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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides
Eye CreamEye Care
Efficacy
Strong
4.1 / 5.0
Safety
Mostly Safe
4.2 / 5.0
System Verdict
This is a legitimately sophisticated retinol eye serum with real anti-aging and depuffing potential, but you’re paying a premium for mostly elegant formulation rather than uniquely powerful actives. Efficacy is strong because the formula pairs an S Tier 0.1% retinol with multiple peptides (including copper peptides), 3% caffeine, humectants, ceramide NP, and antioxidants in a well-structured emollient base, all at eye-safe strength and without obvious pH or stability mistakes. Retinol sits mid-list at a brand-disclosed 0.1% (a gentle but clinically relevant dose for the thin eye area), supported by barrier lipids and soothing agents that blunt irritation, while caffeine and the puffiness peptide complex (Dipeptide-2, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin) collectively justify claims for bags and mild dark circles. It does not reach S Tier overall only because the retinol concentration is intentionally conservative, most dark-circle ingredients have mixed human data, and many of the botanicals/antioxidants are present at likely low, supportive levels rather than being primary driver actives.
Active Ingredients Detected
S Tier: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof | Skin-Transformative
Retinol
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
Water/Aqua/EauGlycerinSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea FermentNiacinamideCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideSclerocarya Birrea Seed OilGlycine Soja (Soybean) OilSodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerBiotinCeramide NPLecithinPanthenolUbiquinoneTocopherol
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
OctyldodecanolBoron NitrideCaffeineCoconut AlkanesCetyl AlcoholCetearyl OlivateSorbitan OlivateMangifera Indica (Mango) Seed ButterHippophae Rhamnoides OilBis(Tripeptide-1) Copper AcetateDipeptide-2Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Copper Lysinate/ProlinateHesperidin Methyl ChalconeHydroxyethylcelluloseGlucoseMethylglucoside PhosphateTrideceth-6 PhosphateCoco-Caprylate/CaprateCetyl PalmitateLeontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell CultureN-HydroxysuccinimideCitric AcidSteareth-20Thioctic AcidChrysinSclerotium GumSodium CitratePolysorbate 20Xanthan GumPotassium SorbateLaureth-23Sodium BenzoateCaprylyl GlycolSodium HydroxideSodium CarbonatePhenoxyethanolSodium ChlorideChlorhexidine DigluconatePentylene Glycol
C Tier: Marketing IdolsHype | Limited or Weak Data
Chondrus Crispus Extract
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
ChlorphenesinEthylhexylglycerin
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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.