This Iconic Korean Skincare Product Just Got a Matching Eye Serum—I Rate It 10/10

When I say I love Korean skincare, it’s an understatement. I would estimate it makes up about 90% of my routine—I’m talking about essences, moisturizers, hydrogel masks, and more. These products often combine cutting-edge ingredients (PDRN, spicules, and exosomes) with tried-and-true traditional ingredients (mugwort, cica, and ginseng).

I’ve tried so many Korean skincare products in my lifetime, but rarely do I rate something a 10/10 only a few weeks after I’ve started to use it. That’s the case with a new eye serum that I introduced into my routine a mere 14 days ago. Despite stress, late nights, and lots of travel, it’s made a visible improvement. It’s de-puffed, firmed, smoothed, and brightened my under-eyes in a way I don’t think any other eye product has yet to do. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been wowed by eye creams before, but this one is next level. Ahead, learn everything there is to know about this new, highly effective product.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Eye Serum

Sulwhasoo is one of the Korean skincare brands I use and recommend the most. Its products are based on decades of scientific research, and they all contain the same hero ingredient: ginseng. Ginseng is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation, prevent accelerated skin aging, and generally support a healthy-looking complexion.

Its most iconic product is perhaps the First Care Activating Serum ($89). It has a global cult following, thanks to its potent formula and incredible anti-aging effects. It incorporates 500-hour-aged ginseng extract with Korean herb extract and a vitamin C derivative to strengthen the skin barrier, improve radiance, and protect against signs of aging. Let’s just say it’s a best-seller for a reason.

So, when I learned the brand was set to release a matching eye serum, I was interested. After learning the science behind it whilst on-site in Seoul, South Korea, I was fascinated. Then, after putting it to the test, I was officially sold.

The Ingredients

This eye cream features a high-performance blend of active ingredients:

• 3-Peptide Blend: Improves the look of elasticity and firmness.
• Ginseng Caffeine Complex: Reduces visible puffiness.
• Vitamin C Derivatives: Helps improve brightness and minimize the appearance of dark circles
• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps hydrate and plump fine lines

Sulwhasoo invested in clinical studies, and the results speak for themselves. After four weeks, they saw an 100% improvement in dark circles, a 93% improvement in deep under-eye wrinkles, and a 87% improvement in under-eye puffiness.

My Review

From the start, I loved the packaging. It’s shaped like a stylus, and it features a cooling ceramic-tipped applicator that massages the eye serum into the skin, deflates puffiness on contact, and feels nice and refreshing (especially on early mornings). It feels luxurious and ritualistic, and I love that.

Now for my actual results. I’ve only been using it regularly for two weeks, and I’ve already seen a massive improvement in my chronic dark circles. They’re less prominent than they usually are, despite the fact that I’ve been traveling, working long hours, and entirely off my normal sleep schedule lately. Color me impressed.

I’ve also noticed it *actually* de-puffs my eyes (I don’t know if I should thank the formula, the ceramic applicator, or both), and better yet, makes my eye area look tighter and firmer with fewer fine lines caused by stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep. I can’t wait to see the results after a few months, rather than weeks, of use.

I apply the eye serum morning and night before moisturizer, eye cream, and SPF. I can confirm it doesn’t mess with makeup…at all. In fact, it makes my under-eye area look smoother, plumper, and generally just better whenever I do wear makeup. Needless to say, I’m going to continue to use it. It’s a true 10/10.

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