Would You Try This: Banish Puffy Undereyes with Preparation H

Posted by Alexandra C. | Thursday January 26, 2012

If you've never heard of Preparation H before or are unaware of what it is designed for, brace yourselves.

Preparation H is an ointment used to treat hemorrhoids. However, we will not be playing 'Mythbusters' with that remedy today (phew!). It's another, much wilder beauty remedy we're testing out - a trick that some actresses and models reportedly use to banish undereye puffiness. Could Preparation H really be the solution to one of our biggest beauty pet peeves?

Looking at the ingredients, Preparation H contains an ingredient called Bio-Dyne (a.k.a. Live Yeast Cell Derivative), which is supposed to reduce water retention and to constrict blood cells. Seems reasonable that this could work then, right? After all, our Pepto Bismol blush experiment went pretty well, and we hear amazing things about the kitty litter face mask.

Now that we've talked ourselves through the ick factor, it's time to test.

First we took a Before picture without any eye makeup:

Next, I applied a small amount of Preparation H to the undereye area, let it sit for a minute, and then took this After picture.

I didn't see any real difference here right away. Do you?

Usually in the mornings I use Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller with concealer dabbed on over top. However, this morning I substituted this with the Preparation H.

After about an hour, I finally did see a small difference in the puffiness around my eyes.

The Verdict on Preparation H as an Undereye Remedy: Meh.

In the end I did see a slight difference after using Preparation H, but not enough to make me want to put it under my eyes everyday. It also has a strong product smell, let me warn you.

Compared to other undereye products, I don't see myself purchasing this. It is much less expensive, but with the risk of eye contact with Preparation H and because it didn't make enough of a difference in my test, it doesn't seem worth it to me. (Plus, don't even get me started on the embarrassment factor when buying this at the drugstore counter.)

Have you heard of this weird remedy yet? Would you ever try this?

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23 Comments

	on November 26, 2014 glumbumble 10,038 said: I've heard that this doesn't really work, and from the photos, I can see that it doesn't.
	on December 10, 2012 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: Wow! I actually heard that you can use this on pimples as well, to reduce the swelling and redness.
	on July 18, 2012 Tiffmorris 1,792 said: I don't think this is something I would try. Haven't tried the pepto blush or kitty litter mask yet, but this just seems like asking for trouble.
	on February 06, 2012 LadyChick234234 3,701 said: I do this. It works.
	on February 01, 2012 rose said: I hear beauty pageant contestants swear by it!
	on February 01, 2012 jackie b 584 said: I haven't tried it and as someone who suffers with haemorrhoids, I have felt the effects of P.H and I don't think I want this on my face let alone around my eyes. You were very brave to actually take the test. Coodos to you. LOL
	on January 31, 2012 Kagoory 1,784 said: I don't think I'll try this.. :S
	on January 31, 2012 LadyFlash 8,899 said: Yeah it didn't make a difference. But I can totally see practically why you thought it would. Great ingenuity!
	on January 31, 2012 chinook92 3,675 said: I would never try this product near my eyes. I would think that it would sting and really do some damage if it were to get into my eyes. There are so many very good, inexpensive products to purchase for puffy eyes and I would much rather use them.
	on January 30, 2012 Chick1289 1,603 said: I wouldn't try this :(