Kate Somerville is one of those brands that rarely puts a foot wrong, and the Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream is no exception. Aimed at tackling all the tell-tale signs of ageing around the eyes, this is a product that takes its job seriously – and delivers.
What is it?
A eye cream with retinol which helps firm, brighten, hydrate, and reduce dark circles around the delicate skin around the eyes.
What Do I Think?
Retinol remains the gold standard for combating fine lines and wrinkles, boosting firmness and elasticity, refining texture, and brightening dark spots. True to form, Kate Somerville pairs it with a thoughtful lineup of supporting ingredients. There’s Bidens Pilosa Extract and a blend of palm, cotton, and linseed seed oils to further smooth and plump. Hyaluronic acid delivers hydration, while Lime Pearl gently exfoliates to encourage cell renewal.
This is one of the most potent retinol eye creams I’ve tried. While undeniably effective, it’s worth noting that daily use can feel a touch too much for sensitive eyes – mine included. I prefer using it 3-4 times a week, alternating with a peptide-based eye cream (Kate’s own Lifting Eye Cream is an ideal partner) to avoid irritation. If you’re new to retinol around the eyes, take it slow and build up gradually.
The results, however, speak for themselves: my under-eye area looks noticeably brighter and smoother, with fine lines softened. The gel-like texture is a brilliant bonus for those prone to milia – light enough to avoid clogging, yet hydrating enough to leave skin feeling comfortably nourished.
Though the brand suggests using it morning and night, I’m firmly in the camp that retinoids belong in your PM routine. Perhaps it’s an old-school mindset, but I find nighttime use not only more intuitive but just as effective. That said, the cooling metal applicator is a delightful addition at any time of day – perfect for a quick de-puff.
Would I recommend?
If you’re on the lookout for a retinol-based eye cream that works hard without being heavy, this one’s a solid investment. It’s earned a permanent spot in my routine, and I’ll absolutely be repurchasing.
Key Ingredients
- Retinol – helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increases skin elasticity and firmness, smooths texture, enhances skin clarity and reduces appearance of dark spots.
- Bio Retinol – From Babchi Edible Seeds helps to reverse the visible signs of aging, aiding in hydration, visible wrinkle reduction, improved skin clarity and firmness and reduction in rough skin texture.
- Bidens Pilosa Extract (aka Spanish Needles) and Palm, Cotton and Linseed Seed oils – Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and density.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Increases hydration and helps to smooth the appearance of skin.
- Lime Pearl – Helps loosen keratinized cells and allows stimulation and renewal of younger cells.
Brands Product Description
Eye creams without actives are doing almost nothing. That’s why our +Retinol Firming Eye Cream is formulated with clinic-stabilized Retinol as the star ingredient, along with other potent actives like Hyaluronic Acid. To visibly firm, brighten, hydrate, and reduce dark circles around the delicate skin around the eyes, while the metal applicator helps with depuffing, there’s nothing better. Gentle enough for daily + daytime use. It also helps prevent and treat visible wrinkles, making it suitable for maintaining youthful skin.
How I Use It
I use the Kate Somerville +Retinol Firming Eye Cream in my evening routine 3-4 times a week. I’d apply it after serums, and before moisturiser.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Yes. I will.
How Much?
£98.00 for 15ml
