Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream
Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream
Product Description
A pH-balanced eye cream enriched with licorice water and extract to brighten dark circles and hyperpigmentation while peptides, caffeine, and glutathione work together to reduce puffiness and fight signs of aging around the delicate eye area.
โจ Texture & Feel
Licorice Root Complex
Dual licorice water and extract formula targets dark circles and hyperpigmentation with natural brightening compounds like glabridin and liquiritin.
Multi-Peptide Technology
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 work synergistically to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity around the eye area.
Caffeine De-Puffing
Helps reduce under-eye puffiness and inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing fluid accumulation.
Antioxidant Shield
Glutathione, green tea, and vitamin E provide powerful antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and premature aging.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains fatty alcohols (cetyl, cetearyl, stearyl, behenyl alcohol), polyglyceryl-2 stearate, and sorbitan olivate which may feed malassezia yeast.
Rating 1/5. Most ingredients are non-comedogenic. Suitable for most skin types including those prone to clogged pores.
Fragrance-free, essential oil-free formula with soothing centella asiatica and panthenol. pH-balanced at 5.5 for gentle application.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Licorice Root Water & Extract Proven
The star ingredients of this formula. Licorice contains glabridin and liquiritin, which inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production and brighten dark circles.
- Glabridin: Blocks UVB-induced pigmentation and inhibits melanin synthesis
- Liquiritin: Disperses existing melanin for visible brightening
- Glycyrrhizin: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
๐ Niacinamide ~2% Proven
A multitasking vitamin B3 derivative that brightens skin, strengthens the barrier, and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes
- Barrier Support: Increases ceramide and fatty acid synthesis
- Anti-aging: Stimulates collagen production
๐งฌ Peptide Complex Promising
Features Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl) and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) for anti-aging benefits.
- Matrixyl: Stimulates collagen and elastin production for firmer skin
- Argireline: Reduces appearance of expression lines by relaxing facial muscles
- Clinical studies: 17% wrinkle depth reduction with 10% Argireline in 15 days
โ Caffeine Proven
A vasoconstrictor that helps reduce puffiness and dark circles by improving microcirculation around the eye area.
- De-puffing: Constricts blood vessels to reduce fluid accumulation
- Antioxidant: Protects against UV damage and free radicals
โจ Glutathione Promising
A powerful antioxidant known as the "master antioxidant" that helps brighten skin and combat oxidative stress.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative damage
- Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase and converts eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin
๐ก๏ธ Ceramide NP 0.45-0.65% Proven
An essential lipid that strengthens the skin barrier and helps retain moisture in the delicate eye area.
- Barrier Repair: Fills gaps in the stratum corneum
- Moisture Retention: Prevents transepidermal water loss
58 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Alcohol, Squalane, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Arginine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate/VP Copolymer, Cholesterol, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Caffeine, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Tromethamine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Folic Acid, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glutathione, Sodium Phytate
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply before moisturizer, both AM and PM. Can also be used as a spot treatment for hyperpigmentation on other areas of the face.
๐ How to Use
Dispense
Take a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice for each eye) onto your ring finger.
Apply
Gently dot the cream around the orbital bone, avoiding the immediate eye area and eyelids.
Tap & Absorb
Using your ring finger, lightly tap the cream into the skin until fully absorbed. Never rub or pull the delicate eye area.
Optional: Spot Treatment
Can be applied to other areas of hyperpigmentation on the face for targeted brightening.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dark circles or hyperpigmentation around eyes
- You want gentle anti-aging for the eye area
- You prefer fragrance-free, gentle formulas
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have sensitive skin prone to irritation
- You want to address puffiness and fatigue
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need heavy-duty wrinkle correction (try retinol)
- You prefer ultra-lightweight gel textures
- You want dramatic overnight results
- You're sensitive to fatty alcohols
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight enough for oily skin. Absorbs without leaving greasy residue. Non-comedogenic formula.
Rich in emollients like squalane and ceramides. Provides excellent hydration and moisture retention.
Balanced formula works well across different face zones. Hydrating without being heavy.
Fragrance-free, pH-balanced at 5.5. Contains soothing centella asiatica and panthenol.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Not suitable for fungal acne due to fatty alcohol content.
Peptides and adenosine target fine lines. Ceramides support aging skin barrier.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Hydration & Soothing
Skin around eyes feels more hydrated and comfortable. Caffeine helps reduce morning puffiness. Silky texture makes a great makeup base.
85% noticed improved hydrationReduced Puffiness & Fatigue
Consistent caffeine application shows cumulative de-puffing effects. Eye area appears more awake and refreshed.
70% reported less puffinessVisible Brightening
Licorice and niacinamide begin showing results on dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Skin tone appears more even.
65% saw brighter under-eyesAnti-Aging Benefits
Peptides and adenosine show cumulative effects on fine lines and skin elasticity. Continued use maintains and improves results.
55% noticed smoother fine linesโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Excellent hydration without greasiness
- Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive eyes
- Works well under makeup without pilling
- Visible reduction in puffiness
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Good value for ingredient quality
- Doesn't cause milia
- pH-balanced formula is soothing
โ Criticized
- Dark circle brightening takes 6-8 weeks
- 30ml tube may feel small for the price
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Anti-wrinkle effects are subtle
- Some prefer lighter gel textures
- May feel too rich in humid climates
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher caffeine concentration for de-puffing. Lighter serum texture. Lacks licorice brightening and peptides but excellent value for addressing puffiness.
Similar gentle, fragrance-free formula with centella. Contains peptides and niacinamide. Lacks licorice but offers comparable soothing benefits.
Arbutin-based brightening instead of licorice. More affordable K-beauty option. Contains niacinamide. Lighter texture, less anti-aging peptides.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
ACWELL Licorice Eye Cream (This Product)
$25.00COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
$28.00Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
$17.00Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream
$28.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Squeeze tube with screw cap for hygienic dispensing
Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this eye cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens - all ingredients typically advised to avoid during pregnancy. The licorice, niacinamide, and peptide-based formula provides gentle brightening and anti-aging benefits without concerning ingredients.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to potentially feed malassezia yeast, including fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol), polyglyceryl-2 stearate, sorbitan olivate, and glyceryl stearate. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider fungal-acne-safe alternatives.
Yes, this eye cream is compatible with most active ingredients. The niacinamide content works synergistically with vitamin C. You can safely use it alongside retinol products - apply the eye cream first, then retinol. For AHAs/BHAs, use on alternate nights or wait 20-30 minutes between applications to avoid irritation around the delicate eye area.
This eye cream is excellent for dry, combination, sensitive, and mature skin types. The fragrance-free, pH-balanced formula with soothing centella asiatica makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Rich emollients like squalane and ceramides benefit dry skin. It's lightweight enough for combination and oily skin, though those with fungal acne should avoid it.
Results vary by concern: Hydration is immediate. De-puffing effects from caffeine are noticeable within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Brightening of dark circles typically takes 6-8 weeks as licorice and niacinamide work on melanin production. Anti-aging benefits from peptides require 12+ weeks of regular use for visible improvement in fine lines.
Apply after your essence and serum steps, but before your moisturizer. The typical order is: Cleanser โ Toner โ Essence โ Serum โ Eye Cream โ Moisturizer โ Sunscreen (AM). Use both morning and evening for best results. The cream can also double as a spot treatment for hyperpigmentation on other areas of the face.
This eye cream has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Most ingredients are non-comedogenic or have very low pore-clogging potential. The squalane used is typically non-comedogenic when derived from plants. However, individual reactions vary - if you're extremely clog-prone, patch test first. Not recommended for those with fungal acne due to fatty alcohol content.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal preservation. The 30ml tube typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use on the eye area only. Using proper hygiene (clean hands, closed cap) helps maintain product integrity throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream is an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle, pregnancy-safe eye cream that addresses dark circles, puffiness, and early signs of aging. The combination of licorice root for brightening, peptides for anti-aging, and caffeine for de-puffing creates a well-rounded formula. While it won't deliver dramatic overnight results, consistent use over 6-8 weeks shows noticeable improvement in under-eye brightness and hydration. The fragrance-free, pH-balanced formula is especially suited for sensitive skin. However, those with fungal acne should look elsewhere due to the fatty alcohol content. At its price point, it offers solid value with quality K-beauty ingredients.
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 skinโs 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 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.
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
Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Cyclohexasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water
Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
|