If there’s anything that makes me more sceptical than an overblown cosmetic claim, that’s seeing ALL 5 star reviews on a brand’s website. Am I really supposed to believe that everyone who tried a certain product loved it so much to elect it to HG status? That no one experienced even just average results – ever? Yeah, right. Case in point: Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift. Said to firm skin and lighten dark circles, it’s loved by bloggers, beauty editors, and pretty much everyone else (according to their website). I decided to investigate. Is it really that good? Mmmm…
Key Ingredients In Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift: What Makes It Work?
FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR
Growth factors are controversial. They’re naturally-occurring molecules that boost communication between cells. They do all kinds of jobs, including stimulating collagen production and speeding up wound healing. Fibroblast growth factor, in particular, has two jobs in skincare:
- It helps promote the formation of new blood cells: This allows oxygen and other nutrients to get better delivered to the skin.
- It stimulates collagen production: It may be helpful in treating dark circles caused by blood vessels showing through the skin.
How can you tell if that’s your case? Simply press on them. If they lighten, then they’re caused by blood vessels. This happens because your skin is so thin, it’s showing what’s going on underneath. By stimulating collagen production, you make skin thicker overtime.
That’s the theory. In practice, I haven’t found any studies proving that fibroblast growth factor can help with dark circles. That’s probably because this is a fairly new ingredient in cosmetics. We don’t have enough data for his efficacy… or his safety. Maybe I’m being too overcautious, but I’m sticking to retinoids. They too stimulate collagen production. And they’re safe.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Growth Factors In Skincare
PEPTIDES
Peptides are an anomaly in skincare. In theory, their molecules are too big to penetrate skin, so they shouldn’t do much. In practice, studies show they work. Scientists think that they can, from the surface of the skin, signal to receptors present there how cells should behave.
Time (and science) will tell how and how well they work, but already, many brands, like Skin Authority, are including them in their products. Dramatic Eye Lift contains four different peptides:
Peptides make a nice addition to any serum, but I wouldn’t purchase one just because of them. At least not until we know more about what they can really do.
Related: Types Of Peptides In Skincare: Which Ones Are Right For You?
HESPERIDIN METHYL CHALCONE
Found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone “lowers the filtration rate of capillaries”. What does that mean? In plain English, “less blood flowing though capillaries close to the surface of the skin potentially means that less hemoglobin would be oxygenated to cause the dark bluish discoloration under the eyes.”
Before you get too excited, let me point out that pretty much every study conducted on hesperidin methyl chalcone are related to oral supplements. We don’t know if it is has the same benefits when topically applied to the skin yet.
Related: What Really Works To Treat Dark Circles?
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The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Water (Aqua): Just the base that helps everything else dissolve and blend together.
- Glycerin: A humectant that pulls moisture into your skin, so it stays hydrated and plump.
- Polysorbate 20: Helps mix oil and water. Think of it like the peacekeeper in the formula.
- Butylene Glycol: A moisture magnet that also helps other ingredients absorb better.
- Xanthan Gum: Thickens the formula so it has a nice, smooth texture.
- Lactic Acid: A gentle exfoliant that brightens and hydrates. Also helps smooth out texture over time. It’s only present in a small amount here, so don’t expect it to do much.
- Steareth-20: An emulsifier that helps keep the formula from separating.
- N-Hydroxysuccinimide: Targets dark circles by helping break down red pigment (iron) under the eyes. Not much proof it works.
- Chrysin: Plant-derived antioxidant that works with N-Hydroxysuccinimide to reduce dark circles. Again, not much independent proof it works.
- Aminoethylphosphinic Acid: According to the manufacturer, it helps inhibit muscle contractions to soften expression lines. Very unlikely to work in skincare.
- Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract: Rich in fatty acids that help calm and nourish dry or irritated skin.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: AKA green tea extract. A strong antioxidant that soothes and protects your skin.
- Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract: Brightening and antioxidant-rich, though it can cause irritation for very sensitive skin.
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil: Smells nice and can help tone the skin, but if it’s not photostable, it may cause sun sensitivity.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that keeps the product from growing mold or bacteria.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: A gentle preservative booster and humectant that adds a little hydration.
- Caprylyl Glycol: Another hydrating ingredient that also helps with product preservation.
Texture
It’s a lightweight gel that feels silky and smooth going on. Not sticky, not greasy, and it sinks in fast – like your skin just drinks it up. Leaves a slightly firming, tightening feel as it dries, but nothing uncomfortable or tacky.
Fragrance
No strong scent here, which is a win for the eye area. It has a very faint “skincare” smell – clean and barely noticeable. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, this shouldn’t bother you – but do a patch test, just in case.
How To Use It
Use a tiny amount – seriously, less than a pea. Tap (don’t rub!) it around the orbital bone using your ring finger. You can use it morning and night, and it layers well under makeup without pilling or sliding around.
Packaging
Comes in a sleek, white airless pump bottle. Hygienic, easy to use, and you’re not sticking your fingers into a jar, which is always a plus. Also makes it travel-friendly – no spills, no mess.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I like how Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift feels on my skin. The lightweight gel-like texture sinks quickly into my skin, without leaving a tacky residue behind. It’s definitely moisturising. I usually use my facial moisturiser on my eye area, but if you need the extra help there, this delivers. It makes skin softer and suppler, which in turn makes fine lines look a little smaller. Plus, it makes a good base for makeup. Concealer glides like a dream on top of it.
FYI, that’s it. This serum didn’t do anything for my dark circles. It didn’t help with my puffy eyes. It didn’t lift my skin. I knew it wouldn’t. If something could get rid of dark circles and saggy skin, no one would go under the knife to get rid of them, know what I mean?
Related: Do You Really Need An Eye Cream (The Answer May Surprise You)
What I Like About Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift
- The texture is lovely – lightweight, silky, and quick to absorb
- Feels hydrating without being heavy or greasy
- Makes the under-eye area feel soft, smooth, and a bit firmer
- Great base for makeup – no pilling, no sliding, just smooth application
- Fragrance is minimal and not irritating
- The pump packaging is hygienic and travel-friendly
What I DON’T Like About Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift
- Didn’t do anything for my dark circles (which, to be fair, is pretty normal for eye creams)
- No noticeable effect on puffiness or sagging – the “dramatic lift” claim is a bit much
- For the price, I was expecting more of a visible difference
- If you’re already using a good facial moisturiser under your eyes, this might not add much
Who Should Use It?
Honestly, no one needs an eye cream. Your face moisturiser will do. But:
- If your under-eye area feels dry or crepey and you want something lightweight that hydrates without heaviness, this will do the trick
- If you wear concealer regularly and want something that helps it sit better – this layers beautifully under makeup
- If you’re not expecting miracles (no cream is going to lift skin or erase dark circles), but just want a solid, gentle eye hydrator – you’ll probably like it
Does Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Highly concentrated, protein-rich formula lifts and tightens the delicate skin around the eyes for a more youthful appearance. | It can’t lift and tighten skin. Nothing you topically apply on your skin can. |
| Eyes instantly look brighter and more refreshed. | True. But anything moisturising will do this. |
| Helps lighten dark circles. | It doesn’t. |
| Helps firm and lift sagging eyelids. | Notice how it doesn’t claim to firm sagging eyelids. It only claims to help (what?) lift them. That’s because it can’t do the job. |
| Moisturizes and conditions to leave skin soft and silky. | True. |
| Non-greasy, clean smell, and will not clog pores. | True. |
Price & Availability
$139.00/£108.42 at Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
Nope. Save your money and apply your facial moisturiser to the eye area. You’ll get the same results.
Water (Aqua), Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Steareth-20, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aminoethylphosphinic Acid, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Have you tried Skin Authority Dramatic Eye Lift? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
