African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum Review

African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈7.5%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Caffeine, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (est. ≈1.5%), Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%), Caffeine (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of African Botanics Eye Contour Gel-Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Bulb Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sida Cordifolia Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Copper Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Croton Lechleri Resin Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.7
7.5
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.7 10
10.0
7.5
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.7 10
10
All humectants
11.7
7.5
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.3 2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2
Niacinamide
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.2
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
1.5
Niacinamide
1.3
Caffeine
0.3
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
0.3
Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Bulb Extract
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
1.3
0.3
All soothing 3.1 5 No
All soothing
3.1
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Extract
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Yeast Beta-Glucan
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Yeast Beta-Glucan
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fucus Vesiculosus ExtractAn extract from a brown sea algae called bladderwrack. It was shown to increase skin elasticity in one study and boost collagen and HA production in another. Polysaccharides are able to treat irritated and dry skin.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyclopia Genistoides Leaf Extract
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice
Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Bulb Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hypoxis Hemerocallidea Bulb Extract
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Sida Cordifolia Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sida Cordifolia Extract
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Copper Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Sulfate
Croton Lechleri Resin Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Croton Lechleri Resin Extract
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.