Introduction
Dermedic may not yet have the household recognition of the blockbuster French pharmacy labels but among skincare enthusiasts it carries a quiet clout, the kind earned through science backed formulas and an almost obsessive focus on hydration. The brand positions itself as a guardian of sensitive skin and, in my experience, has generally delivered on that promise.
Their latest mouthful of a launch, Hydrain3 Hialuro Under Eye Cream, sounds a bit like a sci-fi gadget yet claims to offer very down-to-earth benefits: deep moisture, smoother texture, less puff and fewer dark shadows. Dermedic highlights an Aqualare complex with four forms of hyaluronic acid plus thermal water to bathe the orbital area in lasting hydration while a supporting cast of vitamins and algae takes care of repair and tone.
To see whether this hydra-focused cocktail lives up to its chatter I put it to the test every morning and night for a full two weeks, tallying up the wins and the misses to decide if it merits a spot in your routine and, more importantly, your budget.
What is Hydrain3 Hialuro Under Eye Cream?
Hydrain3 Hialuro sits in the under eye treatment category, a niche that targets the thin, easily dehydrated skin just below the eyes. Unlike standard face moisturisers, formulas in this group are built to be lighter in weight yet higher in water-binding actives so they can flood the area with moisture without overloading it. Consistent use can mean fewer fine dehydration lines, a softer texture and less chance of morning puffiness because the skin’s barrier is better supported.
This particular cream takes a hydration-first approach. Its Aqualare complex combines four molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid with mineral-rich thermal water, aiming to lock in surface moisture while also drawing water deeper into the epidermis for a longer-lasting plumping effect. Dermochlorella, a microalgae extract, is included for its role in supporting collagen and calming the look of dark circles. Vitamin E offers antioxidant support, almond oil and allantoin round out the formula with extra soothing and barrier repair benefits, and the product is labelled hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of irritation for sensitive eyes.
Did it work?
In the name of science I shelved my usual eye gel for three full days before starting the test, which felt very professional until I caught my reflection and saw how much those skipped mornings loved to remind me of last night’s streaming marathon. Still, a clean slate seemed essential and 14 days felt like a reasonable window to judge results without drifting into placebo territory.
Application was twice daily: a rice-grain dab patted from the inner corner outward after cleansing and before moisturizer. The cream sank in swiftly with no greasy slip so makeup did not migrate, a small victory on bleary work mornings. Within the first week I noticed a pleasant cushioned feel under the eyes that lasted through midday. Early puffiness subsided faster than usual too though I would not call the effect dramatic; it was more a gentle deflating than a magic eraser.
By day ten dehydration lines looked marginally smoother, especially after a night spent in overly enthusiastic central heating, so the hyaluronic quartet appears to earn its pay. Dark circles, however, stayed mostly loyal. They softened a touch on well-rested days but coffee-fuelled deadlines proved the cream’s limits. I experienced zero stinging or redness which is notable given eyes that water at the first hint of fragrance.
So, did it deliver? On hydration and comfort absolutely, on puff moderation mostly, on darkness not enough to make my concealer redundant. I will finish the tube with pleasure but probably will not repurchase as the improvements did not outpace what my regular product already offers. Still, if your primary goal is a reliable moisture boost for temperamental under eyes this is a respectable contender.
Main ingredients explained
The star is the proprietary Aqualare complex which blends four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid at a punchy 5 percent. The smallest molecules tunnel deeper to pull water toward the dermis while the larger ones sit closer to the surface forming a breathable film that slows moisture escape. This layered approach is why the cushioned feel hangs around past the first coffee break.
Thermal water is not just fancy bottled spring water; its mineral profile (magnesium, calcium, selenium) acts like an electrolyte cocktail for cells, encouraging optimal enzyme activity and a calmer skin environment. It is especially handy when central heating or air con have sucked the life out of your face.
Next up is dermochlorella, a microalgae extract rich in peptides that has been shown in small studies to nudge fibroblasts into making more collagen. Over time that could mean firmer under eyes and slightly lighter discoloration because stronger dermal support prevents tiny blood vessels from showing through as easily.
Vitamin E brings antioxidant muscle, mopping up free radicals generated by UV or pollution while also boosting the stability of the formula. Almond oil slips in for an occlusive seal and a hit of fatty acids. Worth noting: almond oil scores around 2 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it has a mild tendency to clog pores in very congestion-prone skin, though the eye area has far fewer sebaceous glands than the T-zone.
Finally allantoin rounds things out with its classic soothing and keratolytic talents, helping flaky patches soften and any micro-irritations settle quickly. The entire blend is fragrance free and labeled hypoallergenic which my reactive eyes appreciated.
No ingredient here is animal derived so the formula is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. All listed actives are generally regarded as safe during pregnancy but skincare in that chapter of life can be unpredictable so it is best to run the INCI past a healthcare professional before adding anything new.
Extra trivia for the label readers: the pH sits in the skin-friendly 5.0-5.5 range, silicones are absent and the preservative system relies on phenoxyethanol paired with gentle chelators rather than parabens.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of twice daily use here is the straightforward tally of highs and lows.
What works well:
- Light creamy texture absorbs quickly so concealer sits smoothly with no creeping into lines
- Four-weight hyaluronic blend gives a lasting plump feel and softens dehydration lines by midday
- Fragrance free hypoallergenic formula stayed comfortable on my very reactive eyes
- Subtle de-puff effect most mornings makes early starts look a touch more human
What to consider:
- Dark circle softening is mild and depends heavily on sleep quality
- Puffiness results plateau after the first hour on long screen days
- Price point is on the premium side for a hydration-focused eye cream
My final thoughts
After two weeks of diligent tapping and squinting in the mirror I can say Hydrain3 Hialuro earns a solid 8/10. It excels at what it sets out to do most convincingly: cushion the eye contour with hydration that hangs around longer than my morning latte. If your main battle is tight thirsty skin and the occasional pillow-induced puff then this formula is an easy recommendation and one I would happily suggest to friends with sensitive eyes who prioritise comfort over dramatic brightening. Those expecting a noticeable fade in longstanding darkness or a sculpted look worthy of a portrait light may feel underwhelmed and might prefer a more pigment-focused treatment.
Because no single cream fits every set of peepers here are a few tried-and-tested options that have impressed me when shadows, dullness or budget considerations shuffle the wish list. Dark Circle Cream by Deascal is an excellent allrounder that punches well above its price tag, delivering a quick but gentle brightening lift to the entire orbital zone. When I need a vitamin C kick Pigmentclar Anti Dark Circles Eye Cream from La Roche-Posay offers a subtle optical blur alongside long-term tone improvement. On days where fine lines shout louder than tanks of concealer Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum pulls double duty by smoothing texture while softly illuminating shadows. Finally, Exuviance Bright Eyes Dark Circle Corrector brings a peptide-rich formula that steadily nudges down discoloration when used morning and night.
Before you dive in please remember the usual safety dance: patch test any new eye product on the inner forearm or behind the ear first (sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent). Consistency is key and results plateau if you ghost the routine for a week, so keep expectations realistic and maintenance steady.