If you are a regular reader here, you will know that my skincare reviews require a lot of work. Not only do I try to be as detailed as possible in describing my experience, but I do research the ingredients and claims behind them as well. It helps a lot that I have access to medical databases, because, quite frankly, the “scientific” claims on a brands website are ridiculous.
When starting my review on the DNA Eye Renewal, I already had an opinion on the cream and its claims to repair DNA, and I was in proper ranting mood. But then I did the research. The medical one. The one on the claim of topically applied DNA repairing enzymes. And guess what: They work. Scientifically proven, they do work in reducing the incidence of skin cancer while en passant undoing sun damage like wrinkles and hyper pigmentation.
But does that mean that I will urge you all to go out and buy the DNA Eye Renewal eye cream? Let´s see.
What DNA Renewal claims:
DNA EYE RENEWAL revitalizes delicate eye area concerns targeting dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and crow’s feet. This potent, yet easy to absorb lightweight lotion strengthens the skin’s matrix to plump and firm. Noticeable reduces and delays signs of aging around the eyes.
This multi-faceted, quick-absorbing formula targets immediate eye area concerns (dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, crow’s feet) and combats intrinsic aging factors to rejuvenate delicate under eye skin.
Facts:
Prize and size
One tube contains 20 ml and retails for 44 GBP on Cult Beauty. That is around 52 € or 55 $. There are other websites that sell it for up to 70 $. I have been using it for three months now and there is still product left.
Texture and smell
The cream is very light and runny as you can see in the picture above. It feels like water on the skin, refreshing and easily absorbed. I had no issues with makeup application after using this.
Application and effects
One pump is enough for both eyes. The cream glides around the eye without dragging and absorbs quickly. My dark circles are still the same they were when I started using the cream, but then again I still have two small children that won’t let me sleep through the night. Likewise I did not see a visible reduction in fine lines and hyper pigmentation, at least not more than I have seen with any other hydrating eye cream.
Favorable ingredients
- Glycerin: Hydrating
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydrating
- Bisabolol: Hydrating
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E
- Gardenia Tahiensis Flower: Soothing, anti-inflammatory
- Hydrogenated Olive Oil: Moisturizing, rich in antioxidants
- Tocopherol Acetate: Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Lavandula Stoechas Extract: claims to have a botox like effect
- Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract: DNA repairing enzymes
- Rosmariunus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract: Soothing
- Matrixyl 3000: Claims to stimulate collagen
- Plankton Extract: Rich in antioxidants
- Beta-Glucan: Hydrating
- Epilobium Augustifolium (Canadian Willowherb): Soothing
- Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract: Antioxidants
Unfavorable Ingredients
- Petrolatum: Mineral Oil
- Silicones: I don’t mind them at all, but some people claim they break them out.
- Linalool: potentially irritant, naturally occurring in essential oils
Does it live up to its claims?
Most of them.
It is lightweight, easily absorbed and contains anti-aging and hydrating ingredients. It does work on my fine lines, but it did not work on my dark circles (don’t know how it could, to be honest) and I have no idea if it delayed further aging. I would have needed to apply it to one eye only to judge that.
Would I repurchase?
No.
The thought of DNA repairing enzymes intrigues me, but as there is no information on the actual concentration of enzymes in the cream, I am not sure if this is the cream that will work similar to the ones used in research. And after pondering it for a while I personally would not repurchase.
Who do I recommend it to?
For the first time since starting these reviews, I have no recommendation. But I will link you a letter of warning from the FDA, written in 2015, here. It by no means indicates that this product is dangerous for your health. It simply states that a product with these claims needs to be approved as a new drug before contribution. Which, to my knowledge, has not happened yet.
All products were purchased with my own money and all opinions are honest and my own. Some links used above may be affiliate links.
This is not a sponsored blogpost.