I shared a first impression of this on Instagram before the official release, and now that this eye cream is out and I’ve had more time to fully test, I can safely say that the Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream has dethroned the Insytutum Eye Cream as my new favorite.
Overview
What is it
An anti-pollution, anti-blue light, and anti-aging eye cream that visibly helps improve the skin barrier to support your skin’s natural microbiome.
How I use it
Twice a day around my eyes, focusing on the area under the eyes where fine lines & bags form first. Also using this twice a day on my smile lines/nasolabial folds. This needs to be warmed up between your fingers first before applying.
Best suited for
Anyone looking to address puffiness, eye bags, and fine lines around their eyes. Normal/combo/oily skin types will enjoy the light yet moisturizing cream texture. Really dry skin might want to layer a facial oil over this.
Things to note
If you’re not a fan of silicones, this eye cream has a good amount of it. Otherwise it’s fragrance/essential-oil/alcohol free.
Packaging
A plastic pink jar. Honestly I don’t care for it, but given the balm-to-cream texture the jar is the only feasible option.
Scent
Fragrance-free, as all eye creams should be!
Texture
A solid balm that melts into a cream once you warm it up between your fingers. The cream feels like a richer silicone primer, which could be a turn off for some. Personally I enjoyed the non-oily texture and it layers well under other products and makeup.
Finish
Natural with no noticeable shine. Imagine applying eye primer, it’s pretty much the same finish.
Where to buy
$55/0.5oz on Sephora, Ulta, and Peter Thomas Roth
![Goodbye lines & bags: the Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream review](https://www.geekyposh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/peter-thomas-roth-vital-e-microbiome-eye-cream-1.jpg)
Ingredients Highlight
full ingredient analysis
This has a nice mix of occlusives, emollients, humectants, antioxidants, anti-aging peptides, and depuffing caffeine that can be found in most eye creams. What sets the Vital-E Eye Cream apart are the following ingredients:
- Bacillus – A group of probiotics. Because the name is so vague it’s hard to tell which strain is actually included. Is it lactobacillus, which is anti-inflammatory and can help with acne-prone skin, or bacillus coagulans, which can help with ceramide production? (source) Either way the idea is that by replenishing our skin’s microbiome, it will naturally strengthen the barrier and protect against external aggressors.
- Inulin – A type of prebiotic, which is basically food for the probiotics. These two groups work best together, which is why you’ll often find both in probiotic-based skincare.
- Butterfly Ginger Root Extract – Its skincare benefits have not been widely studied, but the manufacturer claims this can help protect against UV rays, blue light, and pollution. In their clinical trial, they found 3% of this extract increased the brightness of skin exposed to pollution (source).
While the microbiome-supporting benefits of this eye cream is nice, what I really appreciate is the blue light protection. With all the time we spend in front of screens now, my delicate eye area could definitely use the safeguard. Even with limited studies, better safe than sorry!
Usage experience
So the texture definitely stood out for me, I’ve never used an eye cream that felt like a primer, but it’s done an excellent job of keeping my dry eye area moisturized and the fine lines at bay.
![Goodbye lines & bags: the Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream review](jpg/peter-thomas-roth-vital-e-microbiome-eye-cream-2.jpg)
I’ve also been using this on my smile lines/nasolabial folds and was pleased to see the same results. Unlike other eye creams, the PTR Vital-E Eye Cream didn’t break me out here at all. So no spots, no fine lines, life is good.
But what really blew me away was its ability to make my right under eye bag pretty much disappear.
I’ve tried other caffeine-based eye products but none delivered any noticeable results. I’m still not sure what part of the formula is responsible for this unexpected yet incredible change but ignorance is 200% bliss here!
Lastly, the dark circles are still there, which for me are 50% genetics 50% lifestyle habits. I didn’t expect this eye cream to address them, but if you are, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream compared
Here’s how the PTR Vital-E Eye Cream compares to my past favorites:
Instytutum Eye Cream – My old favorite, but it didn’t fix my under eye bag. The amount per container are is the same as PTR’s, but the latter has lasted me a month so far and there’s still a good amount left, compared to the Instytutum which I seem to use up much faster. Reviewed here.
Paula’s Choice Ceramide Enriched Eye Cream – Excellent ingredients and a superior airtight pump packaging, it’s also reasonably priced. The formula did cause bumps when used on smile lines, but is great for the eye area. Reviewed here.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – My first eye cream love, and a good one for younger skin that mainly needs hydration. This is the most affordable of the 4 at $32 for 0.5oz. Reviewed here.
Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb – Incredibly hydrating with some anti-aging benefits, I was using this before the PTR. I’d consider this a step up from the Kiehl’s and a lighter + more affordable alternative to the Paula’s Choice.
Read more: The eye cream edit – what I’m using for for dryness, lines, and puffiness
Final Verdict
- Packaging7/10
- Ingredients9/10
- Texture/Application9.5/10
- Performance10/10
- Price8/10
Honestly I didn't have any expectations when I started testing this eye cream, but so far I've been blown away. Granted I don't have serious wrinkles around my eyes yet, but what fine lines I do have are gone with this baby, and the damn under eye bag too. It's a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way, and I will happily repurchase another jar when I run out. Goodness knows my eyes need it!
Oh I’m definitely going to try this! i find it pretty hard to find a good eye cream. I liked Fresh Creme Ancienne but wanted to try something new. Next Sephora sale then!
WOW, that is quite the endorsement! I am so going to try this out. I suffer from fluid retention under the eyes and is really puffy eyes. Eye bags are fat deposits which only surgery can remoe. You really have puffy eyes and it is hard to deal with and if this products works like you say I will be a repeat customer!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Ooh I love the texture but even better that its had a real impact Jenny! Will keep a look out for this one xx
Violethollow.com
Even though it’s a little pricey it’s so good it works for you! I’ve heard so much nice things about Peter Roth but never tried anything from the brand yet, this sounds like it would be a good one to start with! :)
Hope you are having a great weekend! We have a lot of rain which is very welcome, but we have still been able to get out and about :)
I love PTR products and need to try this one x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
The texture of this sounds really interesting. While I am not entirely well versed in all things eye cream, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a balm type cream before. I am not a huge fan of these, as I just don’t have the patience/memory for warming them up prior to use, but you’ve sold me on the lines issue, especially with the smile lines! These have just started popping up for me lately and two birds, one stone. Win, win!
This sounds like a wonderful new eye cream discovery! God knows, it is so hard to come across one that actually delivers results. Thank you Jenny for such a thorough review here. I will check this one out for sure xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Sounds very promising, but I miss the Retinol that makes the Instytutum one stand out for me. That being said I am currently testing the Murad Retinol Eye Cream that I enjoy so far (has only been a week though, so too early to already tell).
Anne from “Doctor Anne”
I forgot the Instytutum one had retinol! Since I use a retinol serum daily (either from PTR or Curology), I don’t feel as bad about not having it in my eye cream. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Murad one!
I really need to get a new eye cream, and this one sounds amazing! The price though….
with love,
Bash
Hey Bash
I feel like eye creams in general are pretty pricey per ounce, especially the anti-aging ones!
I have been looking for an eye cream that does something Jenny and I think this might be it. Thanks as always for such a detailed review.
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Hi,
OMG I wish we were the same skin type, I have super dry skin. I would come to you for everything! Your review is insanely good and even more thorough. Seriously, girl standing applause. You gave me every single thing I wanted to know about. Well done!
Seriously Impressed, thexglitterbox
@thexglitterbox
https://thexglitterbox.com/
Thank you so much for the kind comment Lacey, glad you like my reviews!
Wow better for you than the Insytutum Eye Cream. That’s impressive for sure. I like that it offers blue light protection as that concerns me even more than UV these days. I wish it does more dark circles though as that’s my primary eye issue.
The blue light protection is nice, and something I hope will start showing up in more eye creams! I’ve heard people having good results with the Drunk Elephant C-Tango for dark circles, haven’t tried it myself though!
I NEED this in my life in a vat. It’s so rare to find eye creams that make a difference to bags, and under-eye circles so I so desparately need to try this. It sounds really lovely, and I need to try more from PTR. I just love your blog design too, I always mean to say it but I forget :D xx
GemmaEtc.com
Thank you Gemma! I agree, I feel like all eye creams promise a million things but I rarely find one that lives up to all the claims, and this one comes closest! Unfortunately my dark circles are genetics/lifestyle related so I doubt I’ll ever find a product for it ^_^;
You weren’t kidding when you said it had a lot of silicone! I try to avoid it when I can.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Is there a reason why? I’m iffy when I see it in face products too only because I’m worried about pilling.
Sold! Especially when the price is better on my wallet than Instytutum!