I almost tossed my tube. The gel felt thinner, smelled slightly different — and my under-eyes went from tight to suspiciously puffy for three days.
So I checked the label. New peptide complex. Old one had Matrixyl 3000. This one? Something called “Argirelox” — a newer neuropeptide. The brand quietly swapped it without a big announcement, which is either genius or a red flag.
It’s a clear gel, $58 for 0.5 oz. Dr. Loretta claims it “visibly tightens” in 4 weeks. I bought it because their Urban Defense SPF is the only one that doesn’t burn my eyes.
New Peptide Complex
Argirelox instead of Matrixyl — supposed to relax expression lines around eyes.
Cooling Metal Tip
Roll-on applicator that actually stays cold. Not a gimmick.
No Silicones
It dries down matte. No slick film under concealer.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
The old formula relied on copper peptides and caffeine. This one swapped in a synthetic neuropeptide (Argirelox) plus a different algae extract. Caffeine stayed — thank god — but the concentration feels lower. Less tingle.
- Argirelox: Blocks muscle contractions — like Botox-lite for crows feet
- Caffeine: Shrink blood vessels, depuffs temporarily
- Alaria Esculenta Extract: Seaweed that holds water but can irritate if you’re sensitive
- Glycerin: The only real moisturizer here — no oils
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
It’s watery. Like, drips-down-your-wrist watery. Absorbs in 8 seconds flat — no sticky residue. The metal roller feels nice but wastes half the product in the cap threads.
Week two: my left eye looked tighter. Right eye? Puffy at the inner corner. That’s when I realized — you can’t drag this up toward your brow bone. It pools. Pat only, straight down from the lash line.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Fine lines looked slightly softer by week 3. Under-eye bags? Same. The tightening effect is real but temporary — lasts maybe 4 hours. Not a structural fix.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
The reformulation isn’t bad — it’s just different. If you liked the old one for serious tightening, you’ll be disappointed. If you want a light depuff with a nice finish, this works better than the original.