Drunk Elephant's Shaba Complex Serum Actually Refreshed My Under-Eye Skin

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

In my 20s, I was proud of myself if I remembered to wash my face. In my 30s, I probably used an excessive amount of skin care products, and not just because I went out a lot less (really, who washes their face when they get home at 2 AM?). But it was also because I started seeing some signs of aging, particularly lines around my mouth and eyes. 

I’ve tried a handful of different eye serums, some retinol-based and some not, some expensive and others on the less expensive side. As a longtime fan of the brand Drunk Elephant, I was particularly excited to try the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum, especially because board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, said the ingredients are high-quality and great for the under-eye area.

“Our eyes commonly show the first signs of aging with the  thinnest skin being our eyes,” she explains. “These ingredients stimulate collagen production and function as anti-inflammatories.”

About My Skin: Fair

I have very light skin. The skin on my body gets tan in the summer, but the skin on my face tends to freckle up or burn, so I’ve always been serious about sun protection, especially on my face. While diligent skin care has been a part of my life in my 30s, that wasn’t exactly the case in my 20s, which I may be paying for now. Long story short: My skin is starting to show some signs of aging, so I’m doing my best to get ahead of it, especially because I’m not a fan of needles and am a little terrified by the idea of trying botox. 

The Feel: Light and goes on easily

Something about using any old product around my eyes makes me feel nervous no matter what. I worry about getting it in my eyes (I can be a little clumsy, especially in the mornings), and I fear that I’ll end up with dry, tight-feeling skin in an area where the skin is thin. And you definitely don’t want dry skin.

Luckily, the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum goes on like a very light lotion, and in the month that I’ve used it, I’ve been able to apply it to the under-eye area with no issues easily. 

Drying/Irritation: None

I also had no issues with drying or irritation while using the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum. But Madfes told me that while gentle, it makes sense that I would be concerned, as any product you apply to the thin skin of the eye area can be irritating.  “That being said, most products for use around the eyes have been tested for irritancy and tolerability,” she says. “If you have underlying eczema or allergies, test the product on the side of your face daily for one week before moving to the eye area.”  

The Results: A small difference but not a big one

Would I say my eye area suddenly looks like it did when it was 25? Not exactly. I used the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum for over a month before writing this review, and the results were subtle. Some products are more of a long game, meaning results come way down the line (and who knows, using it could be preventing additional fine lines right now!), but I’d be lying if I said my eye area had changed much.

That being said, I do find that my eye area is slightly firmer, and it certainly does feel moisturized, so I’ll definitely keep using it—especially if it’s preventing further damage, which I suspect it is.

The Value: Expensive--but not the most expensive

At $60 for 0.5 ounces, the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum is pricey, but it’s not the most pocket-burning eye serum I’ve used. And as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This eye serum is also full of impactful ingredients that stimulate collagen production, so if it’s within your budget, it may be worth it. Plus, you don’t have to use much of it; therefore, it will still last a while even though it’s a small bottle.

Similar Products: One stands out for its ingredients

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum ($85): The product I can most easily compare the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum to is the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum, which I tried a few months back. Murad’s serum is more expensive, at $85 for 0.5 ounces. But it also contains retinol, so it’s a harsher formula--however, in my case, it produced more obvious results. When choosing between these two eye serums, it all comes down to priorities.

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