Introduction
Grüum may not yet have the global fame of the beauty behemoths, but among ingredient-obsessed insiders the UK label enjoys a loyal following for its straightforward formulas and shrug-off-the-nasties ethos. I have always admired the brand’s no-nonsense attitude to skincare and its habit of slipping planet-friendly details into every launch without shouting about it.
The cheekily accented name of its latest offering, Öga Under Eye Treatment, sounds almost like a wink in product form. Grüum promises this roll-on will brighten, soothe and generally pep up the fragile under-eye zone with a trio of crowd-pleasers: retinol for bounce, vitamin C for luminosity and glycerine for hydration. It is billed as vegan, cruelty free, alcohol free and travel friendly, and the marketing leans heavily on its upcycled, recyclable credentials.
Armed with these claims and a pair of slightly sleep-deprived eyes, I spent two full weeks applying the treatment morning and night to see whether it could earn a permanent spot in my routine and, more importantly, justify the reader’s hard-earned cash.
What is Öga Under Eye Treatment?
Öga sits within the under eye treatment category, a niche of skincare designed to target the thin, crease prone skin beneath the eyes. This area produces less natural oil than the rest of the face so it is more likely to show fine lines, puffiness and discoloration. An under eye treatment typically delivers lightweight active ingredients that aim to hydrate, support collagen and improve tone without overloading the delicate skin.
Grüum’s formula pairs three widely used actives: retinol to encourage surface renewal and firmness, vitamin C to brighten and defend against daily oxidative stress and glycerine to draw in moisture. The blend is water based, alcohol free and made for all skin types. It is vegan, cruelty free and relies on upcycled plant material rather than new resources. The brand flags its absence of phthalates, parabens, sulphates and synthetic fragrance, positioning the product for users who avoid those additions.
Application is pitched as a quick, anytime step: roll a thin layer under each eye then either pat it in or let it settle on its own. Grüum suggests reapplying whenever the skin looks tired which makes it a flexible option for commuters, shift workers or anyone whose schedule demands a midday refresh.
In short, Öga is a portable treatment that targets hydration, brightening and elasticity for the eye contour using familiar, research backed ingredients in a formula free of common irritants.
Did it work?
In the name of scientific rigor I paused my usual eye cream for three whole days before starting Öga, proudly declaring myself a mini control group. Fourteen days struck me as a fair window to judge results, so I slotted the treatment in every morning after cleansing and again before bed, following the brand’s advice to top up whenever fatigue struck (translation: most afternoons around 3 p.m.).
The first few applications offered an immediate whisper of coolness that felt refreshing after a night of questionable sleep. Absorption was quick enough that concealer could follow without pilling, and there was no stinging or redness despite the presence of retinol. By the fourth day I noticed a subtle plumping effect that smoothed the finest lines at the inner corners, though darkness under the eyes looked much the same.
Mid-trial, around day seven, I was hoping for that promised brightening. In certain lights the under-eye area did look marginally perkier, but the improvement sat firmly in the “you know because you’re looking for it” category rather than the “friends ask what you’ve done” one. Hydration remained solid; the skin felt comfortably supple throughout long hours in central heating, something my usual formula also manages.
By day fourteen the verdict was clear: Öga maintained a healthy level of moisture and gave a gentle smoothing lift, yet it fell short on noticeably reducing discoloration or delivering the kind of luminosity a sleepless week demands. I appreciated the skin-kind ingredient list and the absence of irritation, but the results did not surpass what I already get from my regular pick.
So will it graduate to a permanent place in my cabinet? Probably not. Still, for travelers or ingredient minimalists seeking a fuss-free, skin-soothing option, Öga is a pleasant companion that performs respectably even if it never quite sparks fireworks.
Öga under eye treatment’s main ingredients explained
The headline trio starts with retinyl palmitate, a gentler ester form of vitamin A that encourages cell turnover and boosts collagen for a smoother surface. While milder than prescription retinoids it can still increase photosensitivity so daytime users should pair it with SPF. Retinyl palmitate is ranked low on the comedogenic scale, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores, yet its status as a vitamin A derivative makes it off limits for anyone pregnant, nursing or even trying to conceive unless a doctor gives the green light.
Next up is ascorbic acid, the purest incarnation of vitamin C. It scavenges free radicals, tamps down melanin production and helps reinforce dermal proteins, which in theory brightens dark circles and lessens fine lines over time. At concentrations below 10 percent, which seems likely here based on its mid-list position, irritation risk is low although very sensitive skins may feel a brief tingle. Vitamin C is water soluble so it works happily alongside glycerine, the third pillar ingredient, which acts like a moisture magnet drawing water into the epidermis for lasting suppleness.
Supporting players include tocopherol (vitamin E) that bolsters the antioxidant pool, hydroxyethyl cellulose that thickens the water base and lends the serum its glide, plus polysorbate 20 that keeps the oil and water factions from separating. Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil provides a faint zesty note and a touch more antioxidant activity, though those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test. Preservatives sodium benzoate and citric acid control microbial growth while maintaining a skin-friendly pH.
Every ingredient is plant derived or nature identical so the formula is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and none of the listed components are known to be comedogenic in typical leave-on percentages. As always individual skin can react unpredictably, so discontinue use if redness or bumps appear.
One final point: although the blend is free from alcohol, phthalates and other irritants, its inclusion of vitamin A means it sits in the grey zone for pregnancy safety. Dermatologists generally advise skipping topical retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so prospective or new parents should seek personalised medical advice before rolling this under the eyes.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of daily use here is a straightforward rundown of its highlights and caveats.
What works well:
- Instant cooling sensation and quick absorption that sits happily under concealer with no pilling
- Skin friendly formula free from alcohol, parabens and synthetic fragrance so irritation risk is low for most users
- Portable enough to reapply during long days which helps maintain a comfortable level of hydration
What to consider:
- The brightening effect is present but subtle so those chasing dramatic illumination may feel underwhelmed
- Contains a vitamin A derivative which may not suit anyone pregnant, nursing or sensitive to retinoids
- Given its modest results the price may feel a touch ambitious for budget minded shoppers
My final thoughts
Öga Under Eye Treatment lands squarely in the respectable middle of the pack: reliable, pleasant to use and free from the usual irritants but lacking the knockout punch that would propel it into must-have territory. After two conscientious weeks I saw modest plumping and steady hydration, yet the promised brightness stayed faint and my longstanding shadows largely held their ground. On balance I am giving it a solid 7/10. I would recommend it to friends who value gentle formulas, travel a lot or simply want a maintenance step that will not clash with makeup, but I would steer anyone chasing dramatic illumination or heavy duty line smoothing toward something with higher concentrations of actives.
If Öga feels a touch too subtle for your goals, a few alternatives I have used may serve you better. Dark Circle Cream by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder that brightens the whole orbital area surprisingly well for its accessible price tag. Fans of vitamin C might prefer Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Circle Eye Cream, which delivers a fresher, more noticeable glow in roughly the same fortnight. Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum tilts toward wrinkle reduction and gives a tangible smoothness with consistent use, while La Roche-Posay’s Pigmentclar Anti Dark Circles Eye Cream tackles both brown and blue-toned shadows with a subtle optical blur that can be handy on no-makeup days.
Before you commit, remember a few practicalities. Any eye treatment needs time and regular application to show results, and even then those results are only yours for as long as you keep up the routine. Sensitive skins should patch test first (sorry if I sound like an over-protective parent) and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a medical professional before using products containing vitamin A derivatives. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and choose the formula that best fits both your lifestyle and your skin’s real needs.