Rice Water & Niacinamide 3% Under-Eye Crème with Peptides, Ceramides & Caffeine

Niacinamide — Vitamin B3 — a broadly-tolerated all-rounder that strengthens the skin barrier, evens tone and helps regulate oil. The label states 3%. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 10%. Give it 8–12 weeks for tone. Suits all skin types. One of the best-tolerated actives there is — fine for every skin type, and especially handy for oil and uneven tone.

Sodium Hyaluronate — A humectant that holds water in the upper skin — pure hydration, tolerated by essentially everyone, at any concentration. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works Ongoing while you use it; no weeks-long build-up to wait for. Suits all skin types. Pure hydration — suits everyone, and dry or dehydrated skin most of all. Apply on damp skin and seal it in.

Ceramide NP — The skin's own barrier lipids — they patch a compromised moisture barrier, which is why they pair so well with actives that resurface. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. Works 1–3 weeks for a calmer, less reactive barrier. Best for Dry, Sensitive, Normal, Combination. The skin's own barrier lipids — ideal for dry, sensitive or compromised skin, and safe for anyone.

Alpha-Arbutin — A gentle, stable brightener that fades dark spots by slowing melanin production — a milder route to even tone than acids. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~1%. OTC cap 2%. Give it 8–12 weeks for dark spots. Suits all skin types. A gentle, stable brightener that fades dark spots without the sting of acids — fine for every skin type.

Caffeine — Constricts surface blood vessels, so it temporarily reduces under-eye puffiness. Honest limit: the effect is temporary, and the evidence on dark circles is modest — it won't erase pigment-based circles. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~3%. OTC cap 5%. Suits all skin types. A temporary de-puffer for the under-eye — low-risk for every skin type. Just don't expect it to erase pigment-based dark circles.

Squalane — Skin's own oil, plant-made — softens and seals, never greasy. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Best for .

Cholesterol — The barrier's own lipid — repairs with ceramides and fatty acids. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Best for .

Betaine — A sugar-beet humectant — steady, gentle hydration for any skin. The strength is not printed, so we cannot judge the dose; that counts against the brand. Works from ~5%. OTC cap 5%. Best for .

Niacinamide: a review on dermal delivery strategies and clinical evidence ›

Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology ›

Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation ›