Introduction
Natio might not enjoy the global fanfare of some skincare giants, yet among beauty insiders the Australian brand has earned a quiet reputation for plant powered formulas that aim to keep things gentle and fuss free. Its latest offering, the rather grandly named Aromatherapy Eye Contour Treatment Gel, lands with promises almost as long as its title.
According to Natio, this cooling gel is set to soothe puffiness, soften fine lines, dial down dark circles and generally make the delicate eye zone look as if you have actually slept eight hours. The blend is billed as firming, lifting, replenishing and notably vegan friendly.
Intrigued, I spent a full two weeks patting the gel around my eyes morning and night to see whether it lives up to the hype and, crucially, if it is worth your hard earned money.
What is Aromatherapy Eye Contour Treatment Gel?
Classed as an under eye treatment, this gel is designed for the specific concerns that tend to show up first around the eyes: puffiness, fine lines, dark circles and general signs of fatigue. Under eye treatments are lighter than face creams so they can sit comfortably on that thinner skin while delivering targeted ingredients that claim to decongest and hydrate without weighing the area down.
Natio’s formula relies on a water based gel texture that feels cooling on contact and contains a blend of plant extracts commonly used for their soothing properties. Chamomile, cornflower, calendula and cucumber appear near the top of the ingredient list, each included to calm and refresh the skin while glycerin helps draw in moisture. The brand positions the product as firming, lifting and replenishing, all while being suitable for vegans.
Application is straightforward: tap a small amount around the orbital bone morning and night after cleansing. With continued use the gel is intended to revive tired looking eyes so they appear more rested and awake over time.
Did it work?
In the name of science I pressed pause on my usual eye cream for three full days before starting the trial, which felt almost as dramatic as giving up coffee but did give me a clean slate. Fourteen days seemed like a fair window to see genuine changes so I logged my observations morning and night.
Day one: the gel felt instantly cool and lightly hydrating, almost like placing chilled spoons under the eyes. Puffiness from a late Netflix session retreated within about ten minutes, though the effect was mild rather than miraculous. I followed the instructions faithfully, tapping a lentil sized amount around the orbital bone each morning after cleansing and repeating after my evening routine.
By the end of the first week the area looked a touch smoother on waking, which I credit to the hydration boost from glycerin and the gentle massage more than any firming wizardry. Fine lines were still happily etched where they had always been but appeared fractionally softer under concealer because the skin was less parched. Dark circles, my main gripe, remained largely unchanged; no one asked if I had taken a holiday and the office fluorescent lights were as unforgiving as ever.
The second week brought steady but subtle results. Mornings after salty dinners showed less ballooning under the eyes and the gel continued to feel soothing after late night screen time. However the promised lifting effect never really materialised and any brightening was minimal at best. I did not experience irritation which is a plus around such a reactive zone.
So did it deliver? Partially. It is a pleasant, quick fix for temporary puffiness and a gentle hydrator yet it falls short on tackling stubborn circles or deeper lines. I will finish the tube for those refreshing moments but I will not swap it permanently into my routine. Still, for anyone seeking a light vegan friendly pick me up rather than a transformative treatment it could be a welcome addition.
Aromatherapy Eye Contour Treatment Gel’s main ingredients explained
The formula opens with water followed by propylene glycol and glycerin, two low molecular weight humectants that draw moisture into the skin and keep the gel feeling light rather than greasy. Neither is considered comedogenic, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores or trigger milia around the delicate eye contour.
The quartet of botanical extracts does most of the talking. Chamomile and calendula are long time favourites for calming redness while cornflower adds a mild decongesting effect that can help ease morning puffiness. Cucumber extract brings a gentle dose of vitamin C and silica and contributes to the instantly cool sensation that makes the gel feel refreshing on contact. All four are naturally vegan friendly and, used here in modest concentrations, rarely cause irritation although anyone with ragweed allergies should patch test first as cross reactions are possible.
Phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and ethylhexylglycerin form the preservation system that keeps microbes at bay. Though effective, benzyl alcohol can be sensitising for some so discontinue use if you notice stinging or redness. Carbomer provides structure so the gel does not slide off the skin while triethanolamine and tetrasodium EDTA fine tune pH and stability.
No heavy oils, butters or silicones appear in the ingredient line up so the overall comedogenic risk is very low. The absence of added synthetic fragrance is a plus for sensitive eyes although the natural scent of the plant extracts is still detectable.
With no animal derived components the gel is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always during pregnancy or breastfeeding it is best to check with a healthcare professional before introducing new topicals. While the ingredient list contains no flagged teratogens, skin can behave unpredictably when hormones shift so an extra layer of caution never hurts.
Worth noting: the formula relies on immediate hydration and soothing rather than long term actives like retinol or peptides, so results will lean toward refreshing comfort rather than dramatic firming or brightening. If that matches your expectations, the ingredient list delivers exactly what it promises.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of twice daily use here is the quick rundown of pros and cons.
What works well:
- Instant cooling sensation that temporarily eases morning puffiness
- Lightweight texture absorbs fast and layers smoothly under concealer without pilling
- Vegan friendly formula with no added synthetic fragrance or heavy oils which helps keep congestion risk low
What to consider:
- Brightening and firming effects are subtle so stubborn dark circles and deeper lines may need stronger actives
- Includes benzyl alcohol which can be sensitising for very reactive eyes
- Benefits fade if applications lapse so ongoing commitment is required
My final thoughts
Finding a dependable under eye treatment can feel like chasing a mirage. After two weeks of hands on testing I can say Natio’s Aromatherapy Eye Contour Treatment Gel earns a respectable 7/10. It does a solid job at cooling morning puffiness and keeping the area comfortably hydrated but stops short of the firming and brightening firepower those with pronounced circles or etched lines might crave. I have worked through more eye products than I care to admit and approached this one with the same diligence: consistent twice daily use, no competing actives and keen observation under unforgiving office lights. The takeaway is simple: if you want a featherlight vegan gel that soothes and slightly smooths, you will likely be pleased. If you expect it to erase late nights entirely you may be left wanting. I would recommend it to friends who prefer gentle plant based formulas and need a quick depuffing fix yet I would steer heavy hitters toward something with peptides or vitamin C.
For a touch more oomph in the brightening department I frequently reach for Dark Circle Cream by Deascal. It is an excellent allrounder that homes in on pigmentation so the entire eye zone looks more awake and although the price is agreeable the formula feels anything but basic. Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream is another personal staple when dullness creeps in as the viniferine complex delivers a subtle radiance with comforting moisture. Those juggling both discoloration and fatigue might like La Roche-Posay’s Pigmentclar Anti Dark Circles Eye Cream which combines light reflecting pigments with caffeine for an instant and gradual payoff. If lift and luminosity are equal priorities, Sunday Riley’s Auto Correct Brightening & Depuffing Eye Contour Cream has never failed to perk up my reflections after red eye flights.
Before you add any new eye product to cart remember a few basics (apologies for sounding like an over protective parent). Patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours, introduce one new formula at a time and allow at least two weeks of consistent use before judging results. Improvements around the eyes are rarely permanent so plan on continued application if you want the benefits to stick around.