What is Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream?
Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream is a firming eye cream that is claimed to strengthen the skin by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. It can be used by all skin types, and is ideal for mature or damaged skin. It is also said to help restore a youthful glow and healthy appearance to the entire eye area in less time than traditional eye creams. As with any skin care product, we must evaluate the key Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ingredients to determine if these claims are true.
What are the key Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ingredients?
Before we get into the Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ingredients, we have to point out that all of the “key” ingredients are listed after xanthan gum on the ingredient list. Xanthan gum is a thickener that is generally used at a concentration of 1%, but as little as 0.1% can be used in many applications. This means you’re getting less than 1% of the key ingredients!
The majority of Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream formula is composed of water, synthetic emollients (e.g. ethylhexyl palmitate, glyceryl stearate), humectants (e.g. glycerin), and silicones (cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, cetyl dimethicone). These ingredients offer some benefits to the skin, but they’re pretty standard and definitely will not help to strengthen or firm the skin.
For example, the emollients in Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream will help to soften the skin and can help alleviate dry skin. Glycerin, a humectant, works by drawing moisture into the skin to increase hydration. Humectants also provide temporary anti-aging effects because the extra hydration is extra volume, which effectively plumps out the skin and makes lines and wrinkles less noticeable. However, this effect is transient – as soon as the moisture content in skin decreases, lines and wrinkles will return to normal size.
The silicones in Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream will form a thin, invisible film on the surface of skin that imparts a silky smooth skin feel and helps to lock in moisture. This film also enables silicones to temporarily fill in and disguise wrinkles. But once again this effect is purely cosmetic and once the product is washed off, fine lines and wrinkles will return.
So you may be wondering: are there any Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ingredients that can help to strengthen and firm the skin? The answer is yes, but remember, these ingredients are all present in concentrations of less than 1%. For example, the formula contains antioxidants like vitamin E and blueberry fruit extract. Antioxidants help the skin to combat free radical damage. The eye cream also contains licorice root extract, which could provide soothing and brightening effects.
At the very end of the Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ingredient list, you’ll see what the brand claims to be the key ingredient: “Bi-Mineral Contour Complex”. It appears that this complex consists of minerals such as malachite, zinc carbonate, silica, talc, alumina, titanium dioxide, and mica. Minerals are commonly used in eye care products because they provide a temporary brightening effect. For example, titanium dioxide and mica are natural light diffusers. By reflecting light away from the skin, these ingredients create the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone.
Something else to be aware of before purchasing Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream is that the formula contains five different types of parabens. Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of a product by preventing microbial contamination. Over the past 10 years, parabens have become criticized for use in cosmetics due to research that has revealed their potential relation to health concerns. However, there is also research that suggests parabens are safe as used in cosmetics.
For instance, some research indicates that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics and preferred since they are gentle, non-sensitizing, and highly effective. Furthermore, these studies have demonstrated that parabens did not have any effect when compared to natural hormones in the body. Other research has concluded that parabens are problematic. The concern started when a 2004 study linked parabens in deodorant to breast cancer. This link seemed plausible since parabens can mimic human estrogen and it is known that high estrogen levels stimulate the growth of cancer cells. However, the study has since been discredited and the American Cancer Society has concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence of parabens increasing breast cancer risk.
How to use Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream
After cleansing, gently apply Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream with your ring finger. Tap a pea-sized amount of product, which will cover one inch (approximately the tip of your finger) around eye areas, including lid, under-eye, and corner creases. Smooth by gently tapping the cream until thoroughly absorbed. Avoid pulling the delicate eye skin with application and try not to get any product in your eyes. For best results, Obagi recommends to consistently apply this eye cream twice daily, both in the morning and at night.
Where is Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream sold?
Genuine Obagi skin care products are available only through physicians, medical spas, and other skin care professionals. The brand’s website has a locator so that you can enter your zip code to find skin care professionals that sell Obagi skin care products near you. In addition, Sephora and Dermstore are authorized online sellers of Obagi skin care products.
What is the Obagi return policy?
Since Obagi does not sell their products directly to consumers, you must refer to the return policy of the seller where you purchased your Obagi skin care products.
Is Obagi cruelty free?
Unless mandated by the FDA for drug safety purposes, Obagi does not test its products on animals. Non-prescription Obagi products have not been tested on animals.
