Last updated on 8 November, 2024
Ever since I used my first eye cream there has been no turning back. After that I have been experimenting with a lot of good brands in case of eye cream. I only opt for eye creams that are in tube form or free from essential oils since my eyes turn watery with EOs. Today am going to pen down my first ever retinol eye cream that is Dot & Key Retinol Eye Cream Review.
Brand Claims
Collagen-boosting under eye cream that depuffs, smoothens & firms delicate under eye area. Powered by retinol to visibly reduce fine lines & wrinkles for smoother, firmer under eye skin. Infused with pomegranate to effectively fade circles for fresh, radiant skin. Supercharged with caffeine, it prevents under eye water retention & depuffs skin for awakened-looking eyes. Deeply moisturizes while delivering a soothing & relaxing sensation with the built-in zinc metal applicator.
Ingredients
Aqua, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Siloxanetriol Alginate (and) Caffeine, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glycerine, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Lauryl Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinol, Methylsilanol Mannuronate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract (and) Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract (and) Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, C14-22 Alcohols (and) C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Stearyl Dimethicone (and) Octadecene, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, BHT, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Tocopherol
Price, Shelf life and Availability
495 INR for 20 ml with a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacturing. Available on Nykaa, Amazon and Dot and Key website.
Packaging, Texture and Fragrance
The product is packed in a cute dark pink tube with a white plastic cap. The product has a metal applicator to facilitate the application and providing a cool effect. The white cap is supposed to be removed directly for applying and isn’t a screw packaging. I was initially confused with the packaging as I couldn’t figure out how to open the cap to use the eye cream. The eye cream is white in colour and doesn’t have any fragrance. The consistency is light weight and texture is creamy yet non oily.
My experience with Dot & Key Eye Cream
The eye cream has a good creamy consistency and it is neither heavy nor sticky. The eye cream moisturizes the under eye area nicely without leaving a greasy or oily residue. The cream consistency makes it easy to spread across the eye area without tugging or pulling it. I didn’t experience any eye irritation, burning or watery eyes while using the eye cream. But being said that one must always patch an eye cream before using.
I have dark under eye circles since many years. Dot & Key Retinol Eye Cream took a few weeks to show visible effects such as brightening and dark circle reduction. I don’t find any improvement in the fine lines that I have on my under eye area. The firming, collagen boosting properties of the eye cream will probably take some more months to show effects. The product is specifically targeted to improve firmness, skin elasticity, fade dark circles & add radiance. I started noticing a difference in dark circles only after regular usage of 3 months.
The brand has mentioned to apply the under eye cream with metal applicator. Initially I did use the metal applicator but found out that the cream takes time to get absorbed. Now I just dispense a bit of the cream on my ring finger without touching the metal applicator and it apply it easily. You can even pat the eye cream until it is fully absorbed. The tube sometimes is filled up with air and it takes time to dispense the cream and if you try hard the applicator is pops out. So take due care while handling the product.
The eye cream is a part of my night time skin care routine since it contains retinol. The fact that Dot and Key Eye Cream is sans fragrance as well as non sticky, non oily yet rich texture is what makes it special. This eye cream is definitely on my repurchase list as I really like it. Although I wouldn’t say that this is a must have under eye cream due to the presence of retinol in it as it may not suit everyone. Please use it during the night time, and during the day time apply a sunscreen on your under eye area. Kindly patch test before use.
Pros
- Retinol eye cream with pomegranate superfruit that helps smooth fine lines & wrinkles around the eye area
- Reduces puffiness by increasing blood circulation
- Reduces the darkness considerably with regular use of a minimum 3 months
- Moisturizes the under eye area without any greasiness and oiliness
- Boosts collagen for firmer under-eye skin over time
- Contains a host of antioxidant ingredients such as Caffeine, Pomegranate Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Tocopherol
- Tube packaging which is easier to use as well as carry during travels
- Essential oil free and fragrance-free eye cream that is suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It can be used only at night due to retinol in it
- Retinol for under eye make not suit everyone
- Metal applicator may not be feasible for everyone
- Sometimes the eye cream forms a thick layer at the mouth of dispenser when kept unused for a few days
Summing Up
An affordable, value for money, retinol based eye cream that actually shows effects on dark circles. It neither contains any fragrance nor any essential oils. Rich, fast absorbing yet non sticky, non oily texture is what makes it special to use regularly. I enjoy using Dot and Key eye cream in my night time routine. It shows effects on dark circles with regular use of months. It’s definitely on my repurchase list as I really love using it. Although I wouldn’t say that this is a must have under eye cream due to the presence of retinol in it as it may not suit everyone.
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