IMHO, January is skincare month. The weather is cold and often dry and it does a number on my skin. In my blogpost last week, My Winter Beauty Musts, I mentioned a number the skincare products that I rely on to hydrate my winter dry skin.
Well, there’s another product that I wanted to devote its own review to: MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment. I was sent this product to try by Dynamis Skincare.
The Science Behind the Brand
As a brand, MEG 21 by Dynamis Skincare took a unique and initially unexpected scientific approach in developing their product line. It is based on scientific research uncovered by a research team at Fox Chase Cancer Center near Philadelphia studying diabetes, not skincare. The discovery was “glycation”.
Glycation takes place not only in diabetics but in everybody, and it takes place in our skin. It happens when we eat sugar – ether refined like white sugar or processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and also unrefined sugars/carbohydrates including orange juice. Both kinds of sugars turn into glucose that bind with proteins and ultimately can cause skin to become stiff and brittle. The glucose-protein binding creates large molecules that interfere with proteins including collagen and elastin. The Dynamis research team uncovered the relationship between these large molecules called 3DG (3-deoxyglucosone) and our skin. It was shown that glycation results in inflammation, decreased production of collagen, and the production of free radicals that create oxidative stress on cells. These conditions contribute to skin aging and are impediments to healthy skin.
In their research, the scientists discovered how to control the production of 3DG. Additional studies led to the development of Supplamine, a unique, patented combination of natural amino acids and a substitute sugar that does not cause toxic 3DG, oxidative stress, or free radicals.
MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment
MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment combines Supplamine with three botanical extracts:
- pfaffia
- marapuama
- white lily
proven to reduce puffiness and dark circles under eyes. Overall, MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment has been developed to hydrate, renew, brighten, and firm the delicate skin beneath and around the eyes and help decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
MEG 21 Eye Treatment comes in a twist-top air-tight pump jar to protect the efficacy of the ingredients in the eye treatment. This is my favorite type of skincare packaging, hands down. It is elegant, sturdy, and the best protection for the goodies inside.
The eye treatment itself is a relatively lightweight beige cream. It applies easily and is absorbed almost immediately. As I’ve mentioned previously, I have an eye condition that makes my eyelids and the skin in the inner corners of my eyes very dry and sensitive, and MEG 21 Eye Treatment is non-irritating and gentle to my sensitive skin.
I’ve been using MEG 21 Bright & Firm Eye Treatment for more than 6 weeks and I like it a lot. Although I do pat it under my eyes, my real eye issues are tightening the skin above my lids and under my brows. I do believe the skin is a little firmer and less crepey there. My crow’s feet, at this point, are still firmly in place. But I intend to continue to use MEG 21 Bright & Firm because I like what it’s doing on my upper eye skin and it deserves more time to work on my substantial crow’s feet.
MEG 21 Bright & Firm contains 0.5 oz./15 g and is priced at about $75. A portion of the cost goes to cancer research. MEG 21 products are allergy-tested and recommended for all skin types. It is made in the U.S. MEG 21 products are sold through professional distributors, and you can search for a distributor in your area here. However, it can be found on a variety of websites such as skincarebyalana.com (a website that I like for purchasing skincare), skintrends.com where there’s currently a 20% off coupon, skinbeautymall.com, ebay, and Amazon. It is also available internationally in Mexico, New Zealand, Honduras, and Hong Kong.
INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), Pentylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Arginine HCL, Methylglucamine HCL, Ethylhexyl, Palmitate, Lecithin, Steareth-21, Dimethi- cone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate /Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polyamide-5, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butyrosper- mum Parkii (Shea Butter), Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Ptychopetalum Olacoides Bark/Stem Extract, Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract, Aminopro- pyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butyl Alcohol, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Steareth-2, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
My boyfriend was asking me about some skincare items like this. I wonder if he would like this!
Eugenia recently posted…The Body Shop Drops of Youth Review
It doesn’t have a scent that I was aware of, and it helps fade dark circles under eyes and fade fine lines/wrinkles so I don’t see why he couldn’t use it!
Ouch on the price tag for me but hey, if it keeps the wrinkles at bay, it’s worth it!
Krystal E recently posted…Chaos & Crocodiles Nail Art with Subterfuge & Sleeper Cell
I agree, Krystal, that it is pricey! One of the websites that sells it has 20% off which gets it down to the $50 range, but it is not a drugstore brand for sure. Dynamis Skincare is a research company that is associated with the Fox Chase Cancer Institute so I think of them more like a pharmaceutical company 😉
This eye cream sounds nice. The price doesn’t bother me too much if it works. You mentioned that is a beige cream. After applied, is there a tint left on the skin?
Kim recently posted…Dreaming of Providenciales,Turks and Caicos and The Sands at Grace Bay
No, Kim, it sinks right in and disappears. I should have posted a photo. It is not an exact match for my skintone, but it doesn’t show up at all.
I’m kind of obsessed with eye treatments at the moment. I don’t think this would be a good fit for me yet, but I know my mom has been looking for something like this! I’ll have to have her check it out.
Brianna recently posted…Smokey Cateye Makeup Tutorial
I agree, Brianna, that at your age (altho’ glycation starts in the 20s), you don’t need to spend so much for an eye cream. But your mom might be interested 🙂
That’s good to know.
Kim recently posted…Dreaming of Providenciales,Turks and Caicos and The Sands at Grace Bay
The bottle is definitely elegant. I’m glad to hear it’s working so well for you!
Sheila recently posted…The Michael Todd Soniclear Antimicrobial Sonic Cleansing Brush Has Given My Skin New Zing
I do love the packaging. It’s a good eye treatment based on interesting science
I love serums for the eye area. They are nice and light.
Cosmetics Aficionado recently posted…Glam Glow Youth Mud Mask Review
And this one is too!
This sounds fantastical! I’m obsessed with eye creams/serums/treatments lately.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…IT Cosmetics Universal Taupe Build-a-Brow Cream Gel Swatches + Review
Another one to add to your list!
I love my Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid firming serum for above the eyes.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Red Carpet Beauty with a Giveaway from Neutrogena & Walgreen’s!
I’ll have to try that one, Cindy. This one does quite well as does Racinne’s eye serum above the eyes. But I like Reviva Labs & will have to try it.
A part of me is drawn to the allure of fading dark circles but that bitter, hurt part of me is too skeptical. LOL
Erika recently posted…Lancome Color Design 5 Shadow and Liner Palette 109 French Nude
I am trying to tell, Erika, where it has made a significant difference in my dark circles but I have been so stressed out I’m shocked that my dark circles aren’t a whole lot worse. But I’m “keeping an eye” on it 😉
Pricey! Although I do like a good eye serum.
Carleen recently posted…New Year Beauty Essentials
Yes it is pricey, though one of the retailers has a 20% off promo on it.
I tried their lotion and didn’t love it, but I’m glad this is working for you!
Kristin Bassett recently posted…Smooth Winter Skin: Exfoliator
Oh really, Kristin? Good to know. They have offered me the opportunity to try additional products so I’ll skip that one. I did have a good experience with it, and I intend to finish the bottle. I didn’t expect my crow’s feet to disappear but maybe by the end of the bottle they’ll fade a bit more.
Oh, sugar, I love you so, but why are you so mean to both my skin and my waistline? I have had good experiences with cosmeceuticals so far. Most of the greatest discoveries of our time were by accident, so why not find a cure for aging skin while curing diabetes?
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…And 1 and 2 and Stretch and… Reach It Grab it! #reachitgrabit
Well said, Nidia! That’s why scientific research including basic research is so important – all those unplanned consequences!
It’s great that money goes to a good cause from this!
Miranda recently posted…Review & Swatches: e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Lipsticks
I thought so too. In fact, I was surprised by it but happy that they give a percentage to cancer research
Great to know you had positive experience!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…How To Manage Time When You Don’t Have The Time
Yes, a nice eye treatment!
I’m obsessed with skincare lately. Thanks for sharing!
Justina recently posted…It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Celebration Palette
Easy to be obsessed with skincare in winter!
This sounds amazing!
Phyrra recently posted…Darling Girl Darling Whos Review
It’s a good one
This sounds great! I’ve been using their toner and serum and have been liking both.
Bailey recently posted…Mary Kay NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss
Thanks for letting me know about the toner and serum, Bailey! I’ve been trying to decide what to try next
I love Eye Serums like these… I like the packaging too… but this is a tad on the pricey side, huh?
Honeygirlk recently posted…Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette – Review and Swatches
I agree, Honey, that it is definitely expensive. The 20% off on one of the websites I posted brings the cost down to the $50 range, but that puts it in the splurge range. I am mostly a drugstore shopper when it’s my own nickel, but just a few months ago, I did splurge on buying two even more expensive moisturizer and cleanser from Lift Labs because I couldn’t live without them after trying a sample. So you never know!
This looks pretty cool! I like the bottle
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Brancott Estate Flight Song | My New Favorite
I love the bottle too. It has such an elegant look. And it’s a nice serum as well!
This definitely sounds interesting!
Jamie recently posted…In Memory of My Grandmother
It is a lovely eye serum with a very interesting story and science behind how it came to be
Excellent review, Allison! I love excellent eye creams and serums, and treating dark circles is important for me. THis sounds well worth considering!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…evanhealy Sweet Blossom Hydrating Body Oil | Review
Definitely a lovely eye serum with very interesting science behind the development of the product!