There's only one series of eye creams called "Korea's National Eye Cream". In 2023, AHC released the 11th version of its cult eye cream - AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream For Face. What's new in the 11th version of this eye cream? New solutions mixed with technology and amazing ingredients.
About the brand AHC
The name AHC stands for Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics. According to AHC's website, the company started in 1999. The name of the brand is not random AHC makes skincare products similar to products used by aesthetics. It means that AHC makes professional products for personal use, it's nothing new since many aesthetic brands used at SPA have lines for personal use. If I have to compare the eye creams I use at home vs. those I use during my internship as an esthetician, I would say AHC is way better than pro eye creams. Eye Cream For Face is AHC's most popular product. One of the AHC ambassadors was Anne Hathaway.
During the last few years actresses Kim Hye Soo and Jo Bo Ah were in AHC commercials. You could spot even Krystal Jung who you might recognize from girl group f(x) was AHC's ambassador. In 2023 Kim Hye-soo was one of AHC's ambassadors.
Right now thanks to Unilever, AHC is available globally. The acquisition of Carver Korea and AHC took a few years ago - in 2017. You have to remember that, even if Unilever is a big company available worldwide, AHC formulas in Korea and abroad are a bit different. I haven't tried non-Korean versions, but we will discuss it later. In 2024 AHC released a new series of products called Pro Shot. This series is focused on functional products that target aging, dark spots and dryness. Before I introduce you to 2024 AHC products, I had to catch up with this eye cream and share my review here.
One important note: AHC eye creams have been sold in over 120 million units since the first season.
Do you need an eye cream?
Some people believe that you don't need a special eye cream for your eye area. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive. There are some ingredients you shouldn't use near your eyes like AHA. Eyes have also different problems like puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles - it doesn't mean that normal cream won't do anything about it, but sometimes it's better to choose a targetted product. You also have to remember that if the problem's source is genetics then eye cream won't change a lot, but it's still good to use one.
AHC Eye Cream For Face
The reason why this cream is called eye cream for the face is easy - AHC sells this cream as an eye cream, but they also recommend using their eye creams on areas where you can see wrinkles like the mouth or forehead. Right now AHC released 12 versions of eye creams, but since we're talking about season 11, I skipped information about the 12th version. Season 1 - Real Eye Cream For Face is a firming product with EGF. Premium Real Eye Cream For Face is a season 2 version, this one brightens the skin. Season 3 Private Real Eye Cream For Face nourishes the skin and Season 4 THE Real Eye Cream For Face is even better if it comes to hydration.
The Pure Real Eye Cream For Face aka Season 5 which was my first AHC eye cream is a version for sensitive skin. I tried a version with that cute floral packaging made in collaboration with Marymond - you can read the full review on Kherblog. I didn't try Season 6 Ultimate Real Eye Cream For Face, this season is easily absorbed by the skin. Season 7 Ageless Real Eye Cream For Face contains biomimetic collagen, and it gets easily absorbed because the size of the formula is 1/300 of the pore size. What makes Season 8 Time Rewind Real Eye Cream For Face interesting is the number of peptides to increase the elasticity of the skin. Season 8 review is available on Kherblog, as well as season 9 - Youth Lasting Real Eye Cream For Face focused on 20s Biome AHC technology.
Season 10 had ingredients that were 1/1000 size of the pore size. Season 11 has fewer peptides, but it contains T4 Collagen.
Read more about: AHC Ten Revolution Eye Cream For Face
Why does one season have a few versions?
If you ever check some Korean stores or the AHC website, you can see that one version of eye cream has a few different designs, the base of the product is the same, but the design is different and the scent notes in products are different too. There are products in Korea like shampoos or even regular creams that have scents similar to perfumes so they have top, heart and base notes.
AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) - Packaging
If you thought that season 10 before the redesign was fancy, then AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream is on another level of being fancy and luxurious. The gold packaging, once you open it you can see some white details on an orange background. But there's one more important thing than a gold box - a gold tube with a tip that helps with acupoint massage. According to the brand, this tip is supposed to emulate the effect of an aesthetician's hands.
I'm an aesthetician myself, and although I can see positive things about this tip, I also found it problematic - it was hard to squeeze this cream because of that tip. The problem might be the formula too.
AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) - Texture & Scent
AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream has a delicate floral scent. The texture is quite thick in comparison to season 10 which was more creamy.
AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) - Ingredients
Collagen Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Purified Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Malt Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Collagen, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, C15-19 Alkane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyacrylate-13, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Vinyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Jojoba Ester, Butylene Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Sucrose Polystearate, Xanthan Gum, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/ Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cholesterol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide NP, Polyglycerin-3, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Poloxamer 188, Fructooligosaccharides, Propanediol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Sodium Laurate, Beta-Glucan, Carbomer, Lauric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Gold, Lactobacillus/(Dendropanax Morbiferus Leaf/Steam/Jasmine Flower) Extract/Jojoba Seed Oil Ferment Extract Oil, Madecassoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, C10-18 Triglycerides, Cetyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Ascorbic Acid, Polyurethane-15, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyurethane-11, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Fragrance, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol
Collagen Extract leaves a film on the surface of the skin. It's an ingredient that naturally occurs in our skin. Collagen can't penetrate your skin, but it makes your skin barrier stronger and can make wrinkles less visible. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Depending on the product, its origin can be natural or synthetic. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss), which naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs and a natural moisturizing factor. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it—just the opposite—it protects your skin from irritation. Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent with moisturizing properties.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a combination of coconut oil and glycerin. It's a notable emollient that is quite common in skincare. It leaves a protective film on the surface of the epidermis to save your cutis from dehydration. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a significant role in skin care products - it makes the application process effortless. Some people might experience pore-clogging after using Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, but pore-clogging and skin reactions to ingredients are individual. What works for you might not work for someone else. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient. It's a synthetic substitute for squalane. It leaves a delicate film on the skin, it prevents skin from dehydration.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient that leaves a silky, delicate, non-occlusive film on the skin's surface. This ingredient is ideal for sensitive skin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol. Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride is an emollient. Phenyl Trimethicone is silicone and an emollient. It improves the texture of the product and makes it easier to spread on the skin. Phenyl Trimethicone leaves a delicate film on the skin to prevent your skin from TEWL. It's easy to remove it with cleansing products. This ingredient is useful in haircare products since it makes it easier to maintain your hair. In sunscreen, it makes products more resistant to water (it makes sunscreen more waterproof).
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is an emollient. It leaves an airy film on the skin. Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms, or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the product's content. Cyclohexasiloxane is a volatile silicone and emollient. It makes the product easier to spread on the skin, and it protects the moisture in your skin by creating a gentle, non-greasy film on the surface of your epidermis. Cyclohexasilocane quickly evaporates from your skin. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative. It protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin and has no unpleasant effects on the epidermis. Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emollient. SE in the name stands for self-emulsifying. Betaine is an amino acid. We use it in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Cetyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a positive for the skin fatty alcohol. It helps with moisture, and it's a marvellous emollient. It leaves a film on the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract or Amur Cork Tree Bark Extract is a source of flavonoids, saponins and kaempferol. Its other name is also Oubaku Ekisu. This ingredient is known in traditional medicine in Asian countries, It's an antioxidant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Laminaria Japonica Extract is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial antioxidant. It's a source of fucoidan and laminarin. It has moisturizing properties.
Eclipta Prostrata (False Daisy) Leaf Extract is a source of vitamin C, flavonoids, triterpenes or phytosterol. False Daisy is a typical herb for Ayurveda. In skin care, this ingredient has anti-aging properties and it's an antioxidant. In hair care, it helps with hair growth and regeneration. Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is an antioxidant. Scutellaria Baicalensis also known as the Chinese skullcap is one of the fundamental herbs in Chinese traditional medicine. Skullcap Root Extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It's a source of flavonoids, alkaloids and other substances. It's great for sensitive skin as well as acne-prone skin. It might help you with pigmentation. Malt Extract is a dark syrup derived from barley, it's a source of many important elements for the skin. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil is an oil that usually comes from Africa. It's a source of lauric, myristic, oleic and palmitic acid. Palm oil also contains Vitamin E, beta-carotene and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10). Beta-carotene gives it a red colour. This antioxidant has emollient properties. Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Water is a green tea hydrosol. It refreshes, soothes and hydrates the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying. Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is an oily emollient. It's a source of oleic and palmitoleic acid as well as vitamins A and E. Macadamia Oil is a phenomenal choice for sensitive and dry skin. In hair care, this ingredient can help with dry and fragile hair.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil is an oily emollient, and a source of fatty acids like lauric acid, myristic acid or palmitic acid. It leaves a film on the surface of the skin. It works better on dry skin than on acne-prone skin. In hair care, coconut oil protects hair from water loss and prevents damage and split ends. Coconut oil has very weak UV protection properties, but it doesn't mean that you can use it instead of sunscreen. Collagen is a big moisturizing molecule that leaves a film on the surface of the skin. It's an ingredient that naturally occurs in our skin. Collagen is made of amino acids. In our skin, we can find collagen types I and III. Collagen can't penetrate your skin, but it makes your skin barrier stronger and it can make wrinkles less visible visually. Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is an emulsifier. Not every acne-prone skin will enjoy it. Olivem 1000 is a combination of Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate. It's a natural emulsifier, and beauty companies use it to create an oil-in-water emulsion. Worth mentioning it's a biodegradable formula.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an emulsifier. C15-19 Alkane is a solvent. Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a synthetic powder that absorbs sebum. You can usually find it in makeup for its flawless finishing. Not every oily skin will enjoy it. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a butter obtained from seeds of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree - a tree typical for Africa. It's an emollient rich in antioxidants like vitamin E or vitamin A. It's a source of oleic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid. Shea butter is a well-moisturizing emollient that leaves a fine film on the skin and hair to protect from dehydration. It has soothing properties, and it might provide sun protection around SPF 2-4 (still, use proper sun-protecting agents instead of oils and butter for your safety). This ingredient is an excellent choice for dry skin and psoriasis. Shea butter hydrates hair and helps them look shinier. It's good to choose certified shea butter from a trusted source. Polyacrylate-13 is a polymer that creates a film on the skin and hair to prevent water loss.
Behenyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a fatty alcohol. This type of alcohol is beneficial for the skin since it works as an emollient and helps with the texture of the product. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an oil-in-water emulsifier. Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate is an emulsifier with moisturizing properties. Jojoba Esters are an emollient derived from jojoba seeds. I saw that besides Jojoba, AHC used a few other ingredients. This product also contains Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax and Polyglycerin-3, mixed with Sunflower Wax this trio creates Acticire MB. It's an emollient with moisturizing properties.
Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps penetrate active ingredients, protects products from drying, and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and strengthen hair. Magnesium Myristate is a binding agent. Sucrose Polystearate is an emollient and an emulsifier. Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment moderates sebum production and has antimicrobial properties. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the roles of adenosine in our bodies is that of neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an oily emollient that provides a satin-like film on the skin. It makes brushing your hair easier. Cholesterol is a lipid with a crucial role in our skin. This ingredient makes sure that our skin barrier is healthy. It can also work as a stabilizer. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP or Ceramide 3 strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Poloxamer 188 is an emulsifier. It's used for oil-in-water formulas. Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics. They nourish the skin and help the microbiome. Propanediol, also known as natural glycol, is an alternative to propylene glycol. It is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties, making the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables is a fraction of olive oil, it has moisturizing properties. Sodium Laurate is a delicate surfactant.
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that can come from yeast, seaweed, or fungi. It's one of the best humectants with soothing properties. It might help reduce wrinkle visibility on the epidermis. Some sources say it might be an antioxidant. Mix it with niacinamide and retinoids or use it after skincare treatments to heal the skin quickly. Beta-glucan leaves a film on the skin to prevent TEWL and lock the moisture inside the skin. Carbomer is a synthetic thickener. Lauric Acid is a fatty acid, it has antibacterial properties. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low-weight humectant. We have to remember that not every molecule can get through the skin surface and lower molecule HA can penetrate the skin deeper and bring moisture inside the skin. It's a natural polymer that binds water in the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Gold or Ci 77480 is a pigment.
Madecassoside is a bioactive part of Centella Asiatica. It's an antioxidant and can stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis to promote wound healing. It has soothing effects, and it might have anti-aging properties if we combine it with vitamin C. Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones. Cyanocobalamin is nothing else than vitamin B12. It's a water-soluble antioxidant. It's an ingredient which you can find in products for wrinkles and pigmentation since this vitamin can help with both. Vitamin B12 is important for hair as well - it might help with dandruff, hair loss and hair breakage.
Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars. C10-18 Triglycerides is emollient and solvent. Cetyl Palmitate is an oily emollient. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 also known as Matrixyl. It contains five amino acids. It improves skin condition and helps with wrinkles and skin elasticity. Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant that stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. It helps with pigmentation - both PIE & PIH. It is better to use vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. Ascorbic Acid can fix what free radicals destroy. Brands recommend mixing ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E. Vitamin C has a cardinal role in strengthening the blood vessels and boosting wound healing. Ascorbic Acid in a concentration above 10% might be too irritative for sensitive skin or rosacea - even some acne-prone skin might not enjoy it.
Polyurethane-15 is a film-forming ingredient. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer and quite a large molecule. It works as a thickener and emulsion stabiliser. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate is an emulsifier. Polyurethane-11 is a film-forming ingredient. Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate is an emollient. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant that is supposed to help preservatives in the formula. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Pentylene Glycol is mostly a solvent and stabilizer, but it has great moisturizing properties.
How does AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) work?
Let's start with some technologies behind AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11). If you're new to this series, AHC eye creams usually have more ingredients than any other cream you can find, but it's all because this brand decided to pack their formulas with technologies, peptides, amino acids, collagen and other stuff that makes it number 1.
What's so special about this eye cream? AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) contains human-like ingredients, they are synthetic ingredients, but they act like for example collagen in our skin. This version contains Collagen T4, which has the same amino acid sequence as Collagen COL4A1 found in human skin. Because of the similarities, this collagen should be tolerated better by the skin. It also contains collagen T1, T3 and collagen T21.
AHC loves to surprise us with faster and deeper absorption or smaller molecules than before. It's no different this time. AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) is better at targeting wrinkles, even ones that are related to movement and facial expression. AHC has patented methods of making particles of their formulas smaller. They use double ultra-fine micro-processing to enrich products with nutrients.
AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) is supposed to be more effective than the previous version. I was surprised and loved the previous version so can they do even better?
AHC has a long list if it comes to test - they do their job to test the product fully before releasing a new series. AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) was announced on January 1st 2023 and since then AHC released season 12 and three Pro-Shot series eye creams.
If it comes to my experience with AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11), I do enjoy this formula, I see that it works because I don't get enough sleep and somehow my eye area looks better than I expected, I even started to apply it on my face. Even better, my cousin saw this cream, applied it under her eye, saw the results and asked me to get it for her!
My only problem is the applicator, thankfully AHC decided to rethink this design with the Pro-Shot series, but that's the only reason why I went back for season 10. If you're in your 20s - you might find Ten Revolution Eye Cream For Face better for you since the formula is more lightweight. AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) is thicker and super focused on wrinkles, especially deep ones.
Where to buy AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) and how much does it cost?
Currently, AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) has better availability than after the release. A mini version of AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11)* costs $7.10/12 ml at YesStyle*, but you can use my referral code BETWEENDOTS to save on your order. If you need a full-sized version - keep your eyes open, YesStyle might have a full-size one back.
Overall, AHC Premier Ampoule Eye Cream (season 11) is definitely a product that keeps this line strong and that's why it stays being number 1 eye cream. If you want to try Korean products - this one is a true must-have.
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