If you have a skin question, we probably have a guide for it. Confused about retinoids? Read about the different types of retinol. Interested in the best ingredients for undereyes? We have dermatologist recommendations. Questioning when to apply all these products? Bookmark this product layering how-to.

When a new product launches, we create a guide for that, too. Any questions you have about our new Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm can be answered below. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

WHO SHOULD USE SMOOTH LANDING?

Q: What skin types and concerns can benefit from it?
A: Smooth Landing is specifically designed for those concerned with dryness and aging skin, although it has some brightening and de-puffing fringe benefits, too. "Undereye fine lines and wrinkles are big skincare concerns for our community so we wanted to create a product to help with this, while providing moisture, which the under eye area needs," adds Tamerri Ater, our Senior Product Development Director. Use if you want to moisturize, firm skin, improve elasticity, smooth eye lines (like crow’s feet), and protect against premature aging. 

Q: Is it pregnancy-safe?
A: Retinoids and retinol are on the pregnancy no-list so, if you’re pregnant (or nursing), we don’t recommend Smooth Landing. Try Zero-G instead, which is formulated with pregnancy-safe peptides, olive oil, and algae extract.

HOW DOES SMOOTH LANDING WORK?

Q: What are the ingredients and their strengths?
A: The key player in this dermatologist-tested formula is 1% granactive retinoid, an over-the-counter vitamin A derivative that’s less irritating than retinol. "Retinols are highly effective at treating aging skin, but they can be irritating for some," says Tamerri. "Because the undereye area is more sensitive than the rest of the face, we chose to use a granactive retinoid that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but without the irritation that can come along with using a traditional retinol." This proven-safe, active ingredient works overnight to reform texture and soften signs of aging. You’ll also find 0.2% shiitake mushroom extract, a plant-based ingredient known for healing and restoring skin’s bounce.

For moisturization and barrier repair, we add in 1% of vitamin E and 1% black currant seed oil—two antioxidant-rich ingredients that help the skin retain moisture while defending against UV ray damage (including blue light) and pollution.

Q: Why a balm and not an eye cream?
A: When we dreamt up Smooth Landing, we wanted to create something that offered long-lasting moisture. Balms have a thicker consistency than creams and, because they contain little to no water, 100% of the ingredient is held within the formula for maximum absorption.

Balms also have a waxy texture, which keeps the formula in place, locking in the good-for-skin ingredients and protecting against those aforementioned environmental aggressors.

 

Q: How long until I see results?
A: Your undereyes should start to feel softer and more moisturized right away, but for aging skin concerns, it’s normal to wait 4-12 weeks before seeing significant improvement. This, of course, depends on your skin type, age, and other factors like sleep habits. 

During our consumer perception trial, testers aged 36-64 applied Smooth Landing over six weeks and:

93% agree the product softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
90% agree the product increases skin’s smoothness, firmness, and brightness.
90% agree the product visibly minimizes puffiness.
87% saw a visible difference in under-eye wrinkles.

For best results, apply the eye balm consistently (we suggest every single night before bed) and don’t forget sunscreen the next day. Just be careful not to get any formula in your eyes.

Q: Is it greasy? Will it break me out?
A: The oils in Smooth Landing (and all of our products) are skin-friendly and purposely added to moisturize but not clog pores. Skin will feel soft and smooth, yes, but not greasy. If it is, you may be using too much. 

Q: Does this brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness?
A: 90% of our testers did feel Smooth Landing brightened their undereyes and minimized puffiness, but this product is more focused on aging and dry skin. If you’re looking to treat dark circles and puffiness, we suggest our Brightening Eye Gel instead. Caffeine and vitamin C help flush out any liquid trapped beneath the eye area while its cooling texture relieves inflammation and swelling.

 

Besides skincare, make sure you are getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, and limiting your alcohol intake; along with genetics, these can all contribute to bags and circles. 

Q: Will this help with milia?
A: Smooth Landing wasn’t specifically tested on millia (tiny, pimple-like bumps that often appear near the eyes, cheeks, and forehead). If you have them, we recommend reaching out to your dermatologist for treatment recommendations. Whatever you do, don’t pop them. 

HOW AND WHEN TO USE IT

Q: How much product should I use?
A: The undereyes are incredibly thin and delicate, so you don’t need much. Rub your ring finger on the balm until you get enough to cover the pad of your finger.

Q:  Can’t I just use Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum beneath my eyes?
A: You can, but Press Restart doesn’t have the moisturizing capabilities of our Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm, whose antioxidant-rich formula is specifically designed to nourish the thin, delicate skin located beneath the eyes. What we do recommend is applying Press Restart on the face, reserving the eye area for Smooth Landing, then topping off the rest of your complexion with a night cream. And if you have skin concerns from the neck down, reach for our Retinol Body Lotion; it repairs body care concerns like sagging skin, age spots, and ashy elbows.

Q: Can I use it alongside AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C?
A: We don’t recommend using vitamin C within the same routine as Smooth Landing, since some forms of vitamin C interact with retinol and can cause irritation or redness. Better to play it safe and save vitamin C for your AM routine.

Q: Is it safe to use during my AM routine?
A: It can be if you’re staying indoors, but because the sun can negatively impact the effectiveness of retinol, we suggest saving Smooth Landing for your PM routine. Use Zero-G or Vacation Eyes during the daytime instead.

Q: Can I use it every night?
A: Yes, we actually recommend nightly use. The more consistent application, the better the results.

Q: Do I need a spatula or application tool?
A: No, use a clean finger (the ring finger is recommended since it naturally has a lighter touch) to warm up the balm before applying. If you prefer a spatula, go for it. 

Q: Should I apply it to my eyelids?
A: Since it is a balm, the product may be too heavy for eyelids. We suggest applying Smooth Landing at the inner corners of your under eyes and moving out and upwards towards the brow bone. But this is up to you–try it and see how you like it.