, it effectively hydrates and smooths the skin.
- Function: Forms a moisture-binding film on the skin, improving hydration and smoothness
- Note: Topical collagen is a hydrator, not a collagen replacement β the benefits are surface-level moisture retention
π» Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Proven
A potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and supports the skin barrier. Works synergistically with sunflower seed oil for enhanced protection.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals, reduces oxidative stress, and supports skin healing
- Research: Extensively studied antioxidant with proven photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties
π« Jojoba Esters Proven
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters closely mimic the natural sebum (oils) produced by human skin. Provides emollient and conditioning benefits without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Function: Softens and smooths skin while helping to reinforce the moisture barrier
- Comedogenic rating: Very low (0β2) β well tolerated by most skin types
25 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Jojoba Esters, Diisostearyl Malate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Soluble Collagen (Vegan), Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Isohexadecane, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium EDTA.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply morning and night after cleansing and serums. Use before your daily moisturizer. In the AM, always finish with sunscreen.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with a clean face. Apply any serums or treatments to your face first, avoiding the eye area.
Scoop a Small Amount
Use your ring finger to scoop a pea-sized amount of cream from the jar. The ring finger applies the gentlest pressure, ideal for the delicate eye area.
Gently Dab Around Eyes
Using a patting motion, gently dab the cream along the orbital bone β under the eye, outward to the temples, and along the brow bone. Avoid pulling or dragging the skin.
Follow with Moisturizer
Allow the eye cream to absorb for 30β60 seconds, then continue with your moisturizer and SPF (AM) or night cream (PM).
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You need an affordable, everyday hydrating eye cream
- You have dry or dehydrated under-eye skin
- You want a vegan and cruelty-free formula
- You need a gentle, fragrance-free option for sensitive skin
- You want a lightweight base under concealer or makeup
- You are new to eye care and want a budget-friendly entry point
β Consider alternatives if:
- You need targeted anti-aging with retinol or strong peptides
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) β contains triggers
- You want visible dark circle brightening or depuffing results
- You prefer an airless pump for hygiene (this uses a jar)
- You need a richer, more occlusive formula for very dry skin
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba esters deliver lasting moisture. May need a richer cream layered on top in extreme dryness.
Lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs without feeling greasy. Dewy finish may feel slightly rich for very oily lids.
Balances hydration around the eye area without overloading oilier zones. Works well under makeup.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free from common irritants. Users with sensitive skin report no adverse reactions.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). However, not fungal acne safe due to polysorbates and triglycerides. Standard acne-prone skin should be fine.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration Boost
Under-eye area feels softer and more supple immediately after application. Dewy finish helps smooth the appearance of fine lines temporarily.
85% noticed softer skinImproved Moisture Retention
Consistent use builds hydration levels. Skin under the eyes feels less tight and dry, especially in the morning. Makeup applies more smoothly.
70% noticed better makeup applicationReduced Dryness & Fine Lines
Peptides and hyaluronic acid work cumulatively. Fine dehydration lines appear diminished. Under-eye area looks more refreshed overall.
60% noticed smoother fine linesLong-Term Hydration Benefits
Sustained hydration improvement and barrier support. The peptide complex contributes to firmer-feeling skin with continued daily use.
50% noticed firmer under-eye skinβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Exceptional value β premium ingredients (peptides, HA, vegan collagen) at a drugstore price
- Lightweight, non-greasy gel-cream texture absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free with Leaping Bunny and PETA certification
- Works well as a hydrating base under concealer and makeup
- Clean formula free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and hydroquinone
β Criticized
- Small jar (0.53 oz) β runs out faster than expected for daily AM/PM use
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than a pump or tube
- Dewy finish can cause concealer to slide or streak for some users
- Primarily a hydrator β minimal visible effect on dark circles or wrinkles
- Hyaluronic acid is low on the ingredient list, suggesting modest concentration
- Not suitable for those with fungal acne due to multiple triggers
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair plus hydration. Includes niacinamide for brightening. Tube packaging is more hygienic. Slightly richer texture.
Targets dark circles and puffiness with caffeine rather than hydration. Lighter serum texture. Better for depuffing but lacks the rich moisturizing feel and peptides.
Also centered on hyaluronic acid hydration with a gel-cream texture. Fragrance-free version available. More widely available but lacks peptides and vegan collagen.
π Comparison with Competitors
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
$10CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
$14.99Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
$16.99The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
$7.90π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep jar tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination.
Plastic jar with screw-top lid. Consider using a clean spatula or spoon to scoop product for better hygiene.
Yes β 0.53 oz (15g) is well under the 3.4 oz / 100ml TSA carry-on limit. Compact jar fits easily in a toiletry bag.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This eye cream does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens β the primary ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All ingredients are considered safe for topical use during pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. This formula contains several potential fungal acne triggers including Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C10-18 Triglycerides, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, and Cetearyl Alcohol. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative.
Yes. This eye cream contains no active exfoliants or retinoids, so it layers safely with all major actives. Apply your retinol or acid serum first (avoiding the eye area if they are irritating), wait a few minutes, then apply this eye cream. It can actually help buffer and hydrate skin that may be sensitized by strong actives.
This eye cream works well across all skin types but excels for dry, combination, and sensitive skin. Its fragrance-free, gentle formula is well-tolerated by reactive skin. Oily skin types may find the dewy finish slightly rich on the eyelids. It is a great all-rounder for anyone seeking basic hydration around the eyes.
You should notice an immediate hydration boost and softer under-eye skin from the very first application. More sustained benefits like reduced dryness lines and improved skin texture typically develop over 2β4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Note that this is primarily a hydrating cream β it is not designed to dramatically reduce dark circles or deep wrinkles.
Apply after cleansing, toning, and serums, but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. The order is: Cleanser β Toner β Serum β Eye Cream β Moisturizer β Sunscreen (AM). Use morning and night for best results. It sits at step 4 in a standard 6-step routine.
This eye cream has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. Most of its key ingredients β glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and jojoba esters β are non-comedogenic. The risk of pore clogging is very low for most people. However, it does contain some fatty esters and triglycerides that could theoretically cause issues for those who are extremely acne-prone.
The estimated Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. With twice-daily use, the 0.53 oz (15g) jar typically lasts 2β3 months depending on the amount used per application. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep the lid tightly closed. Consider using a clean mini spatula to scoop product from the jar to maintain hygiene and extend its shelf life.
Verdict: The e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream delivers impressive value for its price point, offering a well-formulated blend of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vegan collagen in a clean, fragrance-free package. It excels as a daily hydrating eye cream for all skin types, especially for budget-conscious shoppers and skincare beginners. Where it falls short is in delivering visible anti-aging or dark circle reduction β this is a moisturizer first and foremost. The jar packaging and dewy finish may not suit everyone. For pure hydration at an unbeatable price with vegan, cruelty-free credentials, it is one of the best affordable eye creams available.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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.