Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
Product Description
Product overview
An award-winning, peptide-powered eye cream that instantly lifts, firms, and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This whipped, melt-in formula delivers deep hydration with plant-derived squalane and marine algae complex for visibly brighter, more youthful-looking eyes.
Marine Algae Complex
Pink marine algae (Dunaliella Salina) visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area within 7 days.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMarine Algae Complex
Pink marine algae (Dunaliella Salina) visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area within 7 days.
Sugarcane-Derived Squalane
Bioidentical to skin's natural moisture, provides weightless long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Paracress Extract
A medicinal floral extract that instantly and visibly lifts and firms the skin upon application—nature's Botox.
Peptide Technology
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 promotes collagen synthesis and tissue repair for long-term anti-aging benefits.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, and other pregnancy-concerning ingredients. Dermatologist-approved for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains olive-derived emulsifiers and Cetyl Palmitate which may feed malassezia. Squalane itself is safe. Patch test if prone to fungal acne.
Fragrance-free, essential oil-free formula. National Eczema Association-friendly. Tested for allergens and irritants.
Rated 1/5 on comedogenic scale. Non-comedogenic formula suitable for acne-prone skin. Won't clog pores or cause breakouts.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, and other active ingredients in your routine.
Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for ingredient transparency and health. Low hazard score.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSDunaliella Salina Extract (Pink Marine Algae)Proven
A powerful antioxidant-rich algae that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Contains natural carotenoids including astaxanthin for UV protection and anti-aging benefits.
- Clinical Claim: Visibly reduces fine lines within 7 days of use
- Mechanism: Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress
- Source: Sustainably harvested marine algae
Squalane High %Proven
Bioidentical to the squalene naturally found in human skin. Biossance's signature ingredient is derived from 100% renewable sugarcane through a proprietary fermentation process—saving 2 million sharks annually.
- Mechanism: Mimics skin's natural sebum to lock in moisture without greasiness
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 - Won't clog pores
- Stability: More stable than squalene, won't oxidize
Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract (Paracress)Proven
Known as "nature's Botox," this medicinal floral extract instantly and visibly lifts and firms the skin. Creates a tightening sensation upon application for immediate visible results.
- Clinical Claim: Instant lifting and firming effect upon application
- Mechanism: Contains spilanthol which causes muscle relaxation similar to botulinum toxin
- Origin: Traditional Amazonian medicinal plant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5Promising
A synthetic peptide that stimulates collagen production and promotes tissue growth. Clinical studies show significant wrinkle reduction after 84 days of use.
- Research: In-vivo study showed significant wrinkle reduction in 60 volunteers
- Mechanism: Mimics the body's own mechanism to stimulate collagen synthesis
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Proven
A water-retaining molecule that visibly plumps and supports hydration on the skin's delicate surface. Safe, non-irritating, and deeply nourishing.
- Mechanism: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water
- Molecular Size: Low molecular weight for better penetration
AstaxanthinProven
One of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature—6000x stronger than vitamin C. Provides UV protection and fights free radical damage.
- Potency: 6000x more potent than vitamin C as an antioxidant
- Benefit: Protects against UV radiation-induced oxidative stress
- Source: Derived from marine algae
21 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Palmitate, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sorbitan Palmitate, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Astaxanthin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citric Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply eye cream after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizers. Use AM & PM for best results. Creates a smooth base for makeup application.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense a Small Amount
Use a pea-sized amount for both eyes. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply with Ring Finger
Gently dab the cream around the entire eye area using your ring finger—it applies the least pressure on delicate skin.
Massage Thoroughly
Massage around the eye, out to the temple, and underneath the brow bone. Safe for eyelids too!
Use Twice Daily
Apply morning and night for optimal results. Wait 30 seconds before applying makeup for the cream to fully absorb.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles around eyes
- You want a clean, non-toxic eye cream
- You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You need a makeup-friendly eye cream
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You want both instant and long-term results
- You care about sustainability and cruelty-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You have severe fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need aggressive anti-aging with retinol
- You're on a strict budget (there are cheaper dupes)
- You prefer a gel or lightweight serum texture
- You want significant dark circle correction
- You need strong de-puffing effects (consider caffeine serums)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESRich, nourishing formula provides deep hydration without heaviness. Squalane mimics natural skin oils perfectly.
Lightweight enough for oily skin. Absorbs quickly without adding shine. Use a smaller amount if needed.
Balances hydration perfectly. Won't overwhelm oilier areas while nourishing drier eye contours.
Fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and eczema-friendly. Tested for allergens. Great for reactive, sensitive eyes.
Non-comedogenic (1/5 rating). Squalane is safe for acne-prone skin, though those with fungal acne should patch test first.
Peptides and marine algae actively target fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Ideal for anti-aging concerns.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Instant Hydration & Lift
Paracress extract provides immediate visible lifting and firming effect. Skin feels plumped and nourished instantly.
97% noticed firmer skinReduced Fine Lines
Marine algae complex begins to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Eye area appears smoother and more refreshed.
94% saw visible liftEnhanced Firmness & Brightness
Continued improvement in skin texture and elasticity. Dark circles may appear less prominent due to improved hydration.
97% improvement in fine linesLong-Term Anti-Aging Benefits
Peptides stimulate collagen production for lasting results. Overall eye area appears more youthful and firm with consistent use.
Cumulative benefits build over timeRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Luxurious whipped texture that melts into skin
- Instant lifting and firming effect
- Clean, EWG-verified formula
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Excellent for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Creates perfect base for makeup
- Multi-award winning (Allure, Glamour)
- Sustainable and cruelty-free
- Works well for all skin types
- Quick absorption, no pilling
Criticized
- Higher price point ($54 for 15ml)
- Small jar depletes quickly with twice-daily use
- Jar packaging less hygienic than pump
- Limited effect on deep wrinkles or severe dark circles
- May not be fungal acne safe
- Color variation between batches
- Some users report minimal visible results
- Not strong enough for those wanting aggressive anti-aging
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Pure squalane oil without additional actives. Won't provide peptide or marine algae benefits, but delivers same core hydration at a fraction of the price.
Dermatologist-developed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. More basic formula but gentle, effective hydration at drugstore price.
Lightweight gel with caffeine for de-puffing. Different texture (gel vs cream) but similar clean ingredient philosophy and peptide content.
Hyaluronic acid-based hydration in a lightweight formula. Missing the marine algae and peptide benefits but excellent basic eye hydrator.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Use within one year for optimal efficacy and freshness.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but can be stored in fridge for extra depuffing effect.
Glass jar with recyclable packaging. Dispose of inner seal disc, rinse jar, and place in appropriate recycling bin.
Yes - 15ml/0.5oz is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage (under 100ml/3.4oz limit).
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! This eye cream is completely safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. Biossance was named best pregnancy-safe skincare brand by The Bump in 2024. All Biossance products (except the Retinol Night Serum) are formulated to be safe during pregnancy and nursing. However, always consult your doctor before adding new products to your routine.
Caution advised. While the squalane in this formula is considered safe for fungal acne (malassezia), the product contains some ingredients that may feed malassezia, including olive-derived emulsifiers (Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate) and Cetyl Palmitate. If you have active fungal acne or malassezia folliculitis, consider patch testing first or opt for a confirmed fungal acne-safe eye cream instead.
Yes! This eye cream is compatible with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply the eye cream first, allow it to absorb for 30 seconds, then continue with your other treatments. If using retinol around the eyes, you can apply this eye cream before or after—it will help buffer potential irritation. For vitamin C, layer this cream after your vitamin C serum.
This eye cream works excellently for all skin types but is especially ideal for dry, sensitive, combination, and mature skin. The fragrance-free, clean formula is National Eczema Association-friendly and tested for allergens. Those with oily skin can use a smaller amount. The only exception is severe fungal acne-prone skin, where caution is advised due to certain ingredients.
You'll notice instant firming and lifting effects immediately upon application due to the paracress extract. Within the first week, 94% of users in clinical studies reported visible lift in the eye area. By day 7, you should see reduced fine lines thanks to the marine algae complex. Maximum benefits continue to build over 4-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use as peptides stimulate collagen production.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before serums and moisturizers. The order is: Cleanser → Toner → Eye Cream → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). This eye cream creates a smooth base for makeup, so it's perfect for morning routines. Use twice daily (morning and night) for best results.
No, this eye cream has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's highly unlikely to clog pores. The star ingredient, squalane, has a comedogenic rating of 0 and is actually excellent for acne-prone skin. The formula is non-comedogenic and won't cause breakouts or milia when used as directed around the eye area.
The PAO (Period After Opening) is 12 months. The 15ml jar typically lasts 2-4 months with twice-daily use, depending on how much product you apply. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The glass jar is fully recyclable—simply dispose of the inner seal disc, rinse the jar, and recycle.
The color may vary slightly from batch to batch due to the naturally derived ingredients and active botanicals in the formula. Biossance never uses synthetic dyes or artificial colorants, so natural variation is normal and expected. The subtle pink hue comes from the astaxanthin and marine algae. Rest assured, the formula, efficacy, and results remain exactly the same regardless of color variation.
This eye cream primarily targets fine lines, wrinkles, and firmness rather than dark circles and puffiness. While the hydration can make the under-eye area appear slightly brighter, it doesn't contain caffeine or other strong de-puffing ingredients. For dark circles and puffiness, consider pairing with Biossance's Squalane + Peptide Brightening & De-Puffing Eye Gel, which is specifically formulated for those concerns.
Verdict: The Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean, pregnancy-safe eye cream with instant firming benefits. Its award-winning formula delivers noticeable hydration and smoothing effects, and the whipped texture is a joy to use. While it excels at fine lines and firmness, it's not the best choice for severe dark circles or deep wrinkles. The price point is higher than drugstore alternatives, but the clean, sustainable formulation and clinically-backed ingredients justify the investment for those prioritizing ingredient quality. Ideal for sensitive skin, clean beauty enthusiasts, and anyone wanting visible anti-aging results without harsh actives.
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 skin’s 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 «promises» 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitan Olivate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|