Sharing is caring!

I never thought much about what I was putting around my eyes until I discovered something shocking: the most common ingredients in conventional eye creams can actually damage the oil-producing glands in your eyelids.

Let me show you what happened when I switched to 100% plant-powered ingredients instead.

[Note: In Why I’m Recommending Herbal Face Food (And Why You Should Try It), I mentioned, “I’m fairly certain that no matter what I do, I’m always going to have dark eye circles. I always have, and probably always will. BUT, I will tell you that The Eye Cream is bringing some brightness and lightness back and even a 10% improvement would move mountains for me personally.” >>> I definitely have seen more than a 10% improvement, which is insane to me — nothing else worked like this.]

My 30-Day Eye Transformation

Click HERE to save this information for later.

September 10, 2025 → October 9, 2025

In just 30 days of using Herbal Face Food’s Eye Cream, you can see the dramatic difference:

• Under-eye bags are visibly reduced
• Dark circles are noticeably lighter
• Fine lines are softening
• The entire eye area looks brighter and more awake

And here’s the best part: I achieved these results without exposing my delicate eye area to a single toxic chemical.

Note: I have ZERO makeup on in all of these images. They have been not been edited at all. This is as raw and real as it gets y’all. And remember, I’m 42. NOT 19.

The Toxic Truth About Conventional Eye Creams

Before I tell you about The Eye Cream that transformed (and is transforming) my under-eyes, you need to know what you’re likely putting on your skin right now.

Most conventional eye creams contain ingredients that sound scientific and effective, but research reveals a darker truth.

Many common eye cream ingredients have been found to be toxic to the meibomian glands in your eyelids – the tiny oil-producing powerhouses that keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Let me break down the worst offenders hiding in your bathroom cabinet:

The Toxic Twelve in Eye Creams

1. RETINOL & RETINOID DERIVATIVES (Retinoic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate)

Yes, retinol is marketed as the gold standard anti-aging ingredient. But here’s what they don’t tell you:

Retinoids are well-documented to cause meibomian gland atrophy, and eye care specialists recommend patients with dry, irritated eyes avoid these ingredients entirely. Even worse? We cannot regenerate meibomian glands, so this damage is irreversible.

Additionally, research shows that retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, when combined with sunlight, may increase skin cancer risk.

Found in: Most “anti-aging” eye creams, wrinkle reducers, brightening serums

2. PARABENS (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben)

Parabens are preservatives that can be absorbed through the skin and are linked to endocrine disruption, meaning they may affect hormones including estrogen, androgens, and thyroid receptors.

They’ve been found in breast cancer tumors, raising concerns that excessive use may contribute to breast cancer in women and testicular cancer in men.

Studies show methylparaben and ethylparaben are toxic to human meibomian gland epithelial cells – the very cells responsible for keeping your eyes lubricated and healthy.

Found in: Nearly every conventional cream, lotion, and cosmetic product

3. PHENOXYETHANOL

Often marketed as a “natural” preservative alternative to parabens, but don’t be fooled.

Research on human meibomian gland epithelial cells shows phenoxyethanol causes a drastic decrease in cell activity. If you have dry, irritated eyes, experts recommend avoiding this preservative in anything that touches your eyelids.

Found in: “Natural” and “clean” beauty products, facial moisturizers, eye creams

4. FORMALDEHYDE & FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES

Ingredients like Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, and various ureas release small amounts of formaldehyde.

These compounds cause dose-dependent changes in the morphology, proliferation, and signaling of meibomian gland cells, corneal epithelial cells, and conjunctival epithelial cells.

Plus, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

Found in: Hair, nail, and skin care products, especially eyelash adhesives

5. PHTHALATES & BISPHENOLS

These are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin and into the body, where they bind to hormone receptors and affect health.

Branch Basics states,

When you are using cosmetics that contain phthalates, you absorb the toxic material through your skin, which then goes into your bloodstream. There are phthalates in hair spray, nail polish, deodorants, lotions, creams, and powders.

Found in: Products with synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hair spray

6. POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG), PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL

These petroleum-derived compounds can be irritating to the skin and are commonly used as thickeners in cream-based products.

Found in: Cream eye treatments, moisturizers (also antifreeze!)

The Hidden Danger You’re Not Being Told

Here’s what makes this even more concerning: In one study, teenage girls who replaced conventional cosmetics with paraben- and phthalate-free products saw a 44% drop in certain paraben levels in just three days. (source)

This means these chemicals are accumulating in your body every single day you use conventional products.

And the skin around your eyes? It’s especially delicate and demands extra care because it’s so sensitive.

Why Your Eye Cream Matters More Than You Think

Your eyes aren’t just windows to the soul – they’re incredibly vulnerable to the products you use around them.

The eye area has:

• The thinnest, most delicate skin on your entire body
• No oil glands (which is why it’s prone to dryness)
• Increased absorption of whatever you apply
• Direct proximity to your actual eyeball

When you apply toxic ingredients near your eyes, you’re not just risking wrinkles. You’re potentially damaging the meibomian glands that are essential for eye health and comfort.

Symptoms of damaged meibomian glands include:

• Dry, irritated eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Blurry vision
• Increased sensitivity

And remember: this damage can be irreversible.

The Plant-Powered Alternative: Herbal Face Food’s ‘The Eye Cream‘

After learning all of this, I knew I had to find something better.

Enter: The Eye Cream from Herbal Face Food.

This isn’t just another “clean” beauty product making empty promises. This is the world’s first and only edible, 100% plant-powered eye cream – containing 200 of the planet’s most powerful anti-aging and regenerative botanicals.

What Makes This Eye Cream Revolutionary?

Zero Toxic Ingredients

• NO retinol or retinoid derivatives
• NO parabens
• NO phenoxyethanol
• NO formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• NO phthalates or bisphenols
• NO synthetic fragrances
• NO petroleum-derived ingredients
• NO sulfates or GMOs

Instead, You Get 200 Powerful Botanicals Including:

Regenerative Powerhouses:

• Frankincense & Myrrh: Ancient healing oils that promote cell regeneration
• Helichrysum: Known as the “immortal flower” for its anti-aging properties
• Carrot Seed Oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A (the plant-based kind that doesn’t damage your glands!)
• Rose Otto & Rose Absolute: Intensive hydration and skin renewal

Eye-Specific Healing:

• Eyebright (Euphrasia): Traditionally used for eye health for centuries
• Calendula: Soothes and heals delicate skin
• Chamomile (Blue & Wild): Calms inflammation and irritation
• Licorice Root: Brightens dark circles naturally

Nourishing Butters & Oils:

• Açaí, Cupuaçu, Murumuru: Brazilian superfruits with intense moisturizing properties
• Shea, Kokum, Sal Butter: Deep nourishment without clogging
• Rosehip, Jojoba, Castor Oil: Promotes lash growth and skin elasticity

Adaptogens & Superfoods:

• Reishi & Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Fight oxidative stress
• Gotu Kola & Rhodiola: Support skin resilience
• Green Tea & Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants
• Shilajit: Mineral-rich ancient substance for cellular health

The Science-Backed Results

In a 10-week consumer study of 207 women and men (ages 22-70), The Eye Cream delivered remarkable results:

For Under-Eye Concerns:

• 99% saw under-eye puffiness visibly reduced
• 95% saw dark circles and under-eye bags noticeably reduced
• 99% saw tired eyes appear refreshed, radiant, and well-rested

For Wrinkles & Fine Lines:

• 95% saw crow’s feet noticeably reduced
• 92% saw fine lines and wrinkles diminished
• 98% saw the eye area appear more youthful, tighter, and less crepey

For Firmness & Hydration:

• 98% saw skin feel more supple, soft, and plump
• 96% saw skin look firmer, lifted, and more elastic
• 99% found The Eye Cream intensely hydrating

Bonus Benefits:

• 93% saw enhanced eyelash health with stimulated growth and density
• 90% saw brighter, whiter, and clearer eyes
• 85% experienced reduced eye redness and irritation

My Personal Experience: The Three-Test Process

Remember, I don’t recommend anything I haven’t thoroughly tested myself.

Here’s my journey with The Eye Cream.

Test One: Understanding the Product

I started by having a detailed conversation with Melissa, the VP at Herbal Face Food (who, fun fact, has also been on a gut-healing journey!).

She explained:

• How to introduce The Eye Cream properly
• Why it needs to be refrigerated (100% plants with no chemical emulsifiers)
• The importance of the “slow and go” approach
• What results to expect and when

Test Two: The First Two Weeks

I started using The Eye Cream morning and evening, applying it after The Cream with the gentle press-and-roll technique they recommend.

Week 1 Observations:

• The cooling sensation from the refrigerated cream felt incredible
• My under-eye area felt intensely hydrated immediately
• No irritation, burning, or sensitivity (unlike many retinol products I’d tried before)
• Slight brightening effect noticed by day 5

Week 2 Observations:

• Under-eye puffiness noticeably reduced in the morning
• Dark circles starting to lighten
• Fine lines around my eyes appearing softer

Test Three: The 30-Day Mark

By October 9th, the transformation was undeniable (see my before/after photos). Namely – lighter, softer, less “tired.”

What I Love Most:

The Ritual: Pulling that gorgeous blue jar out of the fridge morning and night has become my favorite self-care moment. It’s not just skincare – it’s a spa experience.

The Results: At 42 (almost 43), I’ve never had Botox. No judgement if you do (I, too, have considered it), but I doubt I ever will. The visible reduction in my crow’s feet and under-eye lines is remarkable.

The Ingredients I Can Actually Pronounce: Every single ingredient is a plant. Not a plant extract processed beyond recognition – actual, whole plant ingredients.

The Eye Benefits: My eyes themselves look brighter and less irritated. I didn’t expect this, but it makes sense given all the eye-specific botanicals.

The Peace of Mind: I know I’m not damaging my meibomian glands or exposing myself to hormone-disrupting chemicals. I’m actually nourishing my skin.

Why This Eye Cream is Different From Everything Else

Here’s what you need to understand: The Eye Cream addresses ALL SEVEN LAYERS of eye skin, plus eye and lash rejuvenation.

Most eye creams only work on the surface. This one:

• Penetrates deeply without synthetic penetration enhancers
• Works on the skin around your eyes
• Actually benefits your eyes themselves
• Provides 50+ SPF protection (yes, really!)

And it does all of this with zero toxic ingredients.

The 30ml Jar: A 6-9 Month Supply

At first glance, the 30ml size might seem small. But because the formula is so concentrated and you only need a tiny amount per application, this jar lasts 6-9 months.

One month in and I’ve barely used any!

Let’s do the math:

• Regular price: $390
• With code AGUTSYGIRL: $273 (30% off)
• Cost per month: $30-45

Compare that to conventional “luxury” eye creams:

• Most range from $50-150 for a 0.5oz tube
• They last 1-3 months max
• They contain synthetic fillers, toxic preservatives, and potentially harmful anti-aging ingredients

And Mid-Range “Natural” Eye Cream:

• $40-80 for 0.5oz (1-2 month supply)
• $40-80/month
• Often contains phenoxyethanol and other “natural” preservatives that still harm meibomian glands

Dermatologist Treatments:

• Botox: $300-600 every 3-4 months = $100-200/month
• Chemical peels: $150-300 per treatment
• Prescription retinoids: $50-200/month + potential eye damage

You’re actually saving money while getting cleaner, more effective ingredients.

Who Should Use The Eye Cream?

This eye cream is perfect if you:

• Want to address signs of aging without toxic retinoids
• Struggle with dark circles, puffiness, or under-eye bags
• Have dry, sensitive, or irritated eyes
• Are dealing with fine lines and crow’s feet
• Want to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals
• Are looking for natural lash growth support
• Care about what you’re putting on your body
• Appreciate luxury skincare that actually works

Who shouldn’t use it:

• People who aren’t committed to storing it in the refrigerator
• Those expecting overnight miracles (real healing takes time)
• Anyone looking for the cheapest possible option

How to Use The Eye Cream for Best Results

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse your face
2. Apply The Serum (if you have it)
3. Apply The Cream (if you have it)
4. Gently dot The Eye Cream under and above the eye from inner to outer corner
5. Use a gentle press-and-roll technique until fully absorbed

Evening Routine: Same as morning, allowing each product to fully absorb before applying the next.

Pro Tips:

• Store in the refrigerator always (it’s 100% plants with no chemical emulsifiers)
• Use the tiniest amount – a little goes a very long way
• Be patient – real skin transformation takes 4-6 weeks
• Take before photos so you can track your progress!

The Gut-Skin Connection: Why Skincare Matters for Gut Health

Click HERE to save this Gut-Skin Connection information for later.

Since you’re part of the A Gutsy Girl inner-circle, you know that skin health is a crucial component of the 3rd pillar in my Ultimate Gut Healing framework: LIFESTYLE.

Your gut and skin are intimately connected through what’s called the gut-skin axis.

When you’re healing your gut, you need to support your skin from BOTH the inside and outside.

Here’s why:

• Toxic chemicals in skincare can disrupt your endocrine system, which directly impacts gut function
• These chemicals accumulate in your body over time, increasing your overall toxic burden
• Inflammation on your skin often reflects inflammation in your gut
• What you put ON your body is as important as what you put IN your body

When you eliminate toxic skincare and switch to plant-powered alternatives, you’re:

• Reducing your body’s toxic load
• Supporting your endocrine system
• Allowing your body to focus on healing rather than detoxifying
• Honoring the gut-skin connection

True healing is holistic. You can’t heal your gut while poisoning your skin.

How to Get Started: Your 30% Discount

I’ve worked with Herbal Face Food to secure the highest possible discount for the A Gutsy Girl community.

Here’s what I recommend:

If You’re Ready to Transform Your Eye Area: Start with The Eye Cream ($273 with code AGUTSYGIRL)

Want the Complete Experience?: Get the Starter Bundle (includes The Serum, The Cure, The Cream, The Soap, and The Eye Cream) for $414.96 (regularly $592.80)

If You’re Curious But Hesitant: Start with just The Cream or The Serum to experience the Herbal Face Food difference, then add The Eye Cream once you’re convinced (which you will be)

My Bottom Line: This Changed Everything

I’ll be honest – I was skeptical. I’ve tried so many eye creams that promised miracles and delivered disappointment.

But The Eye Cream is different.

In 30 days, I saw results that I’d been told would require injections or laser treatments. And I achieved them without exposing my body to a single toxic chemical.

But more importantly, I have peace of mind.

I know I’m not:

• Damaging my meibomian glands irreversibly
• Disrupting my hormones
• Accumulating carcinogens in my body
• Contributing to my toxic burden while trying to heal my gut

I’m nourishing my skin with 200 of nature’s most powerful healing plants.

And my skin is responding beautifully.

Your eyes deserve better than toxic chemicals disguised as “anti-aging miracles.”

They deserve real plant-powered healing.

Remember: True beauty comes from nourishing your body, not poisoning it.

Your skin – and your eyes – will thank you.

---

Questions? Email me! I’m here to help you navigate your journey to healthier skin. If you want to know more about specific ingredients or need help deciding which products are right for you, just reach out.

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:

1. Why I’m Recommending Herbal Face Food (And Why You Should Try It)
2. 15 Internal and External Skin Health Tips
3. Skincare and Makeup in Leaky Gut Associated Dermatitis

Xox,

SKH

---

Affiliate disclosure: The Herbal Face Food products and links in this post are affiliates. When you purchase anything from Herbal Face Food, you will save a hefty amount and I make a small commission. This is part of my business that helps keep this website afloat for me to bring you the information for free. And I’m so grateful for you.