While I’m a big believer of eye creams, I can totally see the argument against it. Why not just use your regular moisturizer around your eye area? AHC must have realized this too, because they specifically labeled theirs “for face” and priced it so you really could use it that way and not go broke.
Meet “season 9” of their best selling product, the AHC Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream For Face.
Table of Contents
Overview
What is it
The eye cream for face that contains collagen, elastin, and peptide that are similar to the body composition, boosting the skin firmness, density, and lifting effect.
Best suited for
All skin types looking for an entry level anti-aging eye cream that’s moisturizing but not too heavy.
Things to note
Contains alcohol and fragrance, but neither were irritating for me. Also contains coconut oil which can be comedogenic.
Packaging
A plastic squeeze tube. Metallic packaging has not rubbed off at all which is awesome.
Scent
Has a floral scent but it’s not noticeable once applied. I have sensitive eyes and didn’t find the fragrance irritating.
Texture
Feels like a thick gel, or a gel-balm hybrid with a lot of slip. But it spreads easily on the skin and doesn’t feel heavy or oily at all.
Finish
Natural finish with minimal oiliness and shine. No issues with milia either.
Price & Size
$15 for 30ml on Stylevana (10% off with SHOPJENNY), YesStyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off) or $32 for 2 (plus 3*12ml minis) on Olive Young (JENNY123 for 5% off)
AHC Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream Ingredients
Full Ingredients
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Alcohol, Lycium Chinense Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Shea Butter, Methylpropanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Fig Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Malt Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Rice Extract, Collagen Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Cotton Seed Extract, Tomato Fruit Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Avocado Fruit Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Wheat Peptide, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Green Bean Seed Extract, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palm Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Soluble Collagen, Rice Germ Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sh-Polypeptide-19, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Polyacrylate-13, Beta-Glucan, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Micrococcus Ferment Lysate, Glycosyl Trehalose, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Adenosine, Raffinose, Cholesterol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Ceramide NP, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium Laurate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Lauric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soluble Elastin, Propanediol, Folic Acid, Carnosine, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Glycolipids, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glycine, Lactobacillus Ferment, Maltodextrin, Squalane, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Oleanolic Acid, Collagen, Collagen Amino Acids, Tetrahydropiperine, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Aspartic Acid, Mannitol, Leucine, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Alanine, Lysine, Xylitylglucoside, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Valine, Threonine, Proline, Anhydroxylitol, Isoleucine, Lactobacillus Extracellular Vesicles, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Histidine, Xylitol, Methionine, Cysteine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Potassium Hyaluronate, PVP, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hyaluronic Acid, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Gluconolactone, Soybean Peptide, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sorbitan Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Saccharomyces Polypeptides, Glucose, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Alcohol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Oat Peptide, Retinal, Menadione, Silica, Rapeseed Sterols, Soybean Polypeptide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Tocopherol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sucrose Distearate, Atelocollagen, Rutin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Phosphate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Oligopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1, Dipotassium Phosphate, Calcium Gluconate, Nonapeptide-1, Dipeptide-1, Dipeptide-2, Dipeptide-4, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl SH-Tetrapeptide-1, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper HCL, Oligopeptide-6, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3, Pentapeptide-3, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Fullerenes, Biotin, SH-Polypeptide-3, Thiamine Hcl, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, SH-Polypeptide-11, SH-Polypeptide-9, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Fragrance, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol
Yep, it’s your typical K-beauty formula where they really try to cram as much good stuff in as possible:
- 35 types of peptides, many of which can help minimize fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production. We also see EGF, a type of peptides which can help with skin rejuvenation, but the % used here probably won’t do much.
- 9 types of collagen, which are supposedly much smaller than your typical collagen molecules so they can penetrate into the skin. At the very least they’ll function as humectants to draw hydration to the skin.
- 17 types of amino acids, many of which are a part of the natural moisturizing factors on our skin. As the name suggests, they not only moisturize but help strengthen our skin barrier.
- 10 types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate our skin.
- Their signature AHC 20s Biome, a probiotics blend based on the skin microbiome of those in their 20’s.
- Popular antioxidants like green tea extract, centella asiatica extract, vitamin e, and idebenone.
To keep the eye area moisturized this uses several different emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, squalane, and cholesterol. This is important since the eye area is more prone to dryness than anywhere else on our face.
We also see a few brightening ingredients that may help with dark circles due to hyperpigmentation:
- Niacinamide, a superstar brightening and anti-aging ingredient, no more needs to be said.
- Salicornia Herbacea Extract or Glasswort Extract showed great skin brightening properties in an in-vitro study,1 and it also contains beneficial components like (more) amino acids and betaine that moisturize the skin.
- Pancratium Maritimum Extract or Sea Daffodil Extract also showed potential in fading dark spots and inhibiting melanin production in a manufacturer’s study.2
While all this sounds/looks incredible, keep in mind that you’re probably getting very low % of each ingredient. This can be problematic if certain ingredients are shown to work best at a higher %.
How to use the AHC Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream
As an eye cream, squeeze a pea sized amount and apply gently using your ring finger to massage the product in. Since this has a lighter texture I prefer applying it before my moisturizer.
As a moisturizer, squeeze a generous amount and apply as the last step in your routine.
Notes
I also like using this on my smile lines/nasolabial lines but you can use it as a spot treatment anywhere prone to lines forming!
Usage Experience & Results
First, love the squeeze tube packaging. I don’t care for eye creams in jars because then I need a tiny spatula to scoop out the correct amount and my cats go crazy over these spatulas. In other words, I always lose my spatulas. Not to mention the tube packaging is more hygienic and prevents ingredient oxidization.
I honestly don’t expect much from my eye creams:
✅ keep the skin around my eyes moisturized
✅ minimize the appearance of fine lines.
I was testing another Korean brand previously which did neither of these, so I was relieved to find that AHC checks off both boxes. Those pesky lines that appeared with the previous flop of an eye cream are now hidden again!
I can’t speak to dark circles as mine are due to poor circulation rather then actual pigmentation, but the delightful texture does make it easy for me to do gentle massages.
The only issue the AHC Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream doesn’t seem to address is puffiness, but it never claims to either. I haven’t noticed any puffiness since using this product, but even if I did, I’ve always found massages or even a cold spoon to work just as well. But if this is a dealbreaker for you, I suggest finding an eye cream with caffeine, a great depuffing ingredient.
I did not use this cream on my whole face, since I have plenty of facial moisturizers that I enjoy using already. It’d feel like an overkill for me, even with its more affordable price.
What Others Say
Pigmentation around the eyes is almost fully gone, I have no problems with any of the ingredients in this eye cream even if I’m coeliac and I do not react well to Wheat.
Bambi, combination skin
Eyes appear well rested the next morning and less puffy. Since the consistency is not lightweight, those prone to milia should be cautious.
Ledia, oily skin
It does not do anything for discoloration under the eyes, more so just to hydrate. I do not get small dots like I used to with other eye creams.
Olive Young reviewer
Product Comparisons
Swanicoco Fermentation Peptine Eye Care Cream
The flop I was previously using. The texture feels lighter and they contain similar ingredients, but result wise AHC blows Swanicoco out of the water and then some. This did absolutely nothing for me and it was more expensive too!
Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Eye Cream
Great formula but feels noticeably thicker and takes a while to absorb. Lives up to its claims and I have no complaints except that it’s super pricey at $48 for half the size.
Belif Moisture Eye Bomb
I thoroughly enjoyed how hydrating this one is and how nice it felt on the skin. If anti-aging isn’t a concern and you prefer a simpler ingredient list, this is a lovely option.
Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
Another great affordable eye cream pick, this one addresses hydration and puffiness. I enjoyed using this in the morning as it really did make my eyes look more awake! If you’d like to splurge a bit you can pair this with the AHC and all your eye area concerns are covered!
Final Verdict
Pros
- Super affordable compared to most eye creams.
- Moisturizing without being too oily or heavy.
- Works well on fine lines anywhere on the face.
Cons
- Too many ingredients means increased risk of potential irritations.
- May be discontinued when brand releases new versions.
Scores & Summary
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Ingredients
8.5/10
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Packaging
9/10
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Texture/Application
10/10
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Performance
9.5/10
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Price
9.5/10
For $15 a tube I expected it to perform like other affordable options, but this rivals and even beats many high end eye creams I’ve tried. Usually I’m not a fan of overly complex formulas because I find they try to do too much while accomplishing very little – a jack of all trades, master of none situation. But AHC made it work and I’m thrilled with the results.
If you’re on the fence about eye creams, absolutely give this a try. For me this $15 investment is worth at least 3-4 times its price!
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
SUNG, Jong-Hyuk, et al. “Antioxidative and Skin-Whitening Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Salicornia Herbacea.” Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, vol. 73, no. 3, 23 Mar. 2009, pp. 552–556, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19270393/, 10.1271/bbb.80601. Accessed 31 Oct. 2022.
Morvan, Pierre-Yves, et al. “Effect of a Marine Plant Extract on Skin Melanogenesis.” ResearchGate, unknown, Dec. 2011, www.researchgate.net/publication/279952310_Effect_of_a_marine_plant_extract_on_skin_melanogenesis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2022.
That really sounds like a lovely one, and I like the idea of using it on other wrinkle prone areas like the 11s or the nasolabial fold.
Anne from Doctor Anne