In my lifelong quest to find the best eye creams for me, I decided to try Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Eye Cream that was one of the extra, discounted purchases on Ipsy a couple of months ago. To be honest, I am more than satisfied with IT Cosmetics Confidence In An Eye Cream (anti-aging peptide that’s just increased in price on the IT Cosmetics website – boo! – but the former price on Ulta and Macy’s) and City Beauty Lid Lifting Treatment, but I wanted to check out this retinol cream with a more affordable price tag.
What Does It Do
Since the Pacifica Retinoid Eye Cream arrived, I have discovered that it is best for addressing the under eye area and crow’s feet rather than my usual spot, the lid and above the crease. The Pacifica is a night time eye cream and I have started using it as such.
It contains key ingredients:
- Granactive Retinoid: A less irritating petroleum-free retinoid that helps fight signs of aging
- Melatonin: Associated with sleep, melatonin on the skin seeks out damaging free-radicals and neutralizes them
- Chaga (which I have seen in the woods on a tree) and Reishi Mushrooms: A more recent skincare darling, mushrooms promote hydration and help reduce under eye puffiness
Other important ingredients include:
- Antioxidant: Melatonin, Rosemarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
- Cell-communicating ingredient: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (retinoid)
- Skin-identical ingredient: Squalane, Glycerin
- Soothing ingredients: Rosmarinus Officinallis Leaf Extract, Chamomile Recutita Flower Extract
What’s the Difference Between Retinol and Retinoid
I’ve used lots of products with retinol, but I don’t think I’ve tried retinoid yet. What’s the difference, I wondered?
Both are derivatives of vitamin A with slightly different molecular structures. In fact, retinol is a form of retinoid. Retinol’s structure causes it to convert more slowly and thus takes longer to work.
Retinoid is FDA approved (clinically proven by the FDA) to treat acne, and is usually available by prescription. One form of retinoid, Differin that is found in DefenAge that I have written about a number of times, is available OTC. I don’t know if the primary ingredients in Differin are the ones in Pacifica. I believe that “Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate” (see list below) is Pacifica’s retinoid. In fact, I found online that Pacifica produces their retinoid as 10% active and 90% solvent called dimethyl isosorbide. When a product claims 2% Granactive Retinoid, it means 0.2% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (and 1.8% dimethyl isosorbide) on the ingredient list.
Ingredient List: Aqua, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Squalane, Coconut Alkanes, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Melatonin, Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract, Glycerin, Rosmarinus Ocinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ahnfeltiopsis Concinna (Algae) Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glucose, Sorbityl Laurate, Dimethyl Isosorbide (vegan), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
What’s It Like To Use It
Pacifica is cruelty-free, vegan, petroleum-free. It’s parabens-free, SLS-free, phthalates-free. alcohol-free, and mineral oil-free. It’s a clean beauty brand. It’s jar is made of glass and is easily recyclable.
The pale yellow cream is lightweight, greaseless, and easily absorbable. It plays well with my sensitive eyes, and I’ve had no issues using it.
Although it’s not a replacement for my lid and above the crease needs, I like using it as my night time eye cream under my eyes and on my crow’s feet. It’s a very nice product.
Retail Info
Although I bought Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Eye Cream on Ipsy on sale for $12, it is normally priced at $18. It’s sold on the Pacifica website, at Ulta, Whole Foods, and lots of other retailers. The jar holds 0.5 fl. oz.
Do you have a holy grail eye cream now?
I’m using two different creams and liking them both. Versed is more like a gel and I only use it under my eyes. Kerocell is a beautiful cream that I can use anywhere. Switching off between the two of them has been wonderful.
I have always wanted to try Versed. I will have to keep my eyes open (lol) for a sale! I remember you writing about Kerocell not that long ago. It sounds lovely too!
So affordable! I’m gonna try this when my Belief Eye Bomb cream is gone.
I’d say that the Pacifica Retinoid Eye Cream is a little bit lighter than the Belif Eye Bomb which is why Belif worked for me above my crease. Pacifica has the retinoid to address lines and wrinkles, so I’m hoping it will help my crow’s feet and keep my under eye area wrinkle-free?? I think it’s definitely worth considering after you finish up the Belif. 🙂
The search for the eye cream grail is real! Right now, I’m liking the Murad retinol eye cream.
I haven’t yet tried the Murad retinol collection, but it’s on my list!!