
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Brightening eye serum with retinoid
FEATURES
Precision applicator, targets hard-to-reach areas, gentle formula
BEST FOR
All skin types
CHECKS
Free of drying alcohol, fragrance, oil, parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, synthetic color
Who Is It For?
Adults Of All AgesWhat Does It Help With?
Brightens Depuffs Hydrates Reduces Dark CirclesBudget
Mid-range ($30-$75)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What Clinique Says
Product Description:
Visibly brightening eye serum formulated with potent retinoid, yet still gentle enough for the eye area. Precision applicator created with our guiding dermatologist helps target hard-to-reach areas under the eye.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
Water\Aqua\Eau, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Isododecane, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Trisiloxane, Sodium Chloride, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Propylene Glycol Caprylate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Phosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Polysilicone-11, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bht, Resveratrol, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
Key Ingredients
Retinoid, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid
Ingredients Details
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Common Name(s): Aa2g,2-o-alpha-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid
CAS Number: 129499-78-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides stable gradual-release vitamin c activity for brightening and antioxidant protection.
Why It's Used: Most formulation-stable vitamin c derivative — ascorbyl glucoside remains stable in aqueous formulations where pure ascorbic acid oxidises within days, providing sustained vitamin c delivery over weeks of shelf life.
How It Works: Alpha-glucoside bond resists oxidation until cleaved by skin alpha-glucosidase enzymes. releases free l-ascorbic acid in viable epidermis. released ascorbic acid inhibits tyrosinase, stimulates collagen synthesis, and provides antioxidant activity. glucose group provides enhanced water solubility vs ascorbic acid.
Typically Found In: Stable vitamin c serums,brightening products,anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – stable vitamin c glucoside
Secondary Functions: Tyrosinase inhibitor,collagen cofactor
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – enzymatic synthesis from ascorbic acid and glucose
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetically produced vitamin c derivative.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Tocopherol,ferulic acid,niacinamide,spf
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ascorbyl glucoside's stability advantage (18+ months in aqueous formulation vs days for ascorbic acid) arises from the glucose group's steric protection of ascorbic acid's c2 enediol that is the primary oxidation site. glucosidase cleavage in skin removes this protection in situ, releasing active ascorbic acid only where enzymatic activity exists — providing both formulation stability and bioactivation where needed.
Last Verified: Cosing database,yamamoto et al. ascorbyl glucoside stability study
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Butylene Glycol
Common Name(s): 1,3-butanediol,bg,1,3-butylene glycol
CAS Number: 107-88-0
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides humectant hydration and active ingredient solubilization with excellent skin feel.
Why It's Used: Preferred glycol humectant in premium and k-beauty formulations for superior skin feel vs propylene glycol with equivalent functionality.
How It Works: Two hydroxyl groups at 1,3-positions provide water binding and solvent activity. better tolerated than propylene glycol with minimal sensitization risk. 4-carbon backbone provides slightly greater hydrophobic character enabling dissolution of less polar actives vs pg.
Typically Found In: Toners,essences,serums,k-beauty formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – glycol humectant
Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
K-beauty's preference for butylene glycol over propylene glycol is driven by two factors: bg's superior skin feel (less tacky than pg's higher viscosity) and its lower sensitization potential (1,3-bg has better spatial distribution of hydroxyl groups that reduces protein interaction vs pg's 1,2-position oh groups).
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Dimethicone
Common Name(s): Pdms,polydimethylsiloxane,silicone fluid
CAS Number: 9006-65-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides silicone-characteristic silky feel and skin protection with adjustable viscosity.
Why It's Used: The benchmark cosmetic silicone – sets the gold standard for silky application feel, spreadability, and skin protection in virtually all skin care categories.
How It Works: Polydimethylsiloxane chain flexibility provides extremely low surface tension and high spreadability. inert si-o backbone provides chemical stability and excellent skin tolerance. occlusive film formation reduces tewl. higher viscosity grades provide more intense conditioning.
Typically Found In: Moisturizers,foundations,primers,sunscreens – nearly universal
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – polydimethylsiloxane
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–30%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dimethicone's exceptional silky feel arises from its very low intermolecular attractive forces (weak van der waals forces due to non-polar methyl groups) that allow silicone chains to slide freely over skin. the coefficient of kinetic friction for pdms against skin (~0.04) is among the lowest of any cosmetic material – explaining why even small amounts transform product feel.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Glycerin
Common Name(s): Glycerol,glycerine,1,2,3-propanetriol
CAS Number: 56-81-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Glycerin pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer skin layer (epidermis), boosting moisture levels and keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump.
Why It's Used: It is used in virtually every moisturizer, serum, and cleanser because it is highly effective at hydrating skin, is well-tolerated by all skin types, and enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations.
How It Works: As a humectant, glycerin forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, trapping them in the skin. it also reinforces the skin barrier by integrating into lipid structures between skin cells.
Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,cleansers,toners,sheet masks,sunscreens,body lotions,shampoos,conditioners
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Humectant
Secondary Functions: Skin barrier support,emollient,solvent
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30% (typical: 3–10%)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (coconut, soy, palm) or synthetic
Halal Status: Yes – when plant-derived or synthetic; verify source with supplier
Source Notes: Derived from plant oils via hydrolysis or saponification; synthetic versions also available. palm-derived glycerin carries sustainability concerns.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; non-irritating at all standard concentrations
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Extremely rare allergic reactions; generally safe for all skin types including sensitive and baby skin
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Widely recognized as safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (up to 50%).
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,niacinamide,panthenol,urea,peptides,retinol,ahas/bhas
Avoid Combining With: No known incompatibilities at standard concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycerin is an endogenous skin component found naturally in the stratum corneum. aquaporin-3 channels in keratinocytes facilitate glycerin transport, making it integral to natural skin hydration pathways.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,inci decoder
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12