The Ordinary Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream Review: My Experience After 8 Days

The Ordinary’s first eye cream has impressed me during eight days of testing.

Disclosure: I purchased this product myself, and this article is not sponsored by The Ordinary. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about The Ordinary launching its first eye cream. The Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream caught my attention because of its formula and its price: $9.50 in the US and £8.70 in the UK for 15ml.

Since then, I have been using it every morning and evening for eight days, replacing my usual Brickell Restoring Eye Cream during testing.

What surprised me most was how quickly I could feel a tightening effect around my eyes. I also like the consistency, the quick absorption and how smooth my under-eye skin feels immediately after applying it.

Eight days is still early for judging longer-term changes to fine lines. But it is enough to know whether I enjoy using an eye cream, how it feels on my skin and whether it deserves a place in my routine. So far, this one has impressed me.

What Is The Ordinary Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream?

The Ordinary’s first dedicated eye cream is designed to target the appearance of fine lines, under-eye bags and loss of firmness.

Its formula combines Lacto-PDRN, a microbial-derived vegan alternative to salmon-derived PDRN, with vitamin B9, also known as folic acid. The brand positions these ingredients around hydration and visible signs of aging. It also includes film-forming technology for an immediate, temporary smoothing and tightening effect.

That last detail is particularly relevant to my experience. The fast tightening sensation was the first thing that made this cream stand out to me.

A Thicker Texture That Absorbs Quickly

The slightly thicker consistency is exactly what I like, and it absorbs quickly.

I tend to prefer an eye cream with a slightly thicker consistency. This one is on the thicker side, which suits me well.

There is something satisfying about applying a cream that feels substantial around the eyes, especially when that richness comes with quick absorption. The Ordinary has got that balance right for my preferences.

It absorbs very quickly and leaves my under-eye skin feeling smooth almost immediately. The texture is probably a little thicker than Brickell’s Restoring Eye Cream, although the difference is small.

For me, that combination of consistency and absorption makes it pleasant to use twice a day. I enjoy applying it, which matters when a product is supposed to become part of a regular skincare routine.

The Fast Tightening Effect Surprised Me

After more than 13 years of testing eye creams, I am usually quite measured about what I expect from a new one.

Even so, the speed of the tightening effect surprised me.

Shortly after applying it, I can feel the skin around my eyes tighten. It feels great, and alongside the immediate smoothness, it is the most noticeable part of my experience so far.

The Ordinary explains that its film formers create a temporary layer that smooths and tightens the skin.

It’s great to feel a difference so soon after putting it on. That tightening effect is a big part of why I like this eye cream so much.

What Can You Expect After Eight Days?

I have tested enough skincare to know that eight days will not erase dark circles or established lines.

My expectations for an eye cream are more practical. I want it to help the skin feel softer and more hydrated, make the eye area look better cared for and fit comfortably into my routine.

With this one, the observations I can confidently report are quick absorption, immediate smoothness and a noticeable tightening sensation.

The Ordinary reports improvements in the appearance of fine lines after eight weeks of testing, which is a considerably longer period than my experience so far.

I also would not buy it expecting pronounced under-eye bags to disappear. If those are a significant concern, professional advice may be more useful than continuing to try different creams.

I’ve used it morning and evening, and the fast tightening effect is what surprised me most.

Has It Irritated My Skin?

I have experienced no irritation or allergic reaction during these eight days of morning and evening use.

That is an important part of my assessment. An eye cream needs to feel comfortable as well as deliver a texture and finish I enjoy.

My experience so far has been straightforward: it absorbs quickly, feels good around my eyes and has been easy to use consistently.

How Does It Compare With Brickell?

Brickell’s Restoring Eye Cream remains one of my overall favourites. Using The Ordinary for this review has not changed that.

The two products use different formulas, and I would need more time with The Ordinary before making a meaningful comparison of their longer-term results.

In terms of texture, The Ordinary feels slightly thicker. Brickell is a little less thick, but there is not a huge difference.

What has made The Ordinary stand out during this test is the fast tightening effect. That, together with the smooth finish and affordable price, makes it a very appealing option.

If you already enjoy The Ordinary and have built a routine around its products, I think this eye cream would fit in well. Based on my experience, there is plenty here to like.

The Ordinary Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream

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My Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?

The Ordinary took its time to launch a dedicated eye cream, but my first eight days suggest it was worth the wait.

I like the thicker consistency. It absorbs quickly, leaves my under-eye skin smooth and delivers a fast tightening effect that genuinely surprised me. I have also had no irritation while using it twice daily.

For $9.50 or £8.70, the quality is certainly there.

I still need more time to assess longer-term changes to fine lines, but I do not need to wait eight weeks to say that I enjoy using it.

The Ordinary has entered the eye cream category with a product I am happy to keep in my routine. It is a big yes from me.

For more of my tested favourites, read my guide to the best eye creams for men over 40.

Jerome