Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream Review

Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream
4.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 4.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.5 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈2.5%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Fucus Vesiculosus Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Fucus Vesiculosus Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
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:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Trifluoromethyl C1-4 Alkyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
S-Palmitoylglutathione
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.0 20
3.5
All occlusives
7.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
S-Palmitoylglutathione
0.3
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Vegetable GlyceridesAn ingredient made from various vegetable oils. It consists solely of emollient saturated triglycerides and is aimed at very dry skin.
Trifluoromethyl C1-4 Alkyl Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Trifluoromethyl C1-4 Alkyl Dimethicone
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
S-Palmitoylglutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
S-Palmitoylglutathione
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Hispanica Seed OilAn oil extracted from Chia seeds. It has a unique ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
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.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
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 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.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
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.
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.