Mary Kay Cosmetics produces a product called Timewise Age-Fighting Eye Cream. The company claims that nine out of 10 women in a clinical trial of the product saw a noticeable difference after eight weeks of using the eye cream. Citing environmental factors and stress as one of the leading causes of aging signs around the eyes, the ingredients in Mary Kay’s age-fighting eye cream seek to soothe and remedy these problems by moisturizing the skin and creating barriers to prevent further damage.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is one of the first three ingredients in Mary Kay’s Timewise Age-Fighting Eye Cream. Mineral oil is liquid petroleum and is odorless and tasteless. It’s used as a moisturizer and to create a protective barrier against outside elements. Mineral oil is a comedeogenic substance, or a substance known to cause acne. People with oily skin or prone to acne breakouts may find mineral oil counter-intuitive to their skin care routines, according to “The Beauty Brains.”
Safflower Seed Oil
Safflower seed oil is used as a carrier oil in Mary Kay’s Timewise Age-Fighting Eye Cream to help with the application of the product. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the Carthamus tinctorius plant. Used in cosmetics, safflower seed oil promotes moisture, improves roughness and works to soothe irritation caused by minor skin problems such as acne. Safflower seed oil is a skin-conditioning agent, according to the Personal Care Products Council.
Chamomile Flower Extract
Chamomile flower extract, or the extract of the blossoms of the Anthemis nobilis plant, work to soothe irritation and swelling in the skin, according to the English Chamomile website. Chamomile also has lightening and moisturizing properties. It is used in Mary Kay’s Timewise Age-Fighting Eye Cream to moisturize and soothe the skin around the eyes.
Aloe Leaf Extract
Aloe barbasensis, or aloe vera, is a traditional herbal remedy said to soothe the skin and aid in healing, according to “The Beauty Brains.” Used in Mary Kay’s Timewise Age Fighting Eye Cream, this extract soothes any dryness or irritation around the eyes and adds moisture to dry or sensitive skin.
Vitamin E
Also known as tocopherol, vitamin E is a fat-soluble substance that occurs naturally but may also be manufactured synthetically. Vitamin E is an antioxidant substance, or a substance reputed to slow the aging process when used in cosmetic products such as Mary Kay’s age-fighting eye cream, according to “The Beauty Brains.” While claims of anti-aging properties are unsubstantiated, vitamin E forms a protective layer for sensitive skin against the elements.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is used in Mary Kay’s age-fighting eye cream to tighten the skin and reduce the effects of minor skin irritation caused by acne. A 1995 trial conducted by Dr. Lit-Hung Leung concluded that vitamin B5 firms the skin and promotes healing. The study found that problems resulting from these conditions resolved within one week to one month of treatment with vitamin B5 oil.
