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by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ
You've probably heard about using Preparation-H (a hemorrhoid cream) for under-eye puffiness, wrinkles, or even facial skin tightening. It’s a quirky hack, made popular decades ago—and still trending on social media. But does it actually work safely or effectively?
In this article, we'll compare Plexaderm (a cosmetic solution specifically made to tighten skin temporarily) with Preparation-H (a medicinal cream designed for hemorrhoids) across multiple concerns—including puffiness, wrinkles, and sagging facial skin—to help you understand what's safe, effective, and recommended by dermatologists.
Some people have attempted using Preparation-H to smooth facial wrinkles or tighten sagging skin. While it might temporarily reduce swelling, dermatologists strongly warn against it.
Why? Because the medicinal ingredients used for shrinking hemorrhoids can damage delicate facial skin—especially around your eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
Bottom line: Hemorrhoid cream is not a skincare solution, despite its temporary popularity.
Preparation-H once contained ingredients like Live Yeast Cell extract and Shark Liver Oil—famous among super models & celebs in the '70s and '80s for allegedly tightening skin. Curious if the original formula was effective, I bought it directly from Greece to test myself.
Sadly, despite multiple careful applications (even refrigerated!), I noticed no visible improvements to puffiness or wrinkles. It was a disappointing but informative experiment—confirming that even the original formula wasn't the miracle solution it's claimed to be.
Plexaderm is a cosmetic serum made to reduce under-eye bags, wrinkles, and fine lines. It works by tightening the skin for a few hours. The effect is temporary, but noticeable.
Unlike Preparation-H, Plexaderm was specifically developed for cosmetic purposes—not just for puffiness, but also for:
Its temporary skin-tightening effects offer a safer, targeted, cosmetic solution without harsh medical ingredients.
The main ingredient is a type of silicate that forms a film on the skin. As it dries, it pulls the skin tighter, which can make puffiness and wrinkles look smaller.
What is it and why do people want to use it on their face & eyes?
Preparation-H is a cream made for hemorrhoids. It reduces swelling by tightening blood vessels. That’s what it’s designed for — not your face or eyes.
Some people started using it under their eyes because they heard it might reduce puffiness. The idea is that shrinking blood vessels could make under-eye bags look smaller.
But this isn’t what the product was made for, and it’s not tested or approved for use near the eyes.
Some versions of Preparation-H also contain hydrocortisone, a steroid that can thin the skin if used too often — especially on delicate areas like under the eyes.
Important: Using Preparation-H on your face can lead to irritation, damage, or even long-term eye issues. This is off-label use, and dermatologists do not recommend it.
Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison to show how these two products stack up.
Feature | Plexaderm | Preparation-H |
---|---|---|
Made for face | Yes | No |
Use near eyes | Safe | Not recommended |
Main purpose | Reduce puffiness & wrinkles | Relieve hemorrhoid swelling |
How it works | Tightens skin temporarily | Constricts blood vessels |
Effect duration | About 6–8 hours | Short-term (if any) |
Side effects | Dryness, tight feeling | Irritation, skin thinning, eye risk |
Dermatologist approved | Yes | No |
Price range | $60–$90 | $5–$10 |
Now that you’ve seen the facts side by side, here’s what dermatologists say about using Preparation-H near your eyes.
Most dermatologists advise sticking to products specifically made for facial skin, are tested and approved for safe cosmetic use.
Expert Insight:
Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, has said in multiple interviews (including Women’s Health) that Preparation-H is not meant for the face — and it can cause irritation.
It contains ingredients like hydrocortisone that can irritate, thin the skin and cause damage over time.
So what do they recommend instead?
If you’re looking for temporary improvements to facial puffiness, fine lines, or mild sagging, Plexaderm is clearly the safer and smarter choice. It’s specifically formulated for facial skin, using gentle cosmetic ingredients that temporarily tighten without irritation.
In contrast, Preparation-H was never designed for use on your face or near sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, or cheeks. Dermatologists consistently warn against it due to potential risks like skin irritation, thinning, or long-term damage.
Looking for better, safer solutions for puffy eyes or sagging skin?
For Under-Eye Puffiness:
For Facial Wrinkles & Sagging Skin:
Question: Is Preparation-H safe under eyes or on the face?
Answer: No. Dermatologists advise strongly against using it due to safety concerns.
Question: Does Plexaderm really work instantly?
Answer: Yes, temporarily (about 6–8 hours).
Question: What's the best long-term fix for facial puffiness and wrinkles?
Answer: Hydrating creams with caffeine or peptides, facial massages, facial exercises, or professional tightening treatments (e.g., microcurrent, radiofrequency).
Question: What’s the best long-term fix for eye bags?
Answer: That depends on the cause. If it's fat pads or thinning skin, creams won’t cut it. Talk to a dermatologist about options like fillers, laser, or surgery.
About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.
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