EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel Review

EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈2.0%).

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

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), 
 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, EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. 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.

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 EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of EltaMD, Inc Renew Eye Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1
1
1
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Ketogluconate
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Glycosaminoglycans
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.4 10
7.4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.4 10
7.4
All humectants
7.4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Niacinamide
0.3
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
0.3
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Sodium Bisulfite
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
All soothing 2.3 5 No
All soothing
2.3
2
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.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Est. %5
Function
Origin
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone CrosspolymerAn anticaking agent that prevents a product from forming lumps. It also increases slip and produces an elegant finish in skincare formulations.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Panthenol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Polyisobutene
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PolyisobuteneA highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Calcium Ketogluconate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Calcium Ketogluconate
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit ExtractAn emollient extract from red watermelon fruit. Its pulp, seeds, and rinds are a source of beneficial compounds for the skin, and it has occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from lentil seeds that contains mainly humectant oligosaccharides. It is also a good source of amino acids and various antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ExtractA fungi ingredient made from baker's yeast. It is moisturizing and contains various beneficial compounds that support skin health. Among these is beta-glucan, the praised wound healing polysaccharide.
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.

PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Sodium Bisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BisulfiteAn inorganic salt that kills bacteria and protects against oxidation.
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.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) OilAn occlusive moisturizing fatty oil extracted from the germ of corn grains. It is made up of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, and is suitable for all skin types.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.

Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Glycosaminoglycans
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycosaminoglycansA blanket term used for the structural polysaccharides of the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. They add to a skincare product's film-forming and water-binding properties.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.