Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum Depuffs My Sensitive Eyes

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Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

The author holding a bottle of the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

Taylor Augustin

What We Like
  • Airless pump container

  • Creamy, lightweight texture

  • Formulated with retinol, caffeine, and copper peptides

  • Recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like
  • A bit pricey

  • Due to the inclusion of retinol, some might not want to wear it during the day

I have very sensitive eyes, and in my years as a beauty writer have found many products simply don't work. But Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum has made me a believer in the brand. It doesn't make my eyes burn or sting and leaves them looking brighter, tighter, and more awake.

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Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

The author holding a bottle of the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

Taylor Augustin

We put the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

I'm a sensitive gal—I cry when I see elderly couples together, when I hold a baby, and when an eye product irritates my literally sensitive eyes. I stay away from eye products that aren't safe for those of us who manage sensitivity, so when I find out about a product that promises to keep me in the clear, I'm always down to try it out.

And that's exactly what happened when I heard about Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum. After getting my hands on the product and testing it out for a few weeks, I've visibly noticed an improvement in my eye area and have dealt with absolutely zero sensitivity. Interested in my unfiltered thoughts? Just keep scrolling.

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

Best for: Those looking for an eye serum with retinol

Uses: As a day (with sunscreen) or night eye treatment

Price: $64

About the brand: Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson started the brand because she wasn't impressed with what was on the market. Since its inception, she has created products with a focus on good-for-you ingredients that give your skin the break it deserves.

About My Eyes: Sensitive and dry

My eyes are incredibly sensitive to makeup removers, contacts, eyelash glues, and certain mascaras, so when I find a product that doesn't irritate my skin, I'm all in. I should note here that while the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is said to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, I don't have any deep wrinkles yet.

My typical skincare routine consists of micellar water, cleanser, moisturizer, oil, and a lip treatment. I've used a few eye serums in the past, but none have stayed in my routine for too long due to my sensitive skin. The A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is great because it can be used in the morning and at night. Spoiler alert: After using it for two weeks, I've already decided it'll stay in my routine until I'm all out.

The Feel: Pillow-soft

A swatch of the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum on the author's hand

Taylor Augustin

When I think of eye products, I typically think of thick, creamy formulas. But since this is an eye serum, it's actually much more lightweight than you might expect. It's pillowy-soft and quickly absorbed by the skin.

The Ingredients: Targeting fine lines and puffiness

  • Retinol: Retinol works to target fine lines and wrinkles. Notice more elastic skin? You can thank this ingredient.
  • Caffeine: This powerhouse ingredient works to help reduce puffiness, leaving you looking more awake and healthy.
  • Copper peptides: Collagen helps keep us looking bouncy and fresh, and thanks to the addition of copper peptides, this serum safely promotes its production.

The Results: Better Than Expected

The author applying the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum to her under-eye area

Taylor Augustin

Due to my sensitivity, I was a bit wary going into this review. However, I can firmly say I'm absolutely in love with Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum.

The original formula was good, but this new and improved one is great. My eyes didn't suffer from any redness or irritation, and while I can't say for sure if it helps with fine lines (thanks, Botox), I can say it made my skin feel tight and firm and even seemed to reduce puffiness. I especially love putting this on right when I wake up and have found it layers well under makeup.

The Value: Worth the Splurge

I've tried eye serums that cost more than $150 and ones that come in under $15, and with the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum being somewhere in the middle, I'm very impressed. With enough product to last for months, I think it's an investment well worth the splurge. This bottle should last me about three months, which comes out to about $21 a month—which honestly isn't bad at all.

Similar Products: You Have Options

BL+ Eye Serum: If you're looking for a luxe option, you'll adore BL+'s Eye Serum ($180). It comes complete with a cooling rollerball applicator, which is all too fun to apply. This product will leave you with visibly-reduced lines and an overall elastic look.

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum: Firming and hydrating, the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum ($71) from Dr. Dennis Gross will leave your eye area looking immaculate. Formulated with retinol and ferulic acid, this also works as a great makeup primer for the eye area.

Final Verdict

Drunk Elephant's A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum has become a fast favorite in my eye cream collection. It noticeably helps with the appearance of puffiness and even discoloration, and I'm already planning on ordering a refill when I run out.

Specs

  • Product Name A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum
  • Product Brand Drunk Elephant
  • Price $64.00
  • Weight .5 oz.
  • Full Ingredient List Water/Aqua/Eau, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Boron Nitride, Caffeine, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Coconut Alkanes, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Niacinamide, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Bis(Tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glucose, Biotin, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Retinol, Ceramide NP, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Lecithin, Cetyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Ubiquinone, Citric Acid, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Steareth-20, Thioctic Acid, Tocopherol, Chrysin, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Citrate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Laureth-23, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategiesDermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804

  2. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regenerationBiomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. doi:10.1155/2015/648108

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