I’ve been a longtime fan of Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Eye Crème, along with thousands of other people—it’s been Sephora’s best-selling eye cream for a while and one jar sells every three minutes around the world. So, I imagine there will be a mixed reaction when devotees learn that the brand has changed the formula and the OG is being replaced with a brand-new Banana Bright+ Eye Crème. However, I’m here to assure you it still lives up to the hype, and then some. Here’s why.
My Skin Type:
Combination. I’m drier in the cold-weather months and oilier in the warm-weather ones thanks to the high humidity on the East Coast.
The Benefits:
Five years ago, Ole Henriksen had a stroke of genius when he decided to add banana powder–inspired pigments into a vitamin C–rich eye cream for double-duty brightening effects under the eyes. Now, despite Banana Bright being a best-seller worldwide, the brand is honoring its commitment to innovation by making some big upgrades to the formula.
“The original DNA is still there, so don’t worry,” Ole himself told me. Here’s what’s different: The formula is now vegan (no beeswax like the OG), fragrance-free (no citrus scent; I personally love that the brand removed the scent) and amplified with more brightening ingredients. At the heart are three forms of vitamin C, including gold-complexed vitamin C (ascorbic acid and glutathione combined with real gold); 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, an antioxidant-rich, water-soluble vitamin C derivative; and tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, a super-stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C. Together, the three work to brighten dark circles and firm skin to make fine lines look less visible.
Other key ingredients include plant-based bioflavonoids from grapefruit and mandarin that fight aging free radicals. And the secret sauce is the banana powder–inspired pigments that reflect light and instantly brighten tired eyes. I’m super particular about eye creams, and this one hits the mark because of the immediate brightening—who doesn’t love instant satisfaction from a beauty product?—and long-term effects. In an eight-week clinical study conducted on 38 people, participants reported their under-eyes looked 29-percent brighter and 27-percent smoother, and felt 70-percent more hydrated. They also saw a 40-percent reduction in crow’s-feet, as well as noted that the cream was crease-resistant and improved the way their concealer wore throughout the day.
Key Ingredients:
Gold complexed vitamin C, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, bioflavonoids, and banana powder–inspired pigments
What It’s Free From:
Synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and talc
How to Use It:
Dab it underneath your eyes with your ring finger, tracing your orbital bone and moving up to your crow’s-feet.
What It Feels Like:
Smooth and buttery, and it sinks right into skin with no greasy residue. It also layers well with concealer (I tested it with three different ones).
What It Smells Like:
Nothing. It’s free of synthetic fragrances and there are no ingredients in the formula that lend a natural scent.
The Bottom Line:
This little orange jar is a wonder-worker for tired eyes. If you’re a loyal fan of the OG and scouring the Internet today to buy up the last of its inventory, fear not. The brand’s tweaks were strategic, innovative and intentional, and the newly improved version is equally, if not more, impressive.
Price/Where to Buy:
$42, olehenriksen.com
