New Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Review

The idea seemed a bit gimmicky from the start. Olay touts its Eye Derma-Pods as three treatments in one package. Simply put, it's eye cream in a single-use squeeze-pod with a resurfacing, massaging sponge on the end. Squeeze the pod, then use the sponge tip to massage the cream into the skin. I had to try it. I'm obsessed with eye creams and always looking out for the newer, better, nearly-miraculous, eye treatment. Who isn't?

Olay's Pitch:

"Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod puts the benefits of three treatments at your fingertips...for radiant, younger-looking eyes.

Resurfaces - regenerates surface cells, revealing younger-looking skin

Decongests puffiness - massage helps remove excess undereye fluids

Fills lines and wrinkles - microspheres help fill creases for a smoother look."

First, the good news. Niacinimide (Pro-Vitamin B5), amino-peptides, green tea, aloe, caffeine, cucumber and allantoin all contribute to an excellent eye treatment. The formula, although not earth-shatteringly new, is a very good one. It is also strikingly similar to Olay's Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum.

Which brings me to the bad news. Olay's Eye Derm-Pods work out to be a total of .38 ounces of total product for $26.99, making it roughly $71 an ounce. Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum has most of the same active ingredients in a .5 ounce bottle for $18.99, making the serum about $38 an ounce. Plus, I can't help feeling that the Derma-Pods are using a ridiculous amount of wasted packaging. Does the sponge do so much in the way of massaging and resurfacing to justify such a huge price difference? I certainly couldn't tell the difference. The results for both products were pretty good.

After 2 weeks of using both products, the serum on one eye, and the Derma-Pods on the other, I just couldn't see enough of a difference to tell them apart. The serum was certainly far easier to use and takes up much less space on my counter. Both products do a good (though not outstanding) job of smoothing and firming the skin under and around my eyes.

The Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pods do have caffeine, which the eye serum does not. have However, caffeine seemed to contribute very little to the overall effectiveness of the product. If you have more serious bags or water retention under and around the eyes, the Derma-Pods may offer enough of a difference to be worthwhile. The cream in the Derma-Pods is also more opaque, lending itself well for use under makeup if allowed to soak in completely. If either of those factors is critical, go for the pods. Otherwise, choose the eye serum and save some money.

Not to mention some trees.