 |
| Above: The Marula Botanical Eye Serum in all its simple and streamlined glory. |
My eye area has been of grave concern as of late…many years of sun exposure (and subsequent squinting) and contact lens applications have worked in tandem with the years to cultivate fine lines that, let’s face it, aren’t going anywhere on their own. In turn, I have been testing eye creams like crazy, hoping to find one (or two!) to combat this invasion.
While nothing can beat the efficacy of a retinol-saturated serum (RoC, here’s looking at you…more on this later), my desire to balance and hydrate the eye area, coupled with my intent to find something unmitigatedly natural just might have been fulfilled thanks to the African Botanics Marula Botanical Eye Serum, which I recently had the chance to try.
The ingredients list of this product is remarkably brief (scroll on for details) and the brightening, hydrating, line-releasing and puffiness-reducing properties to flow from this tiny bottle are encouraging!
 |
| Above: Retailing for $85, the Marula Botanical Eye Serum comes in a .96 fl oz. bottle. |
Ingredients: Sclerocarya birrea (Maurla Essential Oil), De-ionized Water, Clycerine BP, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena), Calendula Officnalis (Calendula flower) Extract, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol Ethylhexylglycerin, D. Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
**Formulated with NO Parabens, mineral oils, BPA, petrochemicals, synthetic emulsifiers, toxic preservatives, phthlates, DEA, TEA, synthetic colors or fragrances. 100% Vegan and never tested on animals!
 |
| Above: Since I only use two pumps a day, I envision this bottle lasting nearly a year with regular use. |
According to the African Botanics website:
Marula Botanical Eye Serum is formulated to immediately lift, firm & smooth the delicate eye contour area while imparting radiance & long lasting hydration. Corrects the signs of aging – puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles & lack of firmness.
- Marula Oil is Africa’s miracle oil. Hand harvested by women in village collectives from the exotic fruit seed kernels of bio-dynamic Marula trees, indigenous to Southern Africa. Rich in Vitamins C + E & Oleic Acid. Heals skin tissue, reduces redness & transepidermal water loss, improves skin’s elasticity & firmness. Marula Oil helps nourish, moisturize and soften dry skin, while providing antioxidant protection.
- Soy Protein – is a Plant Peptide. The building blocks of proteins, peptides have become an essential ingredient in anti-aging skin care. Peptides are a string of amino acids that are held together by bonds of nitrogen and carbon. Short chain peptides are able to penetrate the epidermis and send signals to cells, informing them how to function. Soy Protein has a tightening effect on skin. Retains moisture, stimulates collagen synthesis & encourages cell turnover to ensure smoother, firmer and more radiant skin.
- Rose Otto – hydro distilled at low temperature from majestic freshly picked Damascus roses. Rose Otto, with its complex chemical profile of at least 275 compounds, possesses a vast number of therapeutic applications. Topically applied, Rose Otto beautifully supports skin’s health and radiance. A rejuvenating oil, Rose helps restore moisture balance and is used, both in massage and inhalation therapy, to enhance circulation, deeply nourish the tissues and to promote a healthy inflammatory response. Astringent effect on capillaries just below the skin surface – useful to diminish redness caused by enlarged capillaries. Also promotes collagen.
- Calendula Flower Extract – Repairs skin on cellular level – can soothe and heal dry and/or damaged skin. It is often compared to Neosporin. Loaded with powerful healing substances, has been used for centuries to heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Calendula also promotes blood circulation.
- Vitamin E (D- tocopherol) – acts as an anti-oxidant
- Soothe tired, puffy eyes with this light yet powerful serum.
- Intensely boosts skin’s ability to repair, accelerating recovery.
- Restore skin elasticity, firmness & improve skin tone.
- Reduce dark circles, crows feet, fine lines & wrinkles.
- Rejuvenates and refreshes tired eyes.
- Corrects sun damage in the delicate eye area.
- Anti-pollution, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging benefits.
The amount of beautifully-articulated information regarding this product was such that I couldn’t do anything to improve the clarity of the explanations…I appreciate how African Botanics thoroughly elaborates on the purpose of each ingredient in terms that any skin care enthusiast can process.
 |
| Above: The serum in the sunshine…it is clear and watery in texture and is absorbed into the skin instantly. |
Just two pumps, twice a day has helped to reduce my AM puffiness and fine lines; since using this serum, I’ve also noticed that the skin around my orbital area has brightened and looks more refreshed!
The serum itself is silky and almost watery (as opposed to being dense and viscose) in nature and has a very light floral scent (that is due to the ingredients in the serum, rather than being an added element) that dissipates quickly upon application.
I apply it after cleansing and right before my Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge and find that it hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin whatsoever…in fact, it is quite cooling and revitalizing!
 |
| Above: My eyes after a week of nightly and daily applications of the Marula Botanical Eye Serum. I feel brighter and more balanced in the orbital area and can’t wait for the long-term benefits! |
Bottom Line: Like many, I am gravitating towards using as many natural, non-chemical (yet, effective) skincare and beauty products as I can. From its succinct ingredients list to its soothing and smoothing results, the African Botanics Marula Botanical Eye Serum is fulfilling my quest beautifully… a truly delightful discovery. I’ve also been experimenting with the African Botanics Pure Marula Oil (as a moisturizer) and will be reporting back soon to discuss my thoughts…first impressions…it’s divine!
**PR sample provided for review, however, as always, all of my
opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own
Comments (10)
I like the sound of this, will have to check it out. I've been using Tarte's Marula Oil on my face at night, I like it!
Hi Lulubelle! Yes…this is an amazing natural option for the eyes; I am completely enjoying my experience and Marula Oil in general smells so good, no?!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
i just picked up the intensive repair balm from this brand today! the ladies at space nk said it works wonders on scars and repairing skin. I wanted the neroli oil too but didn't want to spend too much. lucky you for getting to try this! 🙂
Hello Bronzer Bunny! The Intensive Balm sounds amazing…that is definitely on my "next to try" list. I have been so happy with the African Botanics line thus far…the eye serum is dreamy and I've been using the Marula oil (blog post soon!) daily. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Balm!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm glad to hear about your results from using this serum with your skin. The only thing I don't like is the fact that it's scented. I would prefer it otherwise, since some scents are just too strong for me. Hopefully, lightly scented means almost undetectable.
I wish that more cosmetics companies would make unscented versions of their treatments more widely available. Sometimes it's hard to get a serum that doesn't carry a perfume.
Hello…thanks for your comment. I, too, am not crazy about scented products, but I appreciate that this serum is scented naturally (rather than artificially) and it does dissipate very quickly and I haven't experienced an ounce of irritation (either on my skin or my nose!). I agree…the less scent, the better!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I have used Made from Earth's Vitamin Firming Serum for several years and continue to use it after trying other products occasionally because it works. My husband noticed it right away and that is something I did not expect. It has a pleasant fragrance and is very gentle on the eye area. This is one product I continue to use
Excellent, Anon. Thanks so much for sharing what works for you…I will have to look into this line! I love that your husband noticed a difference…that is always a good sign of efficacy!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
first of all i love the title of your site "the beauty professor". I am planning to try this serum but was worried about the long term effects. do you mind sharing long term effect of the Marula Botanical Eye Serum?
Hi Rachel…thank you! I used the bottle of this serum and loved it. My eye area was smooth and hydrated. As a beauty blogger, I am constantly testing products so I am working with some new eye creams now!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor